Scout Lake Campground

For Oregonians seeking a serene, family-friendly escape into nature, Scout Lake Campground near Sisters offers a unique opportunity to connect with the great outdoors. Tucked away within the beautiful Deschutes National Forest, this small, forested campground provides a distinct experience centered around its namesake lake. Unlike bustling lakes that permit motorized watercraft, Scout Lake maintains a peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those who prefer the quiet splash of a paddle or the gentle murmur of nature. It’s a place where children can safely play in shallow waters, and families can enjoy picnics and simple pleasures, all surrounded by the natural beauty of Central Oregon.

Scout Lake Campground caters to a specific kind of outdoor enthusiast: families with young children, paddle sports enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a tranquil spot away from the roar of engines. Its defining characteristic is the absence of motorized watercraft, which ensures the lake remains calm and clean, perfect for swimming, floating on logs, or exploring by canoe or air mattress. While some may find the facilities basic, its charm lies in its simplicity and its focus on accessible, natural recreation. Many visitors cherish it as "a great place to take your family" and a "nice area for a picnic and a place to get away," highlighting its appeal as a peaceful haven where kids can truly be kids in a safe environment. For those prioritizing a quiet, clean, and uncrowded lakeside experience, Scout Lake Campground provides a refreshing alternative in Oregon's diverse outdoor landscape.

Scout Lake Campground is located within the Deschutes National Forest, with its address listed as NF-2066/700, Sisters, OR 97759, USA. This places it in the high desert region of Central Oregon, roughly 3,600 feet in elevation, and in relatively close proximity to the popular outdoor hub of Sisters.

Accessing Scout Lake Campground requires a bit of navigation on forest roads, but it is generally well-marked. From Sisters, Oregon, you typically travel approximately 13.2 miles northwest on Highway 20. Then, you turn west onto Forest Road 2070 for about 1.3 miles, followed by a turn south onto Forest Road 2066 for approximately 0.8 miles, which leads you directly to the campground entrance. The roads are generally suitable for standard vehicles and RVs up to 40 feet in length, though it's always wise for Oregonians traveling in larger vehicles to check current road conditions, especially during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) when weather can be unpredictable. The campground's proximity to Sisters means that while it offers a sense of wilderness seclusion, essential town amenities like groceries, fuel, and supplies are within a reasonable driving distance, providing a good balance of remote feel and practical accessibility for local travelers.

Scout Lake Campground, managed by the Deschutes National Forest, offers a range of services designed to provide a comfortable, albeit rustic, camping experience, with a focus on self-sufficiency and respect for the natural environment.

• Campsites: The campground features 10 campsites in total, including 1 single site, 6 double sites, and 3 triple (group) sites that can accommodate 20-50 people if reserved together. Sites are available for both tents and RVs (up to 40 feet). Reservations can be made via Recreation.gov for many sites, while some may be first-come, first-served.
• Potable Water: The campground provides a gravity-fed water system with potable water spigots available. This is a crucial amenity, as some primitive campgrounds do not offer drinking water. The water system is typically turned on in May and off by late September, or upon campground closure due to freezing temperatures.
• Vault Toilets: Three vault toilets are available for campers. While some reviews mention odor issues, these are standard facilities in many forest campgrounds, and visitors are encouraged to keep lids down to help with maintenance.
• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring (with a grill), providing necessary infrastructure for outdoor cooking and traditional campfire experiences. Campers must always check for and adhere to current fire restrictions.
• Day-Use Area: Adjacent to the campground is a large day-use area with 11 picnic tables and parking for up to 50 vehicles, popular for swimming and picnics, separate from the camping area.
• Trash Collection: Trash collection services are available, promoting a cleaner camping environment.
• Cell Service: Good cell service is reported at the campground, which can be a valuable service for many visitors, although some may prefer to fully disconnect.

Scout Lake Campground offers several distinctive features and highlights that draw visitors, particularly those seeking a specific type of outdoor experience:

• Non-Motorized Lake Policy: A key highlight is the prohibition of motorized watercraft on Scout Lake. This creates a wonderfully peaceful and safe environment, ideal for activities like swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, and floating on inner tubes or air mattresses, making it exceptionally family-friendly.
• Kid-Friendly Lake: The lake is noted for being a "fun spot for kiddos," with natural elements like large logs to float on or play on, and sightings of salamanders, adding to the adventurous appeal for younger visitors.
• Forested & Secluded Setting: The campground is described as "very wooded" and "nice and secluded," offering a genuine sense of being immersed in nature with good privacy between sites, despite its compact size.
• Proximity to Suttle Lake: While Scout Lake itself is non-motorized, the much larger Suttle Lake, which allows motorized boating, waterskiing, and fishing, is less than one mile away. This offers campers the best of both worlds – a peaceful base camp with easy access to more active water sports.
• Picnic & Day Use Facilities: The large adjacent day-use area with ample picnic tables and parking makes it a great spot for family gatherings, even for those not camping overnight.
• Group Camping Options: The availability of double and triple (group) sites makes Scout Lake suitable for larger family gatherings or groups of friends who want to camp together.
• Alpine Lake Ecosystem: Scout Lake is a small alpine lake with no outlet, contributing to its unique ecosystem. This also underlies the strict "no dogs allowed" policy within the swimming area and campground to prevent contamination, emphasizing the importance of protecting this fragile environment.

For reservations and detailed information about Scout Lake Campground, please use the national reservation system. For local inquiries, the managing ranger district can provide assistance.

Address: NF-2066/700, Sisters, OR 97759, USA

Phone for Reservations (Recreation.gov): (877) 444-6777

Local Ranger District (Sisters Ranger District): (541) 549-7700

Scout Lake Campground offers a compelling option for Oregonians, particularly those with families or a strong preference for quiet, non-motorized recreation. For locals, it provides an accessible yet wonderfully secluded escape into the Deschutes National Forest, a true gem of our state. The unique "no motorized watercraft" policy on Scout Lake ensures a peaceful and safe environment, making it an ideal spot for children to swim, play, and explore without the worry of noisy boats. This focus on tranquility and kid-friendly activities sets it apart from many other more active lakes.

Furthermore, while the campground itself is small and offers a more rustic experience with vault toilets, the availability of potable water and the dedication to maintaining the lake’s natural integrity (including the no-dogs-in-the-lake policy) highlight a commitment to environmental preservation that many Oregonians appreciate. For those who enjoy paddle sports, swimming, or simply relaxing by a calm lake with stunning forest surroundings, Scout Lake is a perfect fit. And for those who desire more active water sports, the close proximity to Suttle Lake means you can easily enjoy both types of experiences during your trip. It's a pragmatic and charming choice for a family-focused, serene outdoor adventure right here in our beautiful Central Oregon.

Scout Lake Campground

NF-2066/700, Sisters, OR 97759, USA