State: Oregon
Address 1: Paulina Lake
Open: Open from May 1 through Oct 15
Number of Sites: 49
Elevation: 6350
Free: No
This is probably the nicest campground in the Deschutes National Forest in terms of views and setting. If you are visiting Oregon with the aim of getting the best camping experience this might be it. Offering campsites next to Paulina Lake, activities available at this site include hiking, bird watching, bicycling, sightseeing, access to Paulina Lakeshore Trail #3955, and Little Crater Trail #3953. There is a boat launch within this campground..
This is one of the most popular campgrounds in all the Deschutes Forest. Be sure to arrive early, because this campground tends to fill by Thursday afternoon for most weekends. The two lakes in the Newberry Monument area are two of the most popular places to camp in Oregon. The lakes may be a bit cold for swimming, but are great for fishing and the views across the lakes are spectacular as they are located in the center of an extinct volcano, and you are camping on the lake edge with towering sides of the cone around you. Volcanic rock is within site all through the Monument area with some great hikes available through the lava and to nearby waterfalls. The 50 Little Crater sites specifically are on a fairly thin ledge right on the lake and all the campground sites are within a minute walk to the water. The sites are ample sized and most are good for both tents or RV and trailers. There is an RV dump station near the entry of Paulina Lake Campground.
Fees: Per night, per site fee: $16/first vehicle; $8/each additional vehicle. Recreation Pass Site – Vehicle Permit – $5 Day Pass or $30 Annual Pass or other valid Recreation Passes. Dump Station: $10. (2011)
Water: Potable Water
Restrooms: Vault Toilet
Restrictions: Maximum site spur length is 30 feet.
RV Camping: The sites are ample sized and most are good for both tents or RV and trailers.
Directions: From Bend, travel 23.5 miles south on Hwy 97, then 14.5 miles east on Road 21, and 0.5 miles north on Forest Road 2100 570.