Lava Lake Campground
Lava Lake Campground
Deschutes National Forest • 45 minutes from Bend, Oregon
Quick Stats
- 🏕️ 44 campsites (39 RV-capable)
- 🚐 Max RV Length: 40 feet (site-dependent)
- ⚡ Hookups: DRY CAMPING (No hookups)
- 💵 $28/night
- 📅 Open: Mid-May to Mid-October
At a Glance
Lava Lake Campground is a scenic 44-site National Forest campground located along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, approximately 45 minutes southwest of Bend. This dry camping facility (no hookups) is ideal for self-contained RVs up to 40 feet on select sites. Enjoy pristine lake access for fishing, boating, and paddling while staying at a well-maintained, affordable basecamp for exploring the Cascade Lakes region.
✅ BEST FOR:
Self-contained Class B/B+ camper vans and Class C motorhomes • Lake fishing & water sports • Budget-conscious travelers • July-September visits
⚠️ NOT SUITABLE FOR:
RVs requiring hookups • First-time RV renters unfamiliar with dry camping • June visits (heavy mosquitoes)
RV Site Information
Site Configuration
- Total Sites: 44 (39 RV-capable, 5 tent-only)
- Max RV Length: Variable by site (24-40 feet)
- Site Types: 4 pull-through, 40+ back-in
- Surface: Dirt pads
- Spacing: Well-spaced with lodgepole pine screening
⚠️ Important RV Details
- NO HOOKUPS - This is dry camping only
- No electric at sites
- No water hookups (potable water from spigots)
- No sewer hookups
- Dump station available at adjacent Lava Lake Resort ($10-12)
- Showers at adjacent resort ($5)
Site-Specific Recommendations
- Sites 8, 20, 42: Accommodate 40-foot RVs
- Sites 9, 13: 30-foot maximum
- Site 28: 24-foot maximum
- Site 18: Tent only (18 ft vehicle max)
One reviewer successfully camped with a 45-foot fifth wheel: "A little tight but it works!"
Amenities & Facilities
| Amenity | Available | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Hookups | ❌ No | Dry camping only |
| Water Hookups | ❌ No | Potable water from spigots |
| Sewer Hookups | ❌ No | Dump at nearby resort ($10-12) |
| Dump Station | 🏪 Nearby | At Lava Lake Resort |
| Restrooms | ✅ Yes | Vault toilets - "exceptionally clean" |
| Showers | 🏪 Nearby | At Lava Lake Resort ($5) |
| Potable Water | ✅ Yes | Non-threaded spigots throughout |
| Campground Host | ✅ Yes | On-site management |
| Firewood | ✅ Yes | For sale from host |
| Boat Ramp | ✅ Yes | Lake access |
| Cell Service | 📱 Verizon | 4G/5G confirmed |
| WiFi | ❌ No | Limited connectivity |
| Pet-Friendly | ✅ Yes | Pets allowed |
Activities & Recreation
Water Activities
- Fishing: Lake fishing on 130-acre Lava Lake
- Boating: Motorized and non-motorized allowed
- Kayaking/Canoeing: Excellent with speed restrictions
- Paddleboarding: Popular activity
- Swimming: Available (early season water is cold)
Land Activities
- Hiking: Access to Deschutes NF trails
- Mountain Biking: Trail access
- Wildlife Viewing: Lodgepole pine forest
- Photography: Mountain views (Mt. Bachelor, South Sister, Broken Top)
- Scenic Driving: Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
Important Warnings & Alerts
🚨 NO HOOKUPS - DRY CAMPING ONLY
- Self-contained RVs strongly recommended
- No electric, water, or sewer at sites
- Must have adequate battery, water, and holding tank capacity
- Dump station ($10-12) and showers ($5) at nearby resort
🚨 HEAVY MOSQUITOES IN JUNE
Multiple 2024-2025 reviews report severe mosquito problems in June. Visit after July 1 when population drops. Bring heavy-duty insect repellent.
⚠️ VARIABLE SITE SIZES
Max RV length varies 24-40 feet by site. Must research individual site specifications on Recreation.gov before booking.
Pricing & Reservations
Rates (2025)
- Single site: $28.00/night
- Additional vehicle: $10.00/night
- Senior/Access Pass: 50% discount
How to Book
- Online: Recreation.gov
- Phone: 877-444-6777
- Campground ID: #251448
Recommended Happy Campers RVs
✅ IDEAL MATCH
- Class B Camper Vans (20-24 ft)
- Class B+ Compact Units
✅ GOOD MATCH
- Class C Motorhomes (24-30 ft)
- Smaller Class C (up to 28 ft)
❌ NOT RECOMMENDED
- Large Class A (32+ ft)
- Super C diesel (36+ ft)
- Any RV requiring hookups
Contact Information
Campground Management
- Phone: 541-323-1746
- Alt: 541-383-5300
Reservations
- Phone: 877-444-6777
- Recreation.gov
This campground profile was researched from 17+ verified sources including USDA Forest Service, Recreation.gov, and 2024-2025 campground reviews. Research Confidence: HIGH (all critical data verified from 3+ sources). Last Updated: November 5, 2025
Amenities
| Amenity | Available |
|---|---|
| Electric Hookups | |
| Water Hookups | |
| Sewer Hookups | |
| RV Dump Station | |
| Bathrooms | |
| Showers | |
| Laundry | |
| General Store | |
| Restaurant | |
| WiFi | |
| Pet Friendly |
RV Information
Contact & Links
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