Little Crater Lake

Star4.33
79 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

3,300 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open May 23 - Septem...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Mount Hood Recreation site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Little Crater Lake
$25.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard sites cost $25.00 per night during peak season (May 23 - September 21, 2025), with an additional $2 holiday fee. Utility hookups are not...
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Standard Site Fee$25.00
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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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 79 reviews

86 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulhikingwater

"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."

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Campground Map

Little Crater Lake

45.1484, -121.7455

Driving directionsFrom Sandy, travel east on Highway 26 for approximately 40 miles to Skyline Road (Road 42). Turn right and travel south for 4 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 58 and travel 2 miles to the campground.
The road to the campground is challenging, with deep holes and uneven terrain as noted in user reviews. One review by Oleg Litvinov states, 'First of all, the road to the campground is bad, a lot of deep holes, so, just be prepared for this.' Seasonal access may be impacted by snow as mentioned in user reviews.

Best Time to Camp at Little Crater Lake

Summer transforms this mountain retreat into a paradise of mild temperatures and crystal-clear skies, drawing visitors to experience the forest at its most welcoming. While winter brings a blanket of snow and crisp mountain air that limits access, the warmer months from June through September offer perfect conditions for exploration. Morning mist gives way to sunny afternoons ideal for hiking, while cool evenings invite campfire gatherings under star-filled skies.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 12% in OR

Summer is peak season: mild temps, accessible trails and clear skies; reviews favor summer visits.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through Sep 21; early fall can be pleasant but season is short and bugs noted in summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground opens May 23; spring access before opening is generally limited due to snow.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Winter access is limited/closed; campground reservation season is May 23–Sep 21.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 21, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 23 - September 21, 2025 for reservations.
  • Current Alerts: Fire bans may be implemented during hot, dry conditions. Seasonal road access limitations due to snow are noted in user reviews.

About Little Crater Lake

Tucked away in the enchanting Mt. Hood National Forest, Little Crater Lake Campground invites outdoor enthusiasts to discover a hidden gem where turquoise waters meet towering evergreens. This intimate campground serves as your gateway to two of Oregon's most captivating natural wonders: the mysterious Little Crater Lake with its impossibly blue waters, and the expansive Timothy Lake just a short journey away. Whether you're pitching a tent beneath ancient firs or settling your RV into a cozy spot surrounded by wetlands teeming with life, you'll find yourself immersed in the tranquil beauty of the Pacific Northwest wilderness.
The Little Crater Lake Campground accommodates a mix of tent camping and small RV camping. There are no group camping sites or cabins available.
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Reserving a campsite

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

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingThe 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.'
FishingFishing is allowed at Timothy Lake, which is about a 20-minute walk from the campground. Anglers can expect Kokanee salmon and a variety of stocked trout.
Wildlife viewingCampers can enjoy observing local wildlife such as deer, as well as birds in the meadow surrounding the campground. A reviewer noted, 'Deer walked right through our camp at night, with tons of wildlife everywhere.'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes can be abundant, especially near marsh areas, as noted in user reviews. The uneven terrain and exposed roots in some campsites pose challenges.
Active AlertsFire bans may be implemented during hot, dry conditions. Seasonal road access limitations due to snow are noted in user reviews.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Little Crater Lake

Reviews

4.3
79 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Little Crater Lake is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 79 reviews

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...
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Based on 79 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...
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Based on 79 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...
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Based on 79 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...
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Based on 79 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...
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Based on 79 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 5: Not suitable for large family tents. Site 7: Perfect for families, close to the bathroom but not too close. Site 10: Spacious but close to neighboring sites, making it less private. Site 13:...
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Based on 79 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 79 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews address pet-related policies or experiences.
Based on 79 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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