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Access Site OR

Paulina Lake Campground

Paulina Lake

Source: oregon_gov Updated 1 year ago

City: La Pine, OR
County: Deschutes County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 43.71283000, -121.27339000
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
About This Access Site
Paulina Lake Campground offers convenient boat access on a scenic alpine lake situated 6,350 feet above sea level within the Newberry Volcanic Monument caldera, approximately 12.9 miles east of Highway 97 near La Pine. The campground features a dedicated boat launch ramp suitable for trailered boats, while a day-use area outside the campground provides additional access for kayaks and paddleboards. The lake permits both motorized and non-motorized watercraft, though a 10 MPH speed limit is enforced.

Paddlers and boaters should note that the water system operates seasonally (typically May through September 30) and reservations are recommended during peak season. Before launching, all equipment, tires, and gear should be cleaned to prevent the spread of invasive species. Swimming and fishing from the boat dock are prohibited. The area offers beautiful volcanic landscapes and access to the Paulina Lakeshore Trail #3955 for those interested in combining water and land-based recreation. For more information or reservations, contact the facility at 541-383-5300.
Federal Facility Information
541-383-5300 Free Access Reservations Available

Overview
Paulina Lake Campground is located 6,350 ft. above sea level in the caldera of Newberry Volcano, on the edge of the beautiful Paulina Lake. Conveniently located within Newberry National Monument, visitors to this area are taken aback by the incredible views this has to offer, highlighting volcanic landscapes intermixed with diverse forests, typical of central Oregon. Popular for both...

Overview
Paulina Lake Campground is located 6,350 ft. above sea level in the caldera of Newberry Volcano, on the edge of the beautiful Paulina Lake. Conveniently located within Newberry National Monument, visitors to this area are taken aback by the incredible views this has to offer, highlighting volcanic landscapes intermixed with diverse forests, typical of central Oregon. Popular for both its geological significance and multitude of recreational activities, Paulina Lake Campground is ideal for individual and family camping excursions.
For more information about the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=66159  
Recreation
The unique location of Paulina Lake Campground offers visitors opportunities to hike shoreline trails and alpine vistas. Visitors can also take advantage of time on the lake, boating, kayaking and fishing.For anglers, this lake offers fantastic fishing opportunities. Spanning a surface area of 1,531 acres, the lake supports rainbow trout, brown trout and Kokanee salmon. In September, the outlet of Paulina Lake may be choked with Kokanee moving to spawn in Paulina Creek.
Facilities
Paulina Lake campground has excellent sites for all forms of camping and plenty of large sites for RVs.

Picnic areas, boating, shoreline trails, and stunning views of the lake, along with the conveniences of drinking water and flush toilets, give visitors the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while still having many of the conveniences of home.Natural Features
Paulina Lake is located within the collapsed crater, or "caldera" of Newberry Volcano. Nearly five miles in diameter, this caldera encircles the basins of Paulina Lake, and its twin, East Lake.

Neither lake receives water from an inlet stream, but instead, rely on rain, snowmelt and hot springs for water. Paulina Creek drains the lake and has chiseled a narrow gorge through the caldera's west wall creating a remarkable twin waterfall. Thermal vents and hot springs along the lake's northeast edge help create a highly productive ecosystem.

Wetlands, diverse forests, and rocky slopes near the campground provide a necessary habitat for shorebirds, porcupine, deer, bats and the occasional black bear.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (541) 323-1746.
Nearby Attractions
Lava Lands Visitor Center in nearby Bend, Oregon, is a great starting point for visitors to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits.
Visitors can explore the Lava River Cave, also located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. At 5,211 feet (1,588 m) in length, the northwest section of the cave is the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon.
A rustic lodge near the campground, operating under a special use permit from the Deschutes National Forest, offers visitors lodging, last minute essentials and a cafe.

Charges & Cancellations
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

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