Little Lava Lake

About

Little Lava Lake Campground is located along the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway in the Central Oregon Cascades, situated at 4,740 feet elevation on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountain Range. The campground sits adjacent to the 130-acre Little Lava Lake, notable as the source of the Deschutes River. The small lake is surrounded by mature pine forests with bull rushes and lava outcroppings lining its shores. The campground offers 15 standard nonelectric sites and one group tent-only area, predominantly located under lodgepole pine canopy with some sites positioned along the lakeshore. A boat launch area is available within the campground. Little Lava Lake provides a quiet fishing alternative to its larger neighbor Lava Lake to the north, reaching a maximum depth of 20 feet and supporting planted rainbow trout, brook trout, and self-sustaining populations of whitefish and tui chub. Nearby attractions include wilderness areas, wild and scenic rivers, and approximately 1,600 miles of trails within Deschutes National Forest. The Lava Lands Visitor Center in Bend and Newberry National Volcanic Monument offer unique geological experiences. A resort on nearby Lava Lake provides lodging and limited groceries.

Directions

From Bend, travel 38.4 miles southwest on Cascade Lakes Highway (Highway 46), then 0.7 miles east on Forest Road 4600-500, and then 0.4 miles east on Forest Road 4600-520.