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Access Site OR

Cinder Hill Campground

East Lake

Source: oregon_gov Updated 1 year ago

City: OR
County: Deschutes County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 43.73152469, -121.19672581
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
About This Access Site
Cinder Hill Campground offers two boat launch ramps and docks on scenic East Lake, located within the caldera of Newberry Volcano in Deschutes National Forest. The campground is situated 23 miles south of Bend via Highway 97, making it a convenient access point for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboats. Note that East Lake has a 10 mph speed limit, making it suitable for paddlers and slower recreational boating. The lake supports rainbow trout, brown trout, and Kokanee salmon, offering good fishing opportunities from both boat and shoreline.

The campground provides full camping facilities with reservable sites through Recreation.gov (541-383-5300), though hookups are not available at this location. Many sites accommodate trailers. Beyond water access, the Cinder Hill Trailhead provides hiking opportunities, including the Newberry Crater Trail #3958 and connecting trails. This makes the site ideal for a multi-day trip combining paddling with exploration of the volcanic landscape. Both motorized and non-motorized boats are permitted on the lake, though ADA accessibility is limited at the campground facilities.
Federal Facility Information
541-383-5300 Free Access Reservations Available

Overview
Cinder Hill Campground sits at the edge of beautiful East Lake in the caldera of Newberry Volcano. The area is part of the Newberry National Monument in Deschutes National Forest. The area is popular for its geological significance and multitude of recreational activities, making it an ideal individual and family camping excursion.Deschutes National Forest | Newberry National Volcanic...

Overview
Cinder Hill Campground sits at the edge of beautiful East Lake in the caldera of Newberry Volcano. The area is part of the Newberry National Monument in Deschutes National Forest. The area is popular for its geological significance and multitude of recreational activities, making it an ideal individual and family camping excursion.Deschutes National Forest | Newberry National Volcanic Monument - Deschutes NF | Forest ServiceRecreation
Visitors can take advantage of boating, kayaking, swimming and fishing on East Lake. A boat ramp is located in the campground, and the lake has a 10 mph speed limit.

For anglers, the lake provides the perfect setting to fish from boat or the shoreline. It supports rainbow trout, brown trout and Kokanee salmon. In September, the outlet of adjacent Paulina Lake may be choked with Kokanee moving to spawn in Paulina Creek.

The Crater Rim Trail, considered one of the finest high country trails in the area, boasts vast stretches of forest, deserts and mountains. The trail has many access points and connectors to other trails.Facilities
Cinder Hill Campground offers several sites close to the shore or within easy walking distance to the beach. It is an ideal campground for those hauling trailers, but it also has plenty of sites perfect for tents. Sites are equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Flush toilets and drinking water are also available.Natural Features
East Lake is located within the collapsed crater, or caldera of Newberry Volcano. Nearly five miles in diameter, the caldera encircles the basins of East Lake and Paulina Lake. East Lake covers 1,044 acres and is 180 feet at its deepest point.

Paulina Creek flows from 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.

The surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams and diverse forests support a variety of wildlife, including black bear, bighorn sheep, deer, native fish and migratory birds.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (541) 323-1746.
Nearby Attractions
Big Obsidian Flow Trail offers a 1-mile interpretive trail that climbs up and onto this impressive lava flow of obsidian (black volcanic glass) and pumice. The Big Obsidian Flow is 1300 years old, the youngest lava flow in Oregon.

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 educational programs and exhibits.

Lava River Cave, also located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, is nearly a mile long. The northwest section of the cave is the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon.

A nearby resort, operating under a special use permit from the Deschutes National Forest offers visitors lodging, last minute essentials and boat rentals.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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Nearby Campgrounds (7 within 10 miles)
EAST LAKE CAMPGROUND
On-site Reservable
Paulina Lake Campground
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LITTLE CRATER CAMPGROUND
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MCKAY CROSSING CAMPGROUND
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Chief Paulina Horse Camp
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NEWBERRY GROUP CAMP SITE
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Cinder Hill Campground
On-site Reservable