Where to Stay by Crater Lake National Park?

Crater Lake is Oregon’s only National Park…which I find SO wild (as a long-time Oregon resident)!  In a state blessed with natural beauty: this is surprising.  What’s also surprising?  If you’re on a family vacation & want to stop at Crater Lake: you may have a problem finding good hotels right by the lake.  The selection is VERY limited!  So here, I’ll show you some great hotels that are close to Crater Lake….but offer higher quality rooms & many more amenities (hint: these hotels are mainly in Bend).  Let’s find out where to stay by Crater Lake National Park!

What are My Two Favorite, Family-Friendly Hotels by Crater Lake?  Hands-down: 1) Running Y Resort ($$), located in Klamath Falls; & 2) Sunriver Resort ($$), which is 15 minutes south of Bend. 

 

Both are about an hour’s drive from Crater Lake, & offer SO many more amenities than the hotels in the Park.  Most visitors assume they need to stay at Crater Lake. In reality, many travelers enjoy their trip more by staying at a full-service resort in Bend, and simply making Crater Lake a day trip.

 

Quick Hotel Run-Down!

Hotel	Drive to Crater Lake	Best For
Crater Lake Resort	~ 30 minutes	Location
Running Y Resort	~1 hour	Value
Sunriver Resort	~1.25 hours	Families
Tetherow Resort	~1.5 hours	Couples

 

Map of Hotels by Crater Lake

Crater Lake is located in southern Oregon.  The largest airport nearby is the Bend/Redmond Airport (RDM), which is 100 miles away ~ or a 2-hour drive.  If you’re flying, I recommend flying into Redmond, & visiting the fun, outdoorsy town of Bend…which is where I live!

Overview of Hotels at Crater Lake

• Crater Lake Lodge ($300) = The Only Hotel Right IN the Park.  This historic lodge was built in 1915, & it’s the closest you can get to Crater Lake!  And the only hotel with views of the lake.  Their 71 rooms book WAY in advance ~ so if you really want to stay here, book well ahead (up to a year in advance).  Downsides of Crater Lake Lodge: Very expensive for pretty basic accommodations, so-so staff, often sold out, & VERY underwhelming food.  Plus, you’re far from town & better dining options! 
• **Crater Lake Resort ($150) = Comfy Cabins + Glamping Tents about 30 Minutes from Park!  This is a great mid-range place to stay, that puts you pretty darn close to Crater Lake, & right on a creek.  Great spot for families!  You can paddle in the creek here, grab some supplies from their General Store, or check out some of the nearby hiking trails.  Check prices here.

 

Other Accommodations by Crater Lake!

• **Running Y Ranch & Golf Resort ($125+) = 60 Miles to Crater Lake: Full Service Golf Resort + Pet-Friendly!  In my opinion, this is the nicest hotel that’s close to Crater Lake.  They’ve got a golf course, spa, on-site dining, wonderful walking paths, & it’s family & pet-friendly.  What I Love About Running Y:  This is by far the nicest hotel in Klamath, & there are great places to walk the dog, get a massage, & I really love their on-site restaurant (which also offers room service)!  You get a lot of value for your money here.
• **Sunriver Resort ($105+) = 75 Miles to Crater Lake: One of the BEST Family-Friendly Resorts in the Country!  Sunriver is a HUGE community + resort: this is WAY more than “just a hotel.”  You’ve got a lodge to stay in (I love their pet-friendly “Upper Luxury Rooms,” or you can rent out large homes on the golf course ~ they have almost every kind of lodging you can dream up.  And you can usually find last-minute rooms here….simply because they have so many rooms!  What I Love About Sunriver:  Everything!! They’ve got a great dining scene, amazing bike trails (mostly paved), countless pools, slides, river rafting, paddle boarding, floating….you name it.  An amazing family vacation spot!!  Check prices here.
• Tetherow Resort  ($145+) = 90 Miles to Crater Lake: Great Upscale Golf Resort + Pet-Friendly.  This is an amazing spot for adults or families: you’re close to the fun dining scene in Bend ~ but you’re also set up high on a beautiful ridge, with glorious views of the surrounding mountains.  What I Love About Tetherow:  I love that it’s close to downtown Bend (about 5 minutes), but also close to all the beautiful lakes on Century Drive.  Their two restaurants are both delicious.

Photos of Running Y Resort in Klamath Falls

GWTW Tip for Getting to Running Y Resort from Crater Lake: Instead of heading out towards Hwy 97, take the South Exit out of Crater Lake, & take Hwy 531 towards Odessa.  This is a scenic road that’s very beautiful, & takes you the “back way” to Running Y.

 

Photo of Tetherow Golf Resort

At Tetherow, try to reserve a “Corner Room with a Golf View” ~ which will give you incredible mountain & golf views from your room.

Who Should Stay Where?

Where to Stay by Crater Lake National Park?

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