Little Crater Campground
Closed for the winter season. Based on prior years, the campground typically opens in mid-June depending on snow conditions. The 2025 season ran June 13 through October 19. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov, with the campground becoming first-come, first-served starting October 1 until closing.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
About
Little Crater Campground occupies a prime location on the western shore of Paulina Lake, one of two lakes formed within the caldera of Newberry Volcano. The 49 campsites are spread through a forested setting, with many sites offering direct lake access or positioned just a minute's walk from the water. The campground includes a boat launch, making it popular with anglers targeting rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon. Facilities include vault toilets and potable water available from hand pumps (water is typically turned on in May and shut off by September 30). There is no dump station on site, but one is available at nearby Paulina Lake Campground. Sites accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs, though the maximum site spur length of 30 feet limits options for larger rigs. Generator use is prohibited between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM. The campground operates seasonally, typically opening in mid-June depending on snow conditions and closing in mid-October. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov for most of the season, with the campground switching to first-come, first-served starting October 1.
Directions
From Bend, travel 23.5 miles south on Highway 97, then 14.5 miles east on Paulina Lake Road (County Road 21), and 0.5 miles north on Forest Road 2100-570. From La Pine, travel 6.8 miles north on Highway 97, then follow the same route east on Paulina Lake Road.
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $27 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 383-5300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
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