Prairie Campground

Overview

This primitive campground offers campers the chance to enjoy the beauty of the Deschutes National Forest

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

Recreation

Boating, swimming and fishing are popular activities enjoyed by visitors during spring, summer and fall months, while skiing and snowmobiling are popular during the winter.

Anglers have the opportunity to fish in the surrounding clear, cold lakes and streams for abundant salmon and trout.

Hikers and backpackers have access to a variety of trails in the area, including several in Newberry National Volcanic Monument.

The Crater Rim Trail is a favorite high country trail, boasting vast stretches of forest, deserts, and mountains extending from all sides of the trail.

Nearby Peter Skene Ogden National Recreation Trail parallels Paulina Creek, passing several waterfalls along the way, as it ascends 8.5 miles to the spectacular Paulina Lake.

Facilities

Prairie Campground can accommodate RV, trailer or tent-campers however electric and water hookups are not available. All sites are equipped with a picnic table and fire pit and the campground has vault toilets available.

Natural Features

With Paulina Creek nearby this facility is surrounded by ample foliage with numerous trees shading the campground. Its close proximity to both Paulina Lake and East Lake also allow campers access to nearby boating and fishing.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (541) 323-1746.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors enjoy traveling the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, known as Oregon's Highway in the Sky, which climbs into the clouds on a 66-mile drive through the Cascade Range, weaving past snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes.

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.

Lava River Cave, located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument is also nearby for campers to explore. At 5,211 feet in length, 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.

Camp site features

Across 17 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 17 sites
Picnic table: all 17 sites
Pets allowed: all 17 sites
Longest RV: 40 ft
Largest party: 8 people

Directions

From Bend, OR: Travel about 23.5 miles south on Highway 97 then 3 miles east on County Road 21 (Paulina Lake Road) to the Prairie campground sign. Follow the short paved road to the campground entrance. From LaPine, OR: Travel about 6.8 miles north on Highway 97 then 3 miles east on County Road 21 (Paulina Lake Road) to the Prairie campground sign. Follow the short paved road to the campground entrance.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

26 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

1 stars

Bryan W

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Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Quiet. Close to hikes.

Jackie C

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Reviewed 4 months ago

It was great. The spaces are big and plenty of space for kids to run. Bathrooms were clean. Drama free

Joan M

Loop:Loop 1

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Reviewed 4 months ago

Woman’s bathroom was spotless. We found our site easily and talked to the ranger .

Gary W

Loop:Loop 1

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Very clean; campground host didn't hassle us; very quiet; plenty of places to hike through the adjacent forest; restrooms were above par; each site is separated so even if you have a next door neighbor there is ample distance and screening; many drive-through sites to choose from; the open prairie made for some awesome sunsets.

Nichole S

Loop:Loop 1

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Reviewed a year ago

Nice to have the water fixed at this campground.

Lila H

Loop:Loop 1

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Beautiful little creek along the bottom of the hill, just a quick jaunt from camp. Campground is very primitive, with outhouse and water spigots. But that's camping! Sage brush flats and plenty of shade to be found. No firewood available though, so be prepared. Ground was VERY soft, so be prepared to re level the camper and make sure you have enough blocks for a good foundation to sturdy the jacks.

Availability

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

Reserve