Sheep Bridge Campground
4.1616 reviewsSheep Bridge Campground, Deschutes National Forest, Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District, Oregon
Sheep Bridge Campground
$21.00 - $21.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$21.00
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
Single campsite rate is $21/night. One vehicle is included with the reservation; additional vehicles are $10 each. Holders of Golden Age, Golden Access, Senior, or Access Passes receive a 50% discount on single camping unit fees.
About this campground
Nestled among towering Lodgepole pines with majestic Ponderosa pines beginning to stake their claim, Sheep Bridge Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience along the banks of the Deschutes River. This rustic retreat invites adventurers to explore its winding, maze-like layout while enjoying prime fishing spots and exceptional bird watching opportunities. Though the sites offer an intimate connection with nature rather than secluded privacy, the level terrain and riverside location create the perfect basecamp for those seeking a genuine outdoor experience, complete with the earthy charm of dusty forest floors that tell the story of countless summer adventures.
Sheep Bridge Campground caters to tent and RV campers but is best suited for those seeking a rustic, primitive camping experience.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for riverside activities, though the dry conditions create a characteristic dusty atmosphere that adds to the campground's rustic appeal. As evening approaches and the river comes alive with activity, mosquitoes remind visitors they're sharing this pristine habitat with its natural inhabitants. The camping season typically winds down by mid-October when autumn's chill sets in, while spring arrivals should note that lingering snow and seasonal rains may affect early-season access, making each visit a unique adventure shaped by nature's rhythms.
ElevationPerched at 4,400 feet above sea level, Sheep Bridge Campground offers the best of mountain camping with refreshingly cool evenings that provide welcome relief from summer's heat. This elevation creates perfect sleeping weather under star-filled skies, where crisp mountain air enhances the peaceful sounds of the nearby river.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground showcases a stunning transition forest where stately Lodgepole pines share the landscape with emerging Ponderosa pines, creating a diverse canopy that filters golden sunlight throughout the day. Select campsites reward visitors with glimpses of the expansive Wickiup Reservoir, while the melodic flow of the Deschutes River provides a natural soundtrack to your stay. This dynamic ecosystem attracts diverse wildlife and offers photographers endless opportunities to capture the interplay of water, forest, and sky.
Geological RegionSheep Bridge Campground claims its place within the magnificent Deschutes National Forest, where at 4,400 feet elevation, the landscape tells a story of volcanic origins and ancient waterways. Here, near the shores of Wickiup Reservoir and alongside the legendary Deschutes River, visitors witness nature's ongoing transformation as Lodgepole pine forests gradually give way to Ponderosa pine communities, creating a unique ecological crossroads that defines this special corner of Oregon's high country.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible toilets are not available, and there is no specific mention of any other accessibility features.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as having ample space, suitable for multiple tents and vehicles per spot.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is considered minimal due to the campground's open layout and lack of ground cover.
Total Campsites23 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampsite 13 lacks a fire pit; campers might need to create one using rocks. Sites near the river may offer better views but could also have more mosquitoes.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 days within a 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 guests per campsite.
Groups
Group sites are not available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is laid out in a maze-like fashion with minimal ground cover and limited privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from mid-May (May 16, 2025) to mid-October (October 19, 2025).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up availability; reservations are recommended to secure a campsite.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made through Recreation.gov and may be subject to penalties if not done within the designated window.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Sheep Bridge Campground provides recreational opportunities including fishing, motorized and non-motorized boating, and bird watching. It is located near the Deschutes River and Wickiup Reservoir.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities include rainbow and brown trout, whitefish mountain, kokanee, and coho salmon near the Deschutes River and Wickiup Reservoir. Reviewers suggest July and August as the best months for trout fishing.Boating
Both motorized and non-motorized boating are supported. There is no boat ramp at the campground itself, but one is available 2 miles south on Forest Road 4260.Wildlife viewing
Bird watching is a popular activity at Sheep Bridge Campground, offering opportunities to observe local avian species.Winter Activities
No winter recreation options are available. The campground is open seasonally from May to October.Water Sports
Water skiing and sailing are supported on the nearby Wickiup Reservoir, which spans 100,000 acres and has a 10 mph speed limit.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire bans may be in effect during dry seasons. Bring your own firewood as collecting wood on-site may be limited.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include fast-moving river water unsuitable for swimming and mosquitoes near the boat launch in the evenings. Bathrooms are reported as poorly maintained and potentially unsafe.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are approximately 23-27 miles away in La Pine or Crescent. For medical emergencies, St. Charles Urgent Care in La Pine is the nearest facility.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season is likely aligned with open season (mid-May to mid-October).
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned. Campers are encouraged to pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near the Wickiup Reservoir and the Deschutes River. Some campsites are along a channel of the reservoir.
Common complaintsComplaints include poor maintenance of vault toilets, dusty conditions, lack of potable water, and limited privacy between campsites.
HostA camp host is available, but one reviewer described the host as unwelcoming.
Campground Map
Sheep Bridge Campground, Deschutes National Forest, Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District, Oregon
Driving directionsFrom Bend, drive 26.8 miles south on Hwy 97 to Wickiup Junction. Then head west on County Road 43 for 11 miles. Continue west on Forest Road 42 for 4.6 miles, and finally, turn south onto Forest Road 4260 for another 0.8 miles. The campground is accessible via Forest Rt. 070, a gravel road, which is 0.5 miles long.
The road leading to the campground is described as rough and bumpy in user reviews. Seasonal access may be influenced by weather, particularly snow or heavy rain. Gravel road access (Forest Rt. 070) is provided for the final half-mile, and some sections may be challenging for certain vehicles.Nearby places
Bend: ~26.8 miles (~35 minutes)
Crescent: ~26 miles (~40 minutes)
La Pine: ~23 miles (~35 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Limited camping supplies, groceries, and fuel are available at Twin Lakes Resort, located 1.9 miles south of the campground on Forest Road 4260. More comprehensive supplies can be found in La Pine or Crescent, about 23 to 27 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.2
16 reviews
Sheep Bridge Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Sheep Bridge Campground as a quiet and scenic location with large campsites and good fishing opportunities. However, concerns about the condition of facilities, dusty conditions, and lack of amenities were common.
Review Summaries
Based on 16 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the quiet and spacious campsites, proximity to fishing spots, and opportunities for bird watching. Users appreciated the rustic nature of the campground.
Based on 16 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include issues with vault toilet safety and cleanliness, lack of potable water, dusty conditions, and the challenging condition of the access road due to potholes.
Based on 16 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing enough potable water and preparing for dusty conditions. Note the absence of showers and limited facilities. Using the boat ramp south of the campground is suggested for...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews are generally more favorable in the early summer, as late summer can bring increased dust and reduced fishing quality due to water drawdowns. Mosquitoes are noted to be a problem near the...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Great unimproved camping with lots of shade and shore access." - Peter Templeton; "Easy campground to get to, access to many things to do at any of the lakes. Spaces are big." - Alta McCarthy;...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 13 was noted to lack a fire ring, requiring campers to construct one. Another reviewer mentioned group sites being spacious but not officially designated as such.
Based on 16 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is limited. Vault toilets are not wheelchair-friendly, and no specific accessibility features were noted.
Based on 16 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews addressing pet policies or experiences were found.
Based on 16 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025