About South Shore
Overview South Shore Campground is located along Suttle Lake, shaded by Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine. One section of the camp sits on the shoreline, while the other is nestled on a hillside. Most sites have lake views. The 3,400-foot elevation and the lake breezes make South Shore Campground a comfortable summertime destination. Recreation There is a boat launch available at this camp. Popular activities include power and non-motorized boating, sailing, water skiing and wind surfing. Anglers can fish for rainbow trout, kokanee salmon and brown trout, and there is a fish cleaning station on-site. Hikers and mountain bikers have access to the 3.2-mile Suttle Lake Shoreline Trail. Facilities Each site has a gravel parking spur, picnic table and campfire ring. Dump stations are dispersed through the campground. Drinking water and vault toilets are provided. Natural Features Nestled along the Cascade Mountains, the Deschutes National Forest is one of the most popular recreation forests in the Pacific Northwest. It offers a variety of landscapes, from fields of sagebrush and hay to old-growth forests and glacier-carved volcanic peaks. Suttle Lake is a natural lake formed by glaciers. It has a forested shoreline and offers views of nearby Mt. Washington. Nearby Attractions The town of Sisters is about 15 miles away, offering shopping and restaurants. Charges & Cancellations Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
How to Get There
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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to South Shore
Heading to South Shore? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for South Shore?
No central reservation system listed for South Shore. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232791) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to South Shore?
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.
How do I contact South Shore?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-323-1746.
References & Official Resources
