Little Crater Campground
Closed for the season. The campground operates from June 13 through October 19, 2025, with reservations available through Recreation.gov. Water systems are turned off for winter.
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 is situated on the beautiful Paulina Lake within Newberry National Volcanic Monument in central Oregon. The campground features 49 well-sized campsites, most located on or within a minute walk from the lake, suitable for both tents and RVs. The setting showcases the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Newberry caldera, which spans nearly five miles in diameter and encircles both Paulina Lake and East Lake. Paulina Lake spans 1,531 acres and offers exceptional fishing opportunities for rainbow trout, brown trout, and Kokanee salmon. In September, the lake's outlet becomes particularly active with spawning Kokanee moving into Paulina Creek. The lake, fed by rain, snowmelt, and thermal hot springs rather than streams, supports a highly productive ecosystem. Visitors can enjoy boating, kayaking, swimming, and fishing, with a boat launch conveniently located within the campground. The surrounding wilderness offers hiking along shoreline trails and access to alpine vistas. The diverse forests and clean streams support wildlife including porcupine, bighorn sheep, deer, bats, native fish, migratory birds, and occasional black bears. An RV dump station is located near the entry of nearby Paulina Lake Campground. The campground provides vault toilets and drinking water from hand pumps during the operating season.
Directions
From Bend, travel 23.5 miles south on Highway 97, then 14.5 miles east on Paulina Lake Road (Road 21), and 0.5 miles north on Forest Road 2100 570. From LaPine, travel 6.8 miles north on Highway 97, then follow the same route east.
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| 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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