How much does camping cost at Blue Bay?

Camping fees at Blue Bay are $30 - $62/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Blue Bay first-come first-served or reservation?

Blue Bay accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Blue Bay before I book?

Yes! Blue Bay has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Blue Bay?

Blue Bay is open May 08 to September 25. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Blue Bay?

Blue Bay does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Blue Bay?

Fire policies at Blue Bay: Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Blue Bay have?

Blue Bay has 22 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Blue Bay?

Yes, pets are allowed at Blue Bay. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Blue Bay?

Blue Bay offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Blue Bay?

Popular activities at Blue Bay include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Blue Bay

4.07

179 reviews

PO BOX 249 SISTERS, OR 97759 USA

CReport Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping Oregon

Quick Facts

3,497 ft

Price

$30 - $62/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Deschutes National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,497 ft

Price

$30 - $62/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Deschutes National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Blue Bay

$30.00 - $62.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT-89134: $46.00 (+$2.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC- Double Site: $60.00 (+$2.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00 (+$2.00 holiday)....

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-323-1746

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Blue Bay

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

PO BOX 249 SISTERS, OR 97759 USA

Blue Bay

PO BOX 249 SISTERS, OR 97759 USA

Nearby places

Sisters (13 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Bend (40 miles, approximately 50 minutes)

Weather at Blue Bay

Current alerts(12)

A day use fee charged at nearby Scout Lake
Boat launch parking is for day use only and requires a recreation fee seperate from camping fees. Park your boat trailers and vehicles at your campsite please.
Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive calendar days is prohibited.
Click here for more information about Deschutes National Forest

Best Time to Camp at Blue Bay

Best season: summer. Summer offers the fullest access to Suttle Lake and the campground — warm, sunny days and calm water make boating, swimming, paddling, and trout fishing the main draw. Expect daytime highs roughly 70–85°F and cool nights around 40–55°F, with steady afternoon breezes off the lake; this is when trails, boat launches, and most services are fully available. Summer is busiest in July and August (especially holiday weekends), so expect crowds then but unbeatable lake recreation and long daylight hours Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: warm, calm summers with full access to boating, swimming and fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 23 to September 27 during peak seasons. First-come, first-served is available during shoulder seasons.

About Blue Bay

Blue Bay sits on the shore of Suttle Lake in Deschutes National Forest, roughly 14 miles northwest of Sisters. This moderately priced Forest Service campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with direct lake access for boating, fishing, and paddling. The Suttle Lake Loop Trail connects campers to the shoreline and surrounding forest, and the campground operates seasonally during peak summer months when the lake is warmest and most accessible.

Blue Bay Campground accommodates a range of camping styles, including primitive tent camping and RV setups, though no hookups are available. Group sites and specialized accommodations are not explicitly mentioned, and glamping options are not available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the fullest access to Suttle Lake and the campground — warm, sunny days and calm water make boating, swimming, paddling, and trout fishing the main draw. Expect daytime highs roughly 70–85°F and cool nights around 40–55°F, with steady afternoon breezes off the lake; this is when trails, boat launches, and most services are fully available. Summer is busiest in July and August (especially holiday weekends), so expect crowds then but unbeatable lake recreation and long daylight hours Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation3497 ft above sea level

Natural Features and ScenerySuttle Lake fills a glacial basin at 3,497 feet, surrounded by Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, and mountain hemlock. Ancient lava flows and cinder cones from the Cascade Range's volcanic past frame the horizon. The lake reflects the forested ridges, and osprey hunt over the water while deer visit the shoreline. The Suttle Lake Loop Trail circles the lake through mixed conifer forest growing in volcanic soil.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 consecutive nights per visit, with a total of 28 nights per year allowed.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One RV with a tow vehicle or one vehicle per single tent site is allowed. Two RVs with tow vehicles per double site or two vehicles per double tent site are permitted.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityNo explicit mention of accessibility features was made in the source materials.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as spacious with adequate room for tents and small RVs. A few sites like #22 and #9 are noted for accommodating larger setups, but others, such as #17, are uneven or sloped.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary. Some sites like #1 and #13 are noted for seclusion, while others like #20 and #7 are near heavily trafficked trails or too close to other campsites.

Total Campsites22 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites near pit toilets due to odor. Sites #20 and #21 offer waterfront views but lack privacy due to a nearby trail.

Best CampsitesSite #20 gets frequent praise for its lakefront location and trail proximity. Sites #1 and #13 offer more seclusion. Sites #22 and #9 fit larger setups. Avoid #17 if you need level ground, and skip #7 if trail traffic bothers you.

Need help booking Blue Bay?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Blue Bay Campground offers standard campsites suitable for both tents and RVs, though no hookups are provided. The amenities include picnic tables, campfire rings with grills, vault toilets, and potable water. Trash collection and self-pay stations are also available.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Blue Bay

The campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and cross-country skiing. The nearby 3.2-mile Suttle Lake Loop Trail is a highlight for hiking and fishing. Non-motorized and motorized boating is allowed, and the lake supports fishing for kokanee, brown trout, and more.

Hiking4.0/5

3.2-mile Suttle Lake Loop is a prominent, scenic trail linking shoreline and forest.

Fishing4.0/5

Popular fishing for kokanee, brown trout and whitefish; boats commonly used from lake-access sites.

Boating4.0/5

Direct lake access and a shallow boat ramp; motorized and non‑motorized boating common.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Osprey hunt over the water and deer frequent the shoreline; mixed‑conifer forest habitat.

Water Sports4.0/5

Winter Activities3.0/5

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Blue Bay

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.1

179 reviews

Satisfactory

Blue Bay is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Blue Bay Campground are mixed, with some praising its natural beauty, large sites, and proximity to Suttle Lake, while others criticize the lack of maintenance, noisy generators, and poor management.

Review Summaries

Based on 179 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 179 reviews.

Site #20Issues noted
Site #20 is noted for its location by the lake but lacks privacy due to a trail running through it.
Site #17Issues noted
Site #17 is described as sloped and uneven, and Site #9 has a nice view but is near bathrooms, leading to occasional odor issues.

What Campers Love

Many reviews highlight the beautiful lakefront views, spacious campsites, and the well-maintained Suttle Lake Loop Trail. Statements like 'Very lovely campground located next to Suttle Lake' and...

Based on 179 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include poorly maintained toilets, lack of camp host presence, noisy RV generators, and problems with reservation management. For example, one reviewer stated, 'Bathrooms were AWFUL,'...

Based on 179 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring traps or repellents for wasps, as August reviews report heavy wasp activity. Reviewers suggest confirming reservations and campsite listings for accuracy and bringing leveling pads for uneven...

Based on 179 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews focus on snow sports like cross-country skiing. Summer reviews are more mixed, with some praising boating and swimming but others criticizing wasp activity and the lack of maintenance.

Based on 179 reviews

Camper Quotes

'We loved our stay here. It is just the kind of forest campground I remember from when I was young.' - Susan Kruger. 'When we arrived, there was a woman parked in our paid-for/reserved campsite, and...

Based on 179 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-specific reviews were provided.

Based on 179 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Although pets are allowed, no detailed reviews related to pet experiences or amenities were found.

Based on 179 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Blue Bay

$30.00 - $62.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT-89134: $46.00 (+$2.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC- Double Site: $60.00 (+$2.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00 (+$2.00 holiday)....

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-323-1746

Nearby Campgrounds

P.O. BOX 249, SISTERS, OR, 97759, USA

South Shore sits on Suttle Lake in the Deschutes National Forest foothills near Sisters, Oregon. This US Forest Service campground offers mid-sized tent and RV camping with lake access, a boat launch, and connections to the Suttle Lake Shoreline Trail. Fall brings peak conditions with changing colors, calm water, and fewer crowds after the summer season.

Blue Bay

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Blue Bay

Campground Map

Weather at Blue Bay

Current alerts(12)

Best Time to Camp at Blue Bay

Planning Tips

About Blue Bay

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Blue Bay?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Blue Bay

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Blue Bay

Current alerts(12)

Best Time to Camp at Blue Bay

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Blue Bay?

Amenities available

Things to do at Blue Bay

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns