East Lake Campground
Campground · 27 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Newberry Caldera Geothermal Area (Geothermal Area) · Restricted Access
- 27
- Bookable sites
- 40 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 8
- People per site
- 6,389 ft
- Elevation
Overview
East Lake Campground sits at the edge of beautiful East Lake in the caldera of Newberry Volcano. Most sites in this campground are on the lake or no more than a few minutes walk away. There are opportunities for bird watching, bicycling, sightseeing, and canoeing. East Lake is a little shadier than the other lakes and is a perfect way to beat the heat of the summer. There are nearby hikes into the lava rock and close by waterfalls. The area is part of the Newberry National Monument in Deschutes National Forest. The area is popular for its geological significance and multitude of recreational activities, making it an ideal individual and family camping excursion.
Recreation
Visitors can take advantage of boating, kayaking, swimming and fishing on East Lake. A boat ramp is located in the campground, and the lake has a 10 mph speed limit.For anglers, the lake provides the perfect setting to fish from boat or the shoreline. It supports rainbow trout, brown trout and Kokanee salmon. In September, the outlet of adjacent Paulina Lake may be choked with Kokanee moving to spawn in Paulina Creek.
The Crater Rim Trail, considered one of the finest high country trails in the area, boasts vast stretches of forest, deserts and mountains. The trail has many access points and connectors to other trails.
Facilities
East Lake Campground offers a boat ramp and several sites close to the shore or within easy walking distance to the beach. It is perfect for trailer, tent or RV camping. Sites are equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Flush toilets and drinking water are also available.Natural Features
East Lake is located within the collapsed caldera of Newberry Volcano. Nearly five miles in diameter, the caldera encircles the basins of East Lake and Paulina Lake. East Lake covers 1,044 acres and is 180 feet at its deepest point. Paulina Creek flows from the lake and has chiseled a narrow gorge through the caldera's west wall creating a remarkable twin waterfall. Thermal vents and hot springs along the lake's northeast edge help create a highly productive ecosystem. The surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams and diverse forests support a variety of wildlife, including black bear, bighorn sheep, deer, native fish and migratory birds.Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (541) 323-1746.Nearby Attractions
Big Obsidian Flow Trail offers a 1-mile interpretive trail that climbs up and onto this impressive lava flow of obsidian (black volcanic glass) and pumice. The Big Obsidian Flow is 1,300 years old, the youngest lava flow in Oregon.Lava Lands Visitor Center in nearby Bend, Oregon, is a great starting point for visitors to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through educational programs and exhibits.
Lava River Cave, also located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, is nearly a mile long. The northwest section of the cave is the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon.
Charges & Cancellations
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
The facts
- Season: Tentative Opening: June 13, 2025 – October 19, 2025 — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
- 27 bookable sites
- 29 sites in total, including non-bookable
- Vehicles up to 40 ft
- Up to 8 people per site
- Loops: Loop 1
Site types
- 27 Standard Nonelectric
- 2 Management
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Fire pits
- Picnic tables
- Shade
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, grills.
29 campsites at East Lake Campground
Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Water | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Lakefront | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 002 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Lakefront | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 003 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Lakefront | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 004 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | Lakefront | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 005 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | Lakefront | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 006 | Loop 1 | Management | Back In | Gravel | — | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 007 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | Lakefront | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 008 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 32 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 009 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | Lakefront | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 010 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 011 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | Lakefront | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 012 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | Lakefront | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 013 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | Lakefront | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 014 Host | Loop 1 | Management | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 015 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 32 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 016 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 32 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 017 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 34 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 018 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Lakefront | 32 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 019 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Lakefront | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 020 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Lakefront | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 021 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Lakefront | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 022 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 023 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 32 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 024 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | Lakefront | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 025 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 32 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 026 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | Lakefront | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 027 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 028 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Lakefront | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 029 | Loop 1 | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | — | 32 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
Getting there
From Bend, travel 23.5 miles south on Hwy 97, then 16.6 miles east on County Road 21 (Paulina Lake Road).
From LaPine travel 6.8 miles north on Hwy 97, then 16.6 miles east on County Road 21 (Paulina Lake Road).
43.71766, -121.21126 · 43°43'3.6"N 121°12'40.5"W
Typical weather
Typically 84°F in Jul, down to 38°F in Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 40 | 43 | 50 | 57 | 65 | 72 | 84 | 83 | 76 | 62 | 46 | 38 |
| Low °F | 20 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 33 | 37 | 41 | 40 | 34 | 28 | 24 | 19 |
| Precip in | 2.9 | 1.9 | 1.5 | 1.2 | 1.7 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 1.4 | 2.4 | 3.2 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 15.7 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about East Lake Campground
- Can you reserve a site at East Lake Campground?
- Yes, East Lake Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does East Lake Campground have?
- 29 sites in total, of which 27 can be booked.
- What is the maximum RV length at East Lake Campground?
- 40 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Are pets allowed at East Lake Campground?
- Yes, pets are allowed at East Lake Campground.
- Are campfires allowed at East Lake Campground?
- Campfires are allowed at East Lake Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Also listed by
East Lake Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by East Lake Campground's operator.
USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026
- Single Campsite Rate: $27/night
- One vehicle included with reservation – Each Additional Vehicle: $10.00
- NOTE : Holders of a Golden Age and Golden Access Passports and Senior and Access Passes are entitled to the following discounts on expanded amenity recreation fees: - A 50 percent discount on the fee for a single camping unit. This discount does not apply to use of a cabin, lookout, double camping u
- Day Use: $5/vehicle/day at East Lake Boating
Restrictions:
- Maximum site spur length is 40 feet.
- The water system will be turned on in the month of May depending on weather conditions and will be turned off no later than September 30, or upon the campground closing, whichever is earlier, to prevent potential damage from cold temperatures.
Camping near East Lake Campground
- Cinder Hill Campground 1.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Little Crater Campground 1.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Chief Paulina Horse Camp 2.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Newberry Group Camp Site 2.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Paulina Lake Campground 3.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- McKay Crossing Campground 8.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- East Lake 0.4 mi · Facility
- Cinder Hill Campground 1.1 mi · Campground
- Little Crater Day Use Site 1.8 mi · Facility
- Paulina Peak Observation Site 2.9 mi · Facility
- Paulina Peak Trailhead 3.3 mi · Facility
- Lava Cast Forest Day Use Interpretive Site 8 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone 541-383-5300
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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