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 (358)

    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

    21 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

    11 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

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

    $26 - $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

1658 Reviews of 358 Camp Sherman Campgrounds


  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Crane Prairie Campground

    Nice campground with bad pit toilets

    Family-friendly campground on a reservoir with boat and fishing access. It is pretty, but can be really loud with lots of kids and people. Sites are a decent size. Pit toilets are extremely stinky in fall (when we're usually passing through), bad even for pit toilets. Despite the downsides, we have stayed here for 2-3 days in fall for many years.

  • Roman P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    North Arm Campground

    Mesa Verde

    Not sure how we ended here, but it is a really nice camp. The only disadvantage is that it couldn't be reserved through recreation.org. Toilets, water, showers (free), washers (1,75 or 2,25 $, dryer .25 for 5 min) and free wifi at store. Sweet

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    NF970 - Brassuer's Butte

    Great views, tight access.

    Outstanding sunsets and great view of Mt.Jefferson. No shade, so not a great high heat spot. Very quiet. Cons: bees and dusty dirt.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Blue River Retreat

    Quiet and well maintained.

    Large spaces, great staff, no WiFi but decent cell service.

  • Jay-j O.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Tumalo State Park Campground

    Meaningful birthday trip

    My boyfriend, our dog and i stayed for 3 night for his 30th birthday, we didnt have much money to go very far or to do anything extravagant like we wanted to, so we decided to stay here as a little stay-cation and just enjoy eachothers company and spend some much needed quality time. It was a fabulous trip and the location was absolutely perfect. Couldnt have wished for anything better honestly.

  • Al L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Skull Hollow Campground

    Overnight at Skull Campground

    No water. Pit toilets, fire rings, tables. Nice larger sites

  • Al L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Skull Hollow Campground

    Overnight at Shull Hollow

    Easy to find. Nice big sites. Single and double. Pit toilets, picnic tables and fire pits. No water. $7 with NP pass or $15 w/o

  • S. Renae M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Crane Prairie Campground

    Wonderfully relaxing!!! Just what o needed!!

    I arrived and was so excited, the pictures don’t do it justice! I am right next to the water and it’s tranquil and the lake is spectacular! A must visit! I will certainly be back. Love it!!

  • WG L.
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Big River Campground

    Dad camp 2025

    Great location and River access. Safe for our kids to romp around. Very close to highway it other than that a pretty sweet spot.


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.