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…
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Cabin Butte Area Closure
The Cabin Butte Vegetation Management Project area will be closed to public access/entry to ensure public safety and support critical forest restoration efforts. The closure will restrict all access, including day use and overnight camping, while crews operate heavy machinery, conduct prescribed…
Cave Resource Protection Forest Order
Describes the prohibitions for entering or exploring caves or areas near caves on the Deschutes National Forest.
Camping & Campfire Restrictions Forest Order
This order describes designated areas where camping and/or campfires are prohibited.
West Bend Area Trail Closures
We are restoring the forest adjacent to the City of Bend to improve forest health, create a diversity of plant and wildlife habitat and to protect our communities and quality of life.Historically in Central Oregon small wildfires or insect infestations occurred creating a forested of different aged…
Deschutes 14-Day Camping Order
Camping or otherwise occupying a single location for a period longer than 14 consecutive calendar days within Deschutes National Forest is prohibited. The order also describes the prohibition of camping, occupying, or otherwise leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies at any location, on…
Wilderness Permit, Camping & Fire Restrictions Order
This order provides prohibitions on specified activities with in Wilderness areas, including group size, equipment limitations, camping locations and campfires.
Blue-Green Algae Information
The Deschutes National Forest encourages people recreating on the national forest to be aware of potential blue-green algae blooms on lakes and reservoirs as the weather warms. Not all algae in lakes and reservoirs is blue-green algae. Learn to tell the difference between regular and blue-green…
Recreating in the Cedar Creek Fire Burned Area
Please use caution when recreating in areas that were impacted by the 2022 Cedar Creek Fire. A burned landscape presents a number of safety hazards that either did not exist prior to the fire or have been exacerbated by the effects of the fire. In some cases, these hazardous conditions may persist…
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
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