Little Crater Campground Introduce
Welcome to Little Crater Campground, a stunning natural retreat nestled directly on the shore of Paulina Lake, near La Pine, Oregon. If you're searching for "camping near me" and dreaming of a picturesque lakeside experience with opportunities for outdoor adventure, Little Crater Campground, located at Little Crater Campground Rd, La Pine, OR 97739, USA, is an ideal destination. Our campground offers a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational activities, making it a haven for campers seeking tranquility and adventure in the Oregon wilderness.
At Little Crater Campground, you'll find yourself immersed in the beauty of Paulina Lake and the surrounding area. Based on feedback from fellow campers, the location is truly exceptional, offering direct access to the lake and a launching point for numerous explorations. Let's delve into the environment, services, and features that make Little Crater Campground a memorable camping destination.
Environment:
The environment of Little Crater Campground is frequently described as "beautiful." Situated directly on the shore of Paulina Lake, the campground offers breathtaking lakeside views. Many campsites, particularly those on the lakeside, are considered "heavenly" by visitors. Imagine waking up to the serene vista of the lake, with the opportunity to step right out of your tent or RV and be by the water's edge. The area is also rich in natural attractions, with "lots of hikes around" providing opportunities to explore the surrounding landscapes and enjoy the Oregon wilderness. For water enthusiasts, the lake is "primo for kayaking," offering smooth waters to paddle and explore the shoreline at your own pace.
One of the unique features mentioned by a camper is the presence of hot springs across the lake. A cross-lake paddle can be rewarded with a relaxing soak in these natural hot springs, adding an adventurous and rejuvenating element to your camping trip. The elevation of the campground, at 6300 feet, means that while the days can be pleasant, campers should be prepared for cooler temperatures at night, adding to the overall outdoor camping experience.
Services and Features:
While the natural beauty and recreational opportunities are abundant, it's important to note the amenities available at Little Crater Campground. According to a recent visitor, the facilities include a "water spigot" for accessing water at your campsite and "pit toilets." It is explicitly mentioned that there are "no showers" within the campground itself. Campers should plan accordingly for their hygiene needs. For those traveling with RVs, a helpful piece of information is that an "Rv Dump and water fill station" is located five miles down the road, just past the visitor center. The recommendation is to "fill up with water before coming" to the campground to ensure you have an adequate supply.
One camper who stayed on site 23, which was "right on the lake," noted that the view was "amazing" and the site offered "plenty of space." This particular site was also "next to the boat ramp," which could mean it gets "busy at times," although this camper noted it "didn't bother us too much." This suggests that while some areas might have more activity due to access points like the boat ramp, the lakeside locations generally offer excellent views and spacious sites.
A significant point to be aware of is that there is "no cell service at all" at the campground. This can be a double-edged sword – while it allows for a complete disconnect from the digital world and a deeper immersion in nature, it also means that communication can be challenging in case of emergencies or for staying connected with others remotely. Campers should be prepared for this lack of connectivity.
Community:
The reviews don't explicitly focus on the sense of community within the campground, but the positive tone of the feedback suggests a generally pleasant atmosphere among visitors who are there to enjoy the natural surroundings and outdoor activities. The shared experience of enjoying the lake, hiking trails, and perhaps even the hot springs across the water can often foster a sense of camaraderie among campers.
Promotional Information:
Little Crater Campground is a fantastic choice for those seeking "camping near me" with a focus on natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Key highlights include:
- Prime Lakeside Location: Directly on the shore of the stunning Paulina Lake with breathtaking views.
- Abundant Activities: Excellent for hiking in the surrounding area and kayaking on the lake.
- Unique Nearby Attraction: Enjoy a rewarding trip to the hot springs located across the lake.
- Spacious Lakeside Campsites: Many sites offer direct lake access and ample space.
While amenities are basic (water spigot, pit toilets, no showers), the unparalleled natural setting and recreational opportunities more than compensate for those looking to immerse themselves in the outdoors. Remember to fill up your water before arriving, and be prepared for no cell service. Come and experience the beauty of Little Crater Campground for an unforgettable camping adventure!
Location Advantage:
Located near La Pine, Oregon, Little Crater Campground provides access to the scenic wonders of the Deschutes National Forest and the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Paulina Lake itself is a caldera lake, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning geological features. The proximity to hiking trails allows campers to explore the diverse landscapes, from forests to volcanic formations. The town of La Pine is a short drive away for any essential supplies needed.
For RV and Tent Campers:
Little Crater Campground welcomes both RV and tent campers looking for a lakeside experience. While there are no showers on-site and water fill/dump is a short drive away, the beauty of the location and the available activities make it a worthwhile destination. The spacious sites, particularly those right on the lake, can accommodate various setups. Be sure to come prepared with enough water and be aware of the lack of cell service.
In conclusion, Little Crater Campground offers a beautiful lakeside camping experience at Paulina Lake, with ample opportunities for hiking and kayaking. The stunning environment and unique nearby attractions like the hot springs make it a must-visit for those seeking "camping near me" in a natural paradise. Plan your trip today and enjoy the tranquility and adventure that Little Crater Campground has to offer!
Contact Us:
Little Crater Campground
Little Crater Campground Rd, La Pine, OR 97739, USA
Phone: (541) 383-5300
Mobile Phone: +1 541-383-5300
Little Crater Campground Photos










Little Crater Campground Location
Little Crater Campground
Little Crater Campground Rd, La Pine, OR 97739, USA
Little Crater CampgroundLittle Crater Campground Rd
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Little Crater Campground Reviews
Beautiful campground located directly on the shore of Paulina Lake. Lots of hikes around the area and primo for kayaking. The hot springs across the lake were a fun reward to our cross lake paddle. There isn’t a bad campsite in the whole place but the ones on the lakeside are heavenly. Rv Dump and water fill station five miles down the road just past the visitor center. Fill up with water before coming.
Aug 16, 2024 · Lorrie Kalmbach-EhlersStayed on site 23, right on the lake, amazing view, plenty of space. Next to the boat ramp so can be busy at times, didn't bother us too much tho. See pic of boat ramp behind the trees looking from camp site. Water spigot, pit toilet, no showers. Campground is at 6300 feet, so cools off at night. No cell service at all
Feb 06, 2024 · Julie PoleykettThis is such a beautiful place to camp. Campsites are along the Paulina Lake in Lapine, OR. Although there are no water, electric or sewer hookups it’s a magical place to be. It’s $20 per site per night. We were going to pay cash but there is a pay area which takes credit card only. I’m sure you have to find the host to pay cash. Veterans get 50% off so you pay $10 per night which is a great deal.Our campsite was quite large. We had a beautiful view on the lake. The weather was perfect when we visited. I paddled my son across the lake in a kayak to visit hot springs right along the lake. I never knew they existed. The trek from the boat ramp to the hot springs was not easy. The wind didn’t seem to be on my side. If I stopped paddling to take a break, the wind would blow us backwards, so it was best to keep paddling. There is also a trail that leads to the hot springs, which would have most likely been easier (for me anyways). The water of Paulina lake was cold. People fish along the trail around the whole lake that is 7 1/2 miles long. There is obsidian, Blue Jay’s, chipmunks and many snakes around the lake. We also hiked to the “Little Crater” which is a crevice in the ground at the peak of the mountain. The trail to the top is a steady incline and then it goes down the mountain on the other side, loops you around to see the views of the Obsidian fields and back down to the campsites. Overall, this was a magical experience with many of the amazing things Mother Nature has created.
Jun 26, 2022 · Megan VDefinitely one of the most desirable campgrounds in central Oregon so sites are gone soon after they are posted (is it April?) they are right by the lake and you can hike 2 miles to the hot spring. There is a boat launch also. Paulina Lake campground is an alternative on the other side of the lake and doesn’t fill up nearly as quickly but is a little less magical. Neither have showers, just pit toilets.
Nov 03, 2024 · Hilary NeilsonThis is a jewel of a campground on beautiful Paulina Lake. Great hiking around the lake and the nearby lava fields are stunning. All the sites have water views and the lake is easily accessed with a kayak or SUP from any site.
Aug 18, 2020 · Scott Latimer
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