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Established Camping

Prairie Campground

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Starting on September 26th, we will begin the process of shutting down the water systems for the season.Please bring all the water youll need for your visit, including drinking water.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Prairie Campground, near La Pine, Oregon, offers a straightforward camping experience that’s perfect for those looking to unwind in nature. With a focus on simplicity, this spot features basic amenities like drinking water and vault toilets, making it a solid choice for campers who appreciate the essentials without the frills.

The campground is known for its clean and quiet atmosphere, with friendly hosts ready to assist you. Many visitors have enjoyed the spacious sites that overlook meadows and a meandering stream, providing a peaceful backdrop for your stay. One camper noted, “The right place to get lost in Nature,” highlighting the serene environment that surrounds you.

If you’re up for some exploration, Prairie Campground is conveniently located near the Newberry Volcanic Monument and High Desert Museum. There’s also a lovely walking path along the creek just down the hill, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quick nature escape.

While some campers mentioned the dusty terrain, the overall vibe is welcoming and relaxed, making it a great spot for both tent and RV camping. Whether you’re passing through or planning a longer stay, Prairie Campground is a solid pick for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors.

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Location

Prairie Campground is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

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. Follow the short paved road to the campground entrance. From LaPine, OR: Travel about 6.8 miles north on Highway 97 then 3 miles east on County Road 21 (Paulina Lake Road) to the Prairie campground sign. Follow the short paved road to the campground entrance.

Coordinates

43.7261028 N
121.4232417 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 16, 2025

A nice campground

Spacious campsites with good picnic tables and fire pits. No stunning views from the campground but still a pretty area. Mostly quiet at night, though did hear a bit of road noise… but it’s not a super busy road. The thing I liked most about this campground was the fact that there were not many people here.

Site8
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Prairie Campground by Ross F., September 16, 2025
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2021

A Diamond in the Rough

A no frills camping experience: cell service (AT&T) is adequate, there is drinking water and vault toilets, and ample sunshine for solar if you’re setup for it.

There’s a beautiful walk along the creek just down the hill from the campsites that you can make a loop out of. Close to the Newberry Volcanic Monument, High Desert Museum, and Sunriver/Bend.

Site10
Month of VisitAugust
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Prairie Campground by Amanda and Blaine K., August 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Prairie Campground by Amanda and Blaine K., August 29, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2021

Clean & Quiet

Small US Forest CG. Host Pat was friendly & helpful. Some spots are close. Easy commute to see Newberry Volcanic Monument.

Site7
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Prairie Campground by Jan H., August 1, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 3, 2020

A tad dusty, but good.

Nothing fancy. Sites are rather dusty, but that’s just how the terrain is. Kind and helpful manager on site. Would stay again.

Reviewed Jun. 5, 2018

Convenient and Spacious 🌾

Day 3 - Pacific North Quest (Tumalo Mountain)

Prairie campground was a welcome find just off of Highway 97, just outside of Bend. After a late start and long drive from Crater Lake, this was a great spot right off of the road and just a few miles outside of Bend.

The lots are spacious and sit just above a meadows with and meandering stream through it. Despite being right off of the highway, there wasn’t much road noise, although some early morning construction nearby was less than ideal. However, the fresh water to fill up our water bottles / jugs and a nice, open campsite made this a solid find.

From here, we ventured past Bend to ski Tumalo Mountain, a popular local backcountry zone located just across from Mt. Bachelor.

Check out the three other campgrounds we visited on our Pacific North Quest summer ski touring trip (Jackson F. Kimball State Park, Smith Rock State Park, and Trillium Lake), and download the Snowledge App to see some incredible photos, along with touring stats and maps from each mission.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Prairie Campground by Eric L., June 5, 2018
  • Review photo of Prairie Campground by Eric L., June 5, 2018
  • Review photo of Prairie Campground by Eric L., June 5, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Prairie Campground located in Oregon?

Prairie Campground is located just off Highway 97, a few miles outside of Bend, Oregon in the La Pine area. This Forest Service campground offers a convenient location for exploring central Oregon, positioned between Bend and La Pine. Its proximity to the highway makes it an accessible stopping point for travelers, while still providing a natural forest setting.

How close is Prairie Campground to Paulina Lake?

Prairie Campground serves as a convenient base for exploring the Newberry Volcanic Monument area, which includes Paulina Lake. The campground is situated within easy commuting distance to the Newberry Crater area, making it a practical option for day trips to Paulina Lake and other attractions within the monument. Visitors appreciate the campground's strategic location for accessing these natural features while enjoying a quieter, less crowded camping experience.

What do Prairie Campground photos show about the facilities?

Photos of Prairie Campground reveal a no-frills, basic forest campground with spacious sites featuring picnic tables and fire pits. The grounds are somewhat dusty due to the natural terrain, but sites are well-spaced. Facilities include vault toilets and drinking water (though water may be seasonally unavailable). The surrounding area showcases a pretty forest setting without dramatic views, but with natural beauty along a nearby creek.