Beautiful from first sight and hiding a wealth of wonders below the surface, Crater Lake is a natural phenomenon. Anyone who has spied its serene waters will understand why it was named one of the country’s first national parks back in 1902. The shores of this volcanic lake sit at 6,000 feet above sea level. More remarkably, the water goes down almost 2,000 feet, making Crater Lake the deepest in the United States and the ninth deepest worldwide.
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Visiting Crater Lake National Park is no great challenge, but it always helps to come prepared. The lake itself can be reached by car, but the area abounds with scenic hikes.
Crater Lake is just the foremost wonder among many. The Klamath Basin is home to towering volcanoes, stunning waterfalls, and a wealth of waterways and lakes ideal for swimming, fly fishing, and kayaking. It is home to historic towns such as Klamath Falls. Scenic drives, leisurely afternoons, and adventurous activities await you.
A fantastic destination all year-round, Crater Lake National Park is always ready for visitors. Start planning your trip today by finding your Crater Lake lodging. To help you along, here is a list of 10 Vrbo vacation rentals near the park.
Sun Mountain Ranch Bunkhouse$764/avg nightly
The closest rental property to Crater Lake is also one of the finest. This home on Sun Mountain Ranch is a large, pet-friendly cabin, the perfect gathering spot for a family or large group drawn to the beautiful sights of Klamath County. The home sits on a 280-acre property populated mostly with cattle. Wild animals are a common sight as well, drawn in by the freshwater of the creek which runs through the ranch. The bunkhouse covers 5,000 square feet and has seven bedrooms, most of which are dotted around the loft area shielded by curtains. While privacy is limited, there’s plenty of space for everyone. The home is just a few miles from the park’s entrance and about 35 minutes from the rim of the crater.
Lake House With Volcano Views$300/nightly avg
Some lake houses offer quaint views and sit on the shores of placid woodland lakes. Others are grand and majestic, overlooking monumental mountains and vast swathes of wilderness. This charming home on Agency Lake is the latter. Mount McLaughlin, a dormant stratovolcano, looms across the water. Even in summer, snow is a common sight on its pyramid peak. Other mountains loom even closer. In contrast to these grandiose expressions of the awesome power of geological forces, this is a homey abode, simple and sufficient. It has a full kitchen, lakeside patio, and four bedrooms (three queens and a room with a bunk bed). Just 30 miles from the shores of Crater Lake, it’s a comfortable base from which to explore the Klamath Basin.
The Riverhouse$175/nightly avg
The softly flowing Wood River is by no means the grandest waterway in this part of Oregon, but it is an excellent spot for fly fishing, foot dipping, and swimming. Enjoy over 1,000 feet of river access from this Klamath County home. Of course, there’s much more to the region than the Wood River. The house is just 4 miles from the southern entrance of Crater Lake. The peaceful property has a large deck with a barbecue and lawn stretching out towards the river. Inside it is a comfortable four-bedroom home just waiting for families to enjoy a night by the fireplace.
Mill Creek Cabin$347/nightly avg
Sitting on a deck over the rushing waters of the small yet swift Mill Creek instills a certain sense of peace; the waters flow, but life is not just passing you by. Such is life at the Mill Creek Cabin, a home outside the town of Prospect. Adventure awaits in every direction. Crater Lake lies 33 miles to the northeast. The falls at Bar Creek are just a half-mile southwest. The home has two stories, three bedrooms, and sleeps up to eight guests. The outdoor spaces are superb and include a grill area, decks, and verdant grassy expanses.
The Meadow House At Katydid Ranch$230/nightly avg
The Meadow House is a stunning home fit for up to six guests. It is located on a sprawling historic ranch about 30 miles southwest of the entrance to Crater Lake National Park. Named for the meadow outside the front door, the property sits in a protected wildlife area. Though over a century old, the home has been modernized in such a way that it has retained its identity. It has hardwood floors, granite counters, and an original wood-burning fireplace. The home has three bedrooms and is great for a small family or group.
Silverbow Ranch On The Williamson River$400/nightly avg
Situated on the banks of the Williamson River — a few miles before it flows into Agency Lake — Silverbow Ranch is the perfect spot for a large group to settle in for their Klamath County expedition. Enjoy leisure time near or on the water (kayak rentals are available nearby) or wander the 100-acre property. The building itself is a large, single-story ranch home with four bedrooms and sleeping space for 10 adventurers. When you’re not exploring the local rivers and lakes, head on down to the Kla-Mo-Ya Casino a mile down the road. Crater Lake itself is about 45 minutes away.
Running Bear Bungalow$226/nightly avg
Simple and serene, this bungalow has everything a couple needs in between excursions to Klamath County’s many attractive spots. People keen on water sports will be especially drawn in by the backyard creek, perfectly suited for kayaking. There’s no reason not to give it a try with its gentle waters and complimentary kayaks. There’s even a small deck over the water. Inside the home is a humble one. It has a full kitchen with a small island for prep work, a living room, and a queen bedroom fitted with a beautiful duvet.
Red Blanket Cabin$173/nightly avg
Another great property near the town of Prospect, the Red Blanket Cabin is great for couples or sets of couples. It is a two-story log cabin, a beautiful display of the incredible materials nature has provided. From the external cedar siding to the pine inside, it is a who’s-who of the forest’s big shots. The spiral staircase of lodgepole pine leading to the second floor is a true highlight. It leads to the two bedrooms, one king and a queen. Both are furnished with Sleep Number beds. The home has a lovely patio and is surrounded by Ponderosa pine. The park is about 30 miles away and Prospect’s incredible waterfalls can be reached after a short drive.
The Cascade Mountainview Retreat$269/nightly avg
Get a taste of the simple life and this splendid home in Fort Klamath. Just 20 minutes from the deep blue waters of Crater Lake, it is perfect for those wanting to stay in an area both quiet and close to the action. Neighbors are few and open fields are plentiful. The home is a cozy farmhouse. It has a full kitchen, small living room, and queen and twin bedrooms. It is particularly great for couples given its size.
The Easy A Cabin$227/night avg
Located right next to Upper Klamath Lake, this cozy A-frame cabin provides a great home base for exploring two of Oregon’s beloved parks. First, the cabin is just minutes away from the Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge. It is also just about 30 minutes south of Crater Lake National Park, possibly explaining the affordable nightly price. Its rustic but modern design will fancy lovers of architecture. And don’t let its size deceive you: The property has a spacious living room/kitchen, an outdoor deck looking into the Oregon woods, and a cozy loft with a king bed.
Pets are welcome here and you will also have access to the internet, parking, and a washer and dryer. With Crater Lake Zipline, Kla-Mo-Ya Casino, and Spence Mountain Trailhead also nearby, you could spend hours just deciding between things to do in the area.
To further assist your planning, here are the best tips for visiting Crater Lake: