Are you planning an RV camping trip to Christmas Valley? We've got you covered. Find the best information on RV camping near Christmas Valley, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your RVing experience. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Christmas Valley's most popular destinations.
A 20 acre retreat in Oregons Outback with many historical sites around. Bring your group or family or work team we can help with team building and couple strengthening.
Within 30 minutes a few of many attractions are Fort Rock, Oregons famous Crack in the Ground, 11,000 acres of sand dunes, several hot springs including a natural geiser.
$15 - $25 / night
RV Park in Silver Lake, Oregon with Full Hookups, Showers and Laundromat Open 24 hours
We have full hookup RV parking, showers, laundromat, and rentals in a quiet and peaceful location.
$30 / night
Christmas Valley base Camp is 4 miles south of Christmas Valley. We are a private campground with a great cabin with a large picture window overlooking the Black Hills. We also have a tipi bunkhouse tents and RV hookups. A super firepit where the world problems are solved and memories are made.
$40 - $250 / night
Located 40 minutes south of Silver Lake, Oregon, East Bay is a desirable campground located at the base of Hager Mountain on the scenic Thompson Reservoir. Enjoy gorgeous views of the mountain and shady campsites thanks to the ponderosa pines and aspens. Eighteen spacious campsites accommodate tent and RV camping. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, potable water, and three vault toilets. East Bay is a popular campground with hunters every fall. East Bay Campground has convenient access to the hiker trail that leads to the summit of Hager Mountain, about 4 miles one way. Besides hiking, East Bay offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities on Thompson Reservoir. There is no dock at the present time but boaters can easily back their boat down the ramp into the water. Thompson Reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout on an annual basis.
Situated on the edge of the beautiful Paulina Lake, Little Crater Campground is conveniently located within Newberry National Monument. Visitors to this area are taken aback by the incredible views this area has to offer, highlighting volcanic landscapes intermixed with diverse forests, typical of central Oregon. Popular for both its geological significance and multitude of recreational activities, Little Crater Campground is ideal for individual and family camping excursions. If you are visiting Oregon with the aim of getting the best camping experience, this might be it. Offering campsites next to Paulina Lake, activities available at this campground include hiking, bird watching, bicycling, sightseeing and access to nearby trails. For more information about the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=66159
The unique location of Little Crater Campground offers visitors opportunities to hike shoreline trails and alpine vistas. Visitors can also take advantage of time on the lake, boating, kayaking, swimming and fishing. For anglers, this lake offers fantastic fishing opportunities. Spanning a surface area of 1,531 acres, the lake supports rainbow trout, brown trout and Kokanee salmon. In September, the outlet of Paulina Lake may be choked with Kokanee moving to spawn in Paulina Creek.
Paulina Lake is located within the collapsed calder of Newberry Volcano. Nearly five miles in diameter, this caldera encircles the basins of Paulina Lake and its twin, East Lake. Neither lake receives water from an inlet or stream - instead both rely on rain, snowmelt and hot springs for water. Paulina Creek flows from the lake and has chiseled a narrow gorge through the caldera's west wall creating a remarkable twin waterfall. Thermal vents and hot springs along the lake's northeast edge help create a highly productive ecosystem. The surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams and diverse forests support a variety of wildlife, including porcupine, bighorn sheep, deer, bats native fish, migratory birds and even the occasional black bear.
For facility specific information, please call (541) 323-1746.
Lava Lands Visitor Center in nearby Bend, Oregon, is a great starting point for visitors to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits. Visitors can explore the Lava River Cave, also located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. At 5,211 feet (1,588 m) in length, the northwest section of the cave is the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
$27 - $29 / night
Fremont Point Cabin is located on top of the Winter Rim in North Central Lake County, Oregon. The newly constructed cabin, which was completed in the summer of 2015, sits on the same footprint as its predecessor, which was destroyed during a forest fire in 2002. Through numerous donations of funding, materials, and volunteer labor, the cabin has been rebuilt and is now ready for you to enjoy. While the cabin is available year-round, off season access may be limited to foot or snowmobile depending on weather conditions, as the roads are not maintained in the winter.
Recreational activities within close proximity of Fremont Point Cabin include horseback riding, wildlife viewing and photography, mountain biking, OHV riding, hunting, fishing, kayaking and boating. Numerous trails including the Fremont National Recreation Trail and Oregon Timber Trail are also nearby.
Poised on the edge of an escarpment at almost 3,000 feet above Summer Lake, Fremont Point Cabin offers a breathtaking view of the valley below. Due to the remoteness of this site, visitors can enjoy the opportunity for personal reflection while watching a variety of weather patterns across Summer Lake.
The panoramic view from the edge of the Winter Rim is amazing. And, the National Recreational Trail which skirts along the escarpment edge provides an endless number of opportunities to view the valley below. A short hike west from the cabin finds a totally different ecosystem, thriving with large ponderosa and lodge pole pine. Thirty minutes to the south are the headwaters for the Wild and Scenic Sycan River, which is an easy day hike on the historic Hanan Trail from the developed trailhead on FSR 28.
$40 / night
McKay Crossing Campground is located off the beaten path along Paulina Creek. It provides campers with seclusion from the main road and the tranquility of hearing the creek flow. This area is good for bird watching, particularly in the wetlands located west of the campground. For more information about the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=66159
Boating, swimming and fishing are popular activities enjoyed by visitors during spring, summer and fall months, while skiing and snowmobiling are popular during the winter. Anglers have the opportunity to fish in the surrounding clear, cold lakes and streams for abundant salmon and trout. Hikers and backpackers have access to a variety of trails in the area, including several in Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The Crater Rim Trail is a favorite high country trail, boasting vast stretches of forest, deserts and mountains extending from all sides of the trail. Nearby Peter Skene Ogden National Recreation Trail parallels Paulina Creek, passing several waterfalls along the way, as it ascends 8.5 miles to the spectacular Paulina Lake.
Paulina Creek divides this campground into two sections with sites 1-5 in one loop and sites 6-15 in an adjacent loop. A large waterfall is within a very short walk and brings the sound of falling waters to the camp sites near by.
For facility specific information, please call (541) 323-1746.
Visitors enjoy traveling the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, known as Oregon's Highway in the Sky, which climbs into the clouds on a 66-mile drive through the Cascade Range, weaving past snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes. Lava Lands Visitor Center in nearby Bend, Oregon, is a great starting point for visitors to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits. Lava River Cave, located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument is also nearby for campers to explore. At 5,211 feet in length, the northwest section of the cave is the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
$19 - $21 / night
Ranger
Small RV park in Silver Lake. Well maintained level sites with grass in between. Quiet. Full hookups. Bathrooms and showers are clean but could use some minor TLC. Has a laundry. Friendly staff. Good value at $30 cash. Quite a bit to do in the area. Recommend
Guide
Camping for 4 nights. Pay is per person and $10 extra for full RV hookups. It’s open, and hot. It would uncomfortable without air conditioning. The hot pool and outdoor smaller pools are hot but not super hot. It’s mineral water and lovely to float in the indoor pool. No picnic table or shade. There are cabins.
Guide
Been camping here for a week at a time for 20 years, during the summers. Fire about 10+ years ago took out the outhouse. If it rains, you most likely will be there till the road into the campsite dries out. Deep ruts in the road now, so regular cars aren't recommended.
Two campsites, but Forest Service says 3. One site has no shade in the middle of the day. Other site has a picnic table, but it may or may not be in usable shape.
No services of any kind - cell, WiFi, RV hookups, etc. You can be there for several days and not see anyone.
Guide
Along the Oregon Outback cycling route, there are few options for anything but rugged bush camping in this area. The roads are dusty and the scenery beautiful.
Driving into Fort Rock, I saw the sign for RV Park but it was not on any map or service. I went into the bar at the Waterin’ Hole and asked if they had a spot. $35 a night with a 30 amp shore power. No bathroom, but a rather nasty porta-potty. The bar serves bar food and cold drinks. Simple solutions, never a bad thing.
GuideClean campground with amazing views from the bathhouse. Full hookups on level pads and cabins if you left your rv at home. Hint. Take a warm, fluffy robe and good sandals for your walk to and from the soaking pools.
Guide
Really nice big Campground with bathrooms and water.
We were at campsite 59 which was full of ants (the camp host said that one was one of the worst and the people before us who had severe allergies had to leave). Also in front of a mini trail to the lake so lots of people walking through our site. Also had to walk all of our stuff in as the parking lot is right there but a bit down (Which I prefer but people with ADA issues may want to be aware). Overall more of an RV park but a nice place.
LegendAt the end of the road, after passing several other campgrounds, RV parks and cabins, you'll come to Cinder Hill campground. Quite a few spots, so if you've tried to get something at East Lake campground or another nearby and it's booked up, this may be your best bet.
In general, a nice campground with lake access and a beach and bathrooms. The main thing to know about this one in particular is that there are some really nice spots and some that are way less nice. As you're approaching the campground, for example, there's quite a few very tiny spots that are right on the road with no privacy at all. Others closer to the lake are huge with semi-direct access to the beach. Some are super deep with lots of room but no easy access to water, others are on weird slopes but with great views.
Overall, if you can, take your time and you may find a really nice spot. Or at a minimum, a place to lay your head if others are booked.
Legend
Tent camping next to beautiful Paulina Lake. RV spots also available. Short walk to Paulina visitor center with fun exhibits and ranger programs.
Campground has flush toilets, boat launch. Great location to explore all around Paulina Lake including hiking trails and activities.
Camp sites spacious but most of the campgrounds at East and Paulina Lakes are often busy and can be loud with boats, RVs and general camp traffic.
Shoreline is not a beach, but more of a boat launch. There's better swimming nearby in other areas of the lake.
Legend
Hard to find, but finally found the driveway beside the restaurant. There is no sign of the business. Once there we called the telephone number and got a strange recording, but they called us back right away and had their onsite person meet us and tell us to park in spot#1 where the weeds were almost 10" high in front of our door after parking so we could not put out our 10x10 door mat. The follow Jim who was the onsite rep was very helpful. According to Jim the RV park, Restaurant and other out buildings were just purchased by a new owner who is suppose to make many improvements to the park. The spot they gave us was right out in front of every other site so the road noise and the fact there was no shade that was not helpful. There were several things that were very nice. There was a grocery store only 400 feet from our site as well as a Wash and Laundry building and because the town was so small everything was very close such as the gas station, hardware store and more. They had a building that was suppose to be two showers but both doors were locked. Maybe for security, who knows.
Legend
Another very popular resort, this one is on the shores of East Lake. Rustic cabins built between the 1940s and 1960s, but quaint and cozy, most with toilets and showers and close to the shoreline. Prices vary between cabins.
A boat launch is available. Nice beach to put in for kayaks, sups. Cafe at the small lodge with good food and snacks plus a general store for supplies. RV spots available across the road.
Another beautiful location to use as a base to explore throughout Paulina/East lake area. Very popular in the summer.
Legend
We were headed to Thompson Creek reservoir, but opted for this lovely little FS campground. We had the place to ourselves the first night and another camper came in for the 2nd. Easy pull-through site, pretty level and fit both rigs. Otherwise plenty of room between sites.
It was a bit of a trek down gravel roads to get here. Took it easy, though, and no problems.
Lovely walks and hikes to be had. Beautiful stargazing. Clean pit toilets and clean overall campground. There were corrals at one end for horse camping. No cell service. (in 2020)
4 stars only because of the sometimes-washboard road to get here.
From here we visited Crack in the ground, Cowboy Dinner Tree, The Sand Dunes, Fort Rock and Christmas Valley.
Legend
Our first time here at East Lake Campground in the last week of September 2023 just 1 day before the park closed for the season. Because East Lake Campground is 6500 feet in elevation the nights were very cold, from 44 to 31 degrees but normally the days were in the morning windy and about 62*. The camp has 29 sites and NO hookups.
There is flush toilets, NO showers, but had drinking water. East Lake also had 1 boat launch but the water was very low, some 40' down from the edge of the bank to the water. Great fishing and a great place for kayaks. Each site has a picnic table and fireplace. Most Sites on the lake side has pull-thru that were about 50' long. Some back-in sites were only 35'. Very quite campground and not too close to each others camp site. We camped at East Lake Campground in a Travel Trailer.
Restrooms Flush toilets, faucet water. No hookups, No electric, No water hookup, No sewer hookup. You can fill your water tank FREE at the ($10) Dump Station so you don't have the weight in your rig. Dog-friendliness Lots of space to run and play.
LegendCampground Review
About 25 miles south of Bend, Oregon, Paulina and East Lakes are twin calderas located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument area of the Deschutes National Forest that have an amazing amount of fun things to do including camping, fishing, paddle boarding, boating, hiking, biking and hot springs.
We pulled into the Paulina Visitor Center just before 5pm on the Fourth of July to scope out our walk-up camping options (we didn’t make reservations) and the rangers let us know that Paulina Lake Campground still had two or three spots open, or we could keep on heading to Cinder Hill on East Lake, which had several spots. The East Lake campground, they said, was pretty much always full, so no need to stop there to check.
We ended up grabbing a great spot at Paulina Lake Campground even though it was a holiday weekend. Large camp sites, lots of trees, flush toilets, and access to Paulina Lake all made this a great spot for camping.
There’s tons to do in the area. My two favorites were the hot springs near East Lake boat ramp (when facing the water, walk left about 8 minutes along the shore line…pass the first couple spots until you get to a good one around two bends) and the trail up Obsidian Butte. There’s also a lodge nearby with delicious food (homemade rum butter apple cobbler…yum) and the beautiful Paulina Falls day use area. We’ll definitely be heading back to spend more time here, next time maybe with some paddle boards.
The main down side to this site is there doesn’t appear to be specific hours for generators, so they can run loudly whenever.
Tips:
Parking. You’ll need a day pass ($5) to park at various day use areas at the lakes, but if you have a National Park Pass it will get you in for free. Ask at the Visitor Center and they can give you a holder to hang your pass from your rear view mirror.
Firewood: Unlike many national and state parks, you can harvest camp firewood for free here, which is pretty awesome. Check with the rangers at the visitor center, but the rules are pretty basic (pick up dead wood instead of chopping it down, etc.).
Other Area Campgrounds. If you’re looking for reservations and Paulina Lake is booked up, they hold many of their sites for “walk-ups” only. There’s also several other campgrounds in the area, both private and public, if for some reason Paulina Lake is full.
From West (at the Visitor Center) to East, campgrounds and cabins on the lakes include:
Paulina Lodge (Private I believe. All cabins, some right on the water).
Paulina Lake Campground (this campground review. No beach but does have a boat dock and water access)
Newberry Group Camp Site. Three group sites. $75-$100. Didn’t stay here but looked fun.
Little Crater Campground. Didn’t visit, but listed as one of the“most popular” campgrounds in the entire Deschutes Forest. Books up Thursday for most weekends.
East Lake Campground. Great lake views from most spots and flush toilets.
East Lake RV Park. Newer, clean but somewhat cramped and dusty.
East Lake Resort Cabins. (Homey in a good way).
Cinder Hill Campground, East Lake. Some sites are better than others. Amazing beach.
Product Review: Firebiner by Outdoor Element
On our recent trip to Paulina Lake we got to try out several products by Outdoor Element, including their Firebiner, in exchange for our reviews. The firebiner is a carabiner with a "spark wheel" that can start fires and also includes a bottle opener, screwdriver tip, and a very sharp tiny blade for cutting strings and other lines (like fishing lines):
https://www.outdoorelement.com/product/firebiner/
The whole concept is pretty cool, and we had extra fun with the "EverSpark" technology trying to get the fires started. Nearly every time we turned the wheel it sparked, but we quickly learned the power of having a good "tinder" (a dry bit of material used for starting a fire). When we tried starting fires with items such as dry moss, napkins, or small kindling, the sparks didn't catch. But when we used the tiny "Tinder Quicks" from Outdoor element, we normally could start a fire within 2-3 turns. We even tried other options for tinders...from corn chips to cotton balls covered in Vaseline, and as long as the tinder was good, the sparks caught quickly.
Overall, a fun addition to our camping packs. The carabiner itself is handy for keys and hanging on backpacks and probably the element we'll use most, while the Spark Wheel is a fun, handy back-up when we need to light something on fire.
GuideUsed the boat ramp, which was nice with lots of space, however trailer parking was very limited. The camp ground sites didn’t have any privacy, very open and most sites filled with RVs. Noisy with their generators running too. I would not camp here.
Guide
We glamped here in our 32 foot c class motor home on October 13. Super quite as it is deep in the National Forest. Dry camping only. There is a dump close to the park entrance for $10.00 but no potable fill or Sani flush water was working when we were there. Fun hikes all around.
Guide
I love Newberry, and this is a great spot to camp. The rangers are super nice and accommodating, and have everything you would need. Great fishing, hookups, Paulina Lake and the Newberry volcano are must sees. Plus hot springs
RangerThis CG is right on Paulina lake in the middle of Newberry Crater. There are 50 sites along the shoreline. They all have the standard picnic table and fire ring. We had the first site on the left as you enter the CG. It had a great view of the lake and surrounding ridgeline and Paulina Peak. It also allows for a wonderful sunset.
The campground is generally crowded. The sites are decent but you will have other campers relatively close, The CG is easily accessed by foot, car or boat. It does have a boat ramp. RV's / Campers can get into most sites. There are 5 Vault toilets, drinking water, no showers, no hook ups. each site is in close walking distance to the lake. The CG is accessible to various trails in the area including the Big Obsidian Flow trail. A bonus hike should be taken to the Paulina Lake hot springs on the north side of the lake. You can also get to the hot springs by boat.
LegendThis funky little private resort and campground, on the way from nowhere to anywhere, has more than you might expect from first glance. The large, dry camping area offers a large field for folks to spread out without being on top of each other. While there are a handful of hookups sites for RV’s, we preferred the less expensive field option. They have a couple of pit toilets near the field, as well as a full bathroom and shower area. With our solar powered system, we were able to keep our battery topped off while taking advantage of all that the springs have to offer, which is just a short walk away.
They also offer some tiny cabins for rent, each with its own unique rustic charm. The public bath house has a large indoor swimming pool, clean changing rooms, sparkling bathrooms and showers. The outdoor, natural pools are what make this place so unique. Three pools, three differing temperatures helps folks find their own “just right.” The springs have a decidedly rustic charm, with lots of converted farm buildings and antique features, so you might want to adjust your city expectations to a more rural and rougher edged setting. But hot water on a very cold night with views of the starry sky above are just the right about the right cure for whatever ails you.
The springs are located about midway between the larger towns of La Pine and Lakeview, around 70ish miles from each, where you can find large grocery stores and services. A few convenience stores, gas, and post offices can be found in the tiny hamlets along the highway. It is a remote, lovely and quiet spot on the edge of this large lake.
Ranger
Nice little campground, I was there on a Tuesday night so it was nice and quiet but I was told it gets a bit roudy on the weekend. Good but spotty service with Verizon. Dump station, laundry, showers, and ice for sale. Laundry is open to the public. Showers are open to non-guests for $5. Nice little lake/pond is walking distance. They seem to cater to fishermen. Not much privacy between sites but large enough to accommodate larger RVs.
TravelerStopped by in off season to grab a first form first serve site. Super peaceful. Was pretty luck to get a place as it was mostly booked. Great Lake front camping sites. A bunch of trails. Will visit again for sure!
GuideThis campground has the most beautiful location. Right along the lake which is a collapsed volcano. There are plenty of hikes nearby that go into the woods and also all around the lake. Just be aware of what time you go. We stayed in late June and the bugs were terrible. Make sure to plan for a later season stay or bring a head net with you.
RangerBack in July 2019, my buddy and I rode our motorcycles to this camp/hot spring. I had heard of this place from another friend on Facebook & this was our destination. A wonderful ride to this easy-to-find site. Everything from full-service cabins to rent and RVs, down to what we used, tent camping. Beautiful but spartan tent camping area, portable toilets (clean), and cable spools used as tables. The hot springs were WONDERFUL, with both indoor (bathhouse) and outdoor pools. If I recall. clothing optional after 9pm. The operators of this facility are extremely "green" in thinking, with the re-use of most building materials, etc. Their website is excellent and gives more details. Highly recommend!!
GuideWe did come on a weekend and it was packed. We had planned on staying at East lake and ended up snagging the last spot here. Of the major campgrounds around the lake paulina is my least favorite. Great if you are there to fish, nice boat dock area, many of the site are big enough for boats, rvs, trucks. Bring ear plugs if your a light sleeper. Right at dawn all the loud diesel trucks start up and head out to fish. The bathrooms where kept clean and stocked our entire stay. The camp host was helpful and knew the area. There was a shortage of firewood though. This is the one campground that does not have a good swimming area. Kayaking and boating is a great start point. For swimming I would head to little crater day use area or better yet up to east lake it has a better beach. The water is warm and there is so much to do in the area.
Scout
Was by myself on motorcycle. Clear directions, plenty of tables, leveled spaces for tent. Gets cold at night.
Road here was a graded packed dirt, so a but bumpy but 2WD would make it no problem. Enjoyed my stay
GuideSmall campground along the edge of the lake; every spot has a beautiful view of the mountains and the lake, and has quick access to the water. Spots on the eastern side of the campground are bordered by a steep hill or thickly forested area, great for providing morning shade and a fun area for kids to hike up and play "I'm king of the world!" Spots on the western side sit right on the lake and all have unobstructed sunset views. All sites have picnic tables and fire rings, nearby vault restrooms, & dish washing stations. The camp host sells firewood.
Campsites are a bit close together, with trailers and tents all in the same area. Some are much bigger than others, but each is unique. Sites near the boat ramp get more traffic, but it's not too busy.
Great for kayaks, paddle boards, or just floating. Hiking trail from the campground goes all the way around the lake, with natural hot springs on the way. There's also the nearby Paulina Lake Lodge, serving meals & cocktails.
TravelerAbout 6 miles on a washboard gravel road up to 6,000’ elevation. Primitive sites, but mostly level. Vault toilet, no water. U of O’s Pine Mountain Observatory is at the same site, currently closed for Covid. Cows will visit occasionally, but overall very relaxing. Excellent star views from your hammock or up on top of the mountain next to the radio towers lol.
GuideA lot of people really love this campground and I had high hopes, but I was disappointed. This campground is right on East Lake at Newberry National Volcanic Monument. It's fairly long and narrow with quite a few sites, some right on the water. No sites have utilities and the bathrooms were old, fairly dirty pit toilets (except one which had two flush toilets).
The first issue I had with this campground was that the sites are fairly closely packed. You can see in the photos below that there was little privacy. The second issue I had was the bathrooms were old, rundown and quite smelly. The worse issue though was the bugs. They were horrible. I'm willing to concede they probably are not all year, but our 4 days were not good.
Pros:
* Lake access with fishing, kayaking, etc...
* Close to the East Lake Resort if you want a bite to eat out
* Hiking trails leave right from the campground
Cons:
* Bathrooms
* Insects (at least seasonally)
* Little to no privacy
OK:
* The lake was not pristine, it looks like its been invaded by non native grasses and algae
RV camping near Christmas Valley, Oregon, offers a blend of serene landscapes and essential amenities, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
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