How much does camping cost at South Shore?

Camping fees at South Shore range from $30-$32/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is South Shore first-come first-served or reservation?

South Shore 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 South Shore before I book?

Yes! South Shore 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 South Shore?

South Shore is open May 08 to October 16. 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 South Shore?

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

How many campsites does South Shore have?

South Shore has 36 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at South Shore?

Pets are not allowed at South Shore. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at South Shore?

South Shore offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at South Shore?

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

South Shore

Q: Can I have a campfire at South Shore?

Fire policies at South Shore: 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.

3.88

174 reviews

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

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Oregon

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,400 ft

Price

$30 - $32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

36 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on US Forest Service - Deschutes National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,400 ft

Price

$30 - $32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

36 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on US Forest Service - Deschutes National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

South Shore

$30.00 - $32.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$30.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-323-1746

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to South Shore

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Campground Map

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

South Shore

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

Nearby places

Sisters, OR: ~12 miles (20 minutes)

Weather at South Shore

Current alerts(11)

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.
Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests.

Best Time to Camp at South Shore

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of calm, clear weather and dramatically changing colors around Suttle Lake — daytime highs typically range from the mid-40s to mid-60s °F with crisp nights dipping into the 30s. Late September and October bring quieter campsites after the summer rush, excellent water clarity for paddling and fishing, and peak hiking conditions on nearby trails with fewer bugs. Expect lower crowd levels after Labor Day, though note the campground shifts to first-come, first-served Peak months: September, October, August, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Reviews state fall delivers best conditions: cooler temps, thinner crowds, very pleasant.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to October 16. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground operates from May 23 to September 27 annually for reservations. It transitions to a first-come, first-served basis from late September to mid-October. Out-of-season access is not offered.

About South Shore

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.

South Shore Campground supports a mix of tent and RV camping but lacks luxury accommodations like cabins or glamping options.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of calm, clear weather and dramatically changing colors around Suttle Lake — daytime highs typically range from the mid-40s to mid-60s °F with crisp nights dipping into the 30s. Late September and October bring quieter campsites after the summer rush, excellent water clarity for paddling and fishing, and peak hiking conditions on nearby trails with fewer bugs. Expect lower crowd levels after Labor Day, though note the campground shifts to first-come, first-served Peak months: September, October, August, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation3400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and ScenerySuttle Lake stretches out below the campground, a glacial lake reflecting Mount Washington's volcanic peak across its surface. Old-growth forest surrounds the sites, creating pockets of shade and filtering light through centuries-old branches. The landscape here tells the story of fire and ice: volcanic peaks rising above glacier-carved valleys, dense conifer forests transitioning to sagebrush meadows at lower elevations. Morning mist often sits on the water before burning off to reveal clear views across the lake to the Cascades.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights per visit, 28 nights annually

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious by users, with some accommodating RVs and others suited for tents.

PrivacyMixed privacy levels. Some sites, like #5, are noted for their seclusion, while others are exposed or lack vegetation.

Total Campsites36 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #9 is highlighted for its combination of sun and shade and direct access to lake trails. Site #12 is noted for its lack of shade and poor lake views, making it less desirable.

Best CampsitesSites #5 and #13 show up repeatedly in reviews for their privacy and lake views. Site #5 sits tucked away with good tree cover. Avoid #12 and #19 if you want shade. Both get full sun. Some lakeside sites put you close to the water but also close to neighbors. Hillside sites offer more seclusion but require a short walk to the lake.

Need help booking South Shore?

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

South Shore Campground, located along Suttle Lake, offers essential amenities such as gravel parking spurs, picnic tables, and campfire rings at every site. Amenities include drinking water, vault toilets, and dispersed dump stations, providing basic conveniences for campers. The campground is situated at an elevation of 3,400 feet, offering lake breezes and stunning views of nearby Mt. Washington.

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

South Shore Campground offers a range of activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and water sports. The 3.2-mile Suttle Lake Shoreline Trail is a highlight for hikers and bikers.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our 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.

Fire PolicyFire 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.

Trash & RecyclingTrash services are inconsistent. Overflows were reported and linked to clashes between the Forest Service and campground vendors.

Cell CoverageMixed user reviews mention cell/internet service quality. One user noted Verizon service availability and strength.

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 South Shore

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From Booking Sources

3.9

174 reviews

Mixed Reviews

South Shore has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for South Shore Campground vary widely, highlighting its scenic location but noting maintenance and reservation system issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 174 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 174 reviews.

Site #5Loved
Site #5 is lauded for privacy.
Site #12Mentioned
Site #12 is consistently criticized for lack of shade and views.
Site #19Mentioned
Site #19 lacks privacy and shade.

What Campers Love

Many reviews praise the beautiful lake views, large campsite sizes, and proximity to the Suttle Lake Shoreline Trail. Camp hosts are often described as friendly and helpful.

Based on 174 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include poor maintenance of vault toilets, overflowing garbage, inadequate water supply, and noisy environments. Users frequently criticize the reservation system for allowing long-term...

Based on 174 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Consider bringing earplugs due to truck noise. Avoid sites known for lack of shade (e.g., #12, #19). Secure belongings to prevent theft, as Yeti coolers have been reported stolen.

Based on 174 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season often sees issues with noise, wind, and overcrowding. Off-peak seasons may have better availability and reduced crowd-related problems.

Based on 174 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Suttle Lake and the campground overall are great. Unfortunately, #12 is perhaps the worst." - Amanda S. "The camp hosts were wonderful! They even wished my husband Happy Birthday!" - Genie K. "The...

Based on 174 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want spacious lakefront sites with trail access and don't mind seasonal maintenance inconsistencies.

Skip if

You need reliably maintained facilities or prefer campgrounds with consistent water system uptime.

Nearby Campgrounds

PO BOX 249 SISTERS, OR 97759 USA

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.