Little Crater Campground

After driving along a well-paved road spiraling up the mountain that houses Little Crater campground, you reach a lineup of about 20-30 good-sized campsites. This is a small campground that provides adequate privacy from your neighbours, and a lakeside experience that can be considered pretty rare. I'm sure you can get a larger experience at the other Crater lake, but if you want to avoid the crowds I recommend giving this place a shot. Nearby hikes can take you around the lake, up a mountain for great views of the lake, to a private beach/hotsprings, and up a very Mount Doom looking hill full of magnificent obsidian. Facilities only consist of outhouses; no sinks or showers. But this is not a large campground, so it wasn't too much of an issue for me. All in all, with the location, hiking options, and size of the campground, I highly recommend this for anybody looking for a little quiet time and a good walk through the woods. Check out the obsidian hill for sure. Would come back anytime.
8 years ago (21-09-2017)

Good campground, might feel crowded during high season but was good in mid September. Friendly camp host, conveniently located in the monument and at the start of an easy hike.
8 years ago (28-11-2017)

Great place to camp. There is a nice walk to some hot springs midway along the lake. Only downside is that the campsites are pretty close together so don't offer much privacy.
8 years ago (08-08-2017)

perfect campground. very likely to still have a spot without reservation even on a busy weekend. Lake and surround is beautiful and quiet. fishing off boat launch dock is possible and hikes extend directly from campground. do not miss the hot springs on the far shore of the lake.
8 years ago (27-02-2017)

All spots by Paulina Lake
9 years ago (23-08-2016)