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

South Shore Group Sites operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at South Shore Group Sites before I book?

Yes! South Shore Group Sites 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.

Are there showers at South Shore Group Sites?

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

How many campsites does South Shore Group Sites have?

South Shore Group Sites has 2 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at South Shore Group Sites?

Pets are not allowed at South Shore Group Sites. 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 Group Sites?

South Shore Group Sites offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at South Shore Group Sites?

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

South Shore Group Sites

3.42

12 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Haystack South Shore Group Campground Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Haystack South Shore Group Campground Official Website

Get Directions

South Shore Group Sites

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$50.00

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Provider

208-270-0094/

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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

Nearby places

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

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.

Weather at South Shore Group Sites

Best Time to Camp at South Shore Group Sites

Best season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm, sunny days (typically 80–95°F / 27–35°C, with cooler nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s) and the fullest access to Haystack Reservoir for swimming, boating, and waterside group gatherings. Long daylight hours and low precipitation make it ideal for hiking, biking, and fishing from shore or boat, though holiday weekends bring the highest use of the group sites. Be aware that mid–late summer is also peak wildfire season and fire restrictions or boating/wake restrictions/ Peak months: July, August, June, September

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Listed 'best season: summer' with warm days and full reservoir access for swimming/boating.

Planning Tips

About South Shore Group Sites

South Shore Group Sites sits on the shore of Haystack Reservoir in the Prineville foothills, operated by Haystack South Shore Group Campground. This primitive group camping area offers vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables for organized gatherings with direct reservoir access. Visitors fish, swim, boat, and hike from a base designed for groups seeking a shared waterfront experience in central Oregon.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm, sunny days (typically 80–95°F / 27–35°C, with cooler nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s) and the fullest access to Haystack Reservoir for swimming, boating, and waterside group gatherings. Long daylight hours and low precipitation make it ideal for hiking, biking, and fishing from shore or boat, though holiday weekends bring the highest use of the group sites. Be aware that mid–late summer is also peak wildfire season and fire restrictions or boating/wake restrictions/ Peak months: July, August, June, September

Elevation3000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryHaystack Reservoir fills an ancient basin surrounded by rolling hills dotted with juniper and sagebrush. The sparse vegetation creates unobstructed views west to Mt. Jefferson's volcanic peak. Golden and bald eagles patrol the shoreline. The open terrain offers expansive sight lines in all directions, from the distant Cascades to the surrounding desert. At this elevation, the dry landscape and minimal tree cover produce clear views of the night sky.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no information about cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; reservations are not accepted.

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.

Best CampsitesWillow and Cottonwood are the only two sites. Both handle up to 50 people and sit far enough apart to provide privacy for separate groups.

Amenities available

Water Potable water is not available at this site.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Things to do at South Shore Group Sites

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.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Motorized boating permitted and nearby boat launches at Haystack and West Shore.

Water Sports3.5/5

Reservoir access and boat launches imply good non-motorized boating/kayaking options.

Hiking3.0/5

Swimming3.0/5

Winter Activities1.5/5

Site noted best in summer; no winter sports or facilities described.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Open terrain and unobstructed sight lines create strong conditions for night sky viewing.

Photography4.0/5Eagles, reservoir reflections and distant Mt. Jefferson create strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

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.

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

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From Booking Sources

3.4

12 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

No user reviews are available for the South Shore Group Sites.

Review Summaries

Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

No user reviews are available to highlight positive aspects.

Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

No user reviews are available to identify common complaints.

Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No user reviews provide details about specific sites within the campground.

Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No user reviews are available to provide specific tips or recommendations.

Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No user reviews are available to analyze seasonal trends.

Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

No user reviews are available for direct quotes.

Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews are available to assess accessibility.

Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews are available to evaluate pet-related features or policies.

Based on 12 reviews

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South Shore Group Sites

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$50.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-270-0094/

Go if

You're organizing a group outing and want a shared waterfront camp with swimming, boating, and fishing in a foothill setting.

Skip if

You need individual sites, electric hookups, or amenities beyond vault toilets and picnic tables.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.4

(12)

South Shore Group Campground

US Bureau of Reclamation, 1375 SE Wilson Avenue Bend, OR 97702, USA

South Shore Group Campground sits on Haystack Reservoir in the high-desert foothills near Madras, Oregon. Operated by Crook County Parks and Recreation District, this group-focused site offers vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The reservoir draws drag boat races that can generate significant noise.