Little Crater Campground

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.

Definitely 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.

Stayed 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

This 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.

This 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.