South Shore Group Sites
Open March through November. Reservations managed by Crook County Parks and Recreation District via camplife.com or by calling 541-447-1209. Gate is locked; check in at West Shore Campground host for access. No longer bookable through Recreation.gov.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 9:49AM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until noon PDT Wednesday. Check with your local health or air agency for current restrictions on woodstove use. There are often exceptions for those who use wood exclusively to heat their homes and those with limited income. People can take the following precautions to protect their health: * Follow local burn restrictions to prevent deteriorating air quality. * Avoid strenuous outdoor activity in smoky conditions. * People with heart or lung problems and young children are especially vulnerable. These people should stay indoors while smoke levels are high. * Use certified High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in indoor heating ventilation, cooling, and air purification systems. * Avoid using wood-burning stoves and other sources of indoor smoke if possible. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
Air Quality Alert issued August 5 at 2:33PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until further notice. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. An Air Quality Advisory for elevated levels of ozone pollution, or smog, is in effect for Hermiston in Umatilla County. Ozone pollution is expected to reach levels that could be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, pregnant people, older adults and people with heart or respiratory conditions. DEQ expected the Air Quality Advisory to last until 10 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
About
South Shore Group Campground sits on Haystack Reservoir in the Crooked River National Grassland, offering the only dedicated group camping at this popular Central Oregon destination. Three large sites (Willow, Juniper, and Cottonwood) are screened from each other by vegetation and positioned along the lake shore. Each site holds up to 50 people with space for 25 RVs or tents, making this an ideal location for family reunions, climbing groups visiting nearby Smith Rock State Park, or other large gatherings. The high desert landscape features juniper trees and sagebrush with Mt. Jefferson as a scenic backdrop. The 3,000-foot elevation and open sky create excellent stargazing conditions. Haystack Reservoir supports fishing for kokanee, rainbow trout, largemouth bass, black crappie, and brown bullhead catfish. Motorized boating is allowed, with boat launches at nearby day-use areas. Sites are primitive with no water, electricity, or sewer hookups. Two vault toilets serve the campground, and each site has picnic tables and a fire ring. Potable water is available 0.5 miles away at West Shore Campground. The entrance gate is locked; campers must check in with the campground host at West Shore to receive access instructions. The fourth weekend of August hosts annual drag boat races with temporary lake restrictions.
Directions
From Highway 97: Exit SW Jericho Lane and head east for approximately 1.25 miles. Turn right on SW Haystack Drive (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 4 miles. Turn right onto SW Haystack Drive and continue approximately 2.5 miles. South Shore Campground will be on the right.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $95 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| info@ccprd.org | |
| Phone | +1 (541) 447-1209 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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