4.4
Public Campground
4-O Ranch Wildlife Area Campground
Oregon
Campground in Oregon.
Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.
About Scout Lake
Overview Scout Lake Group Campground sits near the shores of its namesake in Deschutes National Forest. Its proximity to high alpine lakes, lush forests and towering peaks in nearby wilderness areas make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Recreation Water sport enthusiasts of all types will enjoy the opportunities available at Scout Creek Lake and nearby Suttle Lake. Only non-motorized watercraft are allowed on Scout Creek, but water skiing, fishing and boating are popular at Sut...
Overview
Scout Lake Group Campground sits near the shores of its namesake in Deschutes National Forest. Its proximity to high alpine lakes, lush forests and towering peaks in nearby wilderness areas make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Recreation
Water sport enthusiasts of all types will enjoy the opportunities available at Scout Creek Lake and nearby Suttle Lake. Only non-motorized watercraft are allowed on Scout Creek, but water skiing, fishing and boating are popular at Suttle Lake, less than one mile away.
Nearby trails and a picturesque shoreline offer visitors opportunities for hiking, birding, wading and swimming at Scout Lake, and a large beach is located just steps away.
Facilities
There are 10 sites at this campground. Site #6 is a single family site while 3, 4A, 4B, 5, 7 and 8 are doubles. Sites 1, 2 and 9 are triples. If the entire campground is rented together, it will comfortably accommodate up to 100 guests. A large day-use area with 11 picnic tables and parking for 50 vehicles makes this area perfect for large parties and family functions.
All sites are equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills.
There are three vault toilets and a gravity fed water system. Natural Features
The campground sits at 3,600 feet in the high desert region of central Oregon in a towering mixed conifer forest. Nearby landscapes showcase the unique volcanic activity throughout the region, and visitors can explore extinct volcanoes, calderas and lava flows typical in the area.
The surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams and diverse forests support an abundance of wildlife, including deer, squirrel, trout, salmon and a variety of migratory birds.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors can explore wilderness areas, rivers, lakes, reservoirs and approximately 1,600 miles of trails that comprise nearly 2.5 million acres the Deschutes National Forest and the adjacent Ochoco National Forest.
Lava Lands Visitor Center in nearby Bend, Oregon, and the Newberry National Volcanic Monument are popular attractions as well.
Visitors will also enjoy traveling the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, known as Oregon's Highway in the Sky, which climbs into the
clouds on a 66-mile drive through the Cascade Mountain range, weaving through snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes.
Charges & Cancellations
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
Scout Lake Group Campground sits near the shores of its namesake in Deschutes National Forest. Its proximity to high alpine lakes, lush forests and towering peaks in nearby wilderness areas make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Recreation
Water sport enthusiasts of all types will enjoy the opportunities available at Scout Creek Lake and nearby Suttle Lake. Only non-motorized watercraft are allowed on Scout Creek, but water skiing, fishing and boating are popular at Suttle Lake, less than one mile away.
Nearby trails and a picturesque shoreline offer visitors opportunities for hiking, birding, wading and swimming at Scout Lake, and a large beach is located just steps away.
Facilities
There are 10 sites at this campground. Site #6 is a single family site while 3, 4A, 4B, 5, 7 and 8 are doubles. Sites 1, 2 and 9 are triples. If the entire campground is rented together, it will comfortably accommodate up to 100 guests. A large day-use area with 11 picnic tables and parking for 50 vehicles makes this area perfect for large parties and family functions.
All sites are equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills.
There are three vault toilets and a gravity fed water system. Natural Features
The campground sits at 3,600 feet in the high desert region of central Oregon in a towering mixed conifer forest. Nearby landscapes showcase the unique volcanic activity throughout the region, and visitors can explore extinct volcanoes, calderas and lava flows typical in the area.
The surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams and diverse forests support an abundance of wildlife, including deer, squirrel, trout, salmon and a variety of migratory birds.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors can explore wilderness areas, rivers, lakes, reservoirs and approximately 1,600 miles of trails that comprise nearly 2.5 million acres the Deschutes National Forest and the adjacent Ochoco National Forest.
Lava Lands Visitor Center in nearby Bend, Oregon, and the Newberry National Volcanic Monument are popular attractions as well.
Visitors will also enjoy traveling the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, known as Oregon's Highway in the Sky, which climbs into the
clouds on a 66-mile drive through the Cascade Mountain range, weaving through snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes.
Charges & Cancellations
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
4.4
Rating
68
Reviews
Park Details
Tips & Tricks
Book Early
Sisters is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.
Check-in Time
Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.
Local Weather
Oregon weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Sisters.
Explore the Area
Don't miss local attractions near Sisters. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.
Scout Lake Reviews
Sign in to Review
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Jaqui Ruxton
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Jaqui Ruxton
Scout lake is a great place to take your family! They do not allow motorized watercraft, anything else goes! There are big logs you can float around or play on. Bring a canoe air mattress or anything like that. Nice area for a picnic and a place to get away.
G
Jaqui Ruxton
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Jaqui Ruxton
Scout lake is a great place to take your family! They do not allow motorized watercraft, anything else goes! There are big logs you can float around or play on. Bring a canoe air mattress or anything like that. Nice area for a picnic and a place to get away.
G
R S
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by R S
A wonderful spot for a weekend trip. The water is perfect for swimming. Smaller in terms of using your kayak, etc. Still had a blast though!
G
R S
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by R S
A wonderful spot for a weekend trip. The water is perfect for swimming. Smaller in terms of using your kayak, etc. Still had a blast though!
G
Debra Moyal
Mar 18, 2026
2.0
Google Review by Debra Moyal
Been to many beautiful camp sites in Oregon, and I found myself very underwhelmed by this campground. It was a weekend that felt to be like the last warm weekend in summer, yet most of the campground was empty. I can only assume that it is not popular for some of the same negative experiences that I had. For starters, the scenic beauty is meh, with everything looking very scrappy and not mainta... Been to many beautiful camp sites in Oregon, and I found myself very underwhelmed by this campground. It was a weekend that felt to be like the last warm weekend in summer, yet most of the campground was empty. I can only assume that it is not popular for some of the same negative experiences that I had. For starters, the scenic beauty is meh, with everything looking very scrappy and not maintained. There were no natural paths or trails to the lake other than using the road or a few paved trails. The overall vibe looked like the aftermath of many storms. The camp site itself had a picnic table with chipped paint and splinters. There were micro- plastics left behind by previous campers everywhere. An elderly couple who drove around changing the reservation signage for each site never left their car to clean- up the sites before the next reservation. Something I have seen done by many camp hosts at other properties. The bathroom: good grief! These vault toiletries were insufferable. The odor was so bad and the flies were abundant. Part of the problem was that campers were not putting down the toilet lids. But the toilets themselves, needed attention and composting chemicals to manage the odor. Lastly, the lake. Definitely a fun spot for kiddos. Lots of logs and salamanders. Despite the no dogs allowed policy to prevent contamination of this small alpine lake with no outlet, there were so many dogs. Just blatant disrespect for the ecosystem. And clearly there was no one stopping by to reinforce compliance. I will definitely visit the lake again. But a hard no on camping for me.
G
Debra Moyal
Mar 18, 2026
2.0
Google Review by Debra Moyal
Been to many beautiful camp sites in Oregon, and I found myself very underwhelmed by this campground. It was a weekend that felt to be like the last warm weekend in summer, yet most of the campground was empty. I can only assume that it is not popular for some of the same negative experiences that I had. For starters, the scenic beauty is meh, with everything looking very scrappy and not mainta... Been to many beautiful camp sites in Oregon, and I found myself very underwhelmed by this campground. It was a weekend that felt to be like the last warm weekend in summer, yet most of the campground was empty. I can only assume that it is not popular for some of the same negative experiences that I had. For starters, the scenic beauty is meh, with everything looking very scrappy and not maintained. There were no natural paths or trails to the lake other than using the road or a few paved trails. The overall vibe looked like the aftermath of many storms. The camp site itself had a picnic table with chipped paint and splinters. There were micro- plastics left behind by previous campers everywhere. An elderly couple who drove around changing the reservation signage for each site never left their car to clean- up the sites before the next reservation. Something I have seen done by many camp hosts at other properties. The bathroom: good grief! These vault toiletries were insufferable. The odor was so bad and the flies were abundant. Part of the problem was that campers were not putting down the toilet lids. But the toilets themselves, needed attention and composting chemicals to manage the odor. Lastly, the lake. Definitely a fun spot for kiddos. Lots of logs and salamanders. Despite the no dogs allowed policy to prevent contamination of this small alpine lake with no outlet, there were so many dogs. Just blatant disrespect for the ecosystem. And clearly there was no one stopping by to reinforce compliance. I will definitely visit the lake again. But a hard no on camping for me.
G
Donald Novak
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Donald Novak
Very nice area. We climbed the steep hill beyond the lake to find the Geocache. Left the Scout medallion travel bug for the next visitor.
G
Phillip Ferrier
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Phillip Ferrier
This was the coolest, easily accessible, safest swimming lake I have ever been to. The water was a drop blue-green quite warm and mostly devoid of aquatic plant life. Saturdays seem to be the busiest days so get here well before noon to get a good parking spot. People were generally very good at social distancing and the shore wasn't packed shoulder to shoulder. There are lots of downed trees and... This was the coolest, easily accessible, safest swimming lake I have ever been to. The water was a drop blue-green quite warm and mostly devoid of aquatic plant life. Saturdays seem to be the busiest days so get here well before noon to get a good parking spot. People were generally very good at social distancing and the shore wasn't packed shoulder to shoulder. There are lots of downed trees and drift wood that double and water toys. Very enjoyable
G
Phillip Ferrier
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Phillip Ferrier
This was the coolest, easily accessible, safest swimming lake I have ever been to. The water was a drop blue-green quite warm and mostly devoid of aquatic plant life. Saturdays seem to be the busiest days so get here well before noon to get a good parking spot. People were generally very good at social distancing and the shore wasn't packed shoulder to shoulder. There are lots of downed trees and... This was the coolest, easily accessible, safest swimming lake I have ever been to. The water was a drop blue-green quite warm and mostly devoid of aquatic plant life. Saturdays seem to be the busiest days so get here well before noon to get a good parking spot. People were generally very good at social distancing and the shore wasn't packed shoulder to shoulder. There are lots of downed trees and drift wood that double and water toys. Very enjoyable
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