Crater Lake National Park RV Vacations
Crater Lake National Park is an inspiration. The lake is pristine, deep, and blue like no blue you’ve ever seen. The breathtaking beauty of such a place makes it a paradise for RV vacationers, somewhere to go to get out of the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life and experience nature in its true form.
RV Vacations to Crater Lake National Park
Getting to Crater Lake National Park is half the fun. You can fly into San Francisco and drive through incredible mountainous regions and forests until you reach Oregon and the park. El Monte RV Rentals has the perfect motorhome available for you at our San Francisco location.
RV Camping in and around Crater Lake
You have a choice of camping with your RV either in the National Park or in one of the surrounding communities. The following is a list of some of the preferred campgrounds.
Mazama Campground: This campground is within Crater Lake National Park. It is open from June through to mid-September. Some of the amenities are as follows:
- 200 sites
- Forested setting
- Some hookup sites
- Dump station
- Flush toilets
- Picnic tables
- Fire rings
Crater Lake RV Park: This campground is on Crater Lake Highway in Prospect, Oregon. It is open year round. Some of the amenities are as follows:
- Paved sites
- Forested setting with redwood trees
- 20, 30 and 50 amp service
- Full hookups
- Free Wi-Fi
- Telephone lines available
- Two-minute walk to fishing on the upper Rogue River
Crater Lake Resort: This campground is located in Fort Klamath, Oregon, 17 miles south of the park entrance. It is closed during winter months. Some of the amenities are as follows:
- Full RV hookups
- Fire pits
- Right on Fort Creek
- Free canoes for use
- Wi-Fi available
- Laundry facilities
Your First Visit to Crater Lake National Park
The formation of this incredible lake came about from a huge eruption of Mount Mazama, which left a gigantic caldera. This filled with rain and snow over the centuries to create the lake you see today. The lake is over 1,900 feet deep and is the deepest lake in the U.S.
You will see within the lake an island, called Phantom Ship because its shape resembles a sailing ship. On this island violet green swallows nest and you will see a number of species of wildflowers. The tallest spires reach 170 feet above the water.
To experience all the best of the park you can get out into the wilderness by hiking with the family or taking part in ranger-guided programs. Many love the Crater Lake boat tours while others prefer to go on a historic trolley from Rim Village around the lake, with plenty of stops for photo opportunities. Remember though, that access to the boat tour requires some strenuous hiking for 2.2 miles.
Things to Do
There are activities in Crater Lake National Park that are great for any age. Here is just a short list of things to make it a point to see.
- Rim Drive: This scenic drive takes you around the north side of the lake. The snow melts and allows access in late spring. You can drive, walk or bicycle the route. Any method is worth the trip as the beauty is stunning.
- Cleetwood Trail: Hiking through the forests and meadows ablaze with wildflowers is something unique in Crater Lake National Park. This trail is the only one that takes you to the lake, and it wonderful to enjoy the views on this trek.
- Rim Visitor Center: This visitor center is located at the Sinnott Memorial Overlook, with exhibits on the geology of the lake and a lot more. When you have more knowledge about this area, your appreciation deepens.
- Sinnott Memorial Overlook: A memorable view awaits you here. Be sure to check with the visitor center for the times the 20-minute talk will take place at this location, as listening to the lecuturer will give you the chance to learn of the special features of this amazing lake.
- Steel Visitor Center: Stop in the Steel Visitor Center to watch the 18-minute film called “Crater Lake: The Mirror of Heaven.” This center is open all year.
Where to Find More Information
You can find more information about the park at the Crater Lake National Park website. Before you come, check for any road closures on the Current Conditions page. The National Weather Service provides a page with details on the temperatures and conditions in the park.
If you are a birding enthusiast, you can visit the Klamath Basin Birding Trail website to find where to go to find amazing birds.
El Monte RV Locations near Crater Lake National Park
The El Monte RV location in San Francisco is the perfect place to pick up your RV rental and drive north to Crater Lake National Park. You can fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and take a cab or use the Bay Area Rapid Transit to the Powell Street Station to reach us. Pick up your motorhome to drive to Crater Lake National Park to have the time of your life. Call us at (888) 337-2214 to reserve your RV.