USDA Forest Service · Oregon

Prairie Campground

USDA Forest Service · Oregon, United States

Open on the map Drive there Reserve Official page Directions
Sites
17
Hookups
17 no hookups
Season
May 8 to October 17
Max RV length
40 ft
Drinking water
Yes
Restrooms
Yes
Pets
Yes
Elevation
4,298 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 1
Cell coverage
T-Mobile weak · Verizon weak · AT&T good (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Access road
PRAIRIE C.G. (NFSR 2100060) · paved · suitable for passenger cars
Lake
Deschutes National Forest
Phone
541-383-5300
Activities
Camping

17 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.

About

Overview

This primitive campground offers campers the chance to enjoy the beauty of the Deschutes National Forest

For more information about the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=66159

Recreation

Boating, swimming and fishing are popular activities enjoyed by visitors during spring, summer and fall months, while skiing and snowmobiling are popular during the winter.

Anglers have the opportunity to fish in the surrounding clear, cold lakes and streams for abundant salmon and trout.

Hikers and backpackers have access to a variety of trails in the area, including several in Newberry National Volcanic Monument.

The Crater Rim Trail is a favorite high country trail, boasting vast stretches of forest, deserts, and mountains extending from all sides of the trail.

Nearby Peter Skene Ogden National Recreation Trail parallels Paulina Creek, passing several waterfalls along the way, as it ascends 8.5 miles to the spectacular Paulina Lake.

Facilities

Prairie Campground can accommodate RV, trailer or tent-campers however electric and water hookups are not available. All sites are equipped with a picnic table and fire pit and the campground has vault toilets available.

Natural Features

With Paulina Creek nearby this facility is surrounded by ample foliage with numerous trees shading the campground. Its close proximity to both Paulina Lake and East Lake also allow campers access to nearby boating and fishing.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (541) 323-1746.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors enjoy traveling the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, known as Oregon's Highway in the Sky, which climbs into the clouds on a 66-mile drive through the Cascade Range, weaving past snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes.

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.

Lava River Cave, located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument is also nearby for campers to explore. At 5,211 feet in length, the northwest section of the cave is the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon.

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.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January39°27°9°51°11 of 11
February39°26°-5°53°11 of 11
March45°27°13°69°11 of 11
April50°30°15°74°11 of 11
May61°39°28°82°6 of 11
June71°45°33°88°0 of 11
July85°53°43°99°0 of 11
August85°53°43°97°0 of 11
September73°47°35°90°0 of 11
October63°39°26°77°5 of 10
November47°33°14°62°7 of 10
December38°27°4°54°10 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in Oregon · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-06-12. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.