Established Camping
Little Crater Lake
About
National Forest
Mt. Hood National Forest
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.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Beautiful small campground
Sites are close but private and big! Vault toilets so be prepared for that. There is a pioneer pump for water a bit up the road. Little crater lake is a short walk from the campground and it’s gorgeous. Trail connects to the pct and you can take it to timothy lake so there are things to do. No camp host on site for my visit but that wasn’t an issue for us.
Quiet campground with good hiking nearby
Intimate & quiet little campground close to Portland. Little crater lake is beautiful and a quick walk from the campsite. The PCT is a minute or two walk from the lake. Lots of hiking & lake options nearby if you’re looking for a day-trip. Site size varies a lot — we landed site 11 which was big & pretty private. Bathrooms (not the cleanest), garbage and water were close by.
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Perfect & Quiet Little Campground
We stayed in spot 7 and it was absolutely perfect! We were close enough to the bathroom to not have to worry too much about the kids getting there, but far away enough not to smell it. The short trail to the lake is directly across the street. Views are breathtaking and only 1/2 mile hike on the PCT to Timothy Lake. My favorite campground in Oregon, so far.
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Location
Little Crater Lake is located in Oregon
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