Little Crater Lake Campground has a day-use area on the Zigzag Ranger District. Take Highway 26 beyond Government Camp and Frog Lake, then follow Forest Routes 42 and 58 to the campground. The lake itself is the draw: a small pool of cold artesian spring water about 45 feet deep and roughly 50 feet wide, thought to have formed where a fault let water push up to the surface.
A short accessible path from the day-use parking crosses a meadow to a viewing platform, then continues to the Pacific Crest Trail. Huckleberries often grow nearby, and Timothy Lake is close too. The site has vault toilets and drinking water.
Photos
Things to do
- Fishing
Getting there
From Sandy, OR
- Travel southeast on Highway 26 past Government Camp and Frog Lake to Primary Forest Route 42.
- Follow 42 south to Primary Forest Route 58 (approximately 1.5 miles into the Warm Springs Indian Reservation).
- Follow 58 northwest for approximately two miles to the campground.
From the Forest Service
Rules and restrictions
NO SWIMMING in Little Crater Lake due to its sensitive ecological and geological features.
Vehicles must not surpass the maximum length of 22 feet.
All fees
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $25 per night
Additional Vehicle Fee: $8 per night
Day Use:
$10 per vehicle per day
Passes and permits
Camping: 50% discount for single site camping with the Interagency Access Pass or Senior Passes.
Day use: The only recreation pass accepted in lieu of fee payment is the $30 Annual Northwest Forest Pass.
Season details
5/23/2026 - 10/12/2026
Accessibility
Little Crater Lake Campground is wheelchair accessible. The trail to the lake was rebuilt in 2026 and is wheelchair accessible up to (and including) the viewing platform.
Ranger office
Zigzag Ranger District
Address: 70220 E Highway 26 Zigzag, OR 97049
Phone: 503-622-3191
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed 12 to 1 for lunch. (Closed on federal holidays)