Little Lava Lake

Show on map541-323-1746
63095 DESCHUTES MARKET ROAD
BEND, OR 97701

Overview

Little Lava Lake Campground is located along the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway in the Central Oregon Cascades.

Recreation

Little Lava Lake Campground provides recreation opportunities for fishing, paddling, swimming and hiking. For anglers, the 130-acre Little Lava Lake offers a quiet alternative to its larger neighbor to the north, Lava Lake. Reaching a maximum depth of 20 feet, the lake supports planted Rainbow trout, some Brook trout, and self-sustaining populations of Whitefish and Tui Chub. Bait, lures, flies, still fishing and trolling are all acceptable angling methods.

Facilities

Little Lava Lake Campground's campsites are predominately located under lodgepole pine canopy with some sites located along the lakeshore and the Deschutes River.

There is a boat ramp and a day use area that can be used at Little Lava Lake for a fee.

Natural Features

Little Lava Lake is located on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountain Range at an elevation of 4,740 feet. The small lake is surrounded by mature pine forests with bull rushes and lava outcroppings lining its shores. 

Nearby Attractions

Visitors can explore wilderness areas, wild and scenic rivers, lakes and reservoirs and approximately 1,600 miles of trails within the Deschutes National Forest.

Lava Lands Visitor Center in nearby Bend, Oregon, and the unique geological landscape of Newberry National Volcanic Monument draw visitors to the region as well.

Visitors will also enjoy traveling the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway which climbs into the Cascades over a 66-mile drive through snow-capped peaks and alongside alpine lakes.

A nearby resort on Lava Lake offers lodging and a limited selection of groceries.

Charges & Cancellations

Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

Camp site features

Across 16 camp sites:

  • Fire pit: all 16 sites
  • Picnic table: all 16 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 16 sites
  • Group sites: 1 of 16 sites
  • Longest RV: 40 ft
  • Largest party: 30 people
  • Equipment: Tent

Directions

From Bend, travel 38.4 miles southwest on Cascade Lakes Hwy (46), then 0.7 miles east on Forest Road 4600 500, and then 0.4 miles east on Forest Road 4600 520.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

61 reviews
5 stars
27
4 stars
20
3 stars
9
2 stars
3
1 stars
2
Molly T
Loop:Little Lava Lake
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
Overall great place to stay. We stayed in #7. Had access to the river, however the river was dried up. Probably die to the dry year we have had. There is a lot of day traffic as people come up to enjoy the lake. Very popular for paddleboards, kayaks and small fishing crafts...usually rowed or electric motors. The road coming in has potholes big enough to swallow your car so go slow.
Joel A
Loop:Little Lava Lake
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
Beautiful location and the views of Mt Bachelor, Broken Top and South Sister make it that much more enjoyable. Easy hike to Lucky Lake!
David P
Loop:Little Lava Lake
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
Little lava lake is a beautiful spot nestled in the Cascades. We had a nice campsite, a lot of shade, lots of space, and sense of privacy, relatively speaking for a campground. Had a great paddle on the lake. It’s a perfect spot for kayaking.The water temps had gotten too warm to fish without risking harm, but Lava Lake, right next-door, was OK. Shout out to the understaffed Forest service crew that kept the outhouses clean and well stocked!
Armando T
Loop:Little Lava Lake
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
Great space, easy access to the lake and facilities.
Michael B
Loop:Little Lava Lake
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
Great suites and cleanliness! Great campsite and friendly staff
DAVID M
Loop:Little Lava Lake
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
It is so peaceful there. The quickest campground. No rowdies. No speedboats or drunks. You get the occasional party at the boat launch taking up launch space, but all in all ., patience prevails.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Season dates

Walk In season

May 14, 2027 – May 20, 2027

First come, first served

Peak season

May 21, 2027 – Sep 25, 2027

Reservable online

Walk In season

Sep 26, 2027 – Oct 16, 2027

First come, first served

Walk In season

May 12, 2028 – May 18, 2028

First come, first served

Peak season

May 19, 2028 – Sep 23, 2028

Reservable online

Walk In season

Sep 24, 2028 – Oct 14, 2028

First come, first served

Camp Sites

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