Little Crater Campground

Newberry National Volcanic Monument

Paulina Lake, Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Oregon
Paulina Lake, Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Oregon

Little Crater Campground

Newberry National Volcanic Monument


Little Crater Campground

Little Crater Campground is along the eastern shore of 1,531-acre Paulina Lake, part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, south of Bend. The 5-mile-diameter Newberry Caldera encircles both Paulina Lake and its neighbor, East Lake. Motorized and non-motorized boats are permitted on the lake, however there is a 10 MPH speed limit. A boat launch ramp and dock are located within Little Crater Campground. Anglers fish the lake for rainbow trout, brown trout and Kokanee salmon. A hiking trail around the lake connects to other trails in the area.

Little Crater Campground has 49 campsites spread along the shore with no site more than a short walk from the water's edge. Campers enjoy beautiful views of the lake and gorgeous sunsets over the water. All the campsites can accommodate tents, RVs, or trailers. There are no hook-ups. Reservations that include a Friday or Saturday night must be for at least 2 nights; holiday weekend reservations that include a Friday or Saturday night require a 3-night stay.

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Little Crater Campground Basics
Little Crater Campground Location: From Bend drive south for 23.5 miles on Hwy 97 to Road 21 (Paulina Lake Road). Take Road 21 east for about 14.5 miles. Then turn onto a Forest Road for the final ½ mile to the campground. Those coming from LaPine take Highway 97 to connect to country road 21.
Elevation: 6,331 feet
Nearby Gateway Cities: Bend - 40 miles
La Pine - 33 miles
Eugene - 131 miles
Number of Sites: 49
Season Dates
(open and closed):
Open mid-May to late September
Max. People per single site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per single site: 1 vehicle and one legally towed vehicle. (fee for additional vehicles if space permits)
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by: Vista Recreation for Deschutes National Forest
Campground information: (541) 383-5300

Little Crater Campground Reservations
Reservations Available Reservations may be made from 1 day up to 6 months in advance of arrival. Reservations are released on a 6-month rolling basis.
Maximum vehicle length: 30 feet
Check reservation website to be sure your vehicle will fit in the space you select.
Wheelchair accessible sites: None designated, but sites are generally flat
Fees: $23 per night
$2 more per night on holidays and over holiday weekends
(Plus an $8 reservation fee)
Campground Map: Little Crater Campground Map
Campground Reservations: Little Crater Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: Check-in: 2:00 PM
Check-out: 12:00 PM

Little Crater Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, campfire ring
Campground: Vault toilets, piped water, boat launch ramp
Showers: No
Dump station: At entrance to Lake Paulina Campground
Attractions near
Little Crater Campground:




Little Crater Campground, Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Oregon

Little Crater 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 Campground, Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Oregon

Little Crater Campground

Paulina Lake Area
Attractions and Activities

  • Visit Lava Lands Visitor Center near Bend.
  • Visitors can explore the Lava River Cave, located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
  • Hike to the summit of 7,984-foot Paulina Peak.
  • On your way around Paulina Lake, stop by for a refreshing soak at Paulina Lake Hot Spring on the north shore of the lake.
  • Visit East Lake Resort with dining, a store, and boat rentals.
  • Head over to the Deschutes River for some great fly fishing.
  • Visit the High Desert Museum, south of Bend.
  • Kids and adults alike have a great time at Sun Mountain Fun Center in Bend. Bowling, bumper cars, billiards, arcade, mini-gold, go karts, batting cages.

Key Little Crater Campground Regulations

  1. Secure all food and food containers in bearproof lockers when available.
  2. Fishing and swimming off the boat dock is not permitted.
  3. Campfires may only be lit in provided fire rings.
  4. Purchase firewood in the park.
  5. Quiet Hours are from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
  6. Pets must be kept on leash and attended at all times. At night they must be kept in a vehicle or tent.

Check for any park or campground updates: Little Crater Campground