About South Shore Group Campground
Overview South Shore Group Campground reservations are no longer accepted through Recreation.gov as of March 2019. Please contact the new managing agency, Crook County Parks and Recreation District, at 541-447-2599 to make your reservations for Willow, Juniper, and Cottonwood campsites at South Shore Campground. Thank you for visiting Haystack Reservoir. South Shore Group Campground is the only designated group campground at Haystack Reservoir in Central Oregon near Madras, Oregon. There are three group campsites to reserve which can hold 50 people per group site. Each site is primitive so they do not have water, electricity or sewer available. Two vault toilets are located in the campground, and each site has picnic tables and a firering. All campfires are required to be in the firerings at all times. Water is available about .5 miles away at West Shore Campground up the road. Each campsite is private from the other group sites. All roads and campsites are gravel. These campsites are located near the lake with beautiful views of the reservoir and Cascade Mountains. Sites are surrounded by juniper trees, sagebrush and bitterbrush and are an ideal quiet setting for small or large groups wanting a private natural setting on Haystack Lake. Upon arrival, visit the Campground Host at West Shore Campground .5 miles up the road so they can give you check-in instructions, since there is a locked gate at South Shore Campground. The campground is open March through November. Recreation Haystack Reservoir is a small and intimate lake very popular for fishing and camping with local visitors along with many traveling and recreating through the sunny Central Oregon area. Haystack Reservoir offers boating, fishing, camping and sightseeing and is easy access only a few miles off of Highway 97. Small motorized boating is allowed. Non-motorized boating is popular for those with canoes and kayaks. Two boat ramps are located nearby at West and East Shore Campgrounds across the lake fro
How to Get There
From Highway 97: Exit on to SW Jericho Lane and head East for approximately 1.25 miles. Turn right on SW Haystack Drive and proceed approximately 1mile to South Shore Group Campground on the left. From Highway 26: Exit on to Laurel Lane (FS 96) and head west for approximately four miles. Turn right on to SW Haystack Drive and continue approximately 2 miles to South Shore Group Campground on the right.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
- 🌡
Layers for swings
Daily temp range is wide (44°F low → 70°F high). Pack layers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 8)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun 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 Group Campground
Heading to South Shore Group Campground? 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 Group Campground?
No central reservation system listed for South Shore Group Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251911) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to South Shore Group Campground?
From Highway 97: Exit on to SW Jericho Lane and head East for approximately 1.25 miles. Turn right on SW Haystack Drive and proceed approximately 1mile to South Shore Group Campground on the left. From Highway 26: Exit on to Laurel Lane (FS 96) and head west for approximately four miles. Turn right on to SW Haystack Drive and continue approximately 2 miles to South Shore Group Campground on the ri…
How do I contact South Shore Group Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-389-6541.
References & Official Resources