Best Campgrounds near Sisters, OR

Supposedly there are 2 areas you can camp- a parking lot and various spots down the dirt path. Well, the dirt path had a gate up and was closed. I saw a sign up saying that the area is closed for camping because they are doing prescribed burns. Rumor is that they recently evicted a bunch of people that were camping on this land. Another person in town told me that the town has been cracking down on the free camping here.

That being said, I did end up staying in the parking lot, and I saw a few others stay too. It was a little awkward in the morning because the area is really busy with mountain bikers, but if you park farther away from the trailhead, should be fine.

I personally prefer an area where you can pull in and have some level of privacy, this is definitely not that.

I was just passing through and saw a spot to pull over for a bit. I didn’t even realize until the morning this was a spot on Dyrt. It was so peaceful along the river and was a beautiful sunset view and next thing I remember was waking up with the sun coming up.

No facilities here it’s just a spot to park and experience the beauty of being out on the road.

Mild note caution, more a heads up. I came from Bend/Redmund via Madras. From Madras, the GPS took me on NW Pelton Dam Rd through Pelton Park: totally worth it for the views I loved it but there was a short but surprisingly steep windy section of road dropping you from the farmland down into the canyon. It’s my first trailer and my first time hitting a section that steep so I definitely smoked my brakes. You can also come to this spot from the north instead of the south, or just don’t be surprised, don’t do what I did and ride your brakes down the hill just use lower gears, don’t gain any speed, and enjoy the view longer!

Stayed here in Sept 2022.  Awesome Campsite overlooking the south end of the lake. It was a steep trek down to the lake, especially toting Kayaks, but worth it. 

  The morning kayak was on an absolutely flat glass lake. The lake is super clean, but a frigid 38 (they tell me) degrees. Swimming is not permitted for this reason. 

There is a petrified forest under the water from the way the lake was formed by a volcanic eruption. Quite a trail thru the lava field (Not for bikes, we say - but some do). We ended up pushing and carrying the bikes a bit. 

Sweet and peaceful campsite.

Must book on ReserveAmerica.com. Drove around to select potential sites then confirmed open and booked online. Well paved streets and campsites. Most tent sites also accommodate RV's. Very good restrooms and showers. Very quiet at night. Some minor background road noise beginning around 7am. If have tent site, nearest dump station is CampingWorld... only a few miles away at north side of Bend. Dump station list provided at entry gate is outdated. Also close to Costco, Trader Joe's, etc for shopping. Enjoyed the Deschutes Brewery tour and High Desert Museum! Fine campground at reasonable price.