About 25 miles south of Bend, Paulina Lake Campground sits within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument area of the Deschutes National Forest, where volcanic calderas form twin lakes surrounded by dense forest. The campground accommodates RVs up to 90 feet with both drive-in and walk-in sites, though reviewers consistently mention the access road can be rough. Most sites are pull-through, making setup easier for larger rigs.
The campground stays busy during peak season, particularly on weekends when diesel trucks start early for fishing trips. Corinna B. notes "Right at dawn all the loud diesel trucks start up and head out to fish." Sites are spacious and well-spaced among the trees, providing wind protection from lake breezes. The campground lacks direct beach access, but a maintained trail connects campers to the 7-mile loop around Paulina Lake. A boat dock serves as the primary water access point.
Fishing dominates the activity list, with the boat launch seeing heavy use throughout the day. The lake loop trail passes through the campground and leads to hot springs about 3.5 miles in. Amanda W. found the trail "pretty flat so definitely kid + dog friendly." Nearby attractions include Paulina Falls, accessible via a short hike from the day-use area, and the Obsidian Flow geological site. Cell service is available, and campers can harvest dead firewood for free, though commercial firewood sales are inconsistent.
The campground operates from late May through September with flush toilets, drinking water, and a camp host on-site. Reservations are available for some sites, while others remain first-come, first-served. Sites closer to the main road experience more traffic noise from boats and vehicles accessing the launch area.
For quieter lake camping, East Lake Campground offers better swimming access and more lakeside sites.
Description
Overview
Paulina Lake Campground is located 6,350 ft. above sea level in the caldera of Newberry Volcano, on the edge of the beautiful Paulina Lake. Conveniently located within Newberry National Monument, visitors to this area are taken aback by the incredible views this 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, Paulina Lake Campground is ideal for individual and family camping excursions. For more information about the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=66159
Recreation
The unique location of Paulina Lake Campground offers visitors opportunities to hike shoreline trails and alpine vistas. Visitors can also take advantage of time on the lake, boating, kayaking 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.
Facilities
Paulina Lake campground has excellent sites for all forms of camping and plenty of large sites for RVs. Picnic areas, boating, shoreline trails, and stunning views of the lake, along with the conveniences of drinking water and flush toilets, give visitors the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while still having many of the conveniences of home.
Natural Features
Paulina Lake is located within the collapsed crater, or "caldera" 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 stream, but instead, rely on rain, snowmelt and hot springs for water. Paulina Creek drains 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. Wetlands, diverse forests, and rocky slopes near the campground provide a necessary habitat for shorebirds, porcupine, deer, bats and the occasional black bear.
Nearby Attractions
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. A rustic lodge near the campground, operating under a special use permit from the Deschutes National Forest, offers visitors lodging, last minute essentials and a cafe.
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 & DirectionsPaulina Lake Campground is located in Oregon near La Pine
Directions
From Bend go south 23.5 miles on Hwy 97 to Road 21 (Paulina Lake Road). Take Road 21 east for about 12.9 miles. From La Pine go north 5 miles on Hwy 97 to Road 21 (Paulina Lake Road). Take Road 21 east for about 12.9 miles.
Coordinates
43.7119444 N
121.2761111 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/10/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/10/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 53 min from Bend, OR
- 2 hrs 47 min from Eugene, OR
- 3 hrs 14 min from Albany, OR
- 3 hrs 22 min from Corvallis, OR
