Blue Bay
PO BOX 249 SISTERS, OR 97759 USA
Blue Bay
$30.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $30 to $60 per night, with a $2 holiday surcharge. First-come, first-served season and peak season share similar rates. Additional...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$30.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider541-323-1746
About this campground
Discover the tranquil shores of Blue Bay Campground, where pristine Suttle Lake mirrors the towering pines of Deschutes National Forest. This scenic retreat welcomes both tent campers and RV adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience without electrical hookups. Wake to the gentle lapping of crystal-clear waters, spend your days casting lines for trophy trout, paddling across the glassy lake surface, or exploring miles of forest trails that wind through ancient volcanic landscapes.
Blue Bay Campground accommodates a range of camping styles, including primitive tent camping and RV setups, though no hookups are available. Group sites and specialized accommodations are not explicitly mentioned, and glamping options are not available.
Historical SignificanceThis remarkable landscape tells a story written in stone and ash, where ancient volcanoes once thundered and glaciers carved their signatures into the earth. The very ground beneath your feet whispers tales of fiery eruptions and ice ages past, creating the stunning natural amphitheater that cradles Suttle Lake today. These powerful geological forces have shaped not just the land, but the rich ecosystem that has drawn visitors to these shores for generations.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for swimming and lakeside relaxation, though afternoon breezes can sweep across the water, and occasional wildfire smoke may drift through the valleys. As autumn transforms the forest into a tapestry of gold, temperatures cool and crowds thin. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, transforming Blue Bay into a wonderland for snowshoeing enthusiasts and cross-country skiers who glide along frozen shorelines under crisp, starlit skies.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable mountain elevation, Blue Bay offers that perfect balance of accessibility and alpine atmosphere, where the air feels crisp and clean, and summer temperatures remain refreshingly cool even on the warmest days.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where emerald waters meet ancient forests of Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, and mountain hemlock. The dramatic volcanic heritage reveals itself at every turn—from weathered lava flows that form natural sculptures to distant cinder cones rising like sentinels on the horizon. Morning mist dances across Suttle Lake's mirror-like surface, while osprey circle overhead and deer emerge from forest shadows to drink at water's edge. This convergence of fire and ice has created one of Oregon's most photogenic camping destinations.
Geological RegionBlue Bay Campground sits at the heart of Deschutes National Forest's volcanic wonderland, where the raw power of the Cascade Range is on full display. This extraordinary terrain showcases nature's most dramatic sculptures: ancient lava flows frozen in time, cinder cones dotting the horizon, and the remnants of massive calderas that once shook the earth. Suttle Lake itself is a glacial masterpiece, carved by ice age giants and now cradled within this tapestry of mixed conifer forests that thrive in the nutrient-rich volcanic soil.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo explicit mention of accessibility features was made in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as spacious with adequate room for tents and small RVs. A few sites like #22 and #9 are noted for accommodating larger setups, but others, such as #17, are uneven or sloped.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary. Some sites like #1 and #13 are noted for seclusion, while others like #20 and #7 are near heavily trafficked trails or too close to other campsites.
Total Campsites22 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid sites near pit toilets due to odor. Sites #20 and #21 offer waterfront views but lack privacy due to a nearby trail.
Best CampsitesSite #20 is frequently praised for its lakefront location and proximity to trails.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights per visit, with a total of 28 nights per year allowed.
Guests Allowed Per Site
One RV with a tow vehicle or one vehicle per single tent site is allowed. Two RVs with tow vehicles per double site or two vehicles per double tent site are permitted.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of tents and RV sites with no electrical hookups. Some sites include pull-through parking. A trail runs through certain sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 23 to September 27 during peak seasons. First-come, first-served is available during shoulder seasons.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable during the first-come, first-served season. Reviews express frustration over reservation systems not being updated accurately.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made prior to the check-in date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiting the first night's fee for late cancellations.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and cross-country skiing. The nearby 3.2-mile Suttle Lake Loop Trail is a highlight for hiking and fishing. Non-motorized and motorized boating is allowed, and the lake supports fishing for kokanee, brown trout, and more.
Hiking
The 3.2-mile Suttle Lake Loop Trail is a prominent feature. It provides scenic views, opportunities for fishing, and links to nearby recreational areas. Some reviews highlight its well-maintained condition, while others mention heavier foot traffic.Fishing
Fishing is popular with species such as kokanee, brown trout, whitefish, and crayfish. Boats are commonly used, though float tubes and limited shore fishing are viable options. Some reviews praised the lake as a good spot for boating and fishing.Biking
The trail around Suttle Lake allows for biking, offering scenic views and a mostly flat terrain suitable for moderate skill levels.Boating
The campground features a shallow boat ramp. Both motorized and non-motorized boats are permitted. However, larger watercraft are not recommended due to shallow areas.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife in the surrounding mixed conifer forest is abundant. Specific species were not mentioned, but the forested setting offers good opportunities for wildlife photography and observation.Winter Activities
During winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular activities.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are commonly enjoyed on Suttle Lake.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire restrictions may be imposed during dry conditions. Firewood is available for purchase at $6 per bundle.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsYellowjackets are common in late summer, and swimming in Suttle Lake may expose campers to parasites causing itchiness.
Active alertsFire restrictions and smoke advisories may occasionally apply during wildfire season.
Weather forecast
41
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 63%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 1.5 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are located in Sisters, OR, approximately 13 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - September 27
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, but some reviews noted delays in servicing. For example, one reviewer said, 'Trash needed picking up,' while another praised the well-maintained trash facilities.
Proximity to water featuresSituated directly on Suttle Lake with easy access to boating and fishing.
Common complaintsComplaints include poor maintenance of restrooms, lack of active camp hosts, and noisy generators. Road noise is also frequently cited.
HostReviews consistently mention the absence or negligence of camp hosts.
Campground Map
PO BOX 249 SISTERS, OR 97759 USA
Driving directionsFrom Sisters, travel approximately 13 miles northwest on Highway 20/126. Turn left onto Forest Road 2070 (Suttle Lake Campgrounds). Travel just less than 1/2-mile to Blue Bay entrance on the right.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. However, some reviews mention the roads within the campground are in poor condition.Nearby places
Sisters (13 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Bend (40 miles, approximately 50 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Suttle Lodge Boathouse offers a small selection of groceries, beverages, ice, and camping supplies. Larger supplies can be obtained in Sisters, OR, approximately 13 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.2
85 reviews
Blue Bay is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Blue Bay Campground are mixed, with some praising its natural beauty, large sites, and proximity to Suttle Lake, while others criticize the lack of maintenance, noisy generators, and poor management.
Review Summaries
Based on 85 reviews
What Campers Love
Many reviews highlight the beautiful lakefront views, spacious campsites, and the well-maintained Suttle Lake Loop Trail. Statements like 'Very lovely campground located next to Suttle Lake' and...
Based on 85 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common issues include poorly maintained toilets, lack of camp host presence, noisy RV generators, and problems with reservation management. For example, one reviewer stated, 'Bathrooms were AWFUL,'...
Based on 85 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring traps or repellents for wasps, as August reviews report heavy wasp activity. Reviewers suggest confirming reservations and campsite listings for accuracy and bringing leveling pads for uneven...
Based on 85 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter reviews focus on snow sports like cross-country skiing. Summer reviews are more mixed, with some praising boating and swimming but others criticizing wasp activity and the lack of maintenance.
Based on 85 reviewsCamper Quotes
'We loved our stay here. It is just the kind of forest campground I remember from when I was young.' - Susan Kruger. 'When we arrived, there was a woman parked in our paid-for/reserved campsite, and...
Based on 85 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #20 is noted for its location by the lake but lacks privacy due to a trail running through it. Site #17 is described as sloped and uneven, and Site #9 has a nice view but is near bathrooms,...
Based on 85 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No accessibility-specific reviews were provided.
Based on 85 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Although pets are allowed, no detailed reviews related to pet experiences or amenities were found.
Based on 85 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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