A Quick Trip to Explore Oregon’s Diamond Lake for Camping and Adventure

If you're seeking a picturesque camping getaway, look no further than Diamond Lake nestled in the stunning Cascade Mountains of Oregon. Known for its striking views, abundant wildlife, and outdoor activities, Diamond Lake serves as the perfect camping destination for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike.

For us, it meant getting a great location with fantastic lighting to shoot some of our hats and beanies, despite the nearby forest fires, 😢. In this blog post, we'll explore what camping at Diamond Lake looked like for us on our early Fall trip. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Getting to Diamond Lake

Located near Crater Lake National Park, reaching Diamond Lake is easy. From Medford, Oregon, take Highway 62 east until you reach the junction with Highway 97. Follow Highway 97 north for about 20 miles until you see signs for Diamond Lake. Here’s a link to a map of Diamond Lake to orient yourself.

Choosing the Right Campground

We were amazed at the sheer quantity of both campground and camp sites available and a lot of them are waterfront at Diamond Lake Campground! We got a great one with a view of Mt. Thielsen. Diamond Lake is ringed with numerous campgrounds, each offering unique spots to place your tent or camper. Each seemed to have various levels of services. I can’t remember if we had cell service, but do remember some service around the lake. Diamond Lake Resort also seemed nice, but camping was not on the water. We also prefer State or National Forest camping as opposed to private resorts, so…

Our recommendation! Diamond Lake Campground: How we’ve never seen this place before is beyond me! Meandering along most of the east shore of the mile-high Diamond Lake, this large campground boasts spectacular views of both Mount Bailey and Mount Thielsen, and offers visitors abundant recreational opportunities. This campground features 238 campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. 50+ waterfront sites. It's walking distance from the lake and provides stunning cycling paths.

Reservations are recommended during peak seasons, especially summer months, but if you’re like us, early Fall offers an abundance of site and no neighbors (except we did get one neighbor late one evening that decided to have a fire, despite the burn ban)! Each site comes with a fire pit and picnic table—perfect for roasting marshmallows under a starlit sky! And the star viewing is great in this remote location.

What to Do at Diamond Lake

From hiking to fishing, there's no shortage of activities to fill your days while camping at Diamond Lake. Here are some must-do activities, besides photographing hats and pretending to be a fishermen.

Hiking Trails

Explore the breathtaking terrain surrounding Diamond Lake with its numerous hiking trails. Some popular trails include:

1. Diamond Lake Trail: An easy, scenic hike around the lake's perimeter that provides photo opportunities of the surrounding mountains and wildlife.
2. Thielsen View Trail: For adventurers seeking a challenge, this strenuous 4-mile hike leads you to stunning views of Mount Thielsen and the surrounding forest.
3. Crater Lake Rim Trail: A picturesque journey that showcases breathtaking views of Crater Lake. This trail offers various places to stop for a picnic!

Fishing Adventures

Anglers will delight in the fishing opportunities at Diamond Lake. Home to a variety of fish species, the lake is known for its rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon. Simply grab a fishing rod, a valid fishing license, and cast your line from either a boat or a designated shoreline site. It was windy during our trip, so I kept seeing Michael blowing away in his little inflatable, but somehow, he made it back to us.

Watersports

If you’re looking to cool off, consider renting a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to explore the crystal-clear waters of Diamond Lake. Rentals are available at the marina, along with motorized boat rentals for those looking to fish while enjoying the water.

Wildlife

Diamond Lake is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for deer, eagles, and even the occasional black bear! All the trash cans are bear proof, so that should tell you something right there! Bring binoculars to enhance your chances of spotting these magnificent creatures.

As a reminder, ensure that you adhere to Leave No Trace principles, respecting nature while you enjoy the great outdoors and keeping the campsite clean.

Photographing our Oregon Gear

While we camp, Michael will tool around trying to fish. I joke that I won’t get dinner ready because we’ll have fish for dinner. He never catches a fish, and we instead have tacos, 😂. Some items I shot while he was “out fishing” include some of our best-selling Oregon Hats and Beanies. Check out the Explore Oregon Pacific Wonderland Curved Bill Snapback Hat or the cozy Explore Oregon Pacific Wonderland Knit Beanie. They are practical for sunny or chilly weather and let everyone know you appreciate the Oregon experience! For something casual, grab the Oregon Dreaming Rainbow Curved Bill Snapback Hat.

Wrap up

Camping at Diamond Lake is an adventure that combines stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you prefer hiking, fishing, or just relaxing by the lake, Diamond Lake offers something for everyone. So gather your camping gear, channel your inner adventurer, and explore this beautiful gem in Oregon! Happy camping!