Sitting off a washboard dirt road in Deschutes National Forest, McKay Crossing Campground runs alongside a small river that cuts through a forest of tall, widely spaced pines. The campground is split into two loops, and most sites have direct access to the water. Days run warm in summer, and temperatures drop noticeably after dark.
The creek is the defining feature here. Follow it through the campground and you'll find a waterfall downstream, and the sites closest to the water tend to be the most level. One reviewer noted that sites farther from the river involve slightly uneven ground, which can make sleeping awkward. The pines are tall and provide canopy but not much lateral screening between sites, so privacy depends more on how full the campground is than on vegetation. Midweek visits have drawn consistently quiet stays, while weekends can bring enough traffic to make the open spacing feel more exposed. Aaron S. calls it a "solid launching point for exploring Newberry Caldera," which sits nearby and includes the Obsidian Flow and Paulina Lake.
Facilities are minimal. Pit toilets are on-site, but there is no running water, so campers need to bring their own or plan to filter from the creek. Carly E. puts it plainly: "rustic, pit toilets only and no water or other facilities so plan accordingly." Firewood is available, and the campground allows pets and fires. Cell service is listed as available, though at least one older review noted it was unreliable.
The access road is a known consideration. The dirt road into the campground includes a long washboard section that rattles vehicles at normal speeds. A van reportedly made it through by driving slowly, but the road warrants caution for low-clearance vehicles. Reservations are available and open from May through late September. Gas up in Bend before heading out; the nearest alternative is a resort pump that charges premium prices. Places to camp near La Pine include additional options for those wanting paved access or full hookups.
Description
Overview
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
Recreation
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.
Facilities
McKay Crossing Campground can accommodate RV, trailer or tent-campers however electric and water hookups are not available. All sites are equipped with a picnic table and fire pit and the campground has vault toilets available.
Natural Features
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.
Nearby Attractions
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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (541) 323-1746.
Charges & Cancellations
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMckay Crossing Campground is located in Oregon near La Pine
Directions
From Bend, OR: Travel about 23.5 miles south on Highway 97 then 3 miles east on County Road 21 (Paulina Lake Road) until you see the sign for McKay Crossing at FS road 2120. Travel a few miles on this sometimes washboard dirt road to reach the campground. From LaPine, OR: Travel about 6.8 miles north on Highway 97 then 3 miles east on County Road 21 (Paulina Lake Road) until you see the sign for McKay Crossing at FS road 2120. Travel a few miles on this sometimes washboard dirt road to reach the campground,
Coordinates
43.7163889 N
121.3773194 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/5/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/5/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 39 min from Bend, OR
- 2 hrs 32 min from Eugene, OR
- 2 hrs 59 min from Albany, OR
- 3 hrs 7 min from Corvallis, OR
