Paulina Lake Campground

Star4.21
322 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

6,350 ft

Price

$27/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

69 campsites

Season

Peak season runs fro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Deschutes National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Paulina Lake Campground
$27.00 - $27.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season fees for standard non-electric sites are $27 per night, with a $2 holiday surcharge. Out-of-season bookings are unavailable.
Standard Site Fee$27.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
541-383-5300
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What Campers Say

4.21

Satisfactory

Based on 322 reviews

114 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleansites

"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."

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Campground Map

Paulina Lake Campground

43.7119, -121.2761

Driving directionsFrom Bend go south 23.5 miles on Hwy 97 to Road 21 (Paulina Lake Road). Take Road 21 east for about 12.9 miles.
Primary access is via paved roads. It is noted that GPS directions may lead visitors to incorrect routes, as per user reviews: "Going into the campground our GPS led us to a strange sideroad and we had to backtrack to the main highway." Seasonal fire restrictions may affect road conditions.
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).
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be purchased at the rustic lodge near Paulina Lake, noted for last-minute essentials, lodging, and a café. No firewood available at the lodge per user reviews.

Best Time to Camp at Paulina Lake Campground

Summer days bring warmth and sunshine to this high-altitude paradise, perfect for outdoor adventures, though mountain evenings can surprise visitors with crisp, cool temperatures that demand cozy campfire gatherings. The mountain climate keeps campers on their toes with its mercurial moods—afternoon thunderstorms can roll in unexpectedly, adding drama to the volcanic skyline. Come prepared for nature's full spectrum, including the seasonal appearance of mosquitoes eager to join your lakeside activities.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season mid-June–Sept: warm days, all activities available but crowded and buggy at times.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Quieter shoulder season with good scenery; some amenities may be reduced.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Shoulder season with variable weather and possible snow at high elevation; activities limited early.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Winter usability not detailed; peak season is summer, so winter offerings are limited or uncertain.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 13 - September 27 (2025 peak season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Peak season runs from mid-June to late September.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal fire/weather restrictions may apply.

About Paulina Lake Campground

Nestled within the dramatic caldera of an ancient volcano, Paulina Lake Campground invites adventurers to experience one of Oregon's most remarkable geological wonders. This extraordinary destination within Newberry National Volcanic Monument combines pristine mountain lake beauty with the raw power of volcanic landscapes. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear waters, paddling across the lake's glassy surface, or hiking trails that wind through otherworldly terrain, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape shaped by fire and time.
Paulina Lake Campground offers standard nonelectric sites suitable for RV and tent camping. Group camping and cabin accommodations are also available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12 PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights, and a total of 28 nights per year.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available

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.
HikingThe area offers shoreline trails and alpine vistas. Highlights include hikes to Paulina Peak, the Big Obsidian Flow, and Paulina Falls.
FishingFishing is a major draw at Paulina Lake, which spans 1,531 acres. Anglers can catch rainbow trout, brown trout, and Kokanee salmon. September sees Kokanee spawning in Paulina Creek.
SwimmingSwimming is possible, but there are no designated beach areas. Users often swim near boat launch areas or East Lake.
BikingBiking is available, but trail descriptions are not detailed.
BoatingBoating activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, and trailered boats. The campground has lake access and a boat ramp.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include shorebirds, porcupines, deer, bats, and occasional black bears. Nearby areas provide rich ecological diversity.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes and black bears are noted by users and official materials. Wildlife hazards exist.
Active AlertsSeasonal fire/weather restrictions may apply.

Weather at Paulina Lake Campground

Reviews

4.2
322 reviews
Satisfactory
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

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...
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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...
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Based on 322 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #1: Open and exposed to the boat launch parking lot, limited privacy. Site #2: No trees or privacy, felt like parking lot camping. Site #55: Close to bathrooms and water, well-positioned. Site...
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Based on 322 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews from users with disabilities are available.
Based on 322 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Few reviews mention pets. One complaint involved off-leash dogs causing disturbances.
Based on 322 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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