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.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 9:49AM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until noon PDT Wednesday. Check with your local health or air agency for current restrictions on woodstove use. There are often exceptions for those who use wood exclusively to heat their homes and those with limited income. People can take the following precautions to protect their health: * Follow local burn restrictions to prevent deteriorating air quality. * Avoid strenuous outdoor activity in smoky conditions. * People with heart or lung problems and young children are especially vulnerable. These people should stay indoors while smoke levels are high. * Use certified High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in indoor heating ventilation, cooling, and air purification systems. * Avoid using wood-burning stoves and other sources of indoor smoke if possible. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
Air Quality Alert issued August 5 at 2:33PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until further notice. 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. An Air Quality Advisory for elevated levels of ozone pollution, or smog, is in effect for Hermiston in Umatilla County. Ozone pollution is expected to reach levels that could be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, pregnant people, older adults and people with heart or respiratory conditions. DEQ expected the Air Quality Advisory to last until 10 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
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.
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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