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Best Tent Camping near Sisters, OR

1,426 Reviews

National forest lands surrounding Sisters, Oregon offer diverse tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites. Smith Rock State Park Campground, located in nearby Terrebonne, features a walk-in tent-only area known as "The Bivy" with communal cooking facilities and hot showers. Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground provides free dispersed camping with both drive-in and walk-in tent sites overlooking the Deschutes River canyon. Round Lake, situated 30 minutes west of Sisters, offers tent campsites with fire rings and picnic tables in a lakeside setting.

Most tent campgrounds in the area feature dirt or gravel pads with minimal site preparation. Vault toilets are available at established sites like Upper and Lower Three Creek Sno-Parks, while dispersed camping areas typically lack facilities. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with bans common during summer months. Campers should bring their own water, as most sites do not offer potable sources. Harrington Loop Road and FS Road 1514 provide primitive tent camping options with standard 14-day stay limits. Roads to dispersed sites can become extremely dusty during dry months, occasionally requiring higher clearance vehicles.

Walk-in tent sites often provide the most rewarding camping experiences near Sisters. At Smith Rock, one camper noted that "the tent area is peppered with naturally formed sites amongst trees" where visitors can find secluded spots for tents or hammocks. The best locations at this tent-only campground are "on the north side, right up against the drop into the valley" with views of the Crooked River. At Steelhead Falls, visitors report that while drive-in sites are convenient, the walk-in sites on the west side offer superior views of the river canyon. According to reviews, these sites require "a short distance to lug gear" but provide more privacy and scenic vistas than roadside options. Summer temperatures frequently reach the 90s, making shade structures essential for backcountry tent camping comfort.

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Best Tent Sites Near Sisters, Oregon (78)

    1. Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground

    19 Reviews
    Terrebonne, OR
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 416-6700

    "No water or vault toilets, only by the day-use area/trailhead.

    We camped on SW Steelhead Falls Dr."

    "The sites on the West side, nearest the river are "walk in" but if you're able-bodied it's a short distance to lug gear. Nothing difficult or time consuming."

    2. Smith Rock State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Terrebonne, OR
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 548-7501

    $8 / night

    "The Climber's Bivouac is a walk-in campground located on a rim next to the Crooked River right in the heart of Smith Rock State Park."

    "Walk-in site (the Bivy) is chill. walk-in, pitch tent, done. Yeah you have a lot of neighbors, but people are nice and the price is right ($8 per night for up to two weeks)."

    3. Harrington Loop Rd - Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Cloverdale, OR
    4 miles
    Website

    "There are fire rings at some sites. Plenty of room for a larger 5th wheel as well. It can get pretty dusty though when the wind picks up."

    "Plenty of places to park and car camp or set up a tent. Lights from a nearby building keep most of the area somewhat visible, but not enough to disturb you while you sleep."

    4. FS Rd 1514 Dispersed camping

    3 Reviews
    Sisters, OR
    6 miles

    "We spent some time driving around the Sisters area looking for a spot with a view.  Found a beauty!  The area is large enough for several rigs, including large ones. "

    "Incredible mountain views, easy to access, quiet, and such a short drive to the Upper 3 Creek Sno Park for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, etc, as well as a short drive back into Sisters."

    5. Sisters Cow Camp

    1 Review
    Sisters, OR
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 549-7700

    "The campground is about 5 miles away from the town of Sisters and so remote and beautiful. There are only 5 spots and a beautiful pond."

    6. Round Lake

    5 Reviews
    Camp Sherman, OR
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 549-7700

    "Thirty mins W of Sisters OR. Roads are good, easily drivable. Flat spots some large Weymouth for small RV/camper trailers."

    "Multiple dispersed sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Not much shade at sites, can be dusty. Lake is great for swimming and floating."

    7. Upper Three Creek Sno-Park

    1 Review
    Sisters, OR
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 549-7700

    "This is a large lot with access to trails. Came here during the summer so there was no snow, and the lodge was closed. But it’s a good quick stopover place with bathrooms available."

    8. Lower Three Creek Sno-Park

    1 Review
    Sisters, OR
    8 miles
    Website

    9. Jack Lake Campground

    2 Reviews
    Camp Sherman, OR
    18 miles
    Website

    $5 / night

    "Lots of primitive caming right off the road. Beautiful views. Great hikes. Definitely a personal favorite."

    "Shallow, swimable lake for when youre done hiking. Love it here"

    10. Craig Lake

    2 Reviews
    Sisters, OR
    14 miles
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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Sisters, OR

34 Photos of 78 Sisters Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Sisters, OR

1426 Reviews of 78 Sisters Campgrounds

  • Robert D.
    Sep. 30, 2023

    East Lake Campground

    A great camping spot by the lake.

    Our first time here at East Lake Campground in the last week of September 2023 just 1 day before the park closed for the season. Because East Lake Campground is 6500 feet in elevation the nights were very cold, from 44 to 31 degrees but normally the days were in the morning windy and about 62*. The camp has 29 sites and NO hookups.

    There is flush toilets, NO showers, but had drinking water. East Lake also had 1 boat launch but the water was very low, some 40' down from the edge of the bank to the water. Great fishing and a great place for kayaks. Each site has a picnic table and fireplace. Most Sites on the lake side has pull-thru that were about 50' long. Some back-in sites were only 35'. Very quite campground and not too close to each others camp site. We camped at East Lake Campground in a Travel Trailer.

    Restrooms Flush toilets, faucet water. No hookups, No electric, No water hookup, No sewer hookup. You can fill your water tank FREE at the ($10) Dump Station so you don't have the weight in your rig. Dog-friendliness Lots of space to run and play.

  • Mavrick S.
    Oct. 5, 2019

    Scott Lake Campground

    Stunning!

    So when I first found this campground I wasn't sure what to expect being as reviews and info were sparse so I'll do me best to sum it up. Things to know that arent stated. It is free may require NW forest pass. It's a drive, hike, bike and walk in. I didn't see any spots big enough for RV but there is space to park that isn't officially a site.

    Location: Beautiful sits about 5,000 feet right off McKenzie Pass Road (closed from November to June)

    Sites: I saw 6 drive in with fire ring, picnic table also 2 vault toilets.... There's more walk/ hike in but we had to much gear to do that.

    Directions: Very easy to find spots all along lake and Google maps took us right to spots.

    Activities: Great! Had a kayak/boat launch also had the Scott Mountain TH right there within 1/4 walking distance on dirt road. It seems that a forest fire was pretty recent ontop but the grounds seemed kind of untouched

    Warnings: This was my first time up this pass. Elevation is very high which means incremental weather. Aka woke up in October with snow which happened to us.

    Overall 5 stars must visit. We will be coming back next year when less snow and road reopens

  • Karma S.
    Aug. 19, 2018

    Crane Prairie Campground

    beautiful views! dispersed camping

    beautiful views of the cascade mountains, gorgeous reservoir. free camping. dispersed, first come first serve. no amenities. LEAVE NO TRACE!!!!

    road is a bit rough but I made it in with a Honda Accord though I wouldn’t recommend for low clearance vehicles.

    fire rings available during burn seasons. plenty of fire wood. please do not burn during no burn/dry seasons. the forest is very dry!

    bring plenty of water during the summer it’s very hot and dry. you can probably drink the reservoir water if you bring a good filter.

  • Brandie W.
    May. 13, 2019

    North Davis Creek Campground

    Nice lake to kayak on

    Campground is a more rustic/primitive camping experience. It does accommodate small to mid -size rv but there is no hookups. Drinking water faucets, vault toilets, picnic tables, and firepits are the only available services. Quiet and flat lake for kayak,canoe, and fishing. Nice beach area for kids to play. Close to Crane Prairie Resort if you need supplies or showers.

  • Pat S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2019

    Little Crater Campground

    Right on Paulina Lake

    This CG is right on Paulina lake in the middle of Newberry Crater. There are 50 sites along the shoreline. They all have the standard picnic table and fire ring. We had the first site on the left as you enter the CG. It had a great view of the lake and surrounding ridgeline and Paulina Peak. It also allows for a wonderful sunset.

    The campground is generally crowded. The sites are decent but you will have other campers relatively close, The CG is easily accessed by foot, car or boat. It does have a boat ramp. RV's / Campers can get into most sites. There are 5 Vault toilets, drinking water, no showers, no hook ups. each site is in close walking distance to the lake. The CG is accessible to various trails in the area including the Big Obsidian Flow trail. A bonus hike should be taken to the Paulina Lake hot springs on the north side of the lake. You can also get to the hot springs by boat.

  • Jill T.
    Sep. 5, 2019

    Piety Island Boat - In Campground Boat Landing

    Island camping

    Top reasons I love this campground: 

    - It’s an ISLAND! How cool is it to camp on an island! 
    - Beautiful views from the middle of the northern end of Detroit Lake. 
    - Great for swimming, boating, exploring, hiking, and fishing. 
    - I bet it’s amazing to stay there over the 4th of July. 
    - The firework display from the other side of the lake should be spectacular! 
    - Cheap-$10. 
    - Only 22 sites. 
    - I had cell service with AT&T. 

    **Things to note: **

    - This should be obvious but, you’ll need a boat to get to and from the island. It’s a quick canoe from either side. 

    - The vault toilets are maxed out. Hopefully, they will be serviced SOON! 

    - No drinking water, no shower, and no guarantee for the serviced toilets. 

    - Bring water and TP. 

    - Fires are allowed and there are several picnic tables.

  • Kayko S.
    Jul. 14, 2016

    Allen Springs Campground

    Beautiful River Location in a rustic campground

    There are several National Park owned campgrounds along the Metolius River this one might be the the prettiest view in my opinion. It's on a bend in the river and still 20 minutes to the town of Sisters.

    If you would like to be closer to town the Allingham Campground on the river is only 10 minutes to town. The sites at Allingham are more suited for RV's and trailers if you are traveling big. Allen Springs has some easy pull in car camping spots and some walk in tent sites. It's located on a bend in the river so the view of the river is stunning. We even saw painters set up along the river to capture it's beauty.

    The campground itself is somewhat primitive like other National park sites. Pit toilets but no water.

  • Thomas B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2021

    Deschutes River Overlook Dispersed Camping

    Handy Stopping Point

    We kind of stumbled into this free spot while heading to a more formal campground near Pelton Dam. As the daylight faded I spotted a pullout/turnaround area which then led to a rather private loop with a great view of the Deschutes River and Lake Simtustus. I had to confirm with the Dyrt BLM map overlay, but I was glad to find myself on public land. It’s not really a place I’d choose to spend more than one night, since it doesn’t really connect to any trails or walking areas, but it was a handy en-route overnight spot, complete with a nice view and bright sunset. It’s only a few miles off Rt. 26, following signs to Pelton Dam. There was plenty of room to turn around my 26’ skoolie. However, I didn’t really see a good place for a tent, but I didn’t look very hard. There were signs of previous users, including a fire ring (which I didn’t use). Since it was the eve of Earth Day, I did collect a bagful of empty cans and trash. Leave no trace, people!

  • Kimberly C.
    Aug. 29, 2019

    Ice Cap Campground

    Perfect basecamp

    Friendly and knowledgeable camp hosts. Vault toilet, mix of tent sites including some walk-ins that are up against the reservoir- you can hear the peaceful running water all day and night. Brand new picnic tables, brand new fencing, and excellent trails. Perfect mix of sun and shade for many of the sites. We stayed at 15 and I can’t wait to go back. Very spacious sites can hold multiple tents of all sizes. Beautiful drive to and from campgrounds- the McKenzie River area is definitely worth exploring!

Guide to Sisters

Sisters, Oregon, offers a fantastic array of tent camping options surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent.

Tips for tent camping near Sisters

Local activities to enjoy while tent camping

Some prices for tent camping range from $8 to $25

  • At Smith Rock State Park Campground, you can camp for just $8 a night, making it an affordable choice for budget-conscious campers.
  • Camping at Clear Lake Resort offers tent sites starting around $25, with access to beautiful lake views and recreational activities.
  • For a free camping experience, Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground provides a great option without any fees, perfect for those looking to enjoy nature without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Sisters, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sisters, OR is Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 19 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Sisters, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 78 tent camping locations near Sisters, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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