South Shore Group Sites

Campground · Oregon · 2 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Haystack Lake Recreation Area Recreation Area (Recreation Area) · Open Access

2
Bookable sites
2,877 ft
Elevation
SOUTH SHORE GROUP SITES

Overview

Haystack South Shore Group Campground is the only group campground on Haystack Reservoir. Each of the two campsites holds up to 50 people. This is a year-round facility ideal for large events such as family reunions or groups of rock climbers visiting nearby Smith Rock State Park.
Natural Features:
South Shore is located in the high desert landscape with views of Mt. Jefferson as a scenic backdrop. Juniper trees and sagebrush dot the landscape. The combination of a low forest canopy and 3,000 ft. elevation make this a perfect location for stargazing at the wide open sky on clear nights. Eagles and other birds inhabit the shoreline of the lake.
Recreation:
Haystack Reservoir is a popular fishing spot for a variety of species, including kokanee, rainbow trout, largemouth bass, black crappie and brown bullhead catfish. The lake is cool, but a comfortable temperature for swimming. Motorized boating is allowed. Boat launches are located at nearby Haystack and West Shore day use areas. The surrounding national grassland also provides ample opportunities for hunting, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and riding off-highway vehicles.
Facilities:
The facility is very comfortable for group events, providing several picnic tables, campfire rings and plenty of parking. There are two group sites, Willow and Cottonwood, which are out of sight from each other. Although there is no drinking water at this facility, it is available at Haystack Campground down the road. There are no hookups. Vaulted toilets are located near both sites.
Nearby Attractions:
Smith Rock State Park, best known for its many rock climbing routes, is a short drive away.

The facts

  • 2 bookable sites
  • Loops: SOUTH SHORE GROUP SITES

Site types

  • 2 Group Standard Nonelectric

Recreation.gov's own page

2 campsites at South Shore Group Sites

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
Cottonwood Group SiteSOUTH SHORE GROUP SITESGroup Standard Nonelectric————
Willow Group SiteSOUTH SHORE GROUP SITESGroup Standard Nonelectric————

Getting there

From Highway 97: Exit Jericho Lane and head East for approximately 1.25 miles. Turn right on Springer Road (FS 7130/FS 96) and proceed approximately 1.5 miles. South Shore Campground will be on the left.

From Highway 26: Exit Laurel Lane (FS 96) and head west for approximately four miles. Turn right onto Springer Road (FS 7130/FS 96) and continue approximately 2.5 miles. South Shore Campground will be on the right.

44.49167, -121.14917 · 44°29'30.0"N 121°8'57.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 84°F in Jul, down to 41°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F424551576673848375624841
Low °F232325273337414136302622
Precip in1.41.11.21.31.51.10.50.40.61.11.51.7

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 10.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about South Shore Group Sites

Can you reserve a site at South Shore Group Sites?
No. South Shore Group Sites is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.
How many campsites does South Shore Group Sites have?
2 sites.

Also listed by

South Shore Group Sites also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by South Shore Group Sites's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

    Restrictions:

    • There is a 14 day stay limit on all National Grassland and US Forest Service land including but not limited to campgrounds and other developed facilities.

    USDA Forest Service's own page

    Camping near South Shore Group Sites

    Comments

    Contact

    Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

    Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.