Lost Creek Campground, Elevation 6,000 Feet (1,829 Meters)
05 reviewsCrater Lake National Park, PO Box 7, Crater Lake, OR 97604, USA
Lost Creek Campground, Elevation 6,000 Feet (1,829 Meters)
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$5.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
All sites are tent-only and are $5 per night, payable by cash (exact change) or check. Senior Pass and Access Pass holders get 50% off, reducing the fee to $2.50 per night.
About this campground
Escape to Lost Creek Campground, where the art of primitive camping meets the raw beauty of Crater Lake National Park. This tent-only sanctuary, perched at 6,000 feet above sea level and lovingly maintained by the National Park Service, offers adventurous souls a chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature. Here, in this secluded mountain retreat, the Milky Way stretches across ink-black skies, providing a celestial show that rivals any planetarium.
Lost Creek Campground is a primitive site catering exclusively to tent campers. It is not suitable for RVs, trailers, or group camping.
Historical SignificanceLost Creek rests within the sacred landscape of Crater Lake National Park, where ancient volcanic forces once shaped the earth and indigenous tribes found spiritual connection for thousands of years. This land tells a story written in pumice and ash, where Native American cultures developed deep bonds with the mountain they called Giiwas. Today's campers walk paths traced by generations of people who recognized this place as extraordinary, adding their own chapter to its continuing narrative.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Lost Creek into a hiker's paradise, with July through September bringing gloriously warm days averaging 67°F—perfect for exploring nearby trails and soaking in the mountain air. As evening falls, temperatures dip to a crisp 40°F, making that campfire glow even more inviting. Come October, winter begins its dramatic entrance, blanketing the landscape in heavy snow that persists through early spring, turning this corner of the park into a pristine wonderland accessible only to the most intrepid winter adventurers.
ElevationAt 6,000 feet, Lost Creek Campground places you firmly in the thin, pine-scented air of the high country. This elevation brings refreshing relief from summer heat while offering that distinctive mountain atmosphere where morning mist clings to the forest and afternoon thunderstorms build dramatically on the horizon. The altitude adds an element of adventure to every activity, from the satisfying breathlessness of a morning hike to the way your morning coffee seems to taste better in the rarified air.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering pines create a natural cathedral around Lost Creek, their vanilla-scented bark and whispering needles providing both shelter and soundtrack to your wilderness experience. The volcanic legacy of Crater Lake reveals itself in the fascinating terrain—ancient lava flows now softened by time and forest, pumice meadows that crunch underfoot, and dramatic rock formations that speak of the earth's fiery past. Keep your camera ready for the local residents: majestic black bears ambling through camp (store your food properly!), curious deer, and the countless smaller creatures that make these woods their home.
Geological RegionLost Creek Campground occupies a remarkable position within Crater Lake National Park's volcanic wonderland, where 6,000-foot elevation meets geological drama. Dense stands of mountain hemlock, Shasta red fir, and lodgepole pine have colonized the volcanic soils, creating a living testament to nature's resilience. This high-elevation ecosystem showcases the fascinating interplay between volcanic geology and mountain ecology—where pumice plains give way to verdant forests, and ancient lava flows now support delicate wildflower meadows that bloom brilliantly in the brief mountain summer.
Campsite details
Accessibility"Some 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."
Sites SizeTotal of 16 tent-only sites.
Total Campsites16 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early to secure a site as the campground fills by mid-afternoon.
Best CampsitesUser reviews do not specify individual campsite preferences.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in available 24 hours a day.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12 PM.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 16 tent-only sites, accessible via a self-serve check-in system.
Open and Closed SeasonTypically opens early July and closes mid-October, though exact dates may vary based on snow removal and weather conditions.
Reservation PlatformsNo advance reservations available, it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis; the campground typically fills by mid-afternoon.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are permitted. Payment is made upon arrival, meaning there is no formal cancellation policy.
Amenities available
Food storage lockers
Activities you can enjoy
Campground activities are limited due to its primitive setup and lack of infrastructure.
Wildlife viewing
The campground is reportedly home to "over 45 different species of mosquitoes" during the summer. Black bears may also be present in the area.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Wood campfires are prohibited; gas stoves and self-contained charcoal grills are permitted.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsBlack bears are present in the park, requiring the use of bear-resistant lockers for food storage. The campground lacks potable water, and campers must bring their own supply.
Active alertsEast Rim Drive and parts of Cleetwood Trail are currently closed due to hazardous conditions, including rock slides and fire damage.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services, including the park headquarters and nearby ranger stations, are located approximately 12 miles away at Crater Lake National Park Headquarters.
Good to know
Peak season datesJuly to September, during the drier and warmer months.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling collection are provided on a seasonal basis.
Proximity to water featuresA faucet with drinking water is available 12 miles away at the Visitor Center at Park Headquarters. No water sources are present within the campground.
Common complaintsSome users noted the lack of potable water and complaints about mosquito activity during warmer months.
HostNo staff is present onsite; registration is self-serve.
Campground Map
Crater Lake National Park, PO Box 7, Crater Lake, OR 97604, USA
Driving directionsLost Creek Campground is located three miles off of East Rim Drive on Pinnacles Road. From park headquarters travel 9 miles on East Rim Drive, turn right onto Pinnacles Road (near Phantom Ship Overlook). Drive 3 miles on Pinnacles Road. Lost Creek Campground is on the right.
The campground is located off a sharp turn from East Rim Drive, which some users have noted as easy to miss coming from one direction.Nearby places
Closest city: Crater Lake, located approximately 12 miles from park headquarters.
Nearby supplies
Mazama Village, located 16 miles away, offers groceries, camping supplies, gasoline, hot showers, and laundry facilities during designated hours.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Lost Creek Campground, Elevation 6,000 Feet (1,829 Meters) has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 5 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 5 reviewsCommon 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 5 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early to secure a site as reservations are not allowed. Bring your own water and prepare for mosquitoes.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight mosquitoes and warm nights. Fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer insects.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper 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 5 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific reviews for individual sites.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility 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 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025