Little Crater Lake
Little Crater Lake Campground is one of the most scenic spots in Mt. Hood National Forest and a very comfortable place to camp. It is not far from Little Crater Lake, a cold, crystal clear, spring-fed pond. Also nearby is Timothy Lake, where boaters and anglers enjoy recreating, all in the shadows of Mt. Hood, Oregon's highest point.
The campground offers more than a dozen single-family sites for tent and RV camping. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets are provided. A hand-pump water spigot is located near the campground's entrance and is the only source of water within the facility. Utility hookups are not available. Parking surfaces are grass, dirt and irregularly shaped.
Need to Know
- Please be advised that this facility is Little Crater Lake in Mt. Hood National Forest and is not Little Crater Campground in Deschutes National Forest on Paulina Lake.
- Off-road vehicle use is prohibited within the campground
In accordance with standard industry practices, Mount Hood Recreation will be assessing an additional vehicle fee on the second vehicle in each single family campsite, and on the third and fourth vehicle in any double family campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined to the first vehicle by a hitch and towed onto the site. In the case of motorcycles, the first two are considered as one vehicle for determining additional vehicle fees. The third and fourth motorcycle would also be considered as one vehicle. No additional vehicle fees are collected for bicycles.
- Click here for more information on Mt. Hood National Forest
Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).
Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed
- Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
Natural Features
The quiet campground is nestled in an evergreen forest at an elevation of 3,300 feet. Little Crater Lake is a geologic oddity, possibly formed by artesian water forcing its way through soft, volcanic rock. The beautiful, turquoise water is a wonder to see.
The surrounding meadow is a great place for observing birds and other wildlife. The region is ripe for huckleberry picking as well.
Nearby Attractions
The Clackamas Lake Ranger Station Historic District is less than 10 miles from the campground. It was built to house forest service workers in the early 1900s. The rustic architecture and historic nature of the buildings and the surrounding area draws thousands of visitors each year.
Recreation
A short path to view Little Crater Lake begins in the campground. It connects to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, which winds its way through the area, past Timothy Lake and up the slopes of Mt. Hood. The long-distance trail is popular among hikers and backpackers, stretches 2,650 miles through California, Oregon and Washington, from Canada to Mexico.
Visitors enjoy fishing at Timothy Lake, which covers roughly 1,400 acres. Anglers will find Kokanee salmon and a variety of stocked trout.
Contact Information
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Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 503-630-5721
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Sandy, travel east on Highway 26 for approximately 40 miles to Skyline Road (Road 42). Turn right and travel south for 4 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 58 and travel 2 miles to the campground.
Available Campsites
- Site 004, Loop AREA LITTLE CRATER LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 014, Loop AREA LITTLE CRATER LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop AREA LITTLE CRATER LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop AREA LITTLE CRATER LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop AREA LITTLE CRATER LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop AREA LITTLE CRATER LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop AREA LITTLE CRATER LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 016, Loop AREA LITTLE CRATER LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop AREA LITTLE CRATER LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop AREA LITTLE CRATER LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop AREA LITTLE CRATER LAKE, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop AREA LITTLE CRATER LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop AREA LITTLE CRATER LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop AREA LITTLE CRATER LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop AREA LITTLE CRATER LAKE, Type Standard Nonelectric
