McKay Crossing Campground
McKay Crossing Campground
McKay Crossing Campground

Mckay Crossing Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from mid-May through mid-October. The water system has failed and there will be no water service available.

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.

Newberry #2 Snowmobile Trail Closure

Effective December 1, 2025, Order #06-01-01-25-05

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.

Cabin Butte Area Closure

Cabin Butte Area Closure (Effective May 1, 2025, Order #06-01-01-25-03)

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

McKay Crossing Campground offers a secluded camping experience along Paulina Creek in the Deschutes National Forest, accessed via a few miles of washboard dirt road. The campground is divided into two sections by Paulina Creek, with sites 1-5 in one loop and sites 6-15 in an adjacent loop. A large waterfall within walking distance provides ambient sounds throughout the campground. The location serves as an excellent base for exploring Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The nearby Peter Skene Ogden National Recreation Trail parallels Paulina Creek, passing several waterfalls as it ascends 8.5 miles to Paulina Lake. Anglers can fish the clear, cold creek for salmon and trout, while bird watchers will appreciate the wetlands located west of the campground. The area also provides access to the Crater Rim Trail and other hiking opportunities in the volcanic landscape. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov. The campground operates seasonally from mid-May through mid-October, closing at noon on its final day of operation. Maximum site spur length is 26 feet, making this better suited for smaller RVs and trailers. Campers should bring their own water, as the water system failed and no water service is available.

Directions

From Bend, travel 23.5 miles south on Highway 97, then 3.2 miles east on Paulina Lake Road (County Road 21), and then 2.7 miles east on Forest Road 2120. The final stretch is a washboard dirt road.

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 $19

Vehicle

Max RV Length 26ft
Max Trailer Length 26ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email Jen@Hoodoo.com
Phone +1 (541) 383-5300

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

McKay Crossing Campground
McKay Crossing Campground
McKay Crossing Campground

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