Lava Camp Lake Campground

Closed — Closed for the winter season. Highway 242 (McKenzie Pass Highway) is closed annually from approximately early November through mid-June. The highway typically reopens the third Monday in June, weather permitting. When open, the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations.

About

Lava Camp Lake Campground is a primitive, no-fee campground nestled in mountain hemlock and lodgepole pine forests near McKenzie Pass in the Deschutes National Forest. With 12 campsites, this quiet spot serves as an excellent base for wilderness exploration, offering direct access to the Mt. Washington and Three Sisters Wilderness areas. The campground is conveniently located near the Pacific Crest Trail, making it popular with long-distance hikers and backpackers. The Lava Camp Lake Trail departs from the campground and enters designated wilderness shortly after the trailhead. Wilderness permits are required for both day use and overnight stays from this trailhead during the permit season (typically June 15 through October 15). The campground's location provides opportunities to explore the unique volcanic landscape of the McKenzie Pass area, including nearby lava fields and trails. This is a truly primitive campground with vault toilets but no potable water, so visitors must bring their own. Sites include picnic tables and fire pits. Access is via Highway 242 (McKenzie Pass Highway), which has vehicle length restrictions of 35 feet maximum due to the winding nature of the road. The seasonal highway typically opens the third Monday in June and closes in early November, making this a summer and early fall camping destination only.

Directions

From Sisters, Oregon, travel 14.6 miles west on Highway 242 (McKenzie Pass Highway). Note that Highway 242 has a maximum vehicle length restriction of 35 feet and is closed seasonally from approximately November through mid-June.

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