Little Crater Lake

Show on map 503-630-5721 jacob@alaskarm.com

Overview

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.

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.

Facilities

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.

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.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (503) 622-3191.

Camp site features

Across 15 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 15 sites
Pets allowed: all 15 sites
Longest RV: 26 ft
Largest party: 6 people
Equipment: Tent

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.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

60 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Suzanne K

Loop:Area Little Crater Lake

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Wonderfully quiet campground with access to Timothy Lake. Our family spent the days hiking, biking, and kayaking to/from/and at the lake.

Ellie Y

Loop:Area Little Crater Lake

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Lovely campground. There was construction so we couldn’t visit the lake which was just unlucky timing but no one’s fault. Sites 3 and 4 were lovely. 9 and 10 have a lot of downed trees. Camp host was not the friendliest and would probably be the only thing keeping me from staying here again.

David K

Loop:Area Little Crater Lake

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Spots 9 and 10 are both amid trees that fell last winter. They are west facing and in full afternoon sun. The water pump was broken still. Otherwise it is a great spot and a lovely easy hike.

Justin L

Loop:Area Little Crater Lake

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

Beautiful, and well maintained campsite. The host was rude, ill-tempered, intolerant of guests, and inequitable in how they applied rules to different camps. The host was, in no uncertain terms, not a “people person” in a role that demands as much. We won’t return.

Ann S

Loop:Area Little Crater Lake

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

Love this campground and the host, Pat and his two huskies, were the best I have seen. He keep the campground clean, the pit toilets didn't smell and were well stocked and he made sure that campers weren't too loud, especially after 10. I really appreciated his presence and knowing that someone was keeping things in check. We will be back!

Tekiah E

Loop:Area Little Crater Lake

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

Really shady and well kempt

Availability

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

Reserve