Campground

Lost Creek Campground

Campground
four 8-inch, round, brown, wood posts with a cross beam holding the entrance sign to Lost Creek Camp

Lost Creek is a primitive, tent-only alpine campground perched at 6,000 feet on the eastern edge of Crater Lake. The 16 sites are first-come, first-served with self-serve walk-up registration only—no online booking. This is hardcore bushcraft: no water spigots, no showers, no generators, and portable toilets only. If you're ready to haul water and embrace the alpine experience, you'll find solitude and quick access to hiking and lake views.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Self-serve walk-up; no advance registration
Reservation Window
Arrive by mid-morning; campground fills by mid-afternoon
Reservation Tips
Arrive by mid-morning; the campground fills by mid-afternoon. First-come, first-served only—no online reservations or phone bookings. Self-serve registration on arrival. Bring exact cash ($5 per night) or check made out to the National Park Service. Credit cards not accepted.
Season Dates
CLOSED ALL YEAR 2026. Normally opens early July, closes mid-October (weather-dependent)

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Self-serve walk-up; no advance registration
Reservation Window
Arrive by mid-morning; campground fills by mid-afternoon
Reservation Tips
Arrive by mid-morning; the campground fills by mid-afternoon. First-come, first-served only—no online reservations or phone bookings. Self-serve registration on arrival. Bring exact cash ($5 per night) or check made out to the National Park Service. Credit cards not accepted.
Season Dates
CLOSED ALL YEAR 2026. Normally opens early July, closes mid-October (weather-dependent)
Fills Up Speed
Books instantly; fills by mid-afternoon
Per Night Cost
$5 per tent site per night. Senior Pass and Access Pass holders: $2.50/night (50% discount).
Extra Vehicle Fees
Included (max 2 vehicles per site)
Passes Accepted
America the Beautiful Annual Pass covers park entrance. Camping fee applies separately. Senior Pass and Access Pass holders receive 50% nightly discount.

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
16
Site Types
Tent only
Site Type Breakdown
16 tent-only sites
RV Max Length
Not permitted
Group Sites Available
0
Hookups
Dry camping only
Site Features
Fire ring (grill use only), bear-resistant food locker, picnic table. Natural ground with rocks and tree roots; sites generally level.
Ground Type
Natural ground with rocks, tree roots, and dirt
Site Privacy
Moderate privacy; 16 sites spread across campground with natural spacing between neighbors

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Portable toilets (seasonal)
Potable Water
No water on-site; bring all drinking water. Water fountain available at Visitor Center, 12 miles away. Mazama Village (16 miles) has multiple water-fill stations.
Dump Station
Not on-site
Trash Service
Seasonal dumpsters (July–October)
Camp Store
Not on-site. Nearest supplies: Mazama Village Store (16 miles)—groceries, camping supplies, fuel, coin-operated showers, laundry.
Firewood Availability
Not available; wood-gathering prohibited. Wood campfires not allowed—gas stoves and charcoal grills only.
Cell Service
Download offline maps first; no cell signal
Nearby Facilities
Mazama Village, 16 miles away: general store (groceries, camping supplies, fuel), hot coin-operated showers (bring quarters), laundry machines, water-fill stations. Annie Springs Gift Shop at Mazama may have seasonal wifi.

Access

Road Type
Dirt
Road Conditions
Unpaved access road; passable in good weather for standard vehicles. Dirt roads throughout campground. Washboard surface typical in late season.
Vehicle Restrictions
Passenger vehicles and motorcycles only. NOT allowed: RVs, buses, trailers, vans with toilets.
Clearance Needed
Standard
Gate Hours
24-hour access; self-serve registration
Distance From Entrance
12 miles from park headquarters via East Rim Drive and Pinnacles Road. Final 3 miles on Pinnacles Road.
Nearest Gas Services
Mazama Village Store, 16 miles away (fuel, groceries, supplies)
Elevation
6,000 feet
Accessibility
No accessible campsites. Unpaved access road and natural ground make independent wheelchair navigation difficult. Three portable toilets are wheelchair-accessible. Alternative: Mazama Campground (16 miles) has designated accessible sites and full amenities.
ADA Accessible Sites
No campsites designated accessible. Three of six portable toilets are wheelchair-accessible, but unpaved access and natural ground make independent wheelchair navigation difficult.

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Food Storage Requirements
Bear-resistant lockers provided at each site. All food, garbage, cooking equipment, storage containers, and toiletries must be stored in locker or vehicle when not in use. Do not leave items unattended at site.
Fire Restrictions
Wood campfires prohibited. Gas stoves and self-contained charcoal grills only. No open fires.
Pet Restrictions
Not allowed
Generator Hours
Prohibited
Quiet Hours
10 pm to 7 am
Max Stay Limit
14 consecutive days per campground; 30 days per calendar year park-wide
Alcohol Permitted
0

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Nearby hiking: Castle Crest Wildflower Trail, Snowshoeing at Crater Lake. Scenic Rim Drive access. Crater Lake views from nearby overlooks including Phantom Ship Overlook.
Trailheads Nearby
Castle Crest Wildflower Trail and Crater Lake Snowshoeing accessible from nearby areas. Phantom Ship Overlook and Pinnacles accessible via Pinnacles Road.
Wildlife Viewing
Black bears (practice food storage discipline). Smaller wildlife including chipmunks and birds likely present at high elevation.
Stargazing Quality
Excellent; remote high-altitude location with minimal light pollution, though no official dark-sky designation data available.
Shade Coverage
Partial shade; mixed forest cover typical of 6,000-ft alpine zone
Scenic Views
Surrounding forest, distant views of Crater Lake region. Limited direct lake views from camp due to elevation and forest cover.
Noise Level
Quiet; minimal traffic and human noise. Remote location.
Best Time To Visit
July through mid-September for stable weather, warmer daytime temps, and reliable campground access (weather-permitting). Early July can have lingering snow; mid-October approaches closing and early storms.
Vibe Check
Primitive backcountry feel. This is NOT a developed campground—expect no water, no showers, no hookups, no generators, portable toilets only. Authentic alpine camping experience for tent-only self-sufficient campers. Limited social infrastructure; focus is nature access and solitude, not amenities or socializing. Parking-lot feel is minimal; sites spread across wooded area.
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: Tent campers seeking primitive, remote, high-alpine experience. Hikers comfortable hauling water and embracing minimal amenities. Families ready to teach self-reliance and bear safety. ❌ SKIP IF: RV or trailer owners (not permitted). Folks needing hookups, showers, or potable water on-site. Accessibility needs (no accessible campsites). Visitors uncomfortable with cold nights (40°F) or self-registration. Solo travelers uncomfortable with isolation.
Tips Advice
  • Bring at least 2–3 gallons of water per person per day; no on-site source.
  • Fill water containers at Mazama Village (16 miles away) before arrival.
  • Nighttime temps drop to 40°F even in July; pack sleep system rated for cold.
  • Generators prohibited—plan for silence and headlamps.
  • Stake tent securely; high-altitude wind is real.
  • No firewood available; use camp stove only.
  • Store food in provided locker immediately upon arrival—bears are active.
  • Arrive by 10 am to secure a site; fills by mid-afternoon.
  • Self-serve registration; bring cash (exact change) or check only—no credit cards.

More details

Park Area
East Rim
Sites Tent Only
16
Family Friendly Notes
Family-friendly for prepared campers comfortable with primitive conditions and cold nights. Kids should be old enough to carry water and sleep in cold. No on-site play areas or activities; focus is hiking, lake views, and self-reliance. Teach bear-safety protocols before arrival.
Senior Access Discounts
50% discount on nightly camping fee ($2.50/night with Senior or Access Pass)
Nearby Attractions
Crater Lake (scenic views and boat tours nearby). Phantom Ship Overlook, 3 miles via Pinnacles Road. Rim Village scenic drive. Mazama Village (16 miles) for supplies and services.
Terrain Type
Mostly level sites with natural rocks and tree roots
Temperature Ranges
July–September: daytime highs 40–80°F (typical 67°F); nighttime lows around 40°F. October–June: heavy snow, temperatures well below freezing. Pack sleeping bag rated for 30°F or lower for shoulder seasons.
Snow Season
October through early July; 42 feet annual average snowfall. Early spring snowpack typically 10–15 feet.
Monsoon Season
Not applicable; storms less common at this elevation and latitude
Wind Exposure
Exposed; high-elevation ridge position. Stake tents securely.
Bug Season
Peak mosquito season likely June–August; bring insect repellent
Setup Strategy
Self-serve walk-up registration on arrival. Unpaved dirt roads throughout; standard vehicles OK in good weather. Sites generally level but inspect before pitching—natural ground has rocks and roots. Pitch tent where water will drain if rain occurs. Maximum 2 vehicles per site; park single vehicle at site, additional vehicle at designated overflow area (if applicable). Check in anytime, check out by 12 pm.
Bath Laundry Recon
No showers or laundry on-site. Nearest facilities: Mazama Village Store (16 miles away)—hot coin-operated showers (bring quarters), laundry machines. Plan to shower off-site or use a camp basin for washing.
Review Summary
Popular with tent campers seeking primitive alpine solitude. Fills quickly despite remote location and lack of amenities. Reviewers praise direct access to hiking and lake region; note water hauling and cold nights as challenges. Most recommend arriving early and being fully self-sufficient.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can my RV or trailer fit?

No. Lost Creek is tent-only. RVs, buses, trailers, and vans with toilets are not permitted. Mazama Campground (16 miles away) accepts RVs with hookups.

Do I need to reserve ahead?

No. Lost Creek is walk-up only; no advance reservations available. Arrive by mid-morning for best selection, as it fills by mid-afternoon.

Is there water at the campground?

No water on-site. Bring all drinking water (2–3 gallons/person/day recommended). Fill containers at Mazama Village (16 miles) or Visitor Center (12 miles).

Are there bears here?

Yes. Store all food, garbage, toiletries, and cooking equipment in the provided bear-resistant locker or your vehicle. Do not leave items unattended at your site.

When does it open?

Normally opens early July and closes mid-October (weather-dependent). IMPORTANT: Lost Creek is CLOSED ALL YEAR 2026 due to road/facility conditions.

How much does it cost?

$5 per night for tent sites. Senior Pass and Access Pass holders get 50% discount ($2.50/night). Payment by cash (exact change) or check only—no credit cards. Crater Lake entrance fee is separate ($30/vehicle in summer).

What about showers and bathrooms?

Portable toilets only (seasonal). No showers on-site. Nearest showers at Mazama Village (16 miles)—coin-operated, bring quarters.

Sources

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.