South Shore
3.9274 reviewsP.O. BOX 249, SISTERS, OR, 97759, USA
Quick Facts
3,400 ftPrice
$30/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
36 campsites
Season
The campground opera...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
3,400 ftPrice
$30/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
36 campsites
Season
The campground opera...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsSouth Shore
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard nonelectric campsites are $30 per night during peak and first-come, first-served seasons, with an additional $2 fee on holidays. Rates do...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$30.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider541-323-1746
What Campers Say
3.92
Mixed Reviews
Based on 74 reviews
14 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewslakefriendly
"User reviews for South Shore Campground vary widely, highlighting its scenic location but noting maintenance and reservation system issues."
Fees & Passes at South Shore
$30/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: 14 nights per visit, 28 nights annually
Cancellation: Cancellations can be made before the scheduled check-in, with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellat...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official US Forest Service - Deschutes National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at South Shore
Perched at 3,400 feet, South Shore Campground offers a refreshing escape from summer heat, where cool lake breezes and mountain air create perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. Early summer visitors should come prepared for spirited winds that dance across the lake, adding character to your camping experience. As autumn arrives, the campground transforms into a photographer's paradise of golden light and crisp mornings. Winter closes this mountain sanctuary under blankets of snow and ice, preserving its pristine beauty until spring's return opens the gates once more.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 23 - September 27. 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
Discover your perfect lakeside retreat at South Shore Campground, where 36 thoughtfully positioned campsites await beneath towering Douglas firs and Ponderosa pines along the pristine shores of Suttle Lake. This Deschutes National Forest gem seamlessly blends the best of Oregon's outdoor playground—from morning paddling sessions on crystal-clear waters to afternoon hikes through ancient forests. Whether you're pitching a tent on a secluded hillside spot or parking your RV near the water's edge, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape where mountain views meet mirror-like waters, and the only sounds are lapping waves and wind through the pines.
South Shore Campground supports a mix of tent and RV camping but lacks luxury accommodations like cabins or glamping options.
Weather and SeasonsPerched at 3,400 feet, South Shore Campground offers a refreshing escape from summer heat, where cool lake breezes and mountain air create perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. Early summer visitors should come prepared for spirited winds that dance across the lake, adding character to your camping experience. As autumn arrives, the campground transforms into a photographer's paradise of golden light and crisp mornings. Winter closes this mountain sanctuary under blankets of snow and ice, preserving its pristine beauty until spring's return opens the gates once more.
ElevationAt 3,400 feet above sea level, South Shore Campground occupies a sweet spot in the Cascades where mountain air stays refreshingly cool even on summer's warmest days. This elevation brings dynamic weather patterns, including those signature early summer winds that ripple across Suttle Lake, creating ever-changing patterns on the water and reminding visitors they're truly in the mountains.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to breathtaking views of Mount Washington reflected in Suttle Lake's glassy surface, where this glacial masterpiece serves as nature's mirror to the surrounding volcanic peaks. Ancient forests of old-growth giants create a living cathedral around the campground, their centuries-old branches filtering sunlight into magical patterns on the forest floor. This stunning convergence of water and wilderness offers endless visual rewards—from misty morning paddling sessions to sunset alpenglow painting the peaks in shades of rose and gold.
Geological RegionSouth Shore Campground sits at the heart of the Cascade Mountains' most dramatic geological story, where fire and ice have sculpted an extraordinary landscape over millennia. Here in the Deschutes National Forest, ancient volcanic forces created the towering peaks while glaciers carved out jewel-like lakes, including Suttle Lake itself—a pristine reminder of the ice age's artistic touch. This remarkable terrain showcases nature's contrasts: verdant old-growth forests give way to golden sagebrush meadows, while volcanic peaks stand sentinel over glacier-carved valleys, creating a diverse ecosystem that captivates geologists and casual nature lovers alike.
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Campsite details
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious by users, with some accommodating RVs and others suited for tents.
Sites PrivacyMixed privacy levels. Some sites, like #5, are noted for their seclusion, while others are exposed or lack vegetation.
Total Campsites36 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #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 Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 nights per visit, 28 nights annually
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is arranged into lakeside and hillside sections, with a circular road layout. Sites vary in size and privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonThe 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.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable from September 28 through October 18 during the first-come, first-served season.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made before the scheduled check-in, with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations result in forfeiture of the first night's camping fee. No cancellations or modifications are allowed after the reservation start date.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Vault toilets
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
The 3.2-mile Suttle Lake Shoreline Trail is accessible directly from the campground, offering scenic views and moderate difficulty.Fishing
Anglers can fish for rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and brown trout. A fish cleaning station is provided on-site.Swimming
Swimming is popular, and the lake’s warm water is suitable for this activity. Some users recommend earplugs due to external noise.Biking
The Suttle Lake Shoreline Trail is bike-friendly and scenic.Boating
Both power and non-motorized boating, sailing, water skiing, and windsurfing are supported. A boat launch is on-site, but its parking is limited for day use.Water Sports
Popular for kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires in designated rings only; restrictions may apply during dry seasons.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsWildfire risk is high during dry seasons; visitors are advised to check centraloregonfire.org for updates. Theft of camping equipment has been reported, with one user stating: 'Three Yeti coolers were stolen during our stay.'
Weather at South Shore
46
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Moderate drizzle
Precipitation: 0.8%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 79%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 29.3 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Very Light Rain - (0.80% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Moderate drizzle
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
St. Charles Madras Hospital, located approximately 39 miles (50 minutes) from South Shore Campground. Nearest police assistance is available in Sisters, OR, about 12 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - September 27
Trash and recyclingTrash services are inconsistent. Overflows were reported and linked to clashes between the Forest Service and campground vendors.
Proximity to water featuresDirectly adjacent to Suttle Lake, offering access to swimming, boating, and fishing activities.
Common complaintsCommon issues include overflowing garbage, lack of water access due to broken systems, unmaintained roads, and poorly serviced vault toilets. User reviews have highlighted the 'horrendous smell' from vault toilets and the frustration of empty reserved campsites.
HostCamp hosts are generally described as helpful and accommodating, though their presence has been inconsistent in recent years.
Campground Map
P.O. BOX 249, SISTERS, OR, 97759, USA
Driving directionsFrom Sisters, Oregon, take Highway 20/126 northwest for about 12 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 2070 toward Suttle Lake Campgrounds. Travel just less than a half-mile to the South Shore entrance on the right.
Access roads to the South Shore Campground consist of a paved road network leading from Highway 20/126 to Forest Service Road 2070. The roads are accessible year-round; however, user reviews frequently report large potholes in the campground's roads. One user stated that 'the CG road is horrible with huge potholes that my car almost bottomed out.'Nearby places
Sisters, OR: ~12 miles (20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
The town of Sisters, OR, approximately 12 miles from the campground, offers grocery stores, fuel stations, and general camping supplies. Firewood can be purchased at the nearby Suttle Lake Boathouse, which is about a mile from the campground.
Reviews from booking and map sources
3.9
74 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 74 reviews
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 74 reviewsCommon 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 74 reviewsShow more
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 74 reviewsSeasonal 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 74 reviewsCamper 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 74 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #12 is consistently criticized for lack of shade and views. Site #5 is lauded for privacy. Site #19 lacks privacy and shade. Users recommend avoiding lakeside sites prone to wind.
Based on 74 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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