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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](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=66159)
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.
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.
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.
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.
From Bend, OR: Travel about 23.5 miles south on Highway 97 then 3 miles east on County Road 21 (Paulina Lake Road) to the Prairie campground sign. Follow the short paved road to the campground entrance.
From LaPine, OR: Travel about 6.8 miles north on Highway 97 then 3 miles east on County Road 21 (Paulina Lake Road) to the Prairie campground sign. Follow the short paved road to the campground entrance.
Extremely dusty and dry and more of a stopover spot vs a destination point. Camp hosts were helpful and pleasant. Most afternoons you could hear gunshots firing off in the distance somewhere. Weekend was packed but not super noisy. Decent cell reception.
We wound up not staying here due to our site being covered in active anthills. But even getting here wasn't smooth. The road, although mostly paved, was very much in need of maintenance. But any vehicle should still be able to make it. The bathrooms are mere outhouses and there isn't much privacy between sites. There is a small stream nearby, but it attracts a plethora of mosquitoes. I highly recommend a trailer. The fee was $14 per night.
