Lava Camp Lake Campground
02 reviewsLava Camp Lake Campground, Sisters, OR
Quick Facts
5,300 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
11 campsites
Season
Seasonal operation: ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
5,300 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
11 campsites
Season
Seasonal operation: ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Lava Camp Lake Campground
$0.00 - $28.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single campsite rate is $28/night. Additional vehicle fee is $10. Holders of Golden Age and Golden Access Passports as well as Senior and Access...
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Standard Site Fee$28.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$28.00
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What Campers Say
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Limited Reviews
Based on 2 reviews
2 Google reviews
Most mentioned
lakesites
"User reviews depict Lava Camp Lake Campground as a peaceful, picturesque location with some drawbacks due to its primitive nature. Positive reviews highlight the scenic lake views and the spacious, well-separated sites, while negative feedback points to the lack of water and occasional restroom unavailability."
Fees & Passes at Lava Camp Lake Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: 14 days
Cancellation: /null
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Deschutes National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Lava Camp Lake Campground
Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the high Cascades at 5,300 feet. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for the hardy adventurer. As spring arrives, wildflowers burst through melting snowfields in a spectacular display. Summer rewards visitors with crystalline blue skies and refreshingly cool mountain temperatures perfect for hiking and exploring. Autumn paints the landscape in golden hues, though early snowfall can dust the peaks, reminding visitors of nature's ever-changing moods.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 16 - September 1 annually (services available during this period).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Seasonal operation: May 16, 2025 - October 19, 2025.
- Current Alerts: The campground operates seasonally and will close on October 19, 2025. Water systems will be turned off no later than September 30 annually.
About Lava Camp Lake Campground
Escape to the serene wilderness at Lava Camp Lake Campground, where 11 intimate tent sites nestle among towering hemlocks and lodgepole pines. This primitive camping haven offers an authentic back-to-nature experience, serving as your gateway to some of Oregon's most spectacular wilderness areas and the legendary Pacific Crest Trail. Here, the modern world fades away, replaced by the whisper of wind through ancient conifers and the gentle lapping of lake waters.
Lava Camp Lake Campground is a primitive campground catering primarily to tent campers. It offers a wilderness-like experience with 11 tent sites and no RV accommodations.
Historical SignificancePerched near the historic McKenzie Pass, this campground serves as a crucial access point to Oregon's crown jewels - the Mt. Washington and Three Sisters Wildernesses. The legendary Pacific Crest Trail passes nearby, carrying the footsteps of thousands of adventurers on their 2,650-mile journey from Mexico to Canada. This area has long been a crossroads for explorers, from Native American hunting parties to modern-day wilderness enthusiasts seeking solitude and adventure.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the high Cascades at 5,300 feet. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for the hardy adventurer. As spring arrives, wildflowers burst through melting snowfields in a spectacular display. Summer rewards visitors with crystalline blue skies and refreshingly cool mountain temperatures perfect for hiking and exploring. Autumn paints the landscape in golden hues, though early snowfall can dust the peaks, reminding visitors of nature's ever-changing moods.
ElevationAt 5,300 feet above sea level, Lava Camp Lake occupies that sweet spot where mountain meadows meet alpine forests. This elevation creates a unique microclimate where hardy wildflowers bloom alongside ancient conifers, and where summer days are refreshingly cool while nights demand a warm sleeping bag. The thin mountain air adds an extra dimension to your camping experience, making stars appear closer and campfires burn brighter.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where towering hemlocks and lodgepole pines create a natural cathedral around your campsite. The forest here has an almost primordial quality - moss drapes from branches, fallen logs nurse new seedlings, and the understory remains refreshingly open and park-like. Lava Camp Lake mirrors the surrounding forest and sky, offering tranquil vistas that change with each passing cloud. This isn't just camping; it's immersion in a wilderness sanctuary that feels untouched by time.
Geological RegionNestled within a volcanic landscape shaped by ancient lava flows and glacial carving, the campground showcases the raw geological power of the Cascade Range. The surrounding mixed conifer forest of hemlock and lodgepole pine tells a story of ecological succession following volcanic disturbance. Your campsite sits at the doorstep of both the Mt. Washington and Three Sisters Wildernesses, where volcanic peaks, alpine lakes, and lava fields create one of Oregon's most diverse and dramatic geological showcases.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information about accessibility features is provided.
Sites SizeThe maximum site spur length is 40 feet.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are described as being 'nice and spread out,' offering a good level of privacy between campers.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose campsites near the lake for the best views and tranquility.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
14 days
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground offers a wilderness-like layout with rough and rocky access roads and sites screened by lodgepole pine.
Open and Closed SeasonSeasonal operation: May 16, 2025 - October 19, 2025.
Reservation Platforms/null
Walk-in AvailabilityStarting October 1, the campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis until October 19 closing date.
Cancellation Policy/null
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Camping at Lava Camp Lake offers access to hiking and non-motorized boating activities. The area is surrounded by wilderness, providing opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing is not available.
Hiking
The campground provides access to the Lava Camp Lake Trail #4060, which is 1 mile long, and the Millican Lake Trail, which spans 5 miles. Both trails accommodate foot and horse travel and lead into the Three Sisters Wilderness.Boating
Non-motorized boating is permitted. The campground has carry-down boat access for Lava Camp Lake.Winter Activities
No explicit information on winter recreation options is provided.Water Sports
Limited to non-motorized boating such as canoeing or kayaking.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- /null
- Quiet hours are /null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include rough and rocky roads and limited facilities. "No garbage service here so please pack out your trash."
Active alertsThe campground operates seasonally and will close on October 19, 2025. Water systems will be turned off no later than September 30 annually.
Weather at Lava Camp Lake Campground
37
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Slight rain
Precipitation: 2%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 100%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 22.9 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Very Light Rain - (2.00% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Slight rain
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16 - September 1 annually (services available during this period).
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not available. Campers must pack out their trash.
Proximity to water featuresSituated next to Lava Camp Lake, a 5-acre tranquil lake.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention locked toilets during certain times of the year and the absence of potable water.
Host/null
Campground Map
Lava Camp Lake Campground, Sisters, OR
Driving directionsFrom Sisters, OR, take State Rt. 242 west 13.9 miles to Lava Camp Lake sign. Turn left onto Forest Rt. 900 (dirt) and go 0.3 miles to campground.
The campground is accessible via a rough and rocky dirt road, providing a wilderness-like camping experience without the need to hike in. "The road up is also something to be mentioned. It is a bit rough but I was able to get through in my chevy cruze sedan. Just take it nice and slow." (Salma, user review).Nearby places
Sisters, OR: 13.9 miles
Nearby supplies
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Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
2 reviews
Lava Camp Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews depict Lava Camp Lake Campground as a peaceful, picturesque location with some drawbacks due to its primitive nature. Positive reviews highlight the scenic lake views and the spacious, well-separated sites, while negative feedback points to the lack of water and occasional restroom unavailability.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
'Lovely free campground with 14-day stay limit. Campsites are nice and spread out from one another and have fire pits and picnic benches.' Another user added, 'Our site was right in front of the lake...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most common complaints include the lack of potable water and issues with restroom availability. For instance, one user noted, 'No water, and the toilets were locked.'
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own water and to be prepared for a rough, rocky access road. One user shared, 'The road up is also something to be mentioned. It is a bit rough but I was able to...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal limitations include water systems being turned on only during warmer months and services being provided primarily from early June through September. The campground is first-come, first-serve...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
'Lovely free campground with 14-day stay limit. Campsites are nice and spread out from one another and have fire pits and picnic benches.' - Salma. 'No water, and the toilets were locked... Only good...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites are not mentioned in user reviews, but one camper noted that their site, situated directly in front of the lake, provided stunning sunset views.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews specifically mention pet policies or experiences with pets at the campground.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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