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Deschutes/Paulina Lake Campground
Overview
Paulina Lake Campground offers a unique camping experience within the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Situated on the southwestern shore of its namesake lake, this Forest Service facility provides a rustic base for exploring one of Oregon’s most diverse geological areas. The campground sits inside the Newberry Caldera, surrounded by ancient lava flows and dense forests of lodgepole and hemlock trees, creating a serene environment for outdoor enthusiasts looking to disconnect.
Location & Surroundings
Located just east of La Pine, Oregon, the campground sits at an elevation of approximately 6,350 feet. This high-altitude setting ensures cool summer temperatures and breathtaking views of the surrounding crater walls. The park is nestled among volcanic landscapes, including the nearby Big Obsidian Flow. Visitors will find themselves immersed in a wilderness atmosphere while remaining within a reasonable driving distance of the full-service amenities found in Bend or Sunriver.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a traditional Forest Service site, meaning it specializes in a rustic dry camping experience. There are no water or electric hookups available, making it essential for RVers to arrive prepared with full tanks. The campground features paved loops and parking pads that can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in specific sites. Essential amenities include vault toilets, potable water stations, fire rings, and a convenient boat launch and dock for those looking to access the water.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure is never far away, with the spectacular Paulina Falls located just a short hike from the camping area. Anglers frequent the lake for its prize-winning kokanee and brown trout, while hikers can tackle the trail around the lake or drive to Paulina Peak for panoramic views of the Cascades. For a unique geological lesson, the nearby Big Obsidian Flow offers a walk through a massive field of black volcanic glass, showcasing the area's explosive history.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for self-contained RV travelers who prioritize natural beauty and outdoor recreation over luxury resort amenities. It is a haven for fishers, hikers, and photographers who want to wake up steps away from the water. Because of the size constraints and lack of hookups, it is best suited for small to mid-sized rigs and campers who enjoy a quiet, off-grid experience in a world-class volcanic setting.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Mike Hedges
Great views ancient Volcanoes obsidian flow to the east
Kellie Roberts
Big camp spots, fishing was great, and swimming was good.
Kay
We had a memorable trip to Paulina lake camp ground! Although the service was spotty, we were able to reset and unplug for the weekend! It was a beautiful area and nice and clean for our trip!
Umair Amjad
What a magical site; it provides everything a family could want for enjoyment. Paddle boarding, sailing, boating, fishing, and beautiful campsites abound, with occasional hot springs in the lake.
J Leigh (JL)
Loved the camp host, I think her name is Katherine. She was super nice and accommodating. Always busy keeping the bathrooms and grounds clean
Mark M
What a magical place it has everything you could dream of for family fun. Paddle boarding sailing boating fishing great campsites all around and even hot springs in the lake from time to time.
Jeff Freeman
Let me start with, we have camped up here for the last 4 years and it has been awesome. Ken and his wife the camp host was phenomenal, but Ken is not the campground host anymore, BEWARE!!! Ken was a retired police officer who knew what you could and couldn't do with a campground. Apparently the new camp host doesn't know that. When I first pulled up they jump like out of the bushes and were like can we help you I didn't even know who they were at first. After we got the trailer all settled they started banging on the back of my trailer at 10:00 at night about how we didn't pay for an extra car. After my wife produced a receipt and we argued a little bit, the one decided that we did pay the other one said we didn't pay and they went back and forth like that for about 5 minutes. Something I think we could have figured out in the morning but the one was so lit on her own moonshine that she makes they wouldn't stop they just kept going and going. Maybe when the forest service hires people they should inform them not to be intoxicated when they deal with the public. Anyway we got harassed so much because we were actually next to the camp host , we were watched with binoculars we were told our fire was too high we were told our friends couldn't Park in the parking lot to go kayaking it went on and on. Anyway don't camp here until these people are gone .please bring back Ken and his wife!!!! Bottom line is they made our camping trip horrible in the forest service really owes me all of my camping fees back!!!
Tim Wheelis
I've always gone to Paulina and enjoyed it immensely they have a new camp host and I beg the forest service to get rid of her she ruined an otherwise beautiful camping trip. I did not work 45 years of my life to retire and be treated like she treated people. And I know for a fact I'm not the only one
Nick McBeth
Would have been awesome except the rain and the cow of a camp host. Beautiful scenery, great fishing, usf rangers are generally sweethearts. But, if you don't want people up ur back hole whilst camping, camp somewhere else and day use the area.
Alisa Garcia
We actually stayed at the cinder hill campground. The place was great but the algae in the water of the East lake was a turn off. We did not swim because of it. We went to look for the hot springs and we were disappointed. Some hikes are great and some are very smelly because of the hot springs and algae we’re guessing? We probably won’t camp here again.