Deschutes National Forest - Little Crater Campground

Area Status: Closed

Little Crater Campsite

This is one of the most popular campgrounds in all the Deschutes Forest. Be sure to arrive early, because this campground tends to fill by Thursday afternoon for most weekends. The two lakes in the Newberry Monument area are two of the most popular places to camp in Oregon. The lakes may be a bit cold for swimming, but are great for fishing and the views across the lakes are spectacular as they are located in the center of a sleeping volcano, and you are camping on the lake edge with towering sides of the cone around you. Volcanic rock is within site all through the Monument area with some great hikes available through the lava and to nearby waterfalls. The 50 Little Crater sites specifically are on a fairly thin ledge right on the lake and all the campground sites are within a minute walk to the water. The sites are ample sized and most are good for both tents or RV and trailers. There is an RV dump station near the entry of Paulina Lake Campground. next to Paulina Lake, 953.

For a map of the campground go here.

There is a boat launch within this campground.

At a Glance

Reservations:	Reservations can be made online at Recreation.gov or by calling toll free 1-877-444-6777 (International 606-515-6777 or TDD 877-833-6777).
Fees	Per night, per site fee: $18/first vehicle; $9/each additional vehicle. Dump Station near the entrance to Paulina Campground: $10.
Open Season:	May 24 - October 20
Usage:	Heavy
Restrictions:	Maximum site spur length is 30 feet.
Water:	Potable Water
Restroom:	Vault Toilet
Passes:	A valid Recreation Pass is required at Little Crater Boating and Picnic Site from May 1 through September 30.
Operated By:	Deschutes National Forest
Information Center:	Located within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument on the Deschutes National Forest.

General Information

Directions:

From Bend, OR: Travel 23.5 miles south on Highway 97, then 14.5 miles east on Road 21, and 0.5 miles north on Forest Road 2100 570.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Camping & Cabins

HIDE

Campground Camping

This is one of the most popular campgrounds in all the Deschutes Forest. Be sure to arrive early, because this campground tends to fill by Thursday afternoon for most weekends. The two lakes in the Newberry Monument area are two of the most popular places to camp in Oregon. The lakes may be a bit cold for swimming, but are great for fishing and the views across the lakes are spectacular as they are located in the center of an extinct volcano, and you are camping on the lake edge with towering sides of the cone around you. Volcanic rock is within site all through the Monument area with some great hikes available through the lava and to nearby waterfalls. The 50 Little Crater sites specifically are on a fairly thin ledge right on the lake and all the campground sites are within a minute walk to the water. The sites are ample sized and most are good for both tents or RV and trailers. There is an RV dump station near the entry of Paulina Lake Campground.