Lava Lake Campground
The numbers that decide it
Recreation.gov publishes no site-level detail for this campground, so we cannot say what length of rig it takes. Call the managing office before committing to it in a large vehicle.
Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero.
Lava Lake Campground
Located near the McKenzie Pass , the primitive Lava Camp Lake Campground is pretty spot conveniently located to multiple trails, surrounded by mountain hemlock and lodgepole pine forests. This campground offers access to the Mt. Washington and Three Sisters Wildernesses and is near the Pacific Crest Trail . The Lava Camp Lake Trail enters Wilderness shortly after leaving the trailhead. Wilderness Permits are required for both day use and overnight stays from this trailhead . See "Permit Info" below for more details.
Before you go
Reservations
Reservations accepted
Fees
No recreation fee required for day use parking, but a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit is required to hike the nearby Lava Camp Lake Trail. See "Permit Info" below.
Restrictions
Wilderness restrictions apply . • Maps of areas where special restrictions apply: • Dog leash restrictions • Green Lakes • Matthieu Lakes • Moraine Lakes • • Motorized and mechanical equipment (including bicycles and drones) are prohibited in the Wilderness • Groups must be under 12 people and 12 head of stock • Build campfires at least 100 feet away from water • Pack in / Pack out! • “Take only pictures, leave only footprints” — please refrain from cutting, damaging, or gathering vegetation or other forest items (e.g. rocks, artifacts, etc.) • Please bury human waste 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet away from water • Maximum site spur length is 40 feet. • The McKenzie Hwy (only access to the campground) has a maximum vehicle length of 35 feet thus limiting trailer use. • Vehicle traffic is prohibited beyond the snowgate (8.2 miles west of Sisters) during the winter.
Scenic drives that pass close
Make it a night on a better road
Byway plans the drive in — real stops, real weather, nothing invented.