Finding a perfect camping spot with great views and fun things to do can be hard. Diamond Lake Campground sits on the east shore of a mile-high lake in Umpqua National Forest. This guide will show you the best parts of this camp spot, from fishing for rainbow trout to hiking on nearby trails.

Pack your tent and get ready for an outdoor trip you won’t forget!

Key Takeaways

• Diamond Lake Campground sits at 5,190 feet high in Umpqua National Forest and draws about 700,000 visitors each year.
• The campground has 238 sites with 51 spots right by the lake. Each site has picnic tables and fire pits.
• Prices range from $16 for a standard site to $27 for a lakeside spot. The campground is closed for the 2024 season.
• The lake is stocked with over 450,000 rainbow trout each year, making it great for fishing.
• Visitors can enjoy an 11-mile paved trail around the lake, plus easy access to the Pacific Crest Trail and Crater Lake National Park.

Overview of Diamond Lake Campground in Umpqua National Forest

Diamond Lake Campground sits on the east shore of beautiful Diamond Lake at 5,190 feet high. This popular spot in Umpqua National Forest draws about 700,000 visitors each year! The campground offers 238 sites, and 51 of these spots sit right by the lake.

Each site comes with picnic tables and fire pits for your outdoor meals. You’ll find all the basics here – clean drinking water, flush toilets, and even shower spots to wash off after a day of fun.

The Forest Service runs this campground but note that it’s closed for the 2024 season. Prices range from $16 for a standard site to $27 for a double spot by the lake. An extra car will cost you $5 more.

You can book your spot up to six months ahead on Recreation.gov.

The campground gives you easy access to tons of outdoor fun at Diamond Lake. Two boat ramps make it simple to get out on the water. Fish fans will love the fish cleaning station after catching rainbow trout from the stocked lake.

RV campers can use the dump station on site. The rules keep things nice for all – quiet hours run from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., and dogs must stay on leashes. You can stay up to 14 days at a time.

The natural beauty around Diamond Lake Campground will take your breath away with its clear waters and forest views.

Natural Features and Scenic Beauty

Now that you know the basics of Diamond Lake Campground, let’s talk about what makes this place truly magical. The campground sits in a perfect spot with jaw-dropping views of the lake at every turn.

Tall pine trees create cool shade over campsites while letting golden sunlight peek through. The clear blue water of the lake reflects Mt. Thielsen’s sharp peak, making for photos your friends will envy.

Many campers wake up early just to catch the morning mist rising off the water as the sun comes up.

The 11-mile paved trail around the lake offers the best way to see all this beauty up close. This path is great for walking or biking with kids of all ages. You’ll pass through old growth forests with trees that have stood for hundreds of years.

Look for rainbow trout jumping in the lake as you walk! The nearby Rogue-Umpqua National Scenic Byway gives families even more chances to see amazing sights. From wildflower fields in spring to bright red and orange leaves in fall, the natural beauty here changes with each season but never stops being amazing.

Recreational Activities Available at Diamond Lake Campground

Diamond Lake Campground offers fun for the whole family. You can enjoy many outdoor activities while staying at this beautiful spot in Umpqua National Forest.

1. Fishing for rainbow trout in the lake – the water gets stocked with over 450,000 baby fish each year!
2. Hiking on amazing trails like the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail that runs through the area.
3. Exploring Mt. Thielsen Trail and Mt. Bailey Trail for great views of the forest.
4. Riding bikes on the paved bicycle trail that goes around the lake.
5. Joining ranger talks and nature programs on weekends to learn about plants and animals.
6. Boating on Diamond Lake using the boat ramps near the campground.
7. Camping with family and friends along the pretty lakeshore.
8. Taking day trips to nearby Crater Lake National Park to see the deep blue water.
9. Visiting other nearby spots like Thielsen View Campground and Broken Arrow Campground.
10. Swimming in the cool, clear lake water on hot summer days.

Conclusion

Diamond Lake Campground waits for your next trip to Umpqua National Forest. The mix of lake views, forest trails, and outdoor fun makes it a top spot for families. Pack your gear for fishing rainbow trout, hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, or just sitting by the fire.

Take time to visit nearby Crater Lake National Park too. Your next great outdoor story starts here at this gem in Oregon’s wild spaces.

FAQs

1. What makes Diamond Lake Campground special?

Diamond Lake Campground sits in the pretty Umpqua National Forest. It has flush toilets, drinking water, and picnic tables for all campers. The lake views and nearby hiking trails make it a top spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

2. Can I fish at Diamond Lake?

Yes! Diamond Lake is famous for its rainbow trout. Fishing is a big draw for campers who want to catch their dinner. The lake has boat ramps too.

3. What hiking options are near Diamond Lake Campground?

Hikers love the trails around Diamond Lake. The Pacific Crest Trail passes nearby, offering amazing views. You can take short walks or long hikes through wilderness areas.

4. How close is Crater Lake National Park?

Crater Lake National Park is just a short drive from Diamond Lake Campground. Many campers use Diamond Lake as a base camp for day trips to see the famous blue waters of Crater Lake.

5. Are RVs allowed at Diamond Lake Campground?

Recreation vehicles are welcome at Diamond Lake Campground. There’s an extra vehicle fee for additional cars. The camp sites can fit most RVs, but bigger rigs might want to check space limits first.

6. What other campgrounds are near Diamond Lake?

Broken Arrow Campground is close by and offers a quieter option. Lemolo Lake has camping spots too. If Diamond Lake Resort is full, these places make good backups for your forest adventure.