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.
Red Flag Warning issued July 20 at 7:49PM PDT until July 22 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
...The upper level low over the region will shift to the east just enough to allow for monsoonal moisture to move into the region. Instability will accompany the moisture and allow for increased chances of thunderstorms across central Oregon and the eastern mountains. Isolated dry thunderstorms could spark new wildfires and gusty outflow winds can affect fires already on the landscape... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 698 Southern Blue Mountains, 700 Central Mountains of Oregon and 705 Southern Deschutes National Forest. * TIMING...From 11 AM to 11 PM PDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. * THUNDERSTORMS...Isolated to scattered dry thunderstorms after 11 AM Wednesday. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusts from 25-35 mph
Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 7:40PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until 4 PM PDT Wednesday. 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. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 6:03PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until 4 PM PDT Wednesday. 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. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
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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