A creekside base camp south of Crater Lake offering historic cabins, glamping tents, and free canoes along the clear waters of Fort Creek.
Crater Lake Resort occupies 13 acres of wooded land along the banks of Fort Creek, located just south of the historic military outpost of Fort Klamath. Established in the mid twentieth century, this year-round base camp sits on the southeastern grounds of the old 19th-century fort, where the US Army 1st Cavalry was once stationed. Today, the property is characterized by its towering ponderosa pines and a clear, 30-foot-wide spring-fed creek that meanders from north to south. Guests can choose from 13 cabins, several seasonal glamping tents, RV hookups, and a modern glass-walled capsule that looks directly out onto the resort's quiet lagoon. The stick-built cabins, some of which date back to before 1950, retain their classic mid-century charm while offering updated comforts like kitchenettes, private decks, and gas barbecues.
The resort's layout encourages slow-paced, outdoor living with an array of simple but thoughtful amenities. Fort Creek remains the focal point of the property, where visitors can grab one of the complimentary Old Town canoes to paddle upstream toward a nearby beaver dam. For those who prefer to stay on dry land, a walking trail loops through the property, crossing the water via two distinct footbridges: one a rustic covered bridge and the other a low-profile floating boardwalk. Anglers can take advantage of free catch-and-release fly fishing along the creek bank, which is home to wild rainbow and brown trout. Scattered throughout the grassy lawns are community fire pits, horseshoe pits, a pickleball court, and massive tree swings designed for adults.
While the resort operates year-round, the experience shifts dramatically with the seasons. During the summer months, from mid-May to mid-October, the property opens its seasonal canvas bell tents, which are pitched on raised wooden platforms and furnished with real queen beds and linens. Come winter, when heavy snow blankets the Upper Klamath Basin, the tent sites and glamping area close, but the cabins and the modern glass-walled capsule remain open. The on-site general store serves as the central hub of the property, where guests check in, purchase firewood, s'mores kits, basic groceries, and local craft beer, or charge their vehicles at the property's Tesla Supercharger and Chargepoint stations. In 2025, the resort upgraded its connectivity with Starlink Wi-Fi, ensuring reliable internet access across the property despite its remote, forested location.
Borrow one of the resort's complimentary Old Town canoes in the early morning to paddle up Fort Creek toward the beaver dam. It is the best way to spot local wildlife before the daytime warmth sets in.
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