Mazama Campground — Crater Lake National Park

Deepest lake in the US. Bluest water you’ve ever seen.

Location: Crater Lake, OR, OR

Price: From $38 per night

Price range: $38–$59 per night

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (1890 reviews)

Elevation: 6060 feet

Season: Jun–Oct (snow closes roads other months)

The deepest lake in the United States, impossibly blue, surrounded by ancient caldera walls. Mazama Campground is the only drive-in camping in Crater Lake, with the iconic blue lake visible from nearby rim viewpoints just minutes away.

Cell coverage (FCC estimate): none signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas.

Amenities: Flush Toilets, Showers, Camp Store, Dump Station, Laundry, Gas Station

Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/mazama-crater-lake to be notified when sites open up.

Crater Lake holds water of such impossible blue that first-time visitors genuinely stop and stare in disbelief. At 1,943 feet deep, it’s the deepest lake in the US and the water filters itself into perfect clarity. The caldera walls rise 2,000 feet above the surface. Nothing looks real.

The Pinnacles — a canyon of volcanic spires 10 miles east of camp, rarely visited and genuinely eerie. Most visitors never find it. ⇒ Water: Cleetwood Cove trail (2.2 miles RT from the north rim road, 5 miles from camp) is the only legal access to Crater Lake’s shore for swimming. The lake reaches 55–60°F at the surface in August. This is the only place in the US where you can swim in a caldera lake.

What is new at Mazama Campground — Crater Lake National Park: 2026: Rim Drive vehicle reservation system continues. New interpretive center near Mazama Village. Wizard Island boat tours expanded capacity.

Wildlife alert: Black bears present in the park — use food storage. Mountain lion sightings rare but documented. No dangerous wildlife at the rim. The lake has no fish-eating predators — it’s one of the clearest ecosystems in the world.

Fire rules: Campfires in designated rings only at Mazama. Rim Village area is no-fire zone. Check for seasonal restrictions — fire danger high in late summer. Firewood sold at Mazama Village store.

Things to do near Mazama Campground — Crater Lake National Park: Sunrise at Rim Village. Cleetwood Cove swim. Wizard Island boat tour. The Pinnacles canyon. Pacific Crest Trail section.

Insider tips for Mazama Campground — Crater Lake National Park: Drive Rim Drive counterclockwise — you’ll be on the lake side the entire way Phantom Ship overlook at sunrise is the best photo in the park — usually empty at 5am The PCT enters from the north — hike 3 miles northbound for complete solitude

Skip Mazama Campground — Crater Lake National Park if: You need hookups (some available but limited). You’re claustrophobic on steep trails. You visit before July (snow likely).

Best time to visit Mazama Campground — Crater Lake National Park: Jul–Aug — Full access, warm enough to swim at Cleetwood Cove, wildflowers on the rim.. Sep — Crowds thin, fall color starting, cooler temps, boats still running..

Common issues at Mazama Campground — Crater Lake National Park: Short season — roads closed by snow October through June most years. Visit July–September. Check NPS road status at nps.gov/crla before departure — late spring closures happen. Cleetwood Cove is the ONLY water access — 1-mile steep trail with 700ft elevation gain back up. Start early, bring water. The swim is worth the climb but it’s strenuous going back up. Campground is 3 miles below the Rim — no lake views from camp. Drive to Rim Village (5 min) for sunrise/sunset views. Crater Lake’s rim is the attraction, not the campground itself.

What campers say about Mazama Campground — Crater Lake National Park: "I have camped in 38 states. Nothing has made me stop the car and cry from sheer beauty like Crater Lake." — Campendium "July 4th at Rim Village is spectacular — the fireworks reflect off the lake. Book 6 months out to the day." — The Dyrt "Wizard Island boat tours are worth every dollar but book immediately — gone in minutes when reservations open." — Google

What are the best sites at Mazama Campground Crater Lake? D and E loops have the most mature ponderosa pine shade and are most popular. Loops A and B are more open and better for stargazing (Crater Lake is an IDA Dark Sky Park). Tent-only sites in the B loop walk-in area offer the most privacy. Mazama is the only drive-in campground in Crater Lake National Park (Lost Creek is tents-only and walk-in). It's 6 miles from the rim, so you'll need to drive to rim viewpoints.

How do I book Mazama Campground Crater Lake? Mazama Campground accepts reservations 6 months in advance on Recreation.gov. The season is short (typically late June through mid-October) due to heavy snowfall. July 4th weekend sells out fastest. August is peak season but cancellations appear regularly. September has excellent weather, fewer crowds, and much better availability — Crater Lake National Park has the largest body of water in the US and is stunning in fall light.

Can I see the lake from Mazama Campground? No — Mazama is 6 miles south of the rim and 1,000 feet below. You cannot see the lake from camp. Drive to Rim Drive for views — sunrise from Watchman Overlook is extraordinary. The Rim Village has a café and visitor center. Rim Drive (33 miles) is best driven clockwise starting at the south entrance. Allow 3–4 hours to stop at all overlooks.

Can I swim in Crater Lake? Yes — Cleetwood Cove Trail (2.2 miles round trip, steep) is the only legal access point to the water. A small beach at the bottom allows swimming in the clearest, deepest lake in the US (1,943 feet deep). The water is cold year-round (55°F surface in summer). Boat tours and kayak rentals are available at the bottom of Cleetwood. This hike is a must-do — budget 2 hours from the parking area.

Nearby campgrounds: Farewell Bend Campground (Prospect, OR), Imnaha Guard Station (Prospect, OR), Union Creek Campground - Rogue River (Prospect, OR), Jim Creek Group Campground (Butte Falls, OR).