Little Crater Lake Campground

Oregon's Best Camping

Little Crater Lake, Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon
Little Crater Lake, Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon

Little Crater Lake Campground

Mt. Hood National Forest


Little Crater Lake Campground

Little Crater Lake is a cold, spring-fed pond with turquoise water in the Mt. Hood National Forest. Swimming is prohibited. Most visitors come for the scenery. Hiking trails are nearby, including links to the Pacific Crest Trail. Popular Timothy Lake with many day-use facilities is only a short drive away.

Little Crater Lake Campground sits on Crater Creek, a short hike from the lake. The campground has 15 campsites. Eight of the sites are for RVs, trailers, and tents, while 7 are designated for tents only. Most of the sites have good shade provided by the surrounding evergreen forest.

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Little Crater Lake Campground Basics
Little Crater Lake Campground Location: Forest Road 58. From Highway 26, turn onto Forest Road 42 (Skyline Road), then drive 6 miles to Forest Road 58.
Elevation: 3,200 feet
Nearby Gateway Cities: Hood River - 55 miles
Portland - 74 miles
Bend - 99 miles
Salem - 109 miles
Number of Sites: 15
Open - Closed: Open late May through early September
Max. People per single site: 6
Vehicles per single site: 1 vehicle (fee for additional vehicles)
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Mount Hood Recreation for Mt. Hood National Forest
Zigzag Ranger District: (503) 622-3191

Little Crater Lake Campground Reservations
Reservations Available Reservations are available from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date.
Maximum RV/trailer length: 22 feet
Wheelchair accessible sites: None designated
Fees: Single Campsites - $25 per night
($2 more on holidays and holiday weekends)
(Plus $10 reservation fee)
Campground Map: Little Crater Lake Campground Map
Campground Reservations: Little Crater Lake Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: Check-in: 2:00 PM, check-out: Noon

Little Crater Lake Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, campfire ring with grill; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, piped water
Showers: No
Dump station: No
Attractions near Little Crater Lake Campground:
  • Hike the trail from the campground to Little Crater Lake. A barrier-free 800-foot long trail leads to a viewing platform.
  • Hike on the Pacific Crest Trail.




Little Crater Lake Campground, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon

Little Crater Lake Campground

General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the website when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, firewood from outside the area is not permitted.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate


Little Crater Lake Campground, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon

Little Crater Lake Campground

Mt. Hood National Forest
Attractions and Activities

  • Hike, mountain bike, or horseback ride on the Timothy Lake Trail which circles the lake, offering 12 miles of fairly level terrain and many nice views.
  • Hike on the nearby Pacific Crest Trail.
  • Fish for trout in Timothy Lake from shore or boat.
  • Enjoy a picnic at scenic Pine Point Day Use Area on Timothy Lake's west shore.
  • Make the short trip to Little Crater Lake. A barrier-free 800-foot long trail leads to a viewing platform.
  • Visit the nearby Clackamas Lake Historic Ranger District, a Forest Service facility built in the early 1900s.
  • Spend a day or more at beautiful Trillium Lake with boating, swimming, and fishing.

Key Little Crater Lake Campground Regulations

  1. Quiet Hours extend from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
  2. Prevent the spread of invasive pests by obtaining firewood locally.
  3. Fires are only permitted in designated fire receptacles and must be attended. Fires must be extinguished upon departure.
  4. Pets must be kept on leash and attended at all times.
  5. Secure food and scented items from bears.

Check for any campground updates: Mt. Hood National Forest: Little Crater Lake Campground