Paulina Lake Campground

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.

For more information about the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=66159  

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.

Camp site features

Across 66 camp sites:

  • Fire pit: all 66 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 66 sites
  • ADA accessible: 2 of 66 sites
  • Longest RV: 90 ft
  • Largest party: 8 people

Directions

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

196 reviews
5 stars
89
4 stars
61
3 stars
26
2 stars
12
1 stars
8
David M
Loop:Paulina Lake Campground
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Nice, level campsite, the camp host was courteous and always available. The hike through the Big Obsidian Flow was easy and definitely a must do. I also did the 7-mile hike around Paulina Lake. The campground layout was a little confusing, and I had a little difficulty finding my space. Those with campers must get water prior to entering the campground, as the faucets onsite have threads to attach your hose.
Laura A
Loop:Paulina Lake Campground
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
This is a beautiful campground in a beautiful location. We enjoyed hiking right from the campground. There could be more signage in the campground directing you to your specific site. Since there isn’t any cell phone coverage at the location, I didn’t have a map at the ready.
Kathleen G
Loop:Paulina Lake Campground
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
The high elevation makes for some cold nights
Michelle S
Loop:Paulina Lake Campground
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Lots of hiking and views
Henriette B
Loop:Paulina Lake Campground
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Enjoyed my stay here, but the signage needs serious improvement. The intersections don’t tell you which campsite numbers they lead to and I questioned several times if I was driving the wrong way down the road towing my trailer. Thankfully I was not. The posts and signs for the individual campsites were located after the entrance to the sites and facing the wrong way. This meant I missed the initial identification of my pull through site and had to go around again. Just bizarre and unnecessarily confusing signage. On top of that, someone had parked in my site because they didn’t see my reservation on the campsite post. They also had trouble with the signs! I had to track down the host to help sort this out. Once I got settled I had a great stay. Bathrooms were very clean. Please improve the signs.
Jason P
Loop:Paulina Lake Campground
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Nice campground with toilets that are real running water and kept clean. This campground seems to be less windy than others along the lake. Its very close to the lodge (short walk) which is nice.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Season dates

Peak season

Jun 11, 2027 – Sep 25, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

Jun 9, 2028 – Sep 23, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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