Within Deschutes National Forest, Little Lava Lake provides access to a smaller, less crowded alternative to the main Lava Lake campground. This Forest Service facility sits along the headwaters of the Deschutes River, with sites positioned between the lake and flowing water. The rough dirt access road keeps casual visitors away, though it accommodates RVs up to 40 feet.
Sites are generously spaced throughout the forested setting, with some positioned close enough to the water that campers can monitor lake conditions from their camping spot. EJ notes spending time "mainly paddleboarding and it was excellent. Most of the time having the lake to myself." The no-wake lake policy makes it suitable for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, while the connecting river provides fishing opportunities along multiple access points.
Mountain views of South Sister, Broken Top, and Mount Bachelor frame the lake from various angles around the campground. A trail connects to nearby Lava Lake Resort where campers can access propane, showers, laundry, and a camp store. Cell service runs slow throughout the area, and sites lack individual water or electrical hookups, though a central drinking water spigot serves the campground.
The single-lane access road requires careful navigation, as drivers must turn around at the boat launch area before exiting. Brandie W. confirms "no electric and no water at sites" but notes the "drinking water faucet available." Site 8 sits at a road junction where dust can become an issue during busy periods. The campground operates from May through mid-October, with reservations available for those seeking guaranteed access to this quieter lakeside location.
Description
Overview
Little Lava Lake Campground is located along the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway in the Central Oregon Cascades.
Recreation
Little Lava Lake Campground provides recreation opportunities for fishing, paddling, swimming and hiking. For anglers, the 130-acre Little Lava Lake offers a quiet alternative to its larger neighbor to the north, Lava Lake. Reaching a maximum depth of 20 feet, the lake supports planted Rainbow trout, some Brook trout, and self-sustaining populations of Whitefish and Tui Chub. Bait, lures, flies, still fishing and trolling are all acceptable angling methods.
Facilities
Little Lava Lake Campground's campsites are predominately located under lodgepole pine canopy with some sites located along the lakeshore and the Deschutes River.There is a boat ramp and a day use area that can be used at Little Lava Lake for a fee.
Natural Features
Little Lava Lake is located on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountain Range at an elevation of 4,740 feet. The small lake is surrounded by mature pine forests with bull rushes and lava outcroppings lining its shores.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors can explore wilderness areas, wild and scenic rivers, lakes and reservoirs and approximately 1,600 miles of trails within the Deschutes National Forest.Lava Lands Visitor Center in nearby Bend, Oregon, and the unique geological landscape of Newberry National Volcanic Monument draw visitors to the region as well.Visitors will also enjoy traveling the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway which climbs into the Cascades over a 66-mile drive through snow-capped peaks and alongside alpine lakes.A nearby resort on Lava Lake offers lodging and a limited selection of groceries.
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.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Our facility is currently experiencing a temporary water outage. Please bring all the water youll need for your visit, including drinking water. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLittle Lava Lake is located in Oregon near Sunriver
Directions
From Bend, travel 38.4 miles southwest on Cascade Lakes Hwy (46), then 0.7 miles east on Forest Road 4600 500, and then 0.4 miles east on Forest Road 4600 520.
Address
63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD
Bend, OR 97701
Coordinates
43.9101167 N
121.7616972 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 5/27/26
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 5/27/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
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
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 43 min from Bend, OR
- 2 hrs 53 min from Eugene, OR
- 3 hrs 20 min from Albany, OR
- 3 hrs 27 min from Corvallis, OR
