Wildlife enthusiasts and lake lovers will find Southwest Shore Campground positioned along Phillips Lake in the Whitman National Forest. This Forest Service facility operates 13 sites from June through September, accommodating RVs up to 45 feet on level terrain with vault toilets and fire rings.
The campground maintains a reputation for cleanliness across its well-separated sites. Casey D. notes the area has "lots of birds singing" and describes sites as "spacious and well separated." Campers should plan to bring their own water, as none is available on-site. The lake itself can run dry during certain seasons, though the surrounding forest provides consistent habitat for local wildlife.
Access proves straightforward year-round, with the road plowed during winter months for those seeking snow camping. Three bars of Verizon cell service reach the area. Site 11 receives particular praise from visitors for its positioning. The historic mining town of Sumpter sits about 10 minutes away, while Baker City provides full services within 20 minutes for resupply needs.
At $10-12 per night, the campground offers dry camping with basic amenities. Reservations are available through the Forest Service system. Campers seeking a quiet base camp with lake access and proximity to sites near Sumpter will find this spot well-suited for extended stays in the Blue Mountains.
Description
Southwest Shore Campground is one of 3 campgrounds located around Phillips Lake. This campground usually opens up first in the Spring and has a warm open pine tree setting. Due to fluctuating water levels, the lake may be a short hike down from the campground. Popular activities include; fishing, hiking Phillips Lake South Shoreline Trail #1610, boating, and watching wildlife.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSouthwest Shore Campground is located in Oregon near Sumpter
Directions
From Baker City, Oregon travel south on Highway 7 towards John Day, Oregon for 22 miles; Once past the upper end of the Phillips Lake turn left on Hudspeth Lane and go 1.2 miles to Forest Road 2220; Turn left on Forest Road 2220 and go 0.5 miles to campground entrance on left side of road.
Coordinates
44.67600057 N
118.081 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/28/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 6/28/26
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/28/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 6/28/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 11 min from Boise, ID
- 2 hrs 31 min from Walla Walla, WA
- 2 hrs 45 min from Kennewick, WA
- 4 hrs 5 min from Lewiston, ID
