Sheep Bridge Campground

Star4.19
55 reviews
Sheep Bridge Campground, Deschutes National Forest, Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District, Oregon
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

4,400 ft

Price

$21/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Deschutes National Forest site

Official Website
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Sheep Bridge Campground
$21.00 - $21.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single campsite rate is $21/night. One vehicle is included with the reservation; additional vehicles are $10 each. Holders of Golden Age, Golden...
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Standard Site Fee$21.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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1-877-444-6777
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What Campers Say

4.19

Satisfactory

Based on 55 reviews

50 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietspacioussites

Some mention

dusty

"User reviews highlight Sheep Bridge Campground as a quiet and scenic location with large campsites and good fishing opportunities. However, concerns about the condition of facilities, dusty conditions, and lack of amenities were common."

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Campground Map

Sheep Bridge Campground, Deschutes National Forest, Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District, Oregon

Sheep Bridge Campground

Sheep Bridge Campground, Deschutes National Forest, Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District, Oregon

Driving directionsFrom Bend, drive 26.8 miles south on Hwy 97 to Wickiup Junction. Then head west on County Road 43 for 11 miles. Continue west on Forest Road 42 for 4.6 miles, and finally, turn south onto Forest Road 4260 for another 0.8 miles. The campground is accessible via Forest Rt. 070, a gravel road, which is 0.5 miles long.
The road leading to the campground is described as rough and bumpy in user reviews. Seasonal access may be influenced by weather, particularly snow or heavy rain. Gravel road access (Forest Rt. 070) is provided for the final half-mile, and some sections may be challenging for certain vehicles.
Nearby places
Bend: ~26.8 miles (~35 minutes)
Crescent: ~26 miles (~40 minutes)
La Pine: ~23 miles (~35 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Limited camping supplies, groceries, and fuel are available at Twin Lakes Resort, located 1.9 miles south of the campground on Forest Road 4260. More comprehensive supplies can be found in La Pine or Crescent, about 23 to 27 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Sheep Bridge Campground

Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for riverside activities, though the dry conditions create a characteristic dusty atmosphere that adds to the campground's rustic appeal. As evening approaches and the river comes alive with activity, mosquitoes remind visitors they're sharing this pristine habitat with its natural inhabitants. The camping season typically winds down by mid-October when autumn's chill sets in, while spring arrivals should note that lingering snow and seasonal rains may affect early-season access, making each visit a unique adventure shaped by nature's rhythms.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer: sun-drenched days, good riverside activities; early summer reviews more favorable.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into mid-Oct; quieter season but fishing can decline with reservoir drawdowns.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens mid-May; late-spring/early-season is generally pleasant though season start is limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed mid-Oct to mid-May; winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season is likely aligned with open season (mid-May to mid-October).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from mid-May (May 16, 2025) to mid-October (October 19, 2025).

About Sheep Bridge Campground

Nestled among towering Lodgepole pines with majestic Ponderosa pines beginning to stake their claim, Sheep Bridge Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience along the banks of the Deschutes River. This rustic retreat invites adventurers to explore its winding, maze-like layout while enjoying prime fishing spots and exceptional bird watching opportunities. Though the sites offer an intimate connection with nature rather than secluded privacy, the level terrain and riverside location create the perfect basecamp for those seeking a genuine outdoor experience, complete with the earthy charm of dusty forest floors that tell the story of countless summer adventures.
Sheep Bridge Campground caters to tent and RV campers but is best suited for those seeking a rustic, primitive camping experience.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 days within a 30-day period.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Sheep Bridge Campground provides recreational opportunities including fishing, motorized and non-motorized boating, and bird watching. It is located near the Deschutes River and Wickiup Reservoir.
FishingFishing opportunities include rainbow and brown trout, whitefish mountain, kokanee, and coho salmon near the Deschutes River and Wickiup Reservoir. Reviewers suggest July and August as the best months for trout fishing.
BoatingBoth motorized and non-motorized boating are supported. There is no boat ramp at the campground itself, but one is available 2 miles south on Forest Road 4260.
Wildlife viewingBird watching is a popular activity at Sheep Bridge Campground, offering opportunities to observe local avian species.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include fast-moving river water unsuitable for swimming and mosquitoes near the boat launch in the evenings. Bathrooms are reported as poorly maintained and potentially unsafe.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Sheep Bridge Campground

Reviews

4.2
55 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Sheep Bridge Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Sheep Bridge Campground as a quiet and scenic location with large campsites and good fishing opportunities. However, concerns about the condition of facilities, dusty conditions, and lack of amenities were common.
Review Summaries
Based on 55 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the quiet and spacious campsites, proximity to fishing spots, and opportunities for bird watching. Users appreciated the rustic nature of the campground.
Based on 55 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include issues with vault toilet safety and cleanliness, lack of potable water, dusty conditions, and the challenging condition of the access road due to potholes.
Based on 55 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing enough potable water and preparing for dusty conditions. Note the absence of showers and limited facilities. Using the boat ramp south of the campground is suggested for...
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Based on 55 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews are generally more favorable in the early summer, as late summer can bring increased dust and reduced fishing quality due to water drawdowns. Mosquitoes are noted to be a problem near the...
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Based on 55 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great unimproved camping with lots of shade and shore access." - Peter Templeton; "Easy campground to get to, access to many things to do at any of the lakes. Spaces are big." - Alta McCarthy;...
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Based on 55 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 13 was noted to lack a fire ring, requiring campers to construct one. Another reviewer mentioned group sites being spacious but not officially designated as such.
Based on 55 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited. Vault toilets are not wheelchair-friendly, and no specific accessibility features were noted.
Based on 55 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews addressing pet policies or experiences were found.
Based on 55 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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