Hikers connecting to the Pacific Crest Trail will find Little Crater Lake Campground positioned along a rough forest road 10 miles from the main highway. The small loop accommodates RVs up to 26 feet, though Darin D. notes "large campsites pretty well spaced out" with vault toilets and a hand pump for cold spring water.
The campground's namesake attraction sits just a five-minute walk from the sites. Dawnielle C. describes the lake as having "some of the bluest" water she's seen, though warns that "tiny might even be a better word" than little for its actual size. Swimming is prohibited in this small spring-fed pool, where visitors can see fallen trees through the clear water.
Site sizes vary considerably throughout the loop. Reviewers consistently mention site 7 as offering good space and moderate privacy, though it requires navigating exposed roots to reach the best tent spots. The campground operates without a permanent host, with staff checking in during evening hours to collect fees and sell firewood. Day visitors frequently arrive to view the lake, creating moderate foot traffic during summer months.
The access road presents challenges that multiple campers reference. Potholes can jar even well-equipped vehicles, making the drive slower than the distance suggests. Cell service reaches the campground, and the facility allows pets and alcohol. Memorial Day through Labor Day marks the operational season, with reservations available for the $26 nightly fee.
From the lake, hikers can follow the PCT half a mile to Timothy Lake for fishing and swimming. North Arm Campground provides a closer-to-road alternative just over a mile west for campers preferring easier access.
Description
Overview
Little Crater Lake Campground is one of the most scenic spots in Mt. Hood National Forest and a very comfortable place to camp. It is not far from Little Crater Lake, a cold, crystal clear, spring-fed pond. Also nearby is Timothy Lake, where boaters and anglers enjoy recreating, all in the shadows of Mt. Hood, Oregon's highest point.
Recreation
A short path to view Little Crater Lake begins in the campground. It connects to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, which winds its way through the area, past Timothy Lake and up the slopes of Mt. Hood. The long-distance trail is popular among hikers and backpackers, stretches 2,650 miles through California, Oregon and Washington, from Canada to Mexico. Visitors enjoy fishing at Timothy Lake, which covers roughly 1,400 acres. Anglers will find Kokanee salmon and a variety of stocked trout.
Facilities
The campground offers more than a dozen single-family sites for tent and RV camping. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets are provided. A hand-pump water spigot is located near the campground's entrance and is the only source of water within the facility. Utility hookups are not available. Parking surfaces are grass, dirt and irregularly shaped.
Natural Features
The quiet campground is nestled in an evergreen forest at an elevation of 3,300 feet. Little Crater Lake is a geologic oddity, possibly formed by artesian water forcing its way through soft, volcanic rock. The beautiful, turquoise water is a wonder to see. The surrounding meadow is a great place for observing birds and other wildlife. The region is ripe for huckleberry picking as well.
Nearby Attractions
The Clackamas Lake Ranger Station Historic District is less than 10 miles from the campground. It was built to house forest service workers in the early 1900s. The rustic architecture and historic nature of the buildings and the surrounding area draws thousands of visitors each year.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (503) 622-3191.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLittle Crater Lake is located in Oregon near Government Camp
Directions
From Sandy, travel east on Highway 26 for approximately 40 miles to Skyline Road (Road 42). Turn right and travel south for 4 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 58 and travel 2 miles to the campground.
Coordinates
45.148354 N
121.74555 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 24 min from Portland, OR
- 1 hr 45 min from Bend, OR
- 2 hrs from Salem, OR
- 2 hrs 18 min from Albany, OR
