Candle Creek Campground

Star4.19
45 reviews
P.O. BOX 249, SISTERS, OR, 97759, USA
Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Quick Facts

2,956 ft

Price

$21 - $23/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Opens May 23 annuall...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Hoodoo Recreation Services site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Candle Creek Campground
$21.00 - $23.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season nightly rate is $21, with a $2 additional holiday fee. The same rates apply during first-come, first-served season.
Standard Site Fee$21.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
541-323-1746Jen@Hoodoo.com
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.19

Satisfactory

Based on 45 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyquietpeacefulclean

Some mention

noisedusty

"Candle Creek Campground is praised for its secluded and peaceful atmosphere, large campsites, and proximity to the Metolius River. Visitors appreciate the natural white noise and opportunities for hiking and fishing. However, the challenging road conditions and lack of water facilities have received criticism."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

P.O. BOX 249, SISTERS, OR, 97759, USA

Candle Creek Campground

P.O. BOX 249, SISTERS, OR, 97759, USA

Driving directionsFrom Sisters, OR: Travel 12.4 miles northwest on Highway 20, then 12.3 miles north on Forest Road 12, and then 1.6 miles east on Forest Road 1200 980.
The last 1.6 miles to the campground are on a gravel access road. Passenger cars and RVs can access the campground, but the road is not ideal for them. "Drivers should go slow and use caution." Multiple user reviews highlight that "the road has some challenging spots" and "it’s best suited for vehicles like trucks or SUVs," though one user noted navigating it successfully in a "Honda Civic."
Nearby places
Sisters (approximately 25 miles, 40 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in Sisters, OR, approximately 25 miles and 40 minutes away, including groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Candle Creek Campground

Each season paints Candle Creek in dramatically different hues. Summer arrives with warm, sun-drenched days perfect for riverside relaxation and star-filled nights around the campfire. As autumn approaches, the forest transforms into a tapestry of gold and amber, with crisp mornings that call for hot coffee and cozy fleece. Winter brings a hushed beauty as snow blankets the landscape, though access becomes challenging—making this truly a three-season destination where nature's moods dictate the experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Warm, sun-drenched days and starry nights; busier and dustier in peak summer.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 3% in OR

Fall praised for colors and fewer bugs; reviewers specifically highlight autumn beauty.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 23 with shoulder-season first-come spots; variable access early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed from October; winter use not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 22 to September 26.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Opens May 23 annually; reservable from June 24 to September 27. First-come, first-served availability exists during shoulder seasons. Closed from October 18 to May 1.
  • Current Alerts: None reported.

About Candle Creek Campground

Where the crystal-clear waters of Candle Creek merge with the legendary Metolius River, you'll discover one of Oregon's best-kept secrets. Candle Creek Campground offers an escape into tranquility, where spacious sites nestle among towering pines and the only sounds are rushing water and wind through ancient trees. This hidden gem rewards those seeking solitude with generous, well-separated campsites that feel like private forest retreats. Whether you're casting a line into the pristine waters for native trout or simply breathing in the pine-scented air, Candle Creek delivers the authentic wilderness experience that modern life makes increasingly rare.
The campground accommodates tent campers, small RVs, and trailers. Featuring a remote and rustic charm, the campground is primarily suited for those seeking a primitive experience.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12 PM.
Stay Limit
  • Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights
  • maximum annual stay is 28 nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers recreational activities centered around its natural features. Hiking and fishing are the most popular pursuits. The Metolius River provides excellent opportunities for fly-fishing, with species like rainbow trout, whitefish, and kokanee salmon. Hiking trails, such as the Metolius River Trail, are accessible directly from the campground and offer diverse terrain, including riverside and subalpine forest paths.
HikingHiking is a key attraction. The Metolius River Trail starts at the campground and offers a scenic 1.5-mile hike to the Lower Bridge. Other trails in the area traverse diverse terrains, from riverside routes to subalpine forests.
FishingThe Metolius River, with its clear, spring-fed waters, is a hotspot for fly-fishing. Anglers can catch rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout, and kokanee salmon. Some users noted areas with fast currents but mentioned accessible pools nearby.
BikingThe nearby Metolius-Windigo Trail supports biking and offers over 100 miles of mostly natural terrain, beginning near the river's headwaters.
Wildlife viewingThe area supports diverse wildlife, including mule deer, coyotes, and cougars. Migratory birds and native fish are also common, appealing to wildlife watchers.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsNearby attractions like the Camp Sherman Fish Viewing Platform and the Metolius Research Natural Area offer educational opportunities focused on fish and bird species.
Winter Activities
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include fast-flowing water in the river, which may pose risks for wading or swimming. Wildlife such as coyotes and cougars are present in the area.
Active AlertsNone reported.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Candle Creek Campground

Reviews

4.2
45 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Candle Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Candle Creek Campground is praised for its secluded and peaceful atmosphere, large campsites, and proximity to the Metolius River. Visitors appreciate the natural white noise and opportunities for hiking and fishing. However, the challenging road conditions and lack of water facilities have received criticism.
Review Summaries
Based on 45 reviews

What Campers Love

- Large, spacious campsites with privacy. - Proximity to the scenic Metolius River and Candle Creek. - Clean and well-maintained vault toilets. - Excellent hiking and fishing opportunities. - Quiet,...
Show more
Based on 45 reviews

Common Concerns

- Challenging access road, particularly for passenger cars. - Lack of potable water and clarification on firewood policies. - Dusty conditions and vehicle-generated dust. - Misleading online maps...
Show more
Based on 45 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Avoid relying on Google Maps for directions; follow Forest Service guidance. - Bring sufficient water and understand firewood policies prior to arrival. - Reserve campsites in advance for...
Show more
Based on 45 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is appreciated for its colors and lack of bugs, while summer attracts campers due to warmer weather but sees increased dust levels. The road may be more passable after recent grading.
Based on 45 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The sound of the river is super relaxing and pleasant. Beautiful with fall colors in October!' (Rhonda Dodge) - 'We camped here with 3 tents, 6 people, and 2 dogs. The sites were all huge! It was...
Show more
Based on 45 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1: Minimal river views and access. Site 3: Close to restrooms, not ideal for privacy. Site 6: Large site with beautiful access to the creek. Site 10: Spacious but challenging road access noted.
Based on 45 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility concerns are not explicitly reviewed in detail.
Based on 45 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and some visitors have requested facilities like dog hitches near restrooms for convenience. Multiple families mentioned bringing dogs without issue.
Based on 45 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Candle Creek Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Oregon

Campgrounds
Deschutes National Forest
Candle Creek Campground