How much does camping cost at Little Crater Lake?

Camping fees at Little Crater Lake are $26/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Little Crater Lake 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 Lake before I book?

Yes! Little Crater Lake has 5 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 Crater Lake?

Little Crater Lake is open May 22 to September 21. 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 Lake?

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

How many campsites does Little Crater Lake have?

Little Crater Lake has 14 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 Lake?

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

What amenities are available at Little Crater Lake?

Little Crater Lake offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Little Crater Lake?

Popular activities at Little Crater Lake include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Little Crater Lake

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

Fire policies at Little Crater Lake: 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.

4.20

88 reviews

CReport Card

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

3,300 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open May 23 - Septem...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Mount Hood Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,300 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open May 23 - Septem...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Mount Hood Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Little Crater Lake

$26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $26.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $26.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

503-630-5721jacob@alaskarm.com

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Campground Map

Little Crater Lake

45.1484, -121.7455

Weather at Little Crater Lake

Current alerts(6)

Click here for more information on Mt. Hood National Forest
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.
In accordance with standard industry practices, Mount Hood Recreation will be assessing an additional vehicle fee on the second vehicle in each single family campsite, and on the third and fourth vehicle in any double family campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined to…
Off-road vehicle use is prohibited within the campground

Best Time to Camp at Little Crater Lake

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best weather for exploring Little Crater Lake’s turquoise spring and nearby Timothy Lake — expect warm, sunny days (typically 65–80°F) and cool nights (around 40–50°F). Trails are snow-free, fishing and wildlife viewing are at their peak, and the forest is at its most inviting for day hikes and shoreline strolls. Weekends and holiday weeks can be busier at this intimate campground, and late-summer visitors should watch for potential fire closures or Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season per description; open and accessible May–Sept with warm weather ideal for exploring.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 21. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23 - September 21, 2025 for reservations.

About Little Crater Lake

Little Crater Lake sits in the Mt. Hood National Forest foothills, operated by Mount Hood Recreation as a small seasonal campground serving tent and RV campers. The turquoise spring that gives the campground its name is a short walk from sites, and the Pacific Crest Trail passes nearby. Visitors come for fishing at Timothy Lake, wildlife viewing, and day hikes through the surrounding forest.

The Little Crater Lake Campground accommodates a mix of tent camping and small RV camping. There are no group camping sites or cabins available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best weather for exploring Little Crater Lake’s turquoise spring and nearby Timothy Lake — expect warm, sunny days (typically 65–80°F) and cool nights (around 40–50°F). Trails are snow-free, fishing and wildlife viewing are at their peak, and the forest is at its most inviting for day hikes and shoreline strolls. Weekends and holiday weeks can be busier at this intimate campground, and late-summer visitors should watch for potential fire closures or Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation3300 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense evergreen forests mix with wetland habitats across this volcanic landscape. Little Crater Lake itself is an artesian-fed spring that holds a constant 34 degrees year-round, with visibility extending 45 feet through turquoise water that reviewers describe as breathtaking. The surrounding terrain combines moss-draped trees, volcanic rock formations, and marshlands that attract black-tailed deer and songbirds. Timothy Lake sits half a mile away via the PCT. The forest floor is uneven and root-laced in places, which affects tent setup at some sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style or other lodging accommodations on-site.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights during a visit and within a rolling 30-day period.

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.

AccessibilityThe campground has accessible vault toilets and a relatively flat trail leading to Little Crater Lake, making it accessible for elderly and small children.

Site SizeVaried sizes, reportedly spacious. Some are better suited for smaller tents or hammocks due to roots and uneven surfaces. Site 5 is noted as unsuitable for large family tents.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some sites are well-separated, while others are close to neighboring sites. For instance, site 10 was described as 'a little close to the next site over and out in the open.

Total Campsites14 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsite 013 is noted for its spaciousness and proximity to trails. Campsite 010 offers direct access to Little Crater Lake and ample privacy.

Best CampsitesSites 13 and 10 get frequent mentions for scenery and quiet, though site 10 sits close to its neighbor and lacks privacy screening. Site 5 doesn't work for large family tents due to ground conditions.

Need help booking Little Crater Lake?

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

The Little Crater Lake Campground offers a variety of amenities designed to accommodate campers. These include accessible vault toilets, a hand-pump water spigot near the campground entrance, picnic tables, fire rings with grills, and parking surfaces of grass, dirt, and irregular shapes. While utility hookups are not available, the site provides basic essentials for a rustic camping experience. A central water source is available, but users may need to drive to it from some campsites. The absence of trash cans means campers must haul out their own garbage. Reviews point to maintenance issues such as the vault toilets sometimes being dirty or out of supplies. Additionally, there are no camp stores, laundry facilities, or Wi-Fi on-site. Cell phone service is reportedly unavailable, so campers should plan accordingly.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Little Crater Lake

Campers at Little Crater Lake Campground have a range of outdoor activities to enjoy, including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and exploring the nearby Little Crater Lake and Timothy Lake. The campground connects to the Pacific Crest Trail, providing access to extended hiking opportunities. Wildlife, such as deer, is commonly observed, and the surrounding area offers opportunities for birdwatching and huckleberry picking. However, swimming is not allowed in Little Crater Lake.

Hiking4.0/5

The campground provides direct access to a short trail leading to Little Crater Lake and connects to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. Hikes to Timothy Lake and other scenic spots are popular. Reviews highlight the ease of the trails and their maintenance, although some sections of the access trail need repairs, as noted by a reviewer: 'The access trail is in need of some repairs. Some boards have broken through and large nails are sticking up in a couple places.'

Fishing4.0/5

Fishing at nearby Timothy Lake (~20-min walk) with Kokanee salmon and stocked trout noted.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.5/5Turquoise lake with ~45 ft visibility, forest and meadow settings, and good night skies for shots.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; only accessible vault toilets are provided.

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).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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 & RecyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities available on-site. Campers must haul out their own trash, as emphasized by a reviewer who stated, 'There are no trash cans on site so you’ll have to haul your trash out.'

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

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From Booking Sources

4.2

88 reviews

Satisfactory

Little Crater Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews consistently praise the campground's natural beauty, including the crystal-clear waters of Little Crater Lake, its proximity to the Pacific Crest Trail, and its quiet, peaceful atmosphere. However, issues such as poorly maintained roads leading to the campground, mosquitoes, and occasional maintenance problems (e.g., vault toilets being dirty) have been noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 88 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 88 reviews.

Site 7Loved
Site 7: Perfect for families, close to the bathroom but not too close.
Site 10Loved
Site 10: Spacious but close to neighboring sites, making it less private.
Site 13Loved
Site 13: Described as quiet and peaceful.
Site 5Mentioned
Site 5: Not suitable for large family tents.

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the scenic beauty of the area, the clear waters of Little Crater Lake, and the proximity to hiking trails like the Pacific Crest Trail. One reviewer called it 'the most peaceful...

Based on 88 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poor road conditions leading to the campground, mosquitoes, and maintenance issues such as vault toilets not being cleaned regularly or running out of toilet paper. Some...

Based on 88 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Many reviewers recommend bringing plenty of water due to the difficulty of using the manual water pump. Others suggest bringing mosquito repellent and preparing for uneven ground. Campers also...

Based on 88 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are popular due to the accessible trails and nearby lakes, but mosquitoes are a frequent issue. During winter, access to the campground may be restricted due to snow, and the area is...

Based on 88 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The water in the lake is super clear and cold, not many lakes allow you to see the bottom.' 2. 'The road to the campground is bad, a lot of deep holes, so, just be prepared for this. But the...

Based on 88 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground is described as accessible, with flat trails leading to Little Crater Lake. However, some trails and facilities may require maintenance or repairs.

Based on 88 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews address pet-related policies or experiences.

Based on 88 reviews

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Little Crater Lake

$26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $26.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $26.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite 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

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

503-630-5721jacob@alaskarm.com

Go if

You want scenic forest camping with easy access to a unique natural spring and trail connections to Timothy Lake.

Skip if

You're sensitive to mosquitoes or need reliably maintained vault toilets and smooth access roads.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

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North Arm Campground (Timothy Lake, Or)

Mt. Hood National Forest

North Arm Campground sits on the northern shore of Timothy Lake in Mt. Hood National Forest, operated by Portland General Electric in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service. The small campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers fish, boat, hike, and bike along the lake, with spacious sites and direct water access drawing consistent praise for cleanliness and natural beauty.

Little Crater Lake

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Best Time to Camp at Little Crater Lake

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About Little Crater Lake

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Amenities available

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Best Time to Camp at Little Crater Lake

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Amenities available

Things to do at Little Crater Lake

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

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What Campers Love

Common Concerns