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Access Site OR

East Lake Campground

East Lake

Source: oregon_gov Updated 1 year ago

City: OR
County: Deschutes County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 43.71805000, -121.21095000
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
About This Access Site
East Lake Campground offers a boat ramp providing direct access to East Lake, a scenic alpine lake nestled within the caldera of Newberry Volcano. The lake features a 10 mph speed limit, making it ideal for kayakers, canoeists, and small recreational boats. Located about 40 miles southeast of Bend, the campground sits at the edge of the lake with most sites within a short walk of the water. The lake's cooler, shadier conditions compared to other regional lakes make it a pleasant summer destination for paddling.

The campground is reservable through Recreation.gov (541-383-5300) and typically operates from June through early October due to snow pack. Several campsites are positioned directly on the shoreline or steps away, making it convenient for overnight trips. The area also offers excellent hiking opportunities, including access to the Crater Rim Trail. Anglers will find rainbow trout, brown trout, and Kokanee salmon in East Lake, though the Oregon Health Division recommends limiting consumption of larger fish due to elevated mercury levels.

**Access Details:** From Bend, take Highway 97 south for 23.5 miles, then turn east on County Road 21 (Paulina Lake Road) for 16.6 miles. The ramp is located within the campground. Note that facilities and services are limited due to the remote location and seasonal closure in winter months.
Federal Facility Information
541-383-5300 Free Access Reservations Available

Overview
East Lake Campground sits at the edge of beautiful East Lake in the caldera of Newberry Volcano. Most sites in this campground are on the lake or no more than a few minutes walk away. There are opportunities for bird watching, bicycling, sightseeing, and canoeing. East Lake is a little shadier than the other lakes and is a perfect way to beat the heat of the summer. There are nearby...

Overview
East Lake Campground sits at the edge of beautiful East Lake in the caldera of Newberry Volcano. Most sites in this campground are on the lake or no more than a few minutes walk away. There are opportunities for bird watching, bicycling, sightseeing, and canoeing. East Lake is a little shadier than the other lakes and is a perfect way to beat the heat of the summer. There are nearby hikes into the lava rock and close by waterfalls. 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.
For more information about the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=66159  
Recreation
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
East Lake Campground offers a boat ramp and several sites close to the shore or within easy walking distance to the beach. It is perfect for trailer, tent or RV camping. 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 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.
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 1,300 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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (541) 323-1746.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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