Best Campgrounds near Camp Sherman, OR

The Metolius River corridor near Camp Sherman, Oregon features multiple small National Forest campgrounds spread along the riverbanks, creating a network of camping areas rather than large consolidated facilities. Camp Sherman Campground, Allen Springs, Smiling River, and several other developed sites provide access to the renowned fly-fishing waters of the Metolius. Most campgrounds accommodate tents and smaller RVs, while Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort offers cabin options approximately 15 miles south. The Camp Sherman General Store serves as a central hub for supplies, located within walking distance of several riverside campgrounds.

Road access throughout the area remains good during summer months, though campfire restrictions are common due to wildfire concerns. Most Metolius River campgrounds have vault toilets and limited amenities, with no hookups or running water at many sites. "There is not water at this campground or any of the others along the Metolius River. The only place you can fill up on potable water is at the Camp Sherman store," noted one visitor. Cell service is virtually nonexistent along the river corridor, though some spots near higher elevations provide limited connectivity. Campgrounds typically operate from May through September, with a few remaining open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends.

Riverside camping represents the primary draw for visitors, with most campgrounds offering direct water access and proximity to the Metolius River Trail. Several campers mentioned the exceptional fishing opportunities, particularly for fly fishing enthusiasts targeting rainbow trout and bull trout. The area experiences significant insect activity during early summer, with multiple reviews warning about mosquitoes and yellow jackets. A visitor commented, "Around the beginning of summer, the mosquitoes start coming out, and they are unbearable. Bring lots of bug spray." Wildlife viewing, hiking trails, and the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery provide additional recreational opportunities. The Metolius River itself remains cold year-round, making it better suited for fishing than swimming, especially for families with small children.

Best Camping Sites Near Camp Sherman, Oregon (361)

    1. Camp Sherman Campground

    13 Reviews
    Camp Sherman, OR
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 323-1746

    $27 - $29 / night

    "Great trails for hiking along the river banks. Nice and quiet. Campsites are spread out and quite large."

    "Great river walk. Many nearby attractions. Camp Sherman store .8 Miles from campground. Good all around campstore and deli. River is fly fishing only."

    2. Creekside Sisters City Park

    23 Reviews
    Sisters, OR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 323-5218

    $25 - $55 / night

    "The campground is very clean and right on the west edge of Sisters, Oregon.  Very good location, right near the highway, but easy walking into all the fine shops in Sisters."

    "The campground is in Sisters, OR., which is a great little town in Central Oregon, a jumping off location for lots of outdoor activities."

    3. South Shore Suttle Lake

    12 Reviews
    Camp Sherman, OR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 323-1746

    $30 - $32 / night

    "So empty sites with a few belongings and no people...while others were driving around hoping for an empty site.  Easy trailer/RV parking, as it's just roadside above the site.  "

    "This is a very pretty medium-sized lake. The sites are fairly large and well spaced, so you don't feel too cramped."

    4. Blue Bay

    11 Reviews
    Camp Sherman, OR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 323-1746

    $30 - $62 / night

    "This campground sits next to Suttle Lake.  It was a great campground that was a short walk to the lodge where there are water sports rentals, a camp store, and small deli. "

    "Being Oregon, it was pretty cool while we were there. Because of this, there was no swimming in the lake. However, we had quite the view! Be aware that there is a ridiculous amount of chipmunks here."

    5. Big Lake

    16 Reviews
    Camp Sherman, OR
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    $28 / night

    "This hidden gem can’t be seen from the highway. But it’s a quick drive down a improved road to it,s clear refreshing waters with fishing and plenty places to swim."

    "This was a great little lakeside campground with easy water access, and bathrooms (pit toilets) onsite. It is really dusty, which was expected."

    6. Bend / Sisters Garden RV Resort

    18 Reviews
    Sisters, OR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 549-3021

    $43 - $78 / night

    "There is an on site pool and outdoor gathering place, a general store, propane vending, a dog walking path and large property behind the park to take pets with a reminder to clean up and pack it out."

    "From the put-put golf course near the check-in, to the store and the lovely lake, this is a great place for kids as well as adults."

    7. Allen Springs Campground

    7 Reviews
    Camp Sherman, OR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 323-1746

    $28 - $32 / night

    "Beautiful, peaceful campground open year round on the Metolius River, about 15 mins. from Camp Sherman store. Only a few sites are large enough for smaller trailers/RVs (7,11,12,9 &13)."

    "Incredibly peaceful, close to the Camp Sherman store for supplies. Wood available for purchase at the camp host."

    8. Tumalo State Park Campground

    81 Reviews
    Bend, OR
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 382-3586

    $24 - $80 / night

    "This is one of our favorite campgrounds in Oregon. We did have a harder time backing in our 35ft trailer due to the more narrow road but over all wasn’t that bad."

    "Very solid, typical Oregon state campground."

    9. Candle Creek Campground

    8 Reviews
    Camp Sherman, OR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 323-1746

    $21 - $23 / night

    "While there were some harrowing moments getting to this campground with our 16' pull-behind toy hauler(last mile or so is dirt road with a couple of knarly soft sand areas that you have to plow through"

    "The river is very swift and dangerous- is be very worried about young children near the banks. The creek side is calmer but ice cold and swift as well. Rugged.
    7 is our favorite."

    10. Jack Creek Campground

    6 Reviews
    Camp Sherman, OR
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 323-1746

    $21 - $23 / night

    "No running water source but nearby creek is great for rinsing off and cooling down. Camping lots were very spacious and relatively quiet and bathrooms were adequate."

    "This campsite is tucked away and close to several trailheads (jack lake, bear valley). We just went this last week on a Wednesday so it was very quiet."

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Recent Reviews near Camp Sherman, OR

1680 Reviews of 361 Camp Sherman Campgrounds


  • Kim M.
    Oct. 18, 2025

    LaPine State Park Campground

    Nice state park

    Great flat trails for beginner mountain biking. Geocaches, showers,but they turned off the water mid October to mid April.

    And there was barely 1 bar of 4G Verizon. I could talk and text, but for work I had to drive.

  • Mr Bubbas A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Beautiful Spot NF 4630 by the River

    Gorgeous! Can’t ask for more…

    This spot is large, private and is easy to get to, you’re right on the creek and you can hear the it perfectly! The creek is actually the Oak Grove Fork of the Calakamas River. There’s actually a bunch of shots of this road to chose but this one was perfect for us. Minimal cell and Star Link due to being under a canopy of trees.

  • S
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Swampy Lakes Sno-Park/Trailhead

    This is a dispersed camping site at a trailhead with a pit toilet

    Swampy Lakes Sno-Park is a winter trailhead for cross-country skiing and is used as a mountain bike trailhead in the summer. It is a paved parking area with a pit toilet. There is no water and it is fairly close to the highway. In winter it’s not advisable to camp here since campers interfere with plowing. Nearby are two Sno-Parks ( Wanoga and Kapka) which are used by snowmobilers and are better set up for winter use since the parking is in the middle of the lot and snowplows can get around overnighters.

  • Vinny A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Eagle Rock Road Camp

    Eagle Rock Road Boondocking

    Stayed here for one night. Got in late and left early, so didn’t stay long, but it was perfect for a stop. Many spots along the road. Ours was pretty close to Route 20. The road its was in decent shape.

  • Derek N.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Cold Springs Resort

    Relaxing RV park with lots to see from a walking distance

    Relaxing RV park with lots to see from a walking distance

    This is a really well laid out campground, with well kept grounds. The RV area is shaped like a horse shoe and only has 12 sites. The rest of the campground has about 20 cabins spread out around the grounds. Our site was had lots of room to easily back in our trailer. The fire pit was big and cleaned out when we arrived. There is a creek that runs behind most of the sites which was a nice addition. There are two bathrooms with showers. There are a handful of kids and adult bikes you can use. The campground is a few minutes walking distance to a stocked pond that youth can fish in. About an 8 minute walk away from the nearby general store which feels like a blast from the past. The walk to the general store includes a really beautiful bridge crossing to get across the Metolius river.

    With most people in cabins and only a handful of RVs, it’s a really quiet campground. This was a really relaxing stay and it was so nice that most the things we wanted to do was just walking distance away. We will definitely come here again.

  • J
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Deschutes Forest NFD 4600-120 Dispersed Camping

    Quiet, peaceful, easy to find!

    Highly recommend! We came here in early Oct and it was quiet, roads were easy to access for a 25ft camper and just a quick drive from Bend. No amenities and a range of options for parking if you want to be near other people

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver

    Nice Folks

    Pulled in last minute I’ve never been to a thousand trails campground. Great so far. Lot’s of fly fishing near by. Very inexpensive compared to other campgrounds nearby.

  • Brian S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    NF 4610 Roadside Dispersed Camping

    Super close to Bend

    It is in a vast recreation area for off road vehicles. The main road in is gravel and quite smooth. I easily found a site to car camp late at night. It was just 20 minutes from site to Bend. No amenities just a good place to car camp.


Guide to Camp Sherman

Camping spots near Camp Sherman, Oregon offer exceptional fly-fishing access at elevations between 2,900 and 3,000 feet with old-growth ponderosa pine forests surrounding the sites. Most campgrounds remain snow-free between late May and mid-October, with seasonal temperatures typically ranging from 40°F nights to 85°F days during peak summer months.

What to do

Hiking the Metolius River Trail: Access trailheads directly from Allen Springs Campground for scenic river views. "Trail runs right through the campground, but we saw no one. Good hike along the river," notes one visitor who enjoyed the secluded path.

Fishing at Suttle Lake: Bring fishing gear to South Shore Suttle Lake for trout fishing from shore or boat. A camper mentioned, "Canoe around the lake and landed some fish," making it ideal for anglers of all experience levels.

Explore the headwaters: Take a short walk from Jack Creek Campground to see where Jack Creek begins. "We walked the easy hike up to the headwaters of Jack Creek. Pretty neat to see it get its start right out of the mountainside!" reports one visitor who enjoyed this geological feature.

Visit the fish hatchery: The Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery near Camp Sherman offers educational opportunities. "Right next to hatchery, so you can see every step of a fish! Baby until they take them to stock other ponds/reservoirs etc. So interesting for kids to show them each growing stage for the fish!!"

What campers like

Privacy between campsites: Candle Creek Campground offers well-spaced campsites along the water. "Sites are large with plenty of room between sites. No running water and one pit toilet," reports a camper who appreciated the quiet setting.

Sound of flowing water: Many campers value the white noise from the rivers. "We could hear the wildlife hustle and bustle as we were tucked away in our tent," shared one visitor at Camp Sherman Campground, while another noted, "The river at night is so peaceful."

Level tent spots: Most riverside campgrounds feature flat, spacious tent pads. "HUGE sites (we could have had 6 more people with us each in their own tent), right on the rushing whitewater of the Metolius," reports a camper who stayed at Candle Creek Campground.

Proximity to hiking trails: Camping locations provide immediate trail access. "Situated right between the Metolius and Candle Creek (which is really a small river), so all sites are essentially waterfront," notes one camper who enjoyed exploring the surrounding trails.

What you should know

Limited water sources: Many Metolius campgrounds lack potable water. At Blue Bay Campground, visitors note "Potable water is available at spigots throughout the campground," but this isn't true at all locations.

Road conditions vary: Some campsites require navigating rough roads. "The road was pretty darn rough this year. Trucks or good clearance recommended," warns a Candle Creek visitor, while another adds, "While there were some harrowing moments getting to this campground with our 16' pull-behind toy hauler."

Seasonal insect activity: Yellow jackets and mosquitoes appear during summer months. A Blue Bay camper warned, "Lots of mosquitoes and other reviews mentioned chipmunks," while another noted "Bring bug repellant!"

Extreme fire restrictions: During summer months, campfire bans are common. Bring alternative cooking methods for safety. "Due to changes in weather, Oregon has had a record year for yellow jackets and wasps," noted one camper, indicating the dry conditions that contribute to fire danger.

Tips for camping with families

Child-friendly fishing spots: Camp Sherman Campground offers accessible fishing for beginners. "Great trails for hiking along the river banks. Nice and quiet. Campsites are spread out and quite large," explains one visitor who enjoyed family activities along the water.

Low-traffic campsites: Look for sites away from main roads for child safety. "This campground was very quiet and in a beautiful location next to Jack Creek. The campsites were big and private," shares a visitor who appreciated the secure setting.

Educational opportunities: Visit the fish hatchery for hands-on learning. "The Metolius itself is beautiful. At this viewing Bridge by the Hatchery, you can see very small baby fish all the way up to full size before they stock the lakes with them."

Trail difficulty considerations: The 3.6-mile Suttle Lake loop trail offers family-friendly hiking. "The 3 mile trail around the lake is flat and enjoyable. Rentable canoes and kayaks at the lodge!" notes a visitor about the accessible recreation options.

Tips from RVers

Site selection for larger vehicles: Bend / Sisters Garden RV Resort accommodates larger rigs with full hookups. "Site 11 is perfect for those who prefer to be near a spa-like bath house in an RV park. Heated floors, huge showers. Fantastic," reports one satisfied RV camper.

Leveling challenges: Many forest service campgrounds require leveling equipment. "Not all sites are leveled for every parking. Check site length to your needs and bring leveling blocks in case!" advises a camper who stayed at Big Lake Campground.

Generator restrictions: Most riverside campgrounds prohibit or restrict generator use. "Generators are really not appropriate next to tent campers," notes one visitor who experienced noise issues at Three Sisters Overnight Park.

Dry camping preparation: Most sites near the Metolius River lack hookups. "The sites are close together, with no hookups or running water at many sites," notes a visitor, emphasizing the need to bring sufficient water for your stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available near Camp Sherman?

Camp Sherman offers numerous riverside camping options along the Metolius River. Allen Springs Campground is open year-round with a few sites suitable for smaller trailers/RVs, though it's primarily tent camping. For more exploration options, Jack Creek Campground provides a great base for visiting Suttle Lake. Other nearby options include Riverside, Lower Bridge, Smiling River, and Pioneer Ford campgrounds, all situated along the Metolius River. If you prefer camping closer to civilization, Indian Ford Campground offers proximity to Sisters, while South Shore and Blue Bay campgrounds at Suttle Lake provide lakeside experiences. Most Camp Sherman area campgrounds are within the Deschutes National Forest.

What amenities and facilities are available at Camp Sherman campgrounds?

Campgrounds in the Camp Sherman area offer varying levels of amenities. Riverside Campground is considered "primitive with convenience" - it lacks running water but sits directly on the Metolius River and is just 10 miles from Sisters for additional services. Smiling River Campground features 35 sites with river views and scenic sunsets. Most Camp Sherman area campgrounds have vault toilets (though quality varies), fire rings, and picnic tables. Firewood is often available for purchase from camp hosts. The Camp Sherman store, accessible from several campgrounds, provides supplies, souvenirs, and deli options. Water sources vary by location - some have potable water while others rely on natural sources like creeks. Cell service is limited in most areas, with Verizon spotty or non-existent near some campgrounds.

Where are the best campgrounds in Camp Sherman, Oregon?

The Camp Sherman area features several outstanding campgrounds along the Metolius River. Camp Sherman Campground offers spacious sites, river edge locations, and easy access to hiking trails along the river banks. It's within walking distance to the Camp Sherman store for supplies and souvenirs. Lower Bridge Campground is highly praised for its 12 large, spread-out sites that provide excellent privacy, even during busy holiday weekends. The peaceful sound of the Metolius River accompanies campers to sleep. Other excellent options include Riverside Campground for a primitive-yet-convenient experience, and Allingham Campground, which offers intimate camping with river access and is part of the network of smaller Forest Service campgrounds designed to maximize enjoyment of the Metolius.