Lava Camp Lake Campground

Star0
4 reviews
Lava Camp Lake Campground, Sisters, OR
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

5,300 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Seasonal operation: ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Deschutes National Forest site

Official Website
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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

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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 4 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."

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Campground Map

Lava Camp Lake Campground, Sisters, OR

Lava Camp Lake Campground

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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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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season (May 16–Sep 1) with services available; ideal for hiking and boating.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through Oct 19; high-elevation fall color and solitude likely but services taper off.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens mid-May; early spring may be snowy and services (water) come on later.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 16–Oct 19; winter use not supported by services.

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.
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Stay Limit
14 days

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.
HikingThe 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.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is permitted. The campground has carry-down boat access for Lava Camp Lake.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential 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.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Lava Camp Lake Campground

Reviews

0.0
4 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited 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 4 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...
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Based on 4 reviews

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 4 reviews

Pro 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...
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Based on 4 reviews

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...
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Based on 4 reviews

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...
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Based on 4 reviews

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 4 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 4 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews specifically mention pet policies or experiences with pets at the campground.
Based on 4 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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