How much does camping cost at Paulina Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Paulina Lake Campground range from $27-$29/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Paulina Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Paulina Lake Campground 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 Paulina Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Paulina Lake Campground has 7 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 Paulina Lake Campground?

Paulina Lake Campground 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 Paulina Lake Campground?

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

How many campsites does Paulina Lake Campground have?

Paulina Lake Campground has 69 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Paulina Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Paulina Lake Campground. 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 Paulina Lake Campground?

Paulina Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Paulina Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Paulina Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Paulina Lake Campground

4.18

322 reviews

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,350 ft

Price

$27 - $29/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

69 campsites

Season

Peak season runs fro...

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

6,350 ft

Price

$27 - $29/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

69 campsites

Season

Peak season runs fro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Deschutes National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Paulina Lake Campground

$27.00 - $29.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC-OTHER: $27.00 (+$2.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $27.00 (+$2.00 holiday); Standard Site: $27.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-383-5300

I manage this campground

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Plan a trip to Paulina Lake Campground

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Campground Map

Paulina Lake Campground

43.7119, -121.2761

Nearby places

Bend, Oregon (approx. 23.5 miles, 30-minute drive)

La Pine, Oregon (approx. 5 miles north on Hwy 97 and 12.9 miles east via Road 21).

Weather at Paulina Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Paulina Lake Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, driest, and most reliable conditions for using Paulina Lake’s water-based and trail activities — expect daytime highs roughly 65–80°F (18–27°C) and crisp nights in the 30s–40s°F (0–9°C). Boat ramps, swimming, and shoreline fishing are fully accessible and hiking routes across the caldera are snow-free; wildflowers and volcanic vistas are at their peak. Expect moderate to busy weekends and holiday crowds, but ample dispersed trail and lake access lets you find quieter n Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Most reliable season with 65–80°F days and full services; very popular and crowded.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 12 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak season runs from mid-June to late September.

About Paulina Lake Campground

Paulina Lake Campground sits inside Newberry Volcano's caldera in Deschutes National Forest, 35 miles south of Bend. The Forest Service runs this lakefront campground with tent sites, RV spots, and rental cabins spread along the shore. Campers fish for kokanee and trout, swim from rocky beaches, paddle the caldera waters, and hike trails that climb the volcanic rim for views across central Oregon's high desert.

Paulina Lake Campground offers standard nonelectric sites suitable for RV and tent camping. Group camping and cabin accommodations are also available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, driest, and most reliable conditions for using Paulina Lake’s water-based and trail activities — expect daytime highs roughly 65–80°F (18–27°C) and crisp nights in the 30s–40s°F (0–9°C). Boat ramps, swimming, and shoreline fishing are fully accessible and hiking routes across the caldera are snow-free; wildflowers and volcanic vistas are at their peak. Expect moderate to busy weekends and holiday crowds, but ample dispersed trail and lake access lets you find quieter n Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation6350 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies the floor of a massive volcanic caldera, surrounded by ancient lava flows, pumice fields, and forested crater walls. Paulina Lake itself sits in this geological bowl, its water sustained by precipitation and thermal vents that hint at the volcano's active interior. Hot springs dot the northeastern shoreline, occasionally sending wisps of steam across the water. Obsidian flows and other volcanic formations create an outdoor geology lesson visible from many campsites. At this elevation, forests of lodgepole pine and mountain hemlock provide shade and frame views of the crater rim.

Lodging & AccommodationsA rustic lodge near the campground operates under a special use permit and offers lodging, last-minute essentials, and a café.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights, and a total of 28 nights per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not explicitly mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are handled through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessible occupant messages provided, although specific details about disability-friendly facilities are not elaborated.

Site SizeSites are generally large, with enough space for RVs and tent setups. Some sites are pull-through, while others are back-in.

PrivacyPrivacy varies significantly across sites. Some sites are clustered closely, offering limited privacy. Others are more spaced out with tree cover.

Total Campsites69 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid campsites near the boat ramp to reduce morning noise. Tent campers should opt for areas away from RVs for quieter stays.

Best CampsitesSites 55 and 56 get consistent praise for privacy and proximity to the water supply. For quieter stays, choose sites away from the boat ramp, which generates traffic and noise. Sites vary widely in spacing and seclusion. Some are tightly clustered while others have decent tree screening.

Need help booking Paulina Lake Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Paulina Lake Campground offers a variety of amenities tailored to different types of campers. The campground is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, drinking water, and flush toilets, providing basic comforts while maintaining a natural camping experience. Additionally, there are fish cleaning stations, a self-pay station, lake access, parking areas, and trailheads for easy exploration. Firewood can be purchased, and the campground features a firewood vendor making rounds. There are also accessible occupant messages, although some users noted issues with bathroom cleanliness and maintenance.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Paulina Lake Campground provides a variety of recreational opportunities, making it ideal for families and individual campers. Popular activities include fishing, swimming, hiking, boating, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Big Obsidian Flow and Paulina Peak offer geological exploration and breathtaking views.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

4.2

322 reviews

Satisfactory

Paulina Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for Paulina Lake Campground are mixed. Many appreciate the stunning scenery, clean campsites, and recreational opportunities. However, issues with camp hosts, bathroom maintenance, and crowded conditions are often mentioned.

Review Summaries

Based on 322 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 322 reviews.

Site #2Loved
Site #2: No trees or privacy, felt like parking lot camping..
Site #1Mentioned
Site #1: Open and exposed to the boat launch parking lot, limited privacy..
Site #55Mentioned
Site #55: Close to bathrooms and water, well-positioned..
Site #56Mentioned
Site #56: Convenient location near trails, but close to boat ramp and noise..

What Campers Love

Positive feedback includes beautiful views, clean campsites, large site sizes, ample recreational activities, and helpful camp hosts.

Based on 322 reviews

Common Concerns

Common criticisms revolve around rude or overzealous camp hosts, crowded sites, lack of privacy, maintenance issues with bathrooms, and limited firewood availability.

Based on 322 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray, as mosquitoes can be prevalent. Pack extra firewood and toilet paper due to occasional shortages. Choose campsites away from the boat ramp for quieter experiences, and be prepared...

Based on 322 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are popular but also crowded, with higher mosquito activity. Fall offers quieter conditions but may see reduced amenities. Winter usability is not detailed.

Based on 322 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campsite is situated in a cove on Paulina Lake, offering astounding views.' (Onyx Moonsley) 2. 'Fishing and hiking were fantastic. Campsite are clean and huge!' (Lindsey M.) 3. 'Dusty...

Based on 322 reviews