Mckay Crossing Campground
Open for the 2026 season from May 8 through October 18. Reservations available through September 26; first-come, first-served only starting September 27. No potable water is available. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect for Deschutes National Forest.
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.
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. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
About
McKay Crossing Campground is tucked away along Paulina Creek in Deschutes National Forest, offering a quieter camping experience removed from the busier destinations in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument area. Paulina Creek divides the campground into two loops: sites 1-5 on one side and sites 6-15 on the other. A waterfall within walking distance provides ambient sounds throughout the camp. The campground serves as a base for exploring the volcanic landscape of central Oregon. The Peter Skene Ogden National Recreation Trail parallels Paulina Creek and passes multiple waterfalls on its 8.5-mile climb to Paulina Lake. The Crater Rim Trail and Lava River Cave are nearby attractions. Bird watching is particularly rewarding in the wetlands west of camp. Access is via a few miles of sometimes washboard dirt road (FS Road 2120), so arrive prepared for rough conditions. No potable water is available at the site. The maximum site spur length is 26 feet, limiting options for larger RVs.
Directions
From Bend, OR: Travel 23.5 miles south on Highway 97, then 3 miles east on Paulina Lake Road (County Road 21) to the sign for McKay Crossing at FS Road 2120. Continue a few miles on this dirt road to reach the campground. From La Pine: Travel 6.8 miles north on Highway 97, then 3 miles east on Paulina Lake Road to FS Road 2120.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $19 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 26ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 26ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 383-5300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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