Deschutes National Forest — Paulina Lake Campground
Paulina Lake Campground sits on the shore of Paulina Lake inside the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, rimmed by the caldera walls of Newberry Volcano. At 6,330 feet, nights are cold even in summer. The campground is large and established — vault toilets, a boat ramp, and access to potable water — with the kind of volcanic landscape that makes you feel like you’ve earned your camp spot. It books up on summer weekends so mid-week arrivals fare better. The obsidian flow nearby is genuinely wild terrain worth a walk.
Access from US-97 south of Bend via Paulina Lake Road (County Road 21) — paved all the way to the campground. Most rigs handle it easily. Snow closes the road typically November through May; always check with the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District before an early or late season run. Reservations available through Recreation.gov in summer peak season.
Sleep inside a volcano. No joke.
Place Details
| Type | Established Campground |
|---|---|
| Elevation (ft) | 6330 ft |
| Nearest town | La Pine, OR |
| Miles from pavement | 0 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Paved |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | $22.00 / night |
| Reservation required | Yes — Reservation site |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | June-October |
| Land manager | USFS |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Drinking water, Fire ring, Picnic table, Toilets, Trash service |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |