Paulina Lake Campground
Closed for the season. The campground typically operates mid-June through late September, depending on snow conditions. Reservations available via Recreation.gov.
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
Paulina Lake Campground occupies a striking location on the southwest shore of Paulina Lake, nestled within the caldera of Newberry Volcano at 6,350 feet elevation. The caldera spans nearly five miles in diameter, encircling both Paulina Lake and its twin, East Lake. Neither lake has an inlet stream; they rely on rain, snowmelt, and hot springs for water. Paulina Creek drains the lake through a narrow gorge in the caldera's west wall, creating the remarkable Paulina Falls. The campground offers 69 standard nonelectric sites suitable for tents and RVs up to 40 feet, with several pull-through options available. Facilities include flush toilets and potable water from hand pumps. A boat launch within the campground provides direct lake access for fishing and boating. The lake supports rainbow trout, brown trout, and Kokanee salmon, with thermal vents along the northeast shore contributing to a highly productive fishery. In September, Kokanee moving to spawn can choke the lake outlet at Paulina Creek. Nearby attractions include the Paulina Lakeshore Trail, Paulina Falls Day Use Area within walking distance, Lava River Cave, and the Lava Lands Visitor Center in Bend. A rustic lodge near the campground operates under a special use permit and offers lodging, supplies, and a cafe.
Directions
From Bend, travel 23.5 miles south on Highway 97 to Road 21 (Paulina Lake Road), then 12.9 miles east. From La Pine, travel 5 miles north on Highway 97 to Road 21, then 12.9 miles east.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $27 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| 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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