Is Lost Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Lost Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Lost Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Lost Creek Campground has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Lost Creek Campground?

Lost Creek Campground is open Typically opens early July and closes mid-October, though exact dates may vary based on snow removal and weather conditions.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Lost Creek Campground?

Lost Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Lost Creek Campground have?

Lost Creek Campground has 16 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Lost Creek Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Lost Creek Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

Lost Creek Campground

4.14

29 reviews

Crater Lake National Park, PO Box 7, Crater Lake, OR 97604, USA

Stargazing

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Oregon

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Typically opens earl...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Typically opens earl...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Lost Creek Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(541) 594-3000crla_information_requests@nps.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Lost Creek Campground

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Campground Map

Crater Lake National Park, PO Box 7, Crater Lake, OR 97604, USA

Lost Creek Campground

Crater Lake National Park, PO Box 7, Crater Lake, OR 97604, USA

Nearby places

Closest city: Crater Lake, located approximately 12 miles from park headquarters.

Weather at Lost Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Lost Creek Campground

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the best combination of solitude, crisp weather, and peak wildlife activity at 6,000 ft — think clear days in the mid-50s to mid-60s°F and nights that drop into the 30s–40s, ideal for fire-side evenings and star viewing. Trails and volcanic meadows are quiet after the summer crowds, making wildlife viewing (deer, birds, small mammals) and stargazing especially rewarding. Services and the campground are usually still open through mid‑October, but expect cooler mornings and the first Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall described as best balance: cooler temps, fewer insects, thinner crowds and clear stars.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Typically opens early July and closes mid-October, though exact dates may vary based on snow removal and weather conditions.

About Lost Creek Campground

Lost Creek Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Crater Lake National Park, operated by the National Park Service. This small, tent-only site offers primitive camping with vault toilets and no potable water, attracting visitors who prioritize solitude and dark skies. The quiet, no-RV policy and secluded setting make it a base for exploring volcanic meadows and trails away from peak-season crowds.

Lost Creek Campground is a primitive site catering exclusively to tent campers. It is not suitable for RVs, trailers, or group camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the best combination of solitude, crisp weather, and peak wildlife activity at 6,000 ft — think clear days in the mid-50s to mid-60s°F and nights that drop into the 30s–40s, ideal for fire-side evenings and star viewing. Trails and volcanic meadows are quiet after the summer crowds, making wildlife viewing (deer, birds, small mammals) and stargazing especially rewarding. Services and the campground are usually still open through mid‑October, but expect cooler mornings and the first Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMountain hemlock, Shasta red fir, and lodgepole pine grow thick here, rooted in volcanic soil that crunches underfoot in places. Ancient lava flows run beneath the forest. Pumice meadows open between stands of trees, erupting with wildflowers during the brief mountain summer. The terrain shows its volcanic past honestly: dramatic rock formations, ash layers, a landscape still recovering and rebuilding. Deer move through camp. Black bears pass through often enough that bear lockers are standard issue, not optional.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging accommodations such as hotels or cabins are available at Lost Creek Campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Camping in the park is limited to 30 days per calendar year, with no more than 14 consecutive days in any campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum 8 people per site, with up to 2 vehicles permitted.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNo advance reservations available, it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

AccessibilitySome of the portable toilets at Lost Creek are accessible, but no campsite is designated accessible or specifically known to be manageable by wheelchair or other mobility assists.

Site SizeTotal of 16 tent-only sites.

Total Campsites16 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early to secure a site as the campground fills by mid-afternoon.

Amenities available

Lost Creek Campground at a 6,000-ft elevation provides basic amenities suitable for tent campers only. The campground lacks potable water, showers, cell phone service, and electricity. Trash/recycling collection and food storage lockers are seasonally available. Portable toilets are provided during operational months.

Food storage lockers

I manage this campground

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Portable toilets are provided on a seasonal basis.

Food Storage RequiredBear-resistant lockers are provided at each campsite for secure food storage.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

29 reviews

Satisfactory

Lost Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Lost Creek Campground are mixed. Some highlight the rustic and secluded charm, while others raise concerns about mosquitoes and limited facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 29 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground's secluded nature allows for excellent stargazing on clear nights. The $5 fee is considered economical, and its tent-only policy creates a quiet environment.

Based on 29 reviews

Common Concerns

Mosquitoes are a major issue during the summer. Several visitors noted the lack of potable water and the need to bring their own supplies.

Based on 29 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific reviews for individual sites.

Based on 29 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a site as reservations are not allowed. Bring your own water and prepare for mosquitoes.

Based on 29 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight mosquitoes and warm nights. Fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer insects.

Based on 29 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The place is actually a mosquito sanctuary over summer." (2018) "The campground is pretty secluded so the view of the night sky is pretty amazing on a clear night." (2018)

Based on 29 reviews

Accessibility Features

"Some of the portable toilets at Lost Creek are accessible, but no campsite is designated accessible or specifically known to be manageable by wheelchair."

Based on 29 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You want affordable primitive camping with quiet nights and dark skies in Crater Lake National Park.

Skip if

You need potable water on-site or want to avoid mosquitoes during warmer months.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.8

(9)

Scott Creek Campground

null

Scott Creek Campground sits in the Fremont-Winema National Forest, about 50 minutes southwest of Chemult. The campground has six tent sites at 4,780 feet, each with a picnic table and fire ring. It's open mid-May through mid-October. Reviewers consistently mention the quiet and the trees. One user counted five sites instead of six, and multiple people note there's no potable water.