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Established Camping

South Shore Suttle Lake

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Starting on September 26th, we will begin the process of shutting down the water systems for the season.Please bring all the water youll need for your visit, including drinking water.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

South Shore Suttle Lake, near Sisters, Oregon, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a beautiful lake backdrop. The campground offers spacious sites, many of which are right by the water, making it perfect for paddle boarding and kayaking.

With no electric hookups, visitors appreciate the peacefulness of the area, allowing for a true escape into nature. The campground features pit toilets and drinking water, but be prepared for a bit of a trek to the facilities. As one camper noted, “The sites are fairly large and well spaced, so you don't feel too cramped.”

For those who love to hike, there’s a scenic 3-mile trail that circles the lake, providing stunning views and a chance to spot local wildlife. The campground is also a great base for exploring nearby attractions like Tamolitch Falls and the Metolius River area.

While some campers mentioned that the first-come, first-served nature of the sites can lead to a scramble for spots, many found the experience rewarding, especially when they snagged a prime location. Whether you're fishing, hiking, or just soaking in the serene surroundings, South Shore Suttle Lake is a solid choice for your next camping adventure.

Fee Info

Day use fee of $5 charged at nearby Scout Lake by the USFS. Bring confirmation letter to the campground.

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Location

South Shore Suttle Lake is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Sisters, Oregon, take Highway 20/126 northwest for about 12 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 2070 toward Suttle Lake Campgrounds. Travel just less than a half-mile to the South Shore entrance on the right.

Address

P.O. BOX 249
Sisters, OR 97759

Coordinates

44.4194444 N
121.7383333 W

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Connectivity

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    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Yurts

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

12 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 9, 2023

Dreamy

Loved this spot, it’s a little gem next to Sisters. There are some incredible sites available right on the water. Great for paddle boarding and kayaking. Super quiet/large site areas. Friendly hosts. Pit toilets/no showers.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of South Shore Suttle Lake by Monica C., July 9, 2023
Reviewed Oct. 22, 2021

Memorable

Camping at Suttle Lake was memorable. Some of the largest camping spots I’ve encountered, with ease to add additional nights due to first come availability. The 3 mile trail around the lake is flat and enjoyable. Rentable canoes and kayaks at the lodge!

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of South Shore Suttle Lake by Angela W., October 22, 2021
  • Review photo of South Shore Suttle Lake by Angela W., October 22, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 6, 2020

Great Lake Access

This campground is a bit tough at the moment as it is all first-come first-served and sites fill up early in the week.  There were also a number of sites that were being squatted on leading into the holiday (10 days after we were there).  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.  A bit of a slope down, so don't forget your headlamp!

That aside, site 17 is fantastic.  Right on the lake, huge, great access to the water as well as the trail to the lodge.  Easy drive to the Tamolitch Falls/Blue Pool trailhead.

This lake allows motorized boats so it's not as peaceful as some others during the day.  Road noise from highway 20 is very present 24 hours per day.

Site#17
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of South Shore Suttle Lake by Gayle B., August 6, 2020
  • Review photo of South Shore Suttle Lake by Gayle B., August 6, 2020
  • Review photo of South Shore Suttle Lake by Gayle B., August 6, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 20, 2020

Great Campground, Beautiful Lake

Very Large sites and plenty of room between individual sites. Vault bathrooms, docks and fish cleaning stations. Exactly what we needed to social distance. Highly recommended if you can find a spot. It pays to reserve well in advance.

  • Review photo of South Shore Suttle Lake by Don H., June 20, 2020
  • Review photo of South Shore Suttle Lake by Don H., June 20, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 11, 2019

Suttle Lake Serenity

This is a very pretty medium-sized lake. The sites are fairly large and well spaced, so you don't feel too cramped. There's an easy 4-mile trail around the lake, right at the water's edge most of the time.

We were attending the Sisters Folk Festival, so we were mostly at our site for sleeping and breakfast. It would be a good central point for exploring the Metolius River area and for hiking.

The campground was clean and generally well-maintained. A few drawbacks: There's no electricity for RVs, so several had generators coming on and off. There are also not clearly marked paths to the vault toilets, so you feel like you're walking through other people's sites. Our site was along the rim, so we had nobody walking through.

Overall, we had a nice experience.

Site27
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of South Shore Suttle Lake by Thomas B., September 11, 2019
  • Review photo of South Shore Suttle Lake by Thomas B., September 11, 2019
  • Review photo of South Shore Suttle Lake by Thomas B., September 11, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 19, 2019

Fun and Quiet

This midsized Campground was awesome for everything we needed! It was quiet (except the highway slightly in the distance) and very dark. Stars were amazing!

  • Review photo of South Shore Suttle Lake by Cameron D., July 19, 2019
Reviewed May. 9, 2019

Fun

Stayed here 20 years ago. Canoe around the lake and landed some fish.

Reviewed Aug. 17, 2018

Fun for kids!

Great spot for family camping! We had spot 13, right on the lake, but the sites are actually above the lake. There was a staircase down to the trail that goes around the whole 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. The sites are pretty close together, but still good sized. We could see and hear neighbors on both sides, and could hear some road noise from across the lake. All in all a nice place!

  • Review photo of South Shore Suttle Lake by Abbie S., August 17, 2018
  • Review photo of South Shore Suttle Lake by Abbie S., August 17, 2018
  • Review photo of South Shore Suttle Lake by Abbie S., August 17, 2018
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2017

Hot weather, cool lake

It's a great lake for fishing, skiing or just rolling around in a raft. Some spots are too close together with not enough brush between, so you're right on top of your neighbors. but the other ones are really good with lots of room for families. We normally get a spot right on the lake so we can tie the boat up there and just walk down and go. Make sure you take sunscreen and bug repellent.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of South Shore Suttle Lake by Karen  K., August 31, 2017
  • Review photo of South Shore Suttle Lake by Karen  K., August 31, 2017
  • Review photo of South Shore Suttle Lake by Karen  K., August 31, 2017
Reviewed Jul. 4, 2017

Beautiful Place!

We have been going here for years, love it... it's great for family's and reunions as there is a big circle we call "the pit" where 7-8 trailers can group camp! There is water available, no electricity but hey, who needs it? With a view of the beautiful lake and an nice well kept trail which to walk around it, about 3miles and some change. First thing every morning after coffee!!

Site27, 29 and 33 great spots. 13 if you want to be lake front
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of South Shore Suttle Lake by Linda C., July 4, 2017
  • Review photo of South Shore Suttle Lake by Linda C., July 4, 2017
  • Review photo of South Shore Suttle Lake by Linda C., July 4, 2017
Reviewed Jun. 13, 2016

Suttle Lake

Great campground but you can hear the road no matter where you are camped.

  • Review photo of South Shore Suttle Lake by Brian V., June 13, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is South Shore Campground located at Suttle Lake?

South Shore Campground is located on the southern shore of Suttle Lake, a beautiful mid-sized lake near Sisters, Oregon. The campground sits in the Deschutes National Forest, making it a convenient base for exploring the Central Oregon Cascades region. Its proximity to Sisters makes it an excellent location for those attending local events like the Sisters Folk Festival while still enjoying the natural lake setting.

What amenities are available at South Shore Campground?

South Shore Campground at Suttle Lake offers vault toilets, docks, and fish cleaning stations. While there's no electricity, potable water is available throughout the campground. The area features a beautiful 3-4 mile trail that circles the entire lake, perfect for walking, running, or biking (though some sections are narrow). Many sites are situated right above the lake with staircases providing access to the lakeside trail. The campground is known for its dark skies ideal for stargazing and quiet atmosphere despite some distant highway noise.

How do I make reservations for South Shore Campground at Suttle Lake?

South Shore Campground at Suttle Lake operates primarily on a first-come, first-served basis, which means sites can fill up quickly, especially before holidays and during peak summer months. For the best chance of securing a spot, arrive early in the week or well before weekend rushes. Some campers have successfully added additional nights during their stay when space allows. For current reservation policies and availability, contact the campground directly or check with the Deschutes National Forest office.

Is there a campground map available for South Shore at Suttle Lake?

Yes, maps for South Shore Campground are typically available at the entrance kiosk or from camp hosts. The campground features approximately 7-8 sites in a circular area (locally known as "the pit") that's popular for group camping, plus additional individual sites including several premium spots directly overlooking the lake. For detailed site information and layout, check with the Deschutes National Forest office or their official website. The 3-mile trail that circles Suttle Lake connects with the campground and is well-marked.

Can I bring my RV to South Shore Campground at Suttle Lake?

Yes, South Shore Campground accommodates RVs and trailers. The campground features particularly large sites with good spacing between them, making it comfortable for RV camping. There's an area where 7-8 trailers can group camp together in a circular formation. While hookups aren't available (no electricity), the spacious sites provide ample room for larger rigs. For specific size limitations or road access questions, contact the campground or Deschutes National Forest directly before your trip.