How much does camping cost at Little Crater Campground?

Camping fees at Little Crater Campground are $27 - $29/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Little Crater Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Little Crater Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Little Crater Campground before I book?

Yes! Little Crater Campground has 10 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.

What is the best time to visit Little Crater Campground?

Little Crater Campground is open June 12 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 Crater Campground?

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

How many campsites does Little Crater Campground have?

Little Crater Campground has 49 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Little Crater Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Little Crater Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Little Crater Campground?

Little Crater Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Little Crater Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Little Crater Campground?

Fire policies at Little Crater Campground: Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.40

367 reviews

Little Crater Campground

C+Report Card

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,352 ft

Price

$27 - $29/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

49 campsites

Season

Open and reservable ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

6,352 ft

Price

$27 - $29/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

49 campsites

Season

Open and reservable ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Little Crater Campground

$27.00 - $29.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $27.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-383-5300

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Little Crater Campground

43.7122, -121.2433

Weather at Little Crater Campground

Current alerts(9)

Boat launch parking is for day use only and requires a recreation fee separate from camping fees. Park your boat trailers and vehicles at your campsite please.
Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive calendar days is prohibited.
Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests.
During your time in Central Oregon, you can find wildfire, prescribed fire and smoke information at centraloregonfire.org

Best Time to Camp at Little Crater Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable window for lake activities and full campground services—expect warm, sunny days (typically highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s °F at 6,300+ ft, with cool nights in the 30s–40s). Boating, swimming, paddling, and consistently good fishing are at their peak, and trailheads are fully accessible. Expect the busiest crowds in July–early August and make reservations early; bring layers for chilly nights and be prepared for occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Late spring/early fall praised for fewer crowds, warm days/cool nights and beautiful scenery.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 12 to October 16. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open and reservable June 13 - September 27. Closed for reservations October 18 - June 12. First-come, first-served availability during off-peak dates (September 28 - October 18).

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Little Crater Campground

Little Crater Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Deschutes National Forest, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. This moderately priced campground offers lakeside tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for lake activities, fishing, and trail access during the summer season.

Little Crater Campground offers a mix of camping options, including tent camping, RV camping, and opportunities for group stays. The majority of sites are non-electric and situated close to the lake.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable window for lake activities and full campground services—expect warm, sunny days (typically highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s °F at 6,300+ ft, with cool nights in the 30s–40s). Boating, swimming, paddling, and consistently good fishing are at their peak, and trailheads are fully accessible. Expect the busiest crowds in July–early August and make reservations early; bring layers for chilly nights and be prepared for occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6352 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a ledge along Paulina Lake, one of two lakes inside Newberry Volcano's massive caldera. Geothermal hot springs feed both lakes along with rainfall and snowmelt. The surrounding landscape shows Oregon's volcanic past through obsidian flows, pumice fields, and cinder cones, now reclaimed by pine and fir forests. Views stretch across the lake to the caldera rim. Wildlife includes deer, porcupines, and occasional black bears. Bighorn sheep navigate rocky outcrops higher up. Paulina Creek drops over a twin waterfall a short distance away.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or other structured accommodations available within the campground. Camping is the primary form of lodging.

Programs & ActivitiesSpecific cultural or educational programs were not mentioned in the source materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Visitors may stay up to 14 consecutive days at the campground. A maximum of 28 days per year is allowed in total.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or their app.

Site SizeCampsites are described as ample in size, suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs. Several reviewers noted that the sites are roomy, although some had leveling challenges.

PrivacyPrivacy levels at campsites vary, with some being wide open (especially near the lake), while others offer more seclusion among the trees. "Many of the sites are quite wide open—especially the ones on the water.

Total Campsites49 campsites

Recommended SitesSites closer to the lake are highly recommended for the best scenic views, though they lack privacy. Tent campers are advised to opt for less crowded areas.

Best CampsitesLakefront sites offer the best views but tend to be wide open with minimal privacy. Sites set back in the trees provide more seclusion. Several reviewers noted that sites are roomy overall, though some have leveling challenges for RVs and trailers. Book early to secure lakefront spots.

Need help booking Little Crater Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Little Crater Campground offers a range of amenities for campers while maintaining a relatively natural setting. It features potable water and vault toilets, as well as picnic tables and fire rings at individual sites. "Drinking water is available" and vault toilets are "spaced conveniently throughout the campground." Additionally, the campground provides access to a boat ramp and shoreline trails. However, there are no shower facilities or electrical hookups, which may impact those seeking more convenience. Some reviews noted maintenance concerns, particularly with the cleanliness of vault toilets at certain times.

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Little Crater Campground

Little Crater Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Popular activities include hiking, bird watching, bicycling, sightseeing, boating, kayaking, swimming, fishing, and access to nearby trails. The unique volcanic setting adds an educational component to the experience, with visitors able to explore and learn about the area's geological features.

Hiking4.0/5

Multiple trails accessible from the campground, including the Little Crater Trail and shoreline routes.

Boating4.0/5

Boating is a major draw with a boat ramp; paddle boarding and motor boating are common activities.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Area noted for deer, porcupines, bats and migratory birds; wildlife watching is a common activity.

Water Sports4.0/5

Kayaking is frequently praised; campground sits directly on Paulina Lake shore with easy access.

Winter Activities2.0/5

High elevation and seasonal closures/limited services; snow limits winter activities at the site.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation, remote Deschutes NF location implies good dark-sky potential (not explicitly stated).

Photography5.0/5Scenic lake vistas, volcanic obsidian/pumice features and wildlife provide strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground relies on vault toilets.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Fire PolicyFire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, although specific details about location and pickup schedules were not provided.

Cell CoverageCell service is limited to texts only, with no capability for voice calls in the area.

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.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

367 reviews

Recommended

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

Little Crater Campground receives generally positive feedback for its scenic location and proximity to Paulina Lake. However, complaints about maintenance issues and the absence of a campground host at times suggest inconsistent management.

Review Summaries

Based on 367 reviews

What Campers Love

Many visitors highlight the "beautiful lake views" and excellent access to outdoor activities. The campground is described as "spacious," "well-maintained," and "offering great recreational...

Based on 367 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative reviews point to issues with unclean vault toilets, noisy neighbors, and limited privacy in certain areas. The absence of a camp host at times and double-booking of campsites were recurring...

Based on 367 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #28 is particularly praised for its direct lake access, but reviewers note it's uneven for trailers. Sites closer to the boat ramp can be noisy in the mornings due to trucks and boats.

Based on 367 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers recommend booking early to secure lakefront sites and bringing firewood due to availability issues. Visitors also suggest exploring the Little Crater Rim Trail and nearby hot springs.

Based on 367 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, but it can be crowded with RVs and noisy generators. Late spring and early fall are praised for fewer crowds and cooler weather, though snow and cold nights are...

Based on 367 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The lake is beautiful and the day use may be a better option." - Madeline D. 2. "You really have to book way ahead to get the good sites." - Gerald C. 3. "This campground has to be the most...

Based on 367 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features and reviews specific to campers with disabilities were not detailed.

Based on 367 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and complaints about off-leash dogs were noted. "One of the other campers...confronted them to ask them to keep dogs on leash and control the barking." - Tom R.

Based on 367 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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Little Crater Campground

$27.00 - $29.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $27.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.