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 (360)

    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. 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."

    9. Tumalo State Park Campground

    80 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."

    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

1676 Reviews of 360 Camp Sherman Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Britenbush River Dispersed2

    Britenbush River Dispersed2

    A bit past the other listing. Beautiful, just off the road. There is a pullout on both sides of the road to camp. I suggest stopping to scout each to decide what is best for your rig.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Terrebonne East Camp Dispersed

    A bit bumpy

    I went a bit further on the main road then pulled off on the right. A bit bumpy for my non-lifted van, but managed. Drove in about .5 miles and found a flat place to park. Yes, there was some trash scattered, I picked up around where I was. Windy in the afternoon when I was there. I enjoyed it.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    cascade view trailhead

    Great spot

    Like the 1st review, just pulled off on a pull thru area. Close walk to trailhead and vault toilets. The road was a bit busy during the day. Glad I came

  • Reagan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    FR4610 Dispersed

    Easy access, close to town

    This spot has lots of spread out dispersed sites, and is only 10 minutes to Bend


Guide to Camp Sherman

Camping near Camp Sherman, Oregon, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails around the area. Campers at Tumalo State Park Campground rave about the "outstanding area for so much activity, & some serious scenic overload."
  • Fishing: The lakes and rivers nearby are perfect for fishing. One visitor at Detroit Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, "We enjoyed our recent stay at Detroit Lake," highlighting the lovely lake views.
  • Climbing: If you're into rock climbing, Smith Rock State Park Campground is right next to world-class climbing spots. A reviewer noted it’s a "great spot to camp after a day in the park."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Humbug Campground said, "The bathrooms and showers were so well kept."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. One reviewer at Belknap Hot Springs Lodge and Gardens noted, "The staff was friendly and the hot mineral pools were wonderful."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A guest at Big Lake Campground remarked, "The lake is calm, the campsites line the lake full of evergreens. Truly peaceful."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Crooked River Campground mentioned, "It gets scorching-hot in high summer!" and noted the noise from boats.
  • Limited Privacy: Many sites are close together. A visitor at Creekside Sisters City Park said, "Some spaces are a little tight and not so level."
  • No Water at Some Sites: Be prepared to bring your own water. A camper at Skull Hollow Campground pointed out, "No electricity, no water, no dump station but very quiet."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities like playgrounds. Crooked River Campground is noted for being "pretty rad, especially if you’ve got a family!"
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A reviewer at Detroit Lake State Recreation Area mentioned, "Outstanding area for so much activity."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and outings. A camper at Humbug Campground enjoyed the "beautiful area" and mentioned the convenience of having snacks on hand.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Cove Palisades State Park noted, "Sites vary in size. We fit into one of the tent sites in our 26ft class c."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A camper at Belknap Hot Springs Lodge and Gardens mentioned, "They have a small store with a few essentials."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Connectivity: Many campgrounds have poor cell service. A reviewer at Crooked River Campground warned, "There is NO CONNECTIVITY!"

Camping near Camp Sherman, Oregon, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation.

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.