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.
Air Quality Alert issued August 5 at 2:33PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until further notice. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. An Air Quality Advisory for elevated levels of ozone pollution, or smog, is in effect for Hermiston in Umatilla County. Ozone pollution is expected to reach levels that could be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, pregnant people, older adults and people with heart or respiratory conditions. DEQ expected the Air Quality Advisory to last until 10 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
Air Quality Alert issued August 3 at 12:05PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until further notice. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions may cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
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.
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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