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Crater Lake National Park is a gem found high in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon. It is fitting that the lodging in and around the park is as beautiful and rustic as the park itself.

It should be noted that the sites in the park are generally open roughly during the same period the park itself is open to the public, usually from May through October, though the actual opening and closing dates may vary a little bit due to weather. Campgrounds in the park are usually open a little later than the park is.

For those wanting a hotel or inn setting at Crater Lake, the choice location is the Crater Lake Lodge. The building was built around 1915 as a wood over native volcanic rock structure, located at the rim, overlooking the lake. For decades, it was privately operated, and then fell into a period of relative disuse.

The national park service, in conjunction with groups such as Friends of Crater Lake, worked together to renovate the lodge, beginning in the late 80s and early 90s. Great pains were taken to do the work with the least amount of disruption possible to the park and to the environment, using as much of the native materials possible. The result was a truly astounding 71-room lodge that captures all of the mystique and wonder of ages gone by. If you plan to stay at the lodge, it is advised that you make advanced reservations. Even if you don't stay there, it is worth taking the time to see it, to see a piece of the past.

There are also two maintained campgrounds in the park; Lost Creek Campground and Mazama Campground. The park service not only makes sure that both campgrounds are kept in great shape; they also provide firewood for campfires in contained fire enclosures often. Dead wood can also be used for fires.

Lost Creek Campground is for tent only camping and consists of 16 beautiful sites, and the area has available fresh water and toilets. Picnic tables are also provided. There is a low fee for staying at this campground.

Mazama Campground is larger. This campground features 200 sites and features fire enclosures, fresh water, toilets, dump station, showers, laundry, and store. It is located near the south boundary of the park and the cost is a little more than at Lost Creek Campground.

About a mile and a half outside the south boundary of Crater Lake National Park is a snow park. Though some RV's occasionally use the upper parking area for camping, down below are 4 sites on Anne Creek. These are unimproved sites, and it does need to be stressed that during

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