Open Year-round
No
Reservations possible?
No
RV Hookups
No
Potable water
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Roughly 22 backcountry campsites are tucked in and around the shore of Sparks Lake, each offering the privacy and remote feeling of a backpacking experience combined with the accessibility and comforts of car camping.  Some are tucked away in the lava field on the eastern shore, and others are perched out on the lake's sandy western shore.  Nearly all of the sites are only accessible via watercraft, so be sure to bring a canoe, kayak or paddle board to transport your gear.  Also, the campsites are quite popular.  If you are hoping to camp in one of the more coveted sites that provides views of the South Sister or Broken Top, or one with a capacity for several families, you may have to come early in the day or on Thursdays if you are planning a weekend.

Note:  Campfires are regulated at all of the campsites due to fire danger in the summer.  Confirm the rules and regulations pertaining to campfires prior to your visit.  If fires are allowed, be sure to follow recommended procedures for responsible campfire etiquette.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Parking Pass

NW Forest Pass

Pros

Secluded and private sites. Great views.

Cons

Primarily accessible by boat. No reservations. Campfires are regulated.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Managed by

Deschutes National Forest

Features

Boat ramp(s)
Swimming holes

Location

Comments

08/10/2010
Pretty ideal camping in such a commercially developed camping world, these days.
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