Mazama Campground

For us Oregonians, Crater Lake National Park isn't just a destination; it's a natural wonder that holds a special place in our hearts. Its impossibly blue waters, formed within a collapsed volcano, represent a truly unique and breathtaking landscape within our state. When planning a visit to this iconic landmark, finding the right place to stay is key to fully immersing ourselves in the experience. That's where Mazama Campground comes in. Located conveniently within the park boundaries, Mazama Campground offers a well-appointed and comfortable basecamp for exploring one of Oregon's most treasured natural wonders.

Mazama Campground provides a classic national park camping experience, balancing essential amenities with the raw beauty of the surrounding old-growth forest. Visitors consistently praise its cleanliness and maintenance, noting it's "very clean and well maintained" and a "typically good NPS campground" with "good space between most of the sites." While the prices might be considered "pretty expensive" by some, the value of staying so close to Crater Lake's rim, with access to vital services, often outweighs the cost. It’s important for locals to understand that while cell service can be limited within the campground itself, connectivity is available at the nearby Mazama Village, ensuring you're not completely cut off. This campground is more than just a place to sleep; it’s an integral part of the Crater Lake adventure, perfectly positioned for days filled with exploration and evenings under a canopy of stars.

Mazama Campground is ideally situated within Crater Lake National Park, making it one of the most convenient places to stay for directly experiencing the park’s main attraction. Its address, OR-62, CRATER LAKE, OR 97604, USA, places it approximately seven miles south of the iconic Rim Village, right next to the Mazama Village facilities. For Oregonians driving to the park, the campground is easily accessible just off Highway 62, close to the Annie Springs Entrance Station. This means you’re quickly into the park and settled into your campsite, ready to explore.

The campground is nestled at an elevation of 6,000 feet within an old-growth lodgepole pine forest. This elevation provides cooler temperatures in the summer, offering a pleasant escape from the heat. The roads within the campground are paved, and sites generally offer paved parking pads, making them accessible for various vehicle types, from cars with tents to RVs up to 50 feet and travel trailers up to 35 feet. While navigating certain loops or backing into specific sites might require some attention, the overall accessibility is quite good. Its location within Mazama Village means easy walking access to the store, restaurant, and other amenities, further enhancing its convenience as a base for your Crater Lake adventures.

• Diverse Campsite Options: Mazama Campground offers 214 campsites, including:
  • Tent sites
  • RV sites without hookups
  • RV sites with electrical hookups
  • RV sites with full hookups (sewer, water, electricity)
  • Walk-in group campsites for hikers/bikers.
• Flush Toilets: Clean flush toilets are available in bathroom facilities throughout each loop of the campground, providing a comfortable experience for campers.
• Showers: Coin-operated showers are available in Loop F and at the Mazama Village Camp Store during store hours, offering a much-appreciated amenity, especially after a day of hiking. While some reviews note the water may be "almost warm, not hot," the availability of showers is a significant plus.
• Potable Water: Water spigots are conveniently located throughout the campground, providing safe drinking water.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, complete with a grill, for outdoor dining and campfires (subject to fire restrictions).
• Bear-Resistant Food Lockers: Critically important in this natural environment, each campsite features a bear-resistant food locker for secure storage of food, garbage, and scented items.
• RV Dump Station: A free dump station is available for RVs, accessible even to those not staying in the campground, making waste disposal convenient.
• Mazama Village Store: Located adjacent to the campground, the store offers groceries, camping supplies, firewood, and gasoline.
• Laundry Facilities: Washer and dryer facilities are available at Mazama Village, useful for longer stays.
• Annie Creek Restaurant and Gift Shop: A casual dining restaurant (Annie's) and a gift shop are located in Mazama Village, offering convenient dining options and souvenirs.
• Electric Vehicle Charging Station: A 24-hour charging station with J1772 and Tesla connectors is located near the Annie Creek Gift Shop.
• Amphitheater: The amphitheater, located between D and E loops, hosts nightly ranger programs during the summer months, offering educational and entertaining evenings.

• Proximity to Crater Lake: The most significant highlight is the campground's location just 7 miles south of Rim Village. This allows for quick and easy access to Crater Lake's breathtaking views, Rim Drive, and the lake itself.
• Old-Growth Forest Setting: Nestled in a beautiful old-growth lodgepole pine forest at 6,000 feet elevation, the campground offers a truly immersive natural experience with ample shade and a serene atmosphere.
• Cleanliness and Maintenance: Consistently praised for being "very clean and well maintained" with "spotless" bathrooms and attentive park staff.
• Diverse Site Types: The availability of various site types, including those with full hookups, caters to a wide range of camping preferences and equipment, from tents to large RVs.
• Mazama Village Amenities: The convenience of having a general store, restaurant, gas station, and laundry facilities within walking distance significantly enhances the camping experience.
• Bear Safety: The provision of bear-resistant food lockers at every site highlights the park's commitment to both visitor safety and wildlife protection.
• Hiking Opportunities: Excellent hiking trails are easily accessible, including Annie Creek Trail directly from the campground, allowing campers to explore the park's diverse landscapes.
• Ranger Programs: Nightly ranger programs at the amphitheater provide educational insights into Crater Lake's unique geology, ecology, and history.
• Limited Cell Service, but available nearby: While cell service within the campground is generally limited, a short walk to Mazama Village provides connectivity, allowing for a good balance of unplugging and staying connected when necessary.

For inquiries, reservations, or more specific information about Mazama Campground within Crater Lake National Park, the primary contact for reservations is the park's concessioner, ExplorCraterLake. You can make reservations and find detailed information through their website, which links to Recreation.gov, the federal government’s booking platform. The general phone number for reservations and inquiries is (866) 292-6720. This number should connect you to the reservation line or a representative who can provide current information on campground status, fees, and availability. It is highly recommended to make reservations well in advance, especially for summer visits, as this is a very popular destination. You can also refer to the official National Park Service website for Crater Lake National Park for general park information, conditions, and regulations.

Address: OR-62, CRATER LAKE, OR 97604, USA

For Oregonians, Mazama Campground offers an ideal and deeply suitable way to experience the unparalleled majesty of Crater Lake National Park. What makes it particularly appealing to us locals is its perfect balance of convenient access, comprehensive amenities, and an authentic immersion in nature, all within the boundaries of our state's only National Park.

The campground's thoughtful design, with various site types including options for RVs with hookups, spacious tent sites, and even walk-in areas for hikers, caters to the diverse needs of Oregonian outdoor enthusiasts. This means whether you're a family on a weekend road trip, an avid backpacker, or a couple looking for a comfortable base, Mazama has a spot for you. The presence of clean flush toilets, readily available potable water, and the much-appreciated hot showers significantly enhance the comfort level, allowing us to focus on enjoying the breathtaking surroundings rather than roughing it excessively.

Its strategic location just a short drive from the Crater Lake rim is a huge advantage. This proximity means less travel time and more opportunities to witness the iconic blue waters at different times of day, from sunrise to sunset, and to embark on the numerous hiking trails that branch out from the rim and surrounding areas. The convenience of Mazama Village, with its store, restaurant, and gas station, means that essential supplies and a quick meal are always within easy reach, a practical consideration that simplifies any camping trip.

Furthermore, the peaceful, well-maintained environment, coupled with the sense of being truly "in" Crater Lake National Park, creates an experience that resonates with our local pride for Oregon's natural wonders. While cell service might be spotty, this often becomes a cherished feature, encouraging a much-needed digital detox and deeper connection with the natural world. Mazama Campground is not just a place to stay; it's an experience that deepens our appreciation for Crater Lake, offering a comfortable, well-equipped, and perfectly positioned gateway to one of Oregon's most extraordinary natural treasures.

Mazama Campground

OR-62, CRATER LAKE, OR 97604, USA