Little Lava Lake
The campground is currently closed for the season and is scheduled to open May 15, 2026. The 2026 operating season runs through October 18, 2026. The campground transitions to first-come, first-served only starting September 27 until closing. Drinking water from hand pumps is seasonally available mid-May through September 30.
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 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.
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $25 - $126 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 323-1746 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
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