How much does camping cost at Chief Paulina Horse Camp?

Camping fees at Chief Paulina Horse Camp range from $23-$27/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 13 to September 27.. 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, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Chief Paulina Horse Camp

Q: Can I have a campfire at Chief Paulina Horse Camp?

Fire policies at Chief Paulina Horse Camp: "Campfires and charcoal may be restricted during fire season." "Firewood should be purchased locally to avoid spreading invasive species.". Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.95

60 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Tent Camping

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

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Quick Facts

6,401 ft

Price

$23 - $27/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

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

6,401 ft

Price

$23 - $27/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 - $27.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season fees are $23-$27 per night for equestrian non-electric sites. Additional charges apply for holidays ($2/night). Off-season rates and...

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-383-5300

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What Campers Say

3.95

Mixed Reviews

Based on 60 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsstafffriendly

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Chief Paulina Horse Camp

43.7036, -121.2550

Nearby supplies

"Restaurants and basic supplies are available at nearby resorts."

Driving directionsFrom Bend go south 23.5 miles on Hwy 97, then 13.9 miles east on County Rd 21(Paulina Lake Road) From La Pine go north 5 miles on Hwy 97, then 13.9 miles east on County Rd 21(Paulina Lake Road)

"Roads in the campground are unpaved as are the parking spurs." However, the area is accessible via paved highways leading to the County Road 21 (Paulina Lake Road)." "The campground parking was reconstructed in 2018 to allow for larger vehicle trailer combinations."

Best Time to Camp at Chief Paulina Horse Camp

Summer brings the most reliable conditions for riding, with daytime highs between 70–85°F and nights dropping to the mid-30s to mid-40s°F. Long daylight hours extend riding time, and trails stay dry through most of the season. The dry period runs late spring through early fall. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through occasionally but rain stays sparse overall. Fire restrictions apply during particularly dry stretches. Snow arrives in winter and closes many facilities.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Peak season: sunny riding days and busy trails; late-summer drought and smoke reported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 13 to September 27.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: June 13 to September 27 (reservable dates vary slightly). Closed outside these months.
Current Alerts: "Fire restrictions are periodically imposed during hot and dry periods." "Stock water tanks may run empty; corrals may be in poor condition."

About Chief Paulina Horse Camp

Chief Paulina Horse Camp sits within Newberry National Volcanic Monument at 6,401 feet, offering 14 equestrian sites with corrals, stock water tanks, and trailer-friendly parking. The campground provides access to trails through volcanic terrain, including routes to Paulina Lake, East Lake, and the Crater Rim. Fees run $23-$27 per night. Equestrian campers share the space with non-horse visitors, which has occasionally created site availability issues.

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

Historical Significance

The campground sits within Newberry National Volcanic Monument, which preserves one of the largest volcanic features in the Cascade Range. The monument protects geological formations and is a research site for volcanic processes.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable conditions for riding, with daytime highs between 70–85°F and nights dropping to the mid-30s to mid-40s°F. Long daylight hours extend riding time, and trails stay dry through most of the season. The dry period runs late spring through early fall. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through occasionally but rain stays sparse overall. Fire restrictions apply during particularly dry stretches. Snow arrives in winter and closes many facilities.

ElevationPerched high in the Cascade Mountains, the campground offers that perfect sweet spot where mountain meadows meet volcanic peaks, providing cooler temperatures and crystal-clear air that both horses and riders appreciate after long days on the trail.

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.

Geological RegionWelcome to one of the Pacific Northwest's most fascinating geological wonderlands, where the massive Newberry National Volcanic Monument showcases nature's raw creative power. The centerpiece is a collapsed caldera that cradles the twin jewels of Paulina and East Lake, formed when an ancient volcano dramatically caved in on itself thousands of years ago. Surrounding this natural amphitheater, frozen rivers of obsidian and pumice tell the story of violent eruptions, while more recent lava flows create a moonscape that seems almost otherworldly. This unique volcanic laboratory continues to reveal secrets about the forces that shape our planet, making every ride an journey through deep time.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

12:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

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

Site layoutPull-through sites accommodate horse trailers after reconstruction work in 2018. Parking spurs remain unpaved. Spacing between sites varies. Some campers report noise from neighboring sites, particularly when non-equestrian visitors occupy equestrian areas.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityReserved sites will be held until check-out time (12 PM) the day after the arrival date. Walk-up availability is limited due to high demand for reservations.

Cancellation PolicyA $10 fee applies for cancellations made before the check-in date. Late cancellations will forfeit the first night's fees. Changes to reservations are not permitted after the check-in date.

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.

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

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Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

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

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Occasional black bear sightings; corrals are structurally compromised according to user reviews." "Some trails are hazardous to dogs due to sharp obsidian."

Active Alerts"Fire restrictions are periodically imposed during hot and dry periods." "Stock water tanks may run empty; corrals may be in poor condition."

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

Fire Policy"Campfires and charcoal may be restricted during fire season." "Firewood should be purchased locally to avoid spreading invasive species."

Quiet Hours"Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM."

Emergency ServicesMonument information is available at the nearby Paulina Visitor Center; local emergency services are not explicitly described.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection facilities are available, and manure bins are located at the day-use parking area.

Water Features"Paulina Lake is nearby, offering recreational activities like swimming, kayaking, and fishing."

Camp Host"Camp hosts are described as responsive and friendly but sometimes cranky."

Weather at Chief Paulina Horse Camp

Trip Planning Tools

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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

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

Site-Specific Reviews

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

Based on 60 reviews