Camping at Diamond Lake, OR

Lakeside Bliss: A Guide to Camping at Diamond Lake, Oregon

If you’re looking for the quintessential Pacific Northwest camping experience this summer, look no further than Diamond Lake. Tucked away in the Umpqua National Forest, this spot is a dream for families who love a mix of rugged beauty and just enough "civilization" to keep things comfortable.

Whether you’re rolling in with a travel trailer like our 2018 Hideout Bunkhouse or pitching a tent, Diamond Lake offers a sense of peace that’s hard to beat.

The campground typically opens in June due to average snowfall in the area.

*This post contains an affiliate link

The Campground: Rustic but Refined

The National Forest campground at Diamond Lake is the perfect middle ground for campers. While it doesn't offer hookups (meaning no power, water, or sewer at your site), it’s far from "roughing it" in the traditional sense.

The facilities are surprisingly great:

• Flush Toilets: A huge win for families with kids!

• Pristine Water: There are several water fill stations throughout the loops. This is some of the most crisp, delicious mountain drinking water you’ll ever taste—no filter required.

• The Views: Most sites are designed with the lake in mind. You’ll likely wake up to a view of the water and have a direct path to the shore for a morning swim or a quiet spot to cast a line.

• Dump Station: There's a dump station by the entrance so you can tidy up before departing back home

Boondocking Your RV at Diamond Lake

Since there are no hookups, you’ll be boondocking (also known as dry camping). For a successful trip in an RV, preparation is key:

1. Power Management: Conserve your battery for essentials like the water pump and lights. If you have solar panels, the dappled sunlight through the pines usually provides a decent charge. We travel with a Honda generator, click here for a direct link to the one we use, which allows for extra creature comforts if and when we want them.

   For example, it'll power a blower to fill up air mattresses or water floaties or the toaster or the coffee maker. If the weather turns on us it'll also power the DVD player for the kids to have a rest time.

   We keep a collection of mostly 90's DVD's in our camper with a couple of new additions from the 2000's through today.

2. Water Wisdom: Fill your fresh water tank before you leave home. Since you won't have a sewer hookup, be mindful of your "grey water" (sink and shower) to ensure your tanks last the duration of your stay.

3. Cooling Off: Without AC, you'll rely on the mountain breeze. Open those windows at night and let the forest air cool the rig down.

Adventure Around Every Corner

The highlight for our family was the 11-mile paved bike path. It circles the entire lake and is impressively flat, making it perfect for kids. It winds through different sections of the forest, offering changing scenery and a great workout without the grueling inclines.

The lake itself is a fisherman’s paradise. The water is crystal clear and full of life—my husband even managed to pull in a beautiful brown trout during our last outing!

A Touch of Resort Life

If you need a break from campfire cooking, head to the north end of the

lake to the Diamond Lake Resort. It’s a great home base for those

who want a little more "glam" in their camping.

They have:

• A full market for forgotten essentials.

• A restaurant and lodge for a hot meal.

• Boat rentals if you want to get out into the deeper water.

• A dedicated swimming area with a beach.

Keeping It Real - Bugs

No campsite is perfect, and if there’s one downside to Diamond Lake, it’s the bugs. Depending on the time of year and the recent weather, the mosquitoes can be thick. Pack the heavy-duty spray and maybe a screen tent for your picnic table so you can enjoy your dinner in peace. We lucked out because there were really minimal mosquitos but we've heard that's not always the case.

Diamond Lake is one of those places that stays with you. From the sunrise over the water to the smell of the lodgepole pines, it’s the perfect place to unplug and reconnect with the PNW. We like to mix in a boondocking trip or two each year to truly unplugged and reconnect with each other and nature.