Camping near Sisters offers access to high-elevation forests dominated by ponderosa pine at around 3,000 feet elevation. Summer temperatures often reach 80-90°F during the day but drop to 40-50°F at night, making proper sleep gear essential. The volcanic soil in this region drains quickly, resulting in dry campsite conditions even after rain.
What to do
Mountain biking trail access: Three Creek Road south of Sisters leads to extensive trail networks with varying difficulty levels. "We were driving our Subaru with our Cricket camper attached and there's no issues with the roads... Because this is right in a mountain biking area there are tons of trails to go explore - either hiking or biking. Some really pretty views!" shares Sarah S. about Sisters, Oregon - Dispersed Camping.
Waterfall hiking: Visit Steelhead Falls for a short hike with swimming options. "Half mile easy hike to the waterfall but the trail keeps going another Half-ish mile for a slightly longer walk. Lots of fishermen and folks walking the trail in the morning," notes Anna P. from Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground.
Lake activities: Suttle Lake offers boating, fishing and swimming options with easy shore access. "The lake is wonderful for boating and swimming. There are multiple lake access points along the trail and there is a dock on the SE side of the lake," says Sarah R. at Blue Bay Campground.
What campers like
Small town convenience: Sisters' proximity makes supply runs simple. "Close to Sisters which is my favorite little town in Oregon. Lots of restaurants, bars and shops to explore!" according to Sarah S. who stayed at dispersed camping sites outside Sisters.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds feature larger-than-average sites. "Sites are large with fire pits and picnic tables," reports Brian C. about Indian Ford Campground, while Rachel G. mentions her site at Bend / Sisters Garden RV Resort was a "Pull through, FHU, had a small brick patio area with picnic table and fireplace."
Night sky viewing: Clear high desert air creates excellent stargazing conditions. "It was quiet (except the highway slightly in the distance) and very dark. Stars were amazing!" notes Cameron D. about South Shore Suttle Lake.
What you should know
Road noise impacts: Highway proximity affects several campgrounds. "The only downside is the road noise. The highway runs along the lake and car sound travels across the water," explains Sarah R. about Blue Bay. Similar reports come from Indian Ford where Brian C. notes "it's very close to Highway 20, so you hear road traffic frequently."
Seasonal temperature swings: The high desert climate means significant day-to-night changes. Miguel C. from Tumalo State Park Campground advises, "Make sure to bring warm clothes though--it can get pretty cold!"
Reservation requirements: Popular sites book quickly during peak season. "Reserve well in advance. As an RV park the sites are close together," shares Rachel G. from Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort, while Don H. suggests for South Shore Suttle Lake, "Highly recommended if you can find a spot. It pays to reserve well in advance."
Tips for camping with families
Lake-based activities: Suttle Lake offers kid-friendly water access. "Great spot for family camping! We had spot 13, right on the lake... My kids and I biked around the lake on the trail (a little narrow in spots, would have been a better walk or run), which was beautiful," shares Abbie S. about South Shore Suttle Lake.
Multi-use trail opportunities: Flat paths suit different age groups. "There is a nice trail around the lake and the lake is great for kayaking and paddle boarding," notes Gayle M. about Blue Bay.
Wildlife viewing sites: Animal encounters create memorable experiences. "We camped next to a field that was home to a mom cat and her kittens," recalls Vanesa W. from Tumalo State Park, while another camper notes the "ridiculous amount of chipmunks" at Blue Bay, with "4-5 running around your site at any given time."
Tips for RVers
Site selection considerations: RV spaces vary significantly between campgrounds. "Very large sites right next to the Sutte Lake trail loop (3.6mi loop around the lake)," reports Ryan F. from Blue Bay, while at Tumalo, Brittany S. cautions, "It's expensive for a tent site in a spot where you're surrounded by glampers."
Hookup availability: Full-hookup options exist but are limited. Rachel G. from Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort recommends: "This is a beautiful RV park. Very well kept, friendly people, close to Bend area. Our site was #7. Pull through, FHU... Site was level."
Dog friendly campgrounds near Sisters: Most locations welcome pets with specific rules. "We were able to let the pups run free there," notes Jessica R. about the fairgrounds next to Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort, though Sharon T. warns about policy changes: "This last visit, we were told in NO uncertain terms that dogs were NOT to be left in rv unattended, specifically, 'where you go, your dogs go', by the park host."
