An RV Camping Guide
On A Klamath Vacation
This RV camping guide gives an overview of several of the locations to stay as you are exploring this beautiful and scenic region. Each location can accommodate both the tent campers, those pulling a 5th wheel or driving an RV.
Of course, the best time of the year to go camping in this area is from June to October. However, the more adventurous tell me they like to camp up to eight months a year. Our family likes the summer months the best but when the snow starts to fly that brings an end to our camping season.
One of the benefits of camping in this region is the fresh air and cool nights. Even in the summertime night temperatures can get down to the 40’s or 50’s. So come prepared to have a campfire and bring a light jacket because you never know when you’ll need it.
I’ve categorized this guide into five geographic locations to help you decide which destination is best for you. Each destination gives a list of some of the features and directions for getting there.
Crater Lake Camping
Four options are available for those wanting to stay overnight at Crater Lake National Park – cabins at Mazama Village, the Crater Lake Lodge, tent camping at the Lost Creek Campground, or RV camping and cabins at the Mazama campground.
The cabins at Mazama village feature one or two queen beds with a private bathroom. A restaurant and gift shop is also located at Mazama village. Public showers, washers, and dryers are also available.
The historic Crater Lake Lodge is the ultimate stay with rooms overlooking the lake. The lodge features 71 rooms, two large fireplaces, a seating area, and the dining room. The Lodge is an excellent romantic getaway for a night with that special someone!
Click here for more information about Crater Lake camping.
Lava Beds Camping
Highway 39 south of Klamath Falls heads past the agricultural district going to Merrill (known for its slow speed limit and police radar). If you’re looking for a place to eat while in Merrill we recommend Pappy Ganders. It has good food and a friendly atmosphere.
Follow the directions past the California-Oregon border as you head towards the Lava Beds National Monument. This park is known for Indian Petroglyphs, Captain Jack’s Stronghold, for hiking, and especially for cave exploring! Make sure and stop at the visitor’s center to see a brief history of the park and get a layout of all the caves.
Click on this link for more information about Lava Beds camping.
Klamath Falls RV Camping
Klamath Falls is a central location and can be your home base as you make day trips to Crater Lake or the Lava Beds. The best RV camping location in Klamath Falls is the KOA Campground on Shasta Way. They offer tent and RV sites as well as cabins.
Click here for more information about Klamath Falls RV camping.
Southern Oregon Camping
Traveling west of Klamath Falls, Oregon, on Highway 140 takes you into the Mountain Lakes Wilderness Area with two camping locations – one at Fourmile Lake (with a gorgeous view at the base of Mt. McLoughlin), and Lake of the Woods (with another fantastic view of the mountain from the south).
Traveling north of Klamath Falls, Oregon, on Highway 97 is one of the most beautiful drives in the Pacific Northwest. The road follows the lake shore of Upper Klamath Lake with majestic views of the Cascade Mountains to the west. Just past Chiloquin, Oregon, is the Collier Memorial State Park. This state park is located where the Williamson River and Spring Creek converge. It is a very popular location for campers from Klamath Falls who just want to “get away” from town for the weekend.
One of the best secluded camping sights is located just outside of Keno, Oregon, and is only 20 minutes from Klamath Falls, Oregon. The campsite sits on the Klamath River, and in the early mornings you can watch the pelicans glide over the water. There are hot showers and a day-use area, but no hookups.
Click here for more information about Southern Oregon camping.
Northern California Camping
Traveling south on Highway 97 takes you past the California-Oregon border. The road jogs (and slows down) in Dorris. This road is especially beautiful because snow-covered Mt. Shasta keeps getting larger and larger out your front window.
Shortly after reaching Macdoel take the turnoff to Juanita Lake campground. You will find this to be a quiet and peaceful camping area with a lake that is good for fishing and canoeing. A paved path encircles the lake. This is a great place for family camping!
Another excellent Northern California camping spot is Medicine Lake just south of the Lava Beds National Monument.
Click here for more information about Northern California camping.
Return to Home Page from RV Camping Page.
