Maroon Bells-Camping at Crater Lake

[hollamby]

You do have to pay 10 bucks if the gate is manned. I was just there last weekend, got there at 8am paid ten bucks and proceed to the overnight parking.

Hiked up to the last camp spots (# 10 + 11). Great little stream right there, views of the waterfalls off Maroon and overlooks Crater Lake. Highly recommend the site. Only problem is if you walk up there and someone is in the sites you have to turn around (if you are set on only camping in designated sites).

You DO have to have a backcountry permit. They are free to fill out at the trail head. If caught without one, I guess they can fine you.

I posted some pictures in a different thread of the weekend, but here are a couple of the site:






View from campsite:

[Cool Hand Luke]

The signs are extremely misleading and aimed at getting more $$$...we paid the $10 overnight parking fee only. You cross into the the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area before Crater Lake, so to the best of my knowledge only the free backcountry permit is required.

The only advice I would offer if you're hoping to do Pyramid too is that sites 7-11 all involve stream crossings you would have to go through early in the morning. They're not big crossings at all, but when we did Pyramid and the Bell Cord 4 weeks ago most of the crossing logs were washed out.

[leafmiles]

Anyone have experience slinging hammocks in this area? Do certain sites have better trees for it?

[painless4u2]

Anyone have experience slinging hammocks in this area? Do certain sites have better trees for it?

You might want to read this before planning your trip:
http://kdvr.com/2014/05/26/maroon-bells ... ampground/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[doggler]

Anyone have experience slinging hammocks in this area? Do certain sites have better trees for it?

You might want to read this before planning your trip:
http://kdvr.com/2014/05/26/maroon-bells ... ampground/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I just camped there. Designated spots 1 through 11 are all still open and untouched by the slide. While it was impressive, 'decimated' is quite the embellishment IMO.

[painless4u2]

I just camped there. Designated spots 1 through 11 are all still open and untouched by the slide. While it was impressive, 'decimated' is quite the embellishment IMO.

Nothing like a first-hand account, thanks. Good 'ol press embellishments...

[jasonontheweb]

If all designated camp sites are occupied, what are the options? I had planned to just find a spot 100' from water or trails, but it sounds like you can't camp except in designated spots?

[Kiefer]

I'd agree. I think the "decimated" comment is a bit of an embellishment. Just came back & found most of the designated sites still there. The slide seemed to come off the slopes near Minihaha Creek.
As far as where to camp if everything's full, no answer there. We did witness one guy setting his tent up in the valley VERY NEAR the creek feeding out of Crater Lake, but wouldn't recommend it. I imagine the fine for this would be substantial.

[saxlover]

Anyone have experience slinging hammocks in this area? Do certain sites have better trees for it?

ive brought my eno hammock up before. enjoyed a nice rest and view in it.