How much does camping cost at Little Lava Lake?

Camping fees at Little Lava Lake range from $25-$128/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Little Lava Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Little Lava Lake operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Little Lava Lake before I book?

Yes! Little Lava Lake has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Little Lava Lake?

Little Lava Lake is open May 15 to October 16. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Little Lava Lake?

Little Lava Lake does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Little Lava Lake?

Pets are not allowed at Little Lava Lake. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What activities can I do at Little Lava Lake?

Popular activities at Little Lava Lake include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Little Lava Lake

4.49

72 reviews

Little Lava Lake

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,740 ft

Price

$25 - $128/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Deschutes National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,740 ft

Price

$25 - $128/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Deschutes National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Little Lava Lake

$25.00 - $128.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $126.00 (+$2.00 holiday); PREMIUM DOUBLE SITE: $54.00 (+$2.00 holiday); PREMIUM SITE : $27.00 (+$2.00 holiday);...

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-323-1746

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Little Lava Lake

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Little Lava Lake

43.9101, -121.7617

Nearby places

Bend, OR — 38.4 miles (as described in driving directions).

Weather at Little Lava Lake

Best Time to Camp at Little Lava Lake

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for swimming, paddling, and easy hikes — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s°F (around 65–82°F) and cool nights in the 30s–40s°F. Little Lava Lake’s shallow, calm water is at its warmest in July–August, making boating, fishing for trout, and family-friendly swimming/paddling ideal. These months have the fullest access along the Cascade Lakes Byway and the most campground services, though weekends can be busy so reserve early. Peak months: August, July, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warmest, most reliable season; lake best for swimming/paddling in July–Aug.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 16. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Little Lava Lake

Little Lava Lake Campground sits among lodgepole pines along the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway at 4,740 feet. The small, uncrowded campground draws visitors for its calm lake access, quiet atmosphere (generators aren't common), and spacious sites with good privacy. Many sites sit directly on the water or along the Deschutes River, which starts its journey here.

The campground offers developed campsites primarily beneath lodgepole pines, with some sites located along the lakeshore and the Deschutes River. Specific site-type classifications (tent, RV, group sites, cabins, glamping) are not stated.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for swimming, paddling, and easy hikes — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s°F (around 65–82°F) and cool nights in the 30s–40s°F. Little Lava Lake’s shallow, calm water is at its warmest in July–August, making boating, fishing for trout, and family-friendly swimming/paddling ideal. These months have the fullest access along the Cascade Lakes Byway and the most campground services, though weekends can be busy so reserve early. Peak months: August, July, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation4740 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLittle Lava Lake spreads across 130 acres of shallow, green-tinted water, reaching just 20 feet at its deepest point. Ancient lava flows shaped the surrounding terrain, leaving outcroppings among the mature pines. Cattails and bull rushes line the shoreline. The campground's position on the eastern Cascade slopes provides views of forested ridges, with morning mist rising off the lake and alpenglow on the surrounding peaks at dusk. The shallow, calm water suits kayaking and paddling, though late summer can bring more algae and murkier conditions.

Lodging & AccommodationsA nearby resort on Lava Lake offers lodging and a limited selection of groceries; the campground description does not state on-site lodging.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov Contact Center (Recreation.gov)

Site SizeSites are mostly shaded under lodgepole pine canopy; some sites are lakeshore or riverfront.

PrivacyMany sites are forested which provides shade and some privacy; specific site separation not described.

Recommended SitesMost campsites are beneath lodgepole pine canopy; choose lakeshore or Deschutes River sites for closer water access. A boat ramp and day-use area are available on the lake.

Best CampsitesSite 12 and the double site 9 sit directly on the lake with easy kayak access and good views. Lakeside sites generally provide the quietest experience and best water access. Site 14 can be challenging to back a longer rig into (27-foot trailers have struggled), so those with bigger rigs should choose carefully.

Amenities available

Campsites are predominantly located under a lodgepole pine canopy, with some sites along the lakeshore and the Deschutes River. The campground provides a boat ramp and a day-use area (both available for a fee).

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Recreation opportunities include fishing, paddling/boating, swimming and hiking. The lake and surrounding Deschutes National Forest trail network and nearby attractions support day use and water-based recreation.

Fishing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

72 reviews

Recommended

Little Lava Lake is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing a quiet, peaceful campground with beautiful lake and mountain scenery. Campers appreciate the spacious, well-separated sites, good access to the water for kayaks/boats, and generally clean pit toilets, with only a few minor complaints about bathroom odor, algae, and occasional noise from other visitors.

Review Summaries

Based on 72 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 72 reviews.

Site 12Loved
Site 12 is repeatedly highlighted as one of the closest to the lake, with a lake view and easy walk to launch a kayak, and is described as quiet when…
Site 9Mentioned
Site 9-Multi (double site) allows direct kayak launch from right behind the campsite and offers shoreline storage for boats.
Site 14Issues noted
Site 14 is noted as difficult to get into with a 27' travel trailer and is not on the water, while site 5 is near a lone bathroom that smelled particularly…

What Campers Love

Campers love the tranquil, quiet atmosphere and lack of generators, especially at sites near the lake. The lake itself is praised as beautiful, green-colored, and great for kayaking, paddling, and...

Based on 72 reviews

Common Concerns

A recurring issue is bathroom quality: while pit toilets are described as generally clean, several reviewers note strong odors, and one mentions a particularly bad smell near site 5. A few reviewers...

Based on 72 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers suggest choosing lakeside sites such as #12 or the double/multi site #9 if you want direct water access for kayaks and nice views. Be prepared for pit toilets (no flush) and occasional...

Based on 72 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Several August reviews note the lake can be mucky or heavily covered with algae during hot weather, affecting swimming and some boating enjoyment. An October review mentions strong bathroom odors and...

Based on 72 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Quiet. THANK THE GREAT CAMPING GODS THERE WERE NO GENERATORS IN USE, SO BEAUTIFULLY QUIET." "Little Lava Lake campground is small and each site is large and spaced away from any adjoining sites....

Based on 72 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Kayakers and paddlers get the most out of this place. Site 9-Multi lets you launch directly from camp; site 12 puts you steps from the water with lake views. The shallow, green-tinted 130-acre lake fishes well for planted rainbow trout all summer, and generators are rare enough t

Skip if

Flush toilets are a hard requirement for your group. Pit toilets are the only option, and the one near site 5 drew repeated odor complaints. Late-summer visits also risk algae making the water murky, so swimming expectations should be low by August.

Nearby Campgrounds

63095 Deschutes Market Road, Bend, OR, 97701, USA

Lava Lake Campground sits in the Deschutes National Forest near Bend, offering views of Mount Bachelor, South Sister, and Broken Top from its lakeside setting. Operated by the Deschutes National Forest, this mid-sized campground provides tent and RV sites with amenities including showers, a dump station, and a camp store. Visitors fish, boat, and hike the surrounding volcanic landscape and pine forests during the seasonal operating window.