Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Deschutes/Little Crater Campground
Overview
Deschutes/Little Crater Campground offers a unique opportunity to stay within the heart of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Nestled along the eastern shore of Paulina Lake, this campground provides a serene escape into Oregon’s high-country wilderness. At an elevation of approximately 6,330 feet, visitors can expect crisp mountain air and stunning views of the surrounding caldera. It serves as a popular destination for those looking to immerse themselves in a geologically rich landscape while enjoying traditional outdoor recreation and lakeside serenity.
Location & Surroundings
Located just a short drive from La Pine, Oregon, the campground is situated in a dense forest dominated by lodgepole pine and mountain hemlock. The primary draw is the immediate proximity to Paulina Lake, one of two stunning alpine lakes found within the Newberry Crater. The terrain is marked by ancient volcanic activity, featuring obsidian fields and lava flows. This rugged environment provides a dramatic backdrop for camping, with the towering Paulina Peak visible from many points around the water.
Amenities & Park Features
As a National Forest facility, the amenities focus on providing a rustic and authentic outdoor experience. The park includes vault toilets and potable water, though travelers should note there are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups available for RVs. Each site is equipped with a standard picnic table and a fire ring for evening gatherings.
- Access to a paved boat ramp for motorized and non-motorized lake activities.
- Lakeside sites that offer direct access to the water for fishing or paddling.
- Convenient access to the Paulina Lakeshore Trail for scenic walks.
While the sites can accommodate moderate-sized RVs, the focus remains on a quiet, natural atmosphere without the distractions of modern technology.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The area is a haven for active travelers and geology enthusiasts alike. Just a short distance away is the Big Obsidian Flow, where hikers can walk across a massive field of natural volcanic glass. Anglers frequent the lake for its famous trout and kokanee salmon fishing. Visitors can also hike the trail to Paulina Falls, a spectacular double waterfall, or drive to the summit of Paulina Peak for 360-degree views of the Cascade Range and the vast high desert beyond.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is ideal for dry campers and boondockers who prioritize natural beauty and scenery over luxury resort amenities. It is a perfect match for anglers, kayakers, and nature photographers looking for immediate access to the water. Families who enjoy educational hikes and exploring unique volcanic formations will find plenty of engagement here. If you prefer a quiet, forest-canopied setting away from the bustle of commercial parks, this mountain retreat will fit your travel style perfectly.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Nate Douthit
This campground is something to see. If you're lucky, you may get a lakeside site. There is a 7.8 mile hiking trail around the lake with nothing but amazing views and scenery. If you walk toward the entrance of the grounds, you will see a trail on the right. This will lead you up to a view of Paulina lake as well as East Lake. Be sure to take bug spray no matter what time of year. The hotspring located about 2 miles from the trail head, definitely brings bugs. 3 nights in a row around 6pm, the thunderstorms rolled in. Rain for about 40 min then back to sun.
55webina
Wonderful waterfront campsites even with heavy rain happening. After labor day there are plenty of sites available and better yet it was so quiet. With senior lifetime pass the fee was 13.50.
Lorrie Kalmbach-Ehlers
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.
Julie Poleykett
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
Megan V
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.