How much does camping cost at Chief Paulina Horse Camp?

Camping fees at Chief Paulina Horse Camp range from $23-$29/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Chief Paulina Horse Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Chief Paulina Horse Camp accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Chief Paulina Horse Camp before I book?

Yes! Chief Paulina Horse Camp has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Chief Paulina Horse Camp?

Chief Paulina Horse Camp is open June 12 to September 25. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Chief Paulina Horse Camp?

Chief Paulina Horse Camp does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Chief Paulina Horse Camp have?

Chief Paulina Horse Camp has 14 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Chief Paulina Horse Camp?

Yes, pets are allowed at Chief Paulina Horse Camp. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Chief Paulina Horse Camp?

Chief Paulina Horse Camp offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Chief Paulina Horse Camp?

Popular activities at Chief Paulina Horse Camp include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Chief Paulina Horse Camp

3.95

60 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Tent Camping

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,401 ft

Price

$23 - $29/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open season: June 13...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Deschutes National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,401 ft

Price

$23 - $29/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open season: June 13...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Deschutes National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Chief Paulina Horse Camp

$23.00 - $29.00 / night

Campsite Fees

EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC-OTHER: $27.00 (+$2.00 holiday); EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC: $23.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

541-383-5300

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Campground Map

Chief Paulina Horse Camp

43.7036, -121.2550

Weather at Chief Paulina Horse Camp

Best Time to Camp at Chief Paulina Horse Camp

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of trail access, dry weather, and mild daytime temperatures for horseback riding and exploring the caldera rim. Expect daytime highs around 70–85°F (21–29°C) with cool nights often dropping to the mid-30s to mid-40s°F (2–8°C), long daylight for extended rides, and almost all facilities and corrals open. This is peak time for lake access (boating, fishing), hiking the Crater Rim Trail, and scenic obsidian/lava viewing — crowds are present on holiday weekends but Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open and busiest June 13–Sept 27; best riding weather, long daylight and dry trails reported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 12 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: June 13 to September 27 (reservable dates vary slightly). Closed outside these months.

About Chief Paulina Horse Camp

Chief Paulina Horse Camp sits in the Deschutes National Forest at mid-elevation, managed by the Forest Service specifically for equestrian camping. The small campground offers corrals, vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, with tent and RV sites designed for visitors traveling with horses. Trails lead into the surrounding forest, and reviewers praise the scenic riding terrain and helpful staff, though some note corral maintenance issues and occasional dry stock water tanks.

Chief Paulina Horse Camp is specifically designed for equestrian camping with specialized facilities such as corrals and stock water tanks.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of trail access, dry weather, and mild daytime temperatures for horseback riding and exploring the caldera rim. Expect daytime highs around 70–85°F (21–29°C) with cool nights often dropping to the mid-30s to mid-40s°F (2–8°C), long daylight for extended rides, and almost all facilities and corrals open. This is peak time for lake access (boating, fishing), hiking the Crater Rim Trail, and scenic obsidian/lava viewing — crowds are present on holiday weekends but Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation6401 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies terrain shaped by a collapsed volcanic caldera that holds Paulina and East Lake. Pine and fir forests surround the camp, broken by lava flows and cinder cones from past eruptions. Paulina Creek runs through the caldera and splits into twin waterfalls downstream. The volcanic landscape includes obsidian flows, pumice fields, and more recent lava formations that create stark, moon-like terrain in places. Wildlife includes deer, raccoons, bats, shorebirds, and black bears. Wetland areas support additional bird populations near the lakes.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging accommodations at Chief Paulina Horse Camp.

Programs & ActivitiesNearby attractions like the Lava Lands Visitor Center and Lava River Cave offer educational experiences about the area's geology and history.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay: 14 nights
Maximum total stay per year: 28 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy per site: One RV with tow vehicle or one tent site. An extra vehicle may be allowed for an additional fee.

Groups

No group sites are explicitly mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov or via the contact center.

AccessibilityAccessibility information is not explicitly provided, though larger trailers can be accommodated due to parking modifications.

Site SizeSites are large enough to accommodate trailers and vehicles, with modifications made for pull-through parking.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary, but some users mentioned issues with noise from neighboring campsites.

Total Campsites14 campsites

Recommended SitesUsers suggest bringing twine or materials to repair corrals." "Sites like #008, #009, and #010 are repeatedly mentioned for equestrian suitability but require preparation for corral maintenance.

Best CampsitesSite 014 gets consistent mentions for cleanliness and a responsive host. Site 010 also receives positive reviews but has flooded during heavy rains, so check conditions if weather looks wet.

Need help booking Chief Paulina Horse Camp?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

While there is a water tank for the live stock, no potable drinking water is available.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Chief Paulina Horse Camp offers diverse recreational opportunities centered around its equestrian focus. A variety of trails run through lakes, lava flows, and forested areas. Visitors can explore prominent trails such as the Crater Rim Trail and Lost Lake Trail, and the Peter Skene Ogden National Scenic Trail, which parallels Paulina Creek.

Hiking

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; user reviews report vault toilets as clean but occasionally smelly.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.0

60 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Chief Paulina Horse Camp has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

While the scenic beauty and equestrian amenities receive praise, many reviewers express concerns about the condition of corrals and the presence of non-equestrian campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 60 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 60 reviews.

Site #10Mentioned
Site #10: Corrals flooded during rainstorms, requiring horses to be moved to higher ground..
Site #004Mentioned
Site #004: Corrals reported as unsafe with broken rails..
Site #009Mentioned
Site #009: Challenges backing in and limited space.

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently highlight the beautiful trails, friendly and responsive staff, and the overall enjoyable atmosphere for horse camping.

Based on 60 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback often centers around the poor condition of corrals, presence of non-horse campers, and logistical issues such as water availability and site cleanliness.

Based on 60 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing twine or materials to repair corrals and being prepared for variable water availability. One user states, 'Come prepared with twine or material to doctor up corrals if...

Based on 60 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the beauty of the trails and the busy atmosphere. Late summer reviews mention drought-related issues and smoke from nearby fires.

Based on 60 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This is one of the most beautiful places. However, all of the corrals are in very poor shape.' (Shannon C) 2. 'Fabulous trails, beautiful lakes.' (Michael S) 3. 'The camp host was very helpful...

Based on 60 reviews

Accessibility Features

No detailed accessibility reviews from users with disabilities are available.

Based on 60 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but sharp obsidian on trails makes it difficult for dogs to traverse safely as noted in one review.

Based on 60 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You're traveling with horses and want dedicated equestrian sites with corral access and forest trail riding.

Skip if

You don't have horses or need reliably maintained corrals and guaranteed stock water availability.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.6

(30)

Newberry Group Camp Site

Deschutes National Forest

Newberry Group Camp Site sits at 6,348 feet on the shore of Paulina Lake in Deschutes National Forest, inside the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. This group-only campground is managed by the Forest Service and serves as a base for boating, fishing, hiking volcanic trails, and mountain biking. Rangers are known for being helpful and knowledgeable about the monument's geology and recreation.