kcabpilot
CA
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Joined: 04/07/2008
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We're headed up there a week from Saturday (8/23) I was thinking of camping one night at Mazama and then moving up to Diamond Lake the next night but after doing some more research and checking the maps as well as Google Earth I'm thinking it might be better to just go straight up to Diamond Lake and set up base camp there. From what I can tell it's only about half an hour from Crater Lake and it looks like there is a whole bunch of nice camping all around the lake.
So, is there any reason to camp at Mazama? I mean is there anything there that makes it worthwhile? Also, is there any preference at Diamond Lake as to East side or West side. I'm thinking west side since the east side is along the highway but maybe the views and sunsets are best from the east side.
Anyway, I welcome all tips, advice and opinions from anyone who has already been there. We're really looking forward to it!
BTW our rig is a Lance truck camper so we can fit into just about any regular tent site - no hookups needed.
1994 Lance 990 on 1997 F350 PSD Dually
We also have a 'truck' that FLYS
Our 2008 trip to The Canadian Rockies
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Lauren
Sahuarita, AZ (or on the road!)
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We have stayed at Diamond Lake RV park a couple of times. I know you are not looking to do that but just to let you know that the campgrounds around the lake seem to be great; we, of course, saw the east side ones because of their proximity to the rv park. DL is a great place to base from as CL is not far at all - the entrance is about 15 minutes or so and the lake itself about half an hour. And DL itself is wonderful - it was completely drained and cleaned up about a year ago and is now crystal clear.
Lauren - DW Barbara - "Aussie" Terrier, Sadie
2006 Mobile Suites 32TK3 with TrailAir
2006 Chev 3500 3LT Ext Cab 4x4 360HP Dmax 6 Spd Allie
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ORbiker
Eugene, Oregon
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Since you will be in the PU-camper and are mobile, I would camp where ever it is convient. If I was coming in the south entrance in the late evening, then Mazama would be my choice. Diamond Lake area is about 35 minutes from the north rim of Crater Lake.
There are places outside the park to boondock if you like piece and quiet.
I (2-10-05) bought a 2002 F350 CC SWD PSD and a new 2003 Citation 10'8. Rancho 9000X & Toyo M55's.I have been a tent camper all my life. I wanted more comfort while doing my Willamette Backcountry Ski Patrol & Crater Lake Ski Patrol duties.11
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DAS26miles
San Fernando Valley, California
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Joined: 10/11/2003
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Kcabpilot-can you let me know which one you use? We were thinking of Mazama. How long are you staying there? We as you know were just staying 1 night, checking out CL and moving on.
I saw your camper in your profile. It looks longer than my winnie 22 footer. We are probably wider. We can also park almost anywhere a pickup can too.
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Scrib
Maplewood
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Joined: 05/31/2007
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I prefer to setup camp once, so I'd be inclined to go straight to Diamond Lake. Natural Bridge is a few miles south of Union Creek on Hwy. 62 - definitely worth seeing. A little further south, at the Prospect access road, are a couple of nice water falls; Mill Creek Falls and Barr Creek Falls.
Have a good time!
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mrhddh
Puget Sound, Washington
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We were there in July. While we stayed at the DL RV Park, we toured all of the Forest Service CG's just because we could. Our preference would be the CG's on the east side of the lake. They have some really neat sites right near the water. But...the west side CG's are nice too. When we were there, there were clouds of nats everywhere near the lake. We were told that they would be gone by the time the end of summer showed up. Sure hope so. Make sure that you are topped off with gas and groceries before going into the area as pickin's are slim.
2006 Cougar 290EFS
2006 Dodge CTD 4X2 2500 QuadCab
SWMBO
Moxee, Skeeter, and Chico Suave
I used to be amazed....now I'm just amused.
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kcabpilot
CA
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DAS26miles wrote:Kcabpilot-can you let me know which one you use? We were thinking of Mazama. How long are you staying there? We as you know were just staying 1 night, checking out CL and moving on.
I saw your camper in your profile. It looks longer than my winnie 22 footer. We are probably wider. We can also park almost anywhere a pickup can too.
Sure thing, I'll post a complete report with pictures when we get back. We'll be staying at least two days, maybe three. Our rig is about 24 ft (used to be 22 when we had it on the old standard cab truck) but I can pretty much get it into just about anywhere.
Thanks everyone for the tips. We can be at Diamond Lake about mid afternoon so I'm going to head for there initially and set up a base camp. We'll have the full next day to do the Crater Lake loop and on day three we'll probably head out for Silver Falls SP up near Salem.
I wonder if it's gonna be hot up there? I'd like to get some relief (it's been hitting 100 down here this week)
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Lauren
Sahuarita, AZ (or on the road!)
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And Silver Falls is great! Check our website for images under '07-'06 trips and see the South Falls on the 2nd page.
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Golden_HVAC
Fulltime, CA, USA
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Joined: 08/19/2003
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I used to live in Grants Pass and can highly recomend the jet boat trip down the Rouge River to Hellgate Canyon. Hellgate.com
While I Grants Pass I love to stay at Schroder Park, right on the Rouge River.
Fred.
Money can't buy happiness but somehow it's more comfortable to cry in a Porsche or Country Coach!
If there's a WILL, I want to be in it!
Improve a life KangenPowerTeam.com Akaline Water.
I havn't been everywhere, but it's on my list.
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The Dunks
Madera, Ca.
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Crater Lake was a beautiful sight! I use a picture of it as my screen saver! Diamond Lake was a wonderful surprise as well! Hope you enjoyed your stay! We did.
The Dunks - Terry and Steve
'05 Endeavor - The Oasis
'05 Jeep Grand Cherokee
In God We Trust
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