Chief Paulina Horse Camp
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens June 13, 2026, and operates through September 28, 2026. The last reservable night is September 27. Reservations available through Recreation.gov. Access road (Paulina Lake Road/County Road 21) is closed in winter.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order.
West Bend Area Trail Closures
We are restoring the forest adjacent to the City of Bend to improve forest health, create a diversity of plant and wildlife habitat and to protect our communities and quality of life.
Deschutes 14-Day Camping Order
Deschutes 14-Day Camping Order (Effective November 14, 2024, Order #06-01-25-01)Describes the prohibition of camping or otherwise occupying a single location for a period longer than 14 consecutive c
Wilderness Permit, Camping & Fire Restrictions Order
Wilderness Permit, Camping, and Fire Restrictions Order (Effective May 1, 2024, Order #06-01-24-01)Describes the special restrictions and prohibitions for Wilderness areas on the Deschutes and Willamette Natio
Blue-Green Algae Information
The Deschutes National Forest encourages people recreating on the national forest to be aware of potential blue-green algae blooms on lakes and reservoirs as the weather warms. Not all algae in lakes and reservoirs is blue-green algae.
Recreating in the Cedar Creek Fire Burned Area
Please use caution when recreating in areas that were impacted by the 2022 Cedar Creek Fire. A burned landscape presents a number of safety hazards that either did not exist prior to the fire or have been exacerbated by the effects of the fire.
Camping & Campfire Forest Order
Camping and Campfire Forest Order (Effective April 6, 2021, Order #06-01-21-01)Describes where camping and campfires are prohibited on the Deschutes National Forest.This Order becomes effect
Cave Resource Protection Forest Order
Cave Resource Protection Forest Order (Effective April 1, 2021 Order #06-01-21-02)Describes the prohibitions for entering or exploring caves or areas near caves on the Deschutes National Forest.This O
About
Chief Paulina Horse Camp is the only equestrian campground within Newberry National Volcanic Monument in the Deschutes National Forest. Located near Paulina Lake within the collapsed caldera of Newberry Volcano, this specialized facility offers 14 campsites tailored for horse camping, with corrals, fire rings, and picnic tables at each site. The campground provides horse enthusiasts access to premier trail systems including the Crater Rim Trail, one of the area's signature high country trails featuring vast stretches of forest, desert, and mountain views. Multiple trailheads depart directly from the campground. The surrounding landscape showcases remarkable geological features including Paulina and East Lakes, which rely entirely on rain, snowmelt, and hot springs rather than inlet streams. Riders can explore diverse terrain from the lush Peter Skene Ogden National Scenic Trail along Paulina Creek to the drier Lost Lake Trail with views of the Big Obsidian Flow. The area's wetlands, forests, and rocky slopes support wildlife including deer, shorebirds, and occasional black bears. Important note: weed-free feed is required on the Deschutes National Forest as part of invasive species prevention efforts.
Directions
From Bend, travel 24 miles south on Highway 97, then 14 miles east on Paulina Lake Road (County Road 21). From La Pine, travel 5 miles north on Highway 97, then 13.9 miles east on County Road 21.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $27 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 383-5300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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