South Shore

Star3.92
174 reviews
P.O. BOX 249, SISTERS, OR, 97759, USA
Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

3,400 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

36 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens US Forest Service - Deschutes National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
South 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

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Provider
541-323-1746
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What Campers Say

3.92

Mixed Reviews

Based on 174 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

South Shore

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.

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Peak season offers full activities but experiences crowding, wind and noise issues.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Off-peak sees better availability and fewer crowd problems; pleasant conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens May 23; late spring offers cool mountain air and emerging activity but variable early access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed for reservations in winter; limited services and access in winter months.

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.
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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

Amenities available

Potable water
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
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.
HikingThe 3.2-mile Suttle Lake Shoreline Trail is accessible directly from the campground, offering scenic views and moderate difficulty.
FishingAnglers can fish for rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and brown trout. A fish cleaning station is provided on-site.
SwimmingSwimming is popular, and the lake’s warm water is suitable for this activity. Some users recommend earplugs due to external noise.
BikingThe Suttle Lake Shoreline Trail is bike-friendly and scenic.
BoatingBoth 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
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildfire 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

Reviews

3.9
174 reviews
Mixed 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

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...
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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...
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Based on 174 reviews

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 174 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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