40+ ft/yr
Snowfall
1/2
Entrances open
2 areas
Campgrounds
$30
7-day fee
Pending
Dark sky status
1 live
Camera
Winter Access & Snow Safety40+ ft/yr snow▾
Park Entrances & Fees1 open · $30▾
North Entrance
Closed in Winter
SR-138
Closes for the season with the North Entrance Road and Rim Drive — typically late October through mid/late June, weather dependent.
💡 Check current road status before you go — reopening dates shift year to year with snowpack.
NPS directions ↗
South Entrance
Open Year-Round
SR-62, via Munson Valley Rd / Annie Spring
The reliable year-round route to Rim Village and Steel Visitor Center. Tire chains often required in winter even when open.
💡 This is the entrance to use outside summer — it's the only one that reliably stays open.
NPS directions ↗
Rim Drive
Seasonal · 33 mi
Full caldera-rim scenic loop
The complete loop around the lake — typically open only mid/late June through October. Partial sections may open earlier.
💡 Some overlooks are accessible from the South Entrance side even when the full loop isn't open yet.
NPS road status ↗
Lake Access & Boat ToursClosed thru 2028▾
Campgrounds2 areas▾
Mazama Campground Reservation Only ▾
Sites214
Elevation~6,000 ft
SeasonJul 1 – Oct 1 (reservable); late May–Jun weather-dependent, first-come
Price$35 tent/RV · $48 electric · $57 full hookup
Book on Recreation.gov ↗
Lost Creek Campground First-Come, First-Served ▾
Sites16 (tent only)
Elevation~6,000 ft
Season~July – early October
NotesSmall & quiet, no advance reservations
Campground details ↗
Landmarks & Trailheads7 stops▾
Rim Drive & Overlooks2 stops▾
Rim Drive33-mi scenic loop around the caldera, seasonal~2–3 hrs
The PinnaclesVolcanic pumice & ash spires, east side~30 min
Peaks & Trails3 stops▾
Mount Scott TrailStrenuous · highest point, 8,929 ft~5 mi RT
Garfield Peak TrailModerate · sweeping lake views~3.4 mi RT
Watchman Peak TrailModerate · historic fire lookout~1.6 mi RT
Lake Access2 stops▾
Cleetwood Cove TrailOnly legal lake-shore access · closed 2026–2028~2.2 mi RT
Wizard IslandBoat access only · tours suspendedUnavailable through 2028
Lake & Stream Levels2 gauges▾
Crater Lake Surface Elevation
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Annie Spring near Crater Lake
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Stargazing & Night SkyPending certification▾
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Crater Lake is pursuing International Dark Sky Park certification (not yet certified as of this writing) and has been informally ranked among the best US national parks for stargazing by third-party studies, thanks to its high elevation and distance from major light pollution. Best on new-moon nights from Rim Drive overlooks — bring a red flashlight to preserve night vision and dress warm, as high-elevation nights get cold fast even in summer. NPS night sky info ↗
Concession Information4 locations▾
Rim Village2 locations▾
Crater Lake Lodge Dining RoomHistoric lodge diningSeasonal
Rim Village Café & Gift ShopCafé · giftsYear-round
Mazama Village2 locations▾
Annie Creek Restaurant & Gift ShopCasual dining · giftsEarly Jun – Oct
Mazama Village StoreGroceries · camping supplies · gasSeasonal
Park Contact Information