Camp Sherman Campground might only be about 16 miles from Sisters, but its small size and remote location—it sits along the Metolius River and in the midst of a ponderosa pine forest—make the campground a relaxing escape into nature all year long. The campground hosts 15 tent and RV sites and can accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet long. Amenities include a picnic table and campfire grill at each site, as well as vault toilets and potable water between May and September. If you need to stock up, Camp Sherman Store is nearby; the shop dates back to 1918 and offers snacks, packaged food, beverages, local beer and wine, camping supplies, and more.
Elk Lake Campground hosts 22 campsites near the northwestern shore of its namesake lake—and offers a low-key, laid-back overnight stay. In all, 18 nonelectric sites throughout the campground accommodate RVs and trailers—while four tent-only sites sit near the shore and offer partial lake views through stands of ponderosa pine. Each site at the hillside campground comes with a campfire ring and picnic table, and broader amenities include potable water and vault toilets. Away from the sites, Elk Lake Campground hosts a boat launch for motorized and non-motorized craft; paddlers and boaters alike enjoy watching for wildlife along the lakeshore (including black bears, porcupines, and deer) and savoring pristine views of Mount Bachelor and the Three Sisters. On a clear night, the campground’s remote location offers ideal conditions for stargazing. The campground is typically open between late May and mid-September; reservations are available through Recreation.gov and are available on a six-month rolling basis.
