Round Lake Campground - Deschutes National Forest - Near Sisters, Oregon

Round Lake Campground is a quiet, out-of-the-way spot located near Sisters, Oregon, tucked up against the base of Three Fingered Jack. The lake itself is small and mostly privately owned, but there’s a public campground at the eastern end that offers access to the water and a handful of primitive campsites. Depending on the season—and how many trees have come down—there are usually around five sites available, all just a short walk from the lakeshore.

Across the lake on the west side sits Round Lake Christian Camp, a private lodge operated by a church group that occasionally hosts retreats and events. While you won’t be camping there, it’s worth knowing about since it can sometimes bring a little extra activity to the otherwise quiet setting.

A nearby trailhead makes this a solid basecamp for hikers. One of the more popular routes connects Round Lake to Square Lake and a network of other backcountry trails. If you’re looking for a mellow day hike or want to go deeper into the wilderness, it’s all right there.

Getting to Round Lake isn’t exactly a breeze. The access road is gravel, often washboarded, and can be a bit rough on smaller vehicles. In the spring, snow tends to linger longer than you’d expect, so don’t be surprised if the last few miles are still covered in patches of it. Despite the drive, most people find it’s worth the effort.

As for the campground itself—don’t expect much in the way of amenities. You’ll find a few aging picnic tables, some scattered fire rings, and a single vault toilet. That’s about it. No water, no trash service, and definitely no cell signal. But if you’re looking for quiet, views, and a place to throw up a tent right on the edge of the lake, Round Lake delivers.