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.
Red Flag Warning issued July 21 at 2:59PM PDT until July 22 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
...The upper level low over the region will shift to the east just enough to allow for monsoonal moisture to move into the region. Instability will accompany the moisture and allow for increased chances of thunderstorms across central Oregon and the eastern mountains. Isolated dry thunderstorms could spark new wildfires and gusty outflow winds can affect fires already on the landscape... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 698 Southern Blue Mountains, 700 Central Mountains of Oregon and 705 Southern Deschutes National Forest. * TIMING...From 11 AM to 11 PM PDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. * THUNDERSTORMS...Isolated to scattered dry thunderstorms after 11 AM Wednesday. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusts from 25-35 mph
Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 7:40PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until 4 PM PDT Wednesday. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 6:03PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until 4 PM PDT Wednesday. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
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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