Reservations are available and recommended at Little Crater Campground, a 50-site Forest Service campground on the western shore of Paulina Lake inside Newberry National Volcanic Monument, within the campgrounds near Deschutes National Forest. Sites run $27 to $29 per night and the campground is open from late May through mid-September. The layout is long and narrow, with sites on one side sitting directly on the water and sites on the other side backed against a hill. Nearly every site has a view of the lake, though the tradeoff is that many lack shade and wind picks up considerably from midday through mid-afternoon on most days.
Wind is the most consistent complaint from campers who have stayed here. Several reviewers note that the exposed western end of the lake catches stronger gusts than Little crater Paulina lake at the other end, and upgraded tent stakes are worth bringing if you have a shade canopy or pop-up. Water-facing sites offer unobstructed sunset views and direct lake access, but they also take the brunt of the wind. Hill-side sites, particularly in the 30s range, trade some water proximity for slightly more shelter and morning shade, though sites 30 through 32 sit near the vault toilets.
Paddling, fishing, and hiking anchor most visits. Motorboats are allowed, and the boat ramp draws early-morning anglers targeting rainbow trout. The campground connects to a trail that circles the entire lake, with natural hot springs accessible a couple of miles along the north shore. Sierra T. notes watching "bald eagles fish all day and so many birds," and the Paulina Lake Lodge nearby provides meals when cooking loses its appeal.
The access road can be rough, and snow is possible in early June. Smoke from regional wildfires occasionally settles into the caldera in late August. July tends to offer the most reliable conditions. The campground fills quickly on summer weekends and holidays, so booking ahead is the practical move. Gayle B. points out it is "more open than Paulina Lake Campground," which makes it notably better for stargazing. Water hookups accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, and a dump station is on site. Plan morning water activities and save the afternoons for hiking, when lake conditions are typically at their choppiest.
Description
Overview
Situated on the edge of the beautiful Paulina Lake, Little Crater Campground is conveniently located within Newberry National Monument. Visitors to this area are taken aback by the incredible views this area has to offer, highlighting volcanic landscapes intermixed with diverse forests, typical of central Oregon. Popular for both its geological significance and multitude of recreational activities, Little Crater Campground is ideal for individual and family camping excursions. If you are visiting Oregon with the aim of getting the best camping experience, this might be it. Offering campsites next to Paulina Lake, activities available at this campground include hiking, bird watching, bicycling, sightseeing and access to nearby trails. For more information about the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=66159
Recreation
The unique location of Little Crater Campground offers visitors opportunities to hike shoreline trails and alpine vistas. Visitors can also take advantage of time on the lake, boating, kayaking, swimming and fishing. For anglers, this lake offers fantastic fishing opportunities. Spanning a surface area of 1,531 acres, the lake supports rainbow trout, brown trout and Kokanee salmon. In September, the outlet of Paulina Lake may be choked with Kokanee moving to spawn in Paulina Creek.
Facilities
There are 49 sites located on a fairly thin ledge right on the lake and all the campground sites are a very short walk to the water. The sites are ample sized and most are good for tents, trailers or RVs. Picnic areas, boating, shoreline trails, and stunning views of the lake, along with the conveniences of drinking water and vault toilets, give visitors the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while still having some of the conveniences of home.
Natural Features
Paulina Lake is located within the collapsed calder of Newberry Volcano. Nearly five miles in diameter, this caldera encircles the basins of Paulina Lake and its twin, East Lake. Neither lake receives water from an inlet or stream - instead both rely on rain, snowmelt and hot springs for water. Paulina Creek flows from the lake and has chiseled a narrow gorge through the caldera's west wall creating a remarkable twin waterfall. Thermal vents and hot springs along the lake's northeast edge help create a highly productive ecosystem. The surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams and diverse forests support a variety of wildlife, including porcupine, bighorn sheep, deer, bats native fish, migratory birds and even the occasional black bear.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (541) 323-1746.
Nearby Attractions
Lava Lands Visitor Center in nearby Bend, Oregon, is a great starting point for visitors to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits. Visitors can explore the Lava River Cave, also located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. At 5,211 feet (1,588 m) in length, the northwest section of the cave is the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon.
Charges & Cancellations
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLittle Crater Campground is located in Oregon near La Pine
Directions
From Bend, travel 23.5 miles south on Hwy 97, then 14.5 miles east on County Road 21( Paulina Lake Road), and 0.5 miles north on Forest Road 2100 570. From LaPine travel 6.8 miles north on Hwy 97, then 14.5 miles east on County Road 21( Paulina Lake Road), and 0.5 miles north on Forest Road 2100 570.
Coordinates
43.7122222 N
121.2433333 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/26/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/26/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 1 min from Bend, OR
- 2 hrs 54 min from Eugene, OR
- 3 hrs 21 min from Albany, OR
- 3 hrs 29 min from Corvallis, OR
