Little Crater Campground
Campground · 47 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Newberry Caldera Geothermal Area (Geothermal Area) · Restricted Access
- 47
- Bookable sites
- 40 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 8
- People per site
- 4
- Accessible sites
- 6,346 ft
- Elevation
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.
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.
The facts
- 47 bookable sites
- 50 sites in total, including non-bookable
- 4 accessible sites
- Vehicles up to 40 ft
- Up to 8 people per site
- Loops: Loop 1
Site types
- 47 Standard Nonelectric
- 3 Management
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Fire pits
- Picnic tables
- Grills
- Shade
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups.
50 campsites at Little Crater Campground
Check-in 02:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Water | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | — | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 002 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | Lakefront | 20 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 003 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | — | 32 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 004 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | — | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 005 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | Lakefront | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 006 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | Lakefront | 29 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 007 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | — | 40 ft | 8 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 008 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | — | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 009 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | — | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 010 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | Lakefront | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 011 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | — | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 012 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Lakefront | 32 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 014 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | Lakefront | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 015 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | — | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 016 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | Lakefront | 38 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 017 | Loop 1 | Management | Back In | — | Lakefront | 40 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 018 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | Lakefront | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 019 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | — | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 020 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | Lakefront | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 021 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | — | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 022 | Loop 1 | Management | Back In | Paved | — | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 023 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Lakefront | 27 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 024 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | — | Lakefront | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 025 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | — | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 026 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | Lakefront | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 027 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 028 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | Lakefront | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 029 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | Lakefront | 27 ft | 8 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 030 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | — | 35 ft | 8 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 031 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | — | 40 ft | 8 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 032 | Loop 1 | Management | Back In | Gravel | — | 18 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 033 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | — | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 034 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | — | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 035 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 036 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | — | 22 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 037 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | — | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 038 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | — | 20 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 039 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | Lakefront | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 040 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | — | 20 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 041 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | — | 32 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 042 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Lakefront | 20 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 043 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | — | 20 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 044 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Lakefront | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 045 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | Lakefront | 25 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 046 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | Lakefront | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 047 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 048 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 049 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | Lakefront | 32 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 050 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Lakefront | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 051 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | Lakefront | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
Getting there
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.
43.71222, -121.24333 · 43°42'44.0"N 121°14'36.0"W
Typical weather
Typically 84°F in Jul, down to 38°F in Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 40 | 43 | 50 | 57 | 65 | 72 | 84 | 83 | 76 | 62 | 46 | 38 |
| Low °F | 20 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 33 | 37 | 41 | 40 | 34 | 28 | 24 | 19 |
| Precip in | 2.9 | 1.9 | 1.5 | 1.2 | 1.7 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 1.4 | 2.4 | 3.2 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 15.1 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Little Crater Campground
- Can you reserve a site at Little Crater Campground?
- Yes, Little Crater Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Little Crater Campground have?
- 50 sites in total, of which 47 can be booked.
- What is the maximum RV length at Little Crater Campground?
- 40 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Are pets allowed at Little Crater Campground?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Little Crater Campground.
- Are campfires allowed at Little Crater Campground?
- Campfires are allowed at Little Crater Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Camping near Little Crater Campground
- Newberry Group Camp Site 0.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Chief Paulina Horse Camp 0.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Paulina Lake Campground 1.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- East Lake Campground 1.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Cinder Hill Campground 2.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- McKay Crossing Campground 6.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Little Crater Day Use Site 0.3 mi · Facility
- Paulina Peak Trailhead 1.6 mi · Facility
- East Lake 1.7 mi · Facility
- Paulina Peak Observation Site 1.7 mi · Facility
- Cinder Hill Campground 2.6 mi · Campground
- Lava Cast Forest Day Use Interpretive Site 7.7 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone 541-383-5300
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-06-12.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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