Chief Paulina Horse Camp lies on the southern end of Central Oregon’s Deschutes National Forest in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Sitting at the base of a volcanic crater, this camp offers some unique riding with views and elevation gain. Most of the rides here are quite long, but you can shorten them as an out-and-back or connect tie trails together. Enjoy views of a basalt waterfall along your ride from the overlook. Don’t forget to rent kayaks or enjoy dinner at the nearby lodge after your ride. Lastly, take a hike to the hot springs on the lakeshore for a moonlight soak!
Camp Overview
Campsites: 14 sites.
Fees: $23/night for single sites (2-horses). $27/night for double sites (4-horses). +$2 additional on holidays. 50% off with Interagency Access Pass or Senior Passes. Additional vehicles $10 per night.
Permits: None.
Popularity: Average.
Elevation: 6,398 feet
Season: Mid June – Mid September
Cell Service: No coverage.
Getting There
Directions: From Bend, OR: Travel 24 miles south on Highway 97, then 14 miles east on Paulina Lake Road (County Road 21).
Google Directions: Map Link
GPS Coordinates: 43.70284, -121.25556
Road Conditions: Paved, but some long, steep hills on the drive in.
Gas Station: Mobil – 17045 Whitney Rd, La Pine, OR 97739
Hot Spring Coordinates: Hiking only, no horses allowed. 43.71983, -121.20022
Amenities & Camp Details
Stock Containment: Corrals.
Stock Water: Yes – large gravity tank.
Potable Water: No.
Manure Bin: Yes.
Trash/Dumpster: Yes.
Bathroom: Yes – vault toilet.
Day Use Parking: Yes but limited.
Reserving Your Spot
Reservations: Link
Check In/Check Out: None specified.
Specific Reservation Rules:
- Holiday weekends include: Columbus Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, New Year’s Day, President’s Day, Veterans Day, Christmas. If the holiday falls on a Friday or Saturday, the customer will be required to reserve the nights of: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and may check out on Sunday. If the holiday falls on a Sunday or Monday, the customer will be required to reserve the nights of: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and may check out on Monday.
- 2 night minimum on weekends, must reserve Fri & Sat on the same reservation.
Site Specifics:
Site 1: 2-horse, back-in.
Site 2: 2-horse, back-in.
Site 3: 2-horse, back-in.
Site 4: 2-horse, pull-through.
Site 5: 2-horse, back-in.
Site 6: 2-horse, pull-through.
Site 7: 2-horse, back-in.
Site 8: 2-horse, back-in.
Site 9: 2-horse, back-in.
Site 10: 4-horse, back-in.
Site 11: 2-horse, back-in.
Site 12: 4-horse, pull-through.
Site 13: 2-horse, pull-through.
Site 14: 4-horse, back-in.
Dumpsters: Near site 2.
Bathrooms: Near sites 1, 8 and 10.
Stock Water: Near sites 9 and 10.
Nearby Trails & GPX Tracks:
OHT: Chief Paulina Horse Camp to Swamp Wells Horse Camp
OHT: Peter Skene Ogden Trail
OHT: Crater Rim Loop
OHT: Paulina Falls
OHT: Paulina Peak
Nearby Dispersed Camps
None known.
Backcountry Camp Options
Unknown, if you have backcountry campsite info please email adventure.equines@gmail.com
Additional Resources
Camp Land Manager & Contact Info
USFS – Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District
63095 Deschutes Market Road Bend, OR 97701
(541) 383-5300
Photo credit: Thank you Terraka Mishler and Jenny Poulos
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