Prairie Campground
Open for the 2026 season through October 18. Currently experiencing a temporary water outage; campers must bring all drinking water. Reservations available via Recreation.gov until September 27, then first-come, first-served only until closing.
Red Flag Warning issued July 20 at 12:37PM 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 3:24PM 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 1:46PM 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
Prairie Campground is a primitive 17-site campground nestled in the Deschutes National Forest along County Road 21 (Paulina Lake Road), en route to the Newberry Caldera. The campground sits along Paulina Creek surrounded by mature forest providing ample shade. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with vault toilets available. No hookups are provided. The location offers excellent access to outdoor recreation. Paulina Lake and East Lake are nearby for boating and fishing, with opportunities for salmon and trout. Hikers can explore trails within Newberry National Volcanic Monument, including the Crater Rim Trail and the 8.5-mile Peter Skene Ogden National Recreation Trail that follows Paulina Creek past several waterfalls. The Lava River Cave, the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon at over 5,200 feet, is also nearby. The campground operates seasonally from early May through mid-October. Sites accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs with a maximum spur length of 30 feet. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov until late September, when the campground transitions to first-come, first-served only.
Directions
From Bend, OR: Travel about 23.5 miles south on Highway 97 then 3 miles east on County Road 21 (Paulina Lake Road) to the Prairie campground sign. From La Pine, OR: Travel about 6.8 miles north on Highway 97 then 3 miles east on County Road 21.
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 | — |
| Price | $23 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| 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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