Blue Bay Campground

Welcome to Blue Bay Campground, a captivating destination nestled on the south shore of the pristine Suttle Lake, within the diverse and beautiful Deschutes National Forest in Oregon. For years, this campground has been a cherished escape for locals seeking to immerse themselves in nature's embrace. Known for its stunning scenery, featuring lush ponderosa pines and fir trees, and the clear, inviting waters of Suttle Lake, Blue Bay Campground offers an idyllic setting for relaxation, recreation, and reconnection with the great outdoors. It’s a place where the fresh mountain air revitalizes your spirit, and the beauty of the Oregon landscape unfolds before your eyes, making every visit a memorable one.

Blue Bay Campground provides a welcoming atmosphere for both first-time visitors and returning guests, offering a chance to unwind and create lasting memories. Whether you're drawn by the allure of a peaceful morning by the lake, the excitement of paddle boarding or fishing, or simply the joy of observing local wildlife, there's something here for everyone. As one visitor beautifully put it, it’s a place "from going to the boat House for breakfast one day with live music the night before to relaxing and just watching nature. We all had a great time." This sentiment encapsulates the multifaceted appeal of Blue Bay Campground, positioning it as a top choice for Oregonians seeking a serene yet engaging natural retreat.

Blue Bay Campground is conveniently located on NF-2070 (Suttle Lake Campgrounds access road), off Highway 20/126, near Sisters, OR 97759, USA. While the provided address is Deschutes, OR 97701, it's important for visitors to note that the physical location is situated on the south shore of Suttle Lake, which is closer to Sisters. This strategic position places it within the stunning Deschutes National Forest, making it easily accessible from various parts of Oregon, particularly Bend and Eugene.

For Oregon locals, the journey to Blue Bay Campground is typically a scenic drive. From Sisters, travelers would generally head northwest on Highway 20/126 for approximately 13 miles. A left turn onto Forest Road 2070 (signposted for Suttle Lake Campgrounds) will lead you just under half a mile to the Blue Bay entrance on the right. While the campground offers a feeling of being immersed in nature, its proximity to a major highway means that some ambient road noise might be audible, as noted by a reviewer who experienced "kinda a bummer that we heard the highway the whole time." Despite this, the overall accessibility and the beauty of the destination make it a practical and desirable option for a quick escape or a longer vacation for Oregonians seeking a natural retreat with relative ease of travel.

Blue Bay Campground offers a variety of services designed to provide a comfortable and engaging natural camping experience for its visitors.

• Standard Campsites: Features 25 standard campsites that can accommodate both tents and RVs (up to 35-50 feet depending on the source). However, no hookups are available, emphasizing a more traditional camping experience.
• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a campfire ring with a grill, perfect for outdoor cooking and enjoying evenings around a fire (subject to fire restrictions).
• Drinking Water: Piped drinking water is available throughout the campground for guest convenience.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and accessible vault toilets are provided for basic restroom needs.
• Boat Ramp: A paved boat ramp offers easy access to Suttle Lake for various watercraft, though a shallow launch area means larger boats are not recommended.
• Fish Cleaning Station: A dedicated fish cleaning station is available for anglers to prepare their catch.
• Nearby Boathouse: Located in the adjacent day-use area, the Suttle Lake Boathouse offers amenities such as breakfast, live music on some evenings, and potential rental options for water sports equipment like paddle boards and kayaks.
• Reservable Sites: While some sites are first-come, first-served, many are reservable up to 6 months in advance via Recreation.gov, allowing for planning, especially during peak season.
• Camp Host: A camp host is usually on-site to assist visitors and ensure a pleasant stay.

Blue Bay Campground boasts several compelling features and highlights that make it a truly special and beloved destination in Oregon's Deschutes National Forest.

• Beautiful Suttle Lake Access: The campground’s prime location on the south shore of Suttle Lake provides direct access to its clear, beautiful waters, ideal for swimming, fishing, and various non-motorized water sports.
• Stunning Natural Scenery: Surrounded by lush ponderosa pines, fir trees, and abundant wildflowers, the campground offers picturesque views and a serene natural ambiance, contributing to the "clean fresh air" and overall sense of tranquility.
• Views of Ponderosa Pines & Wildflowers: Visitors frequently highlight the beauty of the surrounding forest, with its tall pines and vibrant wildflowers adding to the visual appeal of the camping experience.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The overall atmosphere is conducive to family enjoyment, with opportunities for various activities that cater to all ages, as evidenced by a reviewer stating, "We all had a great time."
• Proximity to Suttle Lake Boathouse: The nearby Suttle Lake Boathouse adds a unique dimension with options for breakfast and live music, providing a convenient and enjoyable break from traditional camping meals.
• Opportunities for Water Sports: The lake is perfect for paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, offering ample recreational activities for those who enjoy being on the water.
• Potential for Fishing and Paddle Boarding: As one reviewer expressed, there's "so much I still need to do," including "try paddle boarding maybe even fishing," highlighting the array of activities available at the lake.

For reservations, current conditions, or further information regarding Blue Bay Campground, please utilize the following contact channels. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak summer months, and can be made through Recreation.gov.

Address: Deschutes, OR 97701, USA (located on Suttle Lake near Sisters)

For campground inquiries, it is recommended to call the Sisters Ranger District, part of the Deschutes National Forest:Phone: (541) 549-7700 (Sisters Ranger District Information)

While the provided phone number is (541) 338-7869, this is often associated with Recreation.gov for reservations:Reservation Phone: (541) 338-7869 (often directs to Recreation.gov or associated services)

Blue Bay Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for Oregon locals seeking a tranquil yet engaging escape into nature. Its prime location on Suttle Lake within the Deschutes National Forest offers convenient access from various parts of the state, making it an ideal choice for a refreshing weekend getaway or a longer family vacation. For Oregonians who cherish the beauty of pine forests and clear mountain lakes, Blue Bay delivers a truly picturesque setting.

The opportunities for water activities like paddle boarding, fishing, and swimming in the "good temp" lake provide ample recreation, ensuring there's "so much I still need to do," as one enthusiastic camper noted. While the highway might be audible at times, the overall peace, the beauty of the "wildflowers and ponderosa pines," and the convenience of nearby amenities like the Suttle Lake Boathouse (with its breakfast and live music) make it a highly appealing spot. For any Oregon local looking for a serene, family-friendly campground that offers both relaxation and a variety of outdoor pursuits, Blue Bay Campground stands out as a beloved choice, promising a refreshing and memorable experience right in their own beautiful state.

Blue Bay Campground

Deschutes, OR 97701, USA