South Shore Group Sites

4.10

12 reviews

3160 NE 3rd Street, Prineville, OR 97754, USA

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Haystack South Shore Group Campground site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Haystack South Shore Group Campground site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

South Shore Group Sites

$50.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group site fee of $50 per site, with a maximum capacity of 50 people per site.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$50.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

208-270-0094/

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What Campers Say

4.10

Satisfactory

Based on 12 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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Campground Map

3160 NE 3rd Street, Prineville, OR 97754, USA

South Shore Group Sites

3160 NE 3rd Street, Prineville, OR 97754, USA

Driving directionsFrom Highway 97: Exit Jericho Lane and head East for approximately 1.25 miles. Turn right on Springer Road (FS 7130/FS 96) and proceed approximately 1.5 miles. South Shore Campground will be on the left. From Highway 26: Exit Laurel Lane (FS 96) and head west for approximately four miles. Turn right onto Springer Road (FS 7130/FS 96) and continue approximately 2.5 miles. South Shore Campground will be on the right.

The campground is accessible year-round via paved roads from the nearest highways (Highway 97 and Highway 26). Driving conditions appear straightforward, though seasonal weather may impact safety.

Nearby places

Prineville (approx. 13 miles), Redmond (approx. 27 miles), Bend (approx. 40 miles).

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies for groceries, camping gear, and fuel can be found in Prineville, approximately 13 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at South Shore Group Sites

The high desert climate delivers a spectacular show of seasons at Haystack South Shore. Summer brings sun-drenched days perfect for water activities, while autumn paints the landscape in golden hues under impossibly blue skies. As elevation reaches 3,000 feet, winter occasionally dusts the sagebrush with snow, transforming the campground into a quiet wonderland. Spring awakens the desert with bursts of wildflowers and migrating birds. Throughout most of the year, the dry conditions and minimal light pollution create some of Oregon's most breathtaking stargazing opportunities.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer 'sun-drenched days' ideal for water activities at the reservoir.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Autumn 'paints the landscape in golden hues'; good for views and quieter visits.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring offers wildlife viewing and milder weather though specifics aren't provided.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Open year-round but winter activities not detailed; high desert climate may limit water use.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not applicable; prices and availability do not vary by season.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: /

About South Shore Group Sites

Nestled along the serene shores of Haystack Reservoir, this expansive group campground beckons families and friends seeking the perfect basecamp for their outdoor adventures. The Willow and Cottonwood sites each welcome up to 50 guests, creating an ideal setting for reunions, celebrations, or group retreats beneath the high desert sky. Here, your days unfold with endless possibilities – cast a line into the reservoir's calm waters, dive into refreshing swimming holes, or gather around crackling campfires as stars emerge in the crystal-clear heavens above. Well-appointed with picnic tables, fire rings, spacious parking areas, and clean vaulted toilets, this campground seamlessly blends comfort with the raw beauty of Central Oregon's wilderness.

The South Shore Group Sites are ideal for group camping, accommodating events such as family reunions or gatherings of rock climbers visiting Smith Rock State Park nearby. The campground is outdoorsy and designed for primitive camping experiences without the luxury of hookups or on-site water.

Historical SignificanceWhile the campground itself serves as a modern gateway to outdoor recreation, its proximity to the legendary Smith Rock State Park connects visitors to one of rock climbing's most storied landscapes. This region has witnessed the evolution of American climbing culture, where pioneering athletes pushed the boundaries of what was possible on vertical stone. Today's campers share the same dramatic vistas that have inspired generations of adventurers, artists, and nature lovers drawn to Central Oregon's unique high desert environment.

Weather and SeasonsThe high desert climate delivers a spectacular show of seasons at Haystack South Shore. Summer brings sun-drenched days perfect for water activities, while autumn paints the landscape in golden hues under impossibly blue skies. As elevation reaches 3,000 feet, winter occasionally dusts the sagebrush with snow, transforming the campground into a quiet wonderland. Spring awakens the desert with bursts of wildflowers and migrating birds. Throughout most of the year, the dry conditions and minimal light pollution create some of Oregon's most breathtaking stargazing opportunities.

ElevationPerched at 3,000 feet where the high desert meets the sky, this campground offers a refreshing escape from lower elevations. The altitude brings crisp, cool evenings that provide welcome relief after sun-soaked days on the water. This elevation creates an atmospheric sweet spot – high enough to escape the valley heat, yet comfortable for all ages and fitness levels. As darkness falls, the thin, dry air at this altitude transforms the campground into a natural planetarium, where the Milky Way stretches across the heavens in stunning clarity.

Natural Features and SceneryThe landscape here tells the story of Oregon's dramatic geological past, where ancient juniper trees twist skyward from carpets of silvery sagebrush. On clear days, the snow-capped majesty of Mt. Jefferson dominates the western horizon, standing sentinel over this high desert oasis. Along the reservoir's edge, golden and bald eagles patrol the shoreline, their presence a testament to the area's rich ecosystem. The sparse forest canopy allows panoramic views in every direction, from sunrise painting the distant peaks to sunset igniting the desert in shades of amber and rose.

Geological RegionThis remarkable campground sits within Central Oregon's captivating high desert region, where volcanic forces and erosion have sculpted a landscape unlike anywhere else in the Pacific Northwest. At approximately 3,000 feet elevation, Haystack Reservoir fills an ancient basin surrounded by rolling hills dotted with hardy juniper trees and aromatic sagebrush. The sparse vegetation and dramatic topography create unobstructed views of Mt. Jefferson's volcanic peak, a reminder of the powerful forces that shaped this land. This unique geological setting, where water meets desert and mountains touch sky, offers campers an authentic taste of Oregon's diverse natural heritage.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-out

Stay Limit

Guests Allowed Per Site

50 people per group site.

Groups

The Willow and Cottonwood sites each accommodate up to 50 people, with room for multiple vehicles and large groups.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutTwo group sites (Willow and Cottonwood) that are spacious and separated from each other for privacy.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; reservations are not accepted.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up/first-come, first-served. No reservations are accepted.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations are not accepted.

AccessibilityNo information on accessibility features is provided.

Site SizeThe group sites are spacious enough to host up to 50 people each.

PrivacyThe two sites, Willow and Cottonwood, are designed to be out of sight from each other, providing a sense of privacy for each group.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose Willow or Cottonwood based on group size and preference for privacy; both sites are comparable in amenities.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

South Shore Group Sites offer a variety of recreational opportunities, both at the campground and in the surrounding area. Nearby Haystack Reservoir is a hub for activities such as fishing, swimming, and motorized boating. The surrounding land also supports hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting, and off-highway vehicle riding. The natural features and open skies make it ideal for stargazing and birdwatching.

HikingThe surrounding national grasslands provide ample hiking opportunities, though no specific trail details are provided.

ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.

FishingHaystack Reservoir is renowned for fishing, with species including kokanee, rainbow trout, largemouth bass, black crappie, and brown bullhead catfish.

SwimmingThe reservoir offers swimming in cool but comfortable water temperatures.

BikingMountain biking is supported in the nearby grasslands, but no specific trails or difficulty levels are detailed.

BoatingMotorized boating is permitted, and boat launches are available nearby at Haystack and West Shore day-use areas.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife around the lake, including eagles and other birds. Dry high-desert terrain may pose risks of dehydration or sun exposure.

Active Alerts/

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated campfire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are /

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are located in Prineville. This includes hospitals, police stations, and other essential services.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific information is provided about trash or recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesLocated adjacent to Haystack Reservoir, which is suitable for fishing, swimming, and boating.

Camp Host/