Paulina Lake Campground
Campground · 66 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Deschutes National Forest (NF) · Open Access
- 66
- Bookable sites
- 90 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 8
- People per site
- 2
- Accessible sites
- 6,346 ft
- Elevation
Overview
Paulina Lake Campground is located 6,350 ft. above sea level in the caldera of Newberry Volcano, on the edge of the beautiful Paulina Lake. Conveniently located within Newberry National Monument, visitors to this area are taken aback by the incredible views this has to offer, highlighting volcanic landscapes intermixed with diverse forests, typical of central Oregon.
Popular for both its geological significance and multitude of recreational activities, Paulina Lake Campground is ideal for individual and family camping excursions.
Recreation
The unique location of Paulina Lake Campground offers visitors opportunities to hike shoreline trails and alpine vistas.
Visitors can also take advantage of time on the lake, boating, kayaking and fishing.
For anglers, this lake offers fantastic fishing opportunities. Spanning a surface area of 1,531 acres, the lake supports rainbow trout, brown trout and Kokanee salmon.
In September, the outlet of Paulina Lake may be choked with Kokanee moving to spawn in Paulina Creek.
Facilities
Paulina Lake campground has excellent sites for all forms of camping and plenty of large sites for RVs.Picnic areas, boating, shoreline trails, and stunning views of the lake, along with the conveniences of drinking water and flush toilets, give visitors the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while still having many of the conveniences of home.
Natural Features
Paulina Lake is located within the collapsed crater, or "caldera" of Newberry Volcano. Nearly five miles in diameter, this caldera encircles the basins of Paulina Lake, and its twin, East Lake.Neither lake receives water from an inlet stream, but instead, rely on rain, snowmelt and hot springs for water. Paulina Creek drains 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.
Wetlands, diverse forests, and rocky slopes near the campground provide a necessary habitat for shorebirds, porcupine, deer, bats and the occasional black bear.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (541) 323-1746.Nearby Attractions
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 interpretive programs and exhibits.Visitors can explore the Lava River Cave, also located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. At 5,211 feet (1,588 m) in length, the northwest section of the cave is the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon.
A rustic lodge near the campground, operating under a special use permit from the Deschutes National Forest, offers visitors lodging, last minute essentials and a cafe.
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 – September 28, 2025 — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
- 66 bookable sites
- 67 sites in total, including non-bookable
- 2 accessible sites
- Vehicles up to 90 ft
- Up to 8 people per site
- Loops: Paulina Lake Campground
Site types
- 66 Standard Nonelectric
- 1 Management
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Fire pits
- Picnic tables
- Shade
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, grills.
67 campsites at Paulina Lake Campground
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | — | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 02 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 03 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 04 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 05 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 32 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 06 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 07 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 08 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 09 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 10 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 11 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 12 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 13 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 14 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 15 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | — | 27 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 16 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | — | 58 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 17 | Paulina Lake Campground | Management | Back In | — | 53 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 18 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | — | 56 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 19 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 20 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | — | 47 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 21 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | — | 60 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 22 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 38 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 23 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | — | 64 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 24 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | — | 65 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 25 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 26 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | — | 64 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 27 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 44 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 28 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | — | 48 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 29 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 33 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 30 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | — | 67 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 31 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 32 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | — | 59 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 33 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | — | 65 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 34 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | — | 57 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 35 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 29 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 36 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | — | 54 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 37 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | — | 56 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 38 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | — | 70 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 39 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | — | 63 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 40 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | — | 51 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 43 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | — | 90 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 44 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | — | 56 ft | 8 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 45 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 18 ft | 8 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 46 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 35 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 47 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 28 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 48 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 49 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | 32 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 50 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 51 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 52 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 34 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 53 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 54 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 34 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 55 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 56 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 57 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 58 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 59 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 60 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 61 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 62 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 63 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 64 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 65 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 66 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 67 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 68 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 69 | Paulina Lake Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
Getting there
From Bend go south 23.5 miles on Hwy 97 to Road 21 (Paulina Lake Road). Take Road 21 east for about 12.9 miles.
From La Pine go north 5 miles on Hwy 97 to Road 21 (Paulina Lake Road). Take Road 21 east for about 12.9 miles.
43.71194, -121.27611 · 43°42'43.0"N 121°16'34.0"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, 14.2 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 Paulina Lake Campground
- Can you reserve a site at Paulina Lake Campground?
- Yes, Paulina Lake Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Paulina Lake Campground have?
- 67 sites in total, of which 66 can be booked.
- What is the maximum RV length at Paulina Lake Campground?
- 90 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Are pets allowed at Paulina Lake Campground?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Paulina Lake Campground.
- Are campfires allowed at Paulina Lake Campground?
- Campfires are allowed at Paulina Lake Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Also listed by
Paulina Lake Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Paulina 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 Paulina Lake Day Use Area
Restrictions:
- Maximum site spur length is 90 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 Paulina Lake Campground
- Newberry Group Camp Site 1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Chief Paulina Horse Camp 1.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Little Crater Campground 1.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- East Lake Campground 3.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Cinder Hill Campground 4.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- McKay Crossing Campground 5.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Paulina Peak Trailhead 0.1 mi · Facility
- Little Crater Day Use Site 1.6 mi · Facility
- Paulina Peak Observation Site 1.9 mi · Facility
- East Lake 3.2 mi · Facility
- Cinder Hill Campground 4.2 mi · Campground
- Lava Cast Forest Day Use Interpretive Site 7.4 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone 541-383-5300
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-06-12.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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