Paulina Lake Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates from mid-June through late September, with the 2025 season running June 13 through September 28. Road access (Paulina Lake Road/Forest Service Road 21) is closed from approximately mid-November through late spring due to snow.
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.
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.
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
Paulina Lake Campground is located at 6,350 feet elevation on the southwest shore of Paulina Lake within the collapsed caldera of Newberry Volcano in Newberry National Volcanic Monument. This unique geological setting features a nearly five-mile-diameter caldera that encircles both Paulina Lake and its twin, East Lake. The campground offers 69 campsites with a maximum spur length of 90 feet, making it accessible for larger RVs and trailers. The 1,531-acre lake provides excellent fishing opportunities for rainbow trout, brown trout, and Kokanee salmon. In September, the outlet of Paulina Lake becomes choked with Kokanee moving to spawn in Paulina Creek. A boat launch is available within the campground for those wanting to explore the lake by kayak, canoe, or motorboat. The lake receives no inlet streams, relying instead on rain, snowmelt, and hot springs for water. Thermal vents and hot springs along the lake's northeast edge create a highly productive ecosystem. The campground provides access to the Paulina Lakeshore Trail #3955 and is a short walk from Paulina Falls Day Use Area, where Paulina Creek has carved a narrow gorge through the caldera's west wall creating remarkable twin waterfalls. The surrounding wetlands, diverse forests, and rocky slopes provide habitat for shorebirds, porcupine, deer, bats, and occasional black bears. Nearby attractions include Lava River Cave and Lava Lands Visitor Center in Bend. A rustic lodge near the campground offers lodging, supplies, and a cafe.
Directions
From Bend, travel 23.5 miles south on Highway 97, then 12.9 miles east on Paulina Lake Road (County Road 21). From La Pine, travel 5 miles north on Highway 97 to Paulina Lake Road (County Road 21), then 12.9 miles east.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| 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 | $27 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 383-5300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!