Lower Canyon Creek Campground
4.6816 reviewsP.O. BOX 249, SISTERS, OR 97759, USA
Quick Facts
3,076 ftPrice
$21/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
5 campsites
Season
Open season begins M...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
3,076 ftPrice
$21/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
5 campsites
Season
Open season begins M...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsLower Canyon Creek Campground
$21.00 - $21.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard nonelectric site fees are $21.00 per night with an additional $2.00 holiday charge during peak season. Fees do not include discounts, taxes,...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$21.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider541-323-1746Jen@Hoodoo.com
What Campers Say
4.68
Top-Rated
Based on 16 reviews
27 Google reviews
Most mentioned
peacefulcleanhiking
"Lower Canyon Creek Campground is appreciated for its tranquility, proximity to the Metolius River, and access to hiking and fishing. Reviewers noted its small size and scenic environment but criticized the lack of privacy and outdated maps."
Fees & Passes at Lower Canyon Creek Campground
$21/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights; 28 nights total per year.
Cancellation: Reservations can be canceled any time before the scheduled arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies a...
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Hoodoo Recreation Services website.
Best Time to Camp at Lower Canyon Creek Campground
Experience the dramatic seasonal transitions of Central Oregon, where crisp winter days bring temperatures hovering around 43°F, with frosty mornings dipping to 30°F under crystal-clear skies. As summer arrives, the campground transforms into a sun-drenched paradise with warm, dry days perfect for riverside relaxation and evening campfires. Moderate mountain breezes keep even the warmest afternoons comfortable, while the region's characteristic dry climate means more starlit nights than rainy ones.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 27, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open season begins May 23, 2025, and closes September 27, 2025. First-come, first-served availability is offered during shoulder seasons.
- Current Alerts: No active alerts are noted at this time.
About Lower Canyon Creek Campground
Tucked away along the pristine Metolius River, Lower Canyon Creek Campground offers an intimate escape into Oregon's wilderness with just five secluded sites. This hidden gem provides the perfect retreat for those seeking solitude and tranquility, where the gentle sounds of flowing water create a natural soundtrack to your camping experience. Here, spectacular mountain scenery meets easy access to world-class fly fishing and scenic hiking trails, making it an ideal basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts who prefer their adventures without the crowds.
Lower Canyon Creek Campground caters to a range of camping styles, including tent, RV, and trailer camping. The small size of the campground and lack of water and electrical hookups emphasize its primitive and rustic nature.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape rich with recreational heritage, where historic fish viewing platforms tell the story of the Metolius River's legendary trout populations and early conservation efforts. The nearby hatcheries stand as monuments to decades of fishery management, while the Metolius-Windigo Trail weaves through the forest as a testament to trail builders who created this scenic alternative to the famous Pacific Crest Trail, opening up new corridors for adventurers to explore this remarkable wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transitions of Central Oregon, where crisp winter days bring temperatures hovering around 43°F, with frosty mornings dipping to 30°F under crystal-clear skies. As summer arrives, the campground transforms into a sun-drenched paradise with warm, dry days perfect for riverside relaxation and evening campfires. Moderate mountain breezes keep even the warmest afternoons comfortable, while the region's characteristic dry climate means more starlit nights than rainy ones.
ElevationPerched at 3,076 feet in the shadow of the imposing Black Butte, the campground sits at the perfect elevation where mountain air stays refreshingly cool yet comfortable. This mid-elevation setting creates an ideal climate zone where alpine and lower-elevation ecosystems merge, offering diverse landscapes and comfortable camping conditions throughout the extended season.
Natural Features and SceneryAt the magical confluence where Canyon Creek meets the legendary Metolius River, towering conifers create a cathedral-like canopy overhead while crystal-clear, spring-fed waters rush below. This remarkable ecosystem supports an abundance of wildlife—watch for mule deer grazing in meadow clearings at dawn, listen for coyotes calling across the canyon at dusk, and keep an eye out for the occasional cougar track along forest trails. Overhead, migratory birds follow ancient flyways, adding their songs to the symphony of rushing water and whispering pines.
Geological RegionNestled within the volcanic wonderland of Deschutes National Forest, the campground sits near the mystical headwaters of the Metolius River at Metolius Springs, where pure snowmelt emerges from underground lava tubes in a geological marvel. The surrounding landscape tells a story written in volcanic stone, with the distinctive cone of Black Butte standing sentinel over forests shaped by ancient lava flows and volcanic ash. This unique geological heritage creates the perfect conditions for the region's famous clear rivers and diverse coniferous forests.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe sites are described as large, with ample space for campers and large tents. Some reviewers noted that the campground's layout offers room to spread out.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy between sites is minimal. Reviews describe campsites as 'not that private' or 'pretty open to each other.' There are no visual barriers between some sites.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor direct river access, book sites 2 or 3. Site 1 is closest to the vault toilet. Sites 4 and 5 are furthest from the river.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at Noon.
Check-out
Check-out is required by Noon.
Stay Limit
- Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights
- 28 nights total per year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site accommodates up to 8 guests.
Groups
No group camping facilities or descriptions are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features five sites spread out in one loop. Sites are unevenly spaced with varying proximity to the river.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season begins May 23, 2025, and closes September 27, 2025. First-come, first-served availability is offered during shoulder seasons.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or through their app.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable during shoulder seasons (September 28 - October 18, 2025; May 01 - May 21, 2026). Sites are first-come, first-served during this period.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the scheduled arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies along with forfeiture of the first night's use fee for late cancellations. No modifications are possible after the reservation start date.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Lower Canyon Creek Campground enjoy a range of recreational activities, particularly hiking and fishing. The area is renowned for its scenic beauty and serves as a gateway to the Metolius River and surrounding trails.
Hiking
The campground provides easy access to hiking trails, including the West Metolius River Trail, which leads to the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery. Trails offer a mix of riverside and subalpine forest scenery. Several reviews highlight the convenience of hiking directly from the campsite, with distances mentioned, such as 2.5 miles one way to Wizard Falls.Fishing
The spring-fed Metolius River offers excellent fly-fishing opportunities. Anglers can catch rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout, and kokanee salmon. The clear, cold water and scenic environment make it a top destination for fishing enthusiasts.Wildlife viewing
The campground offers opportunities to observe mule deer, coyotes, cougars, migratory birds, and native fish. The surrounding Metolius Research Natural Area enhances bird-watching experiences.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specifically mentioned.Water Sports
While swimming and fishing occur in the river, no details are provided about other water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed except during fire restriction periods, which may occur in hot and dry weather.
- Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 7 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include encounters with wildlife such as coyotes and cougars, and risks associated with the cold, fast-flowing Metolius River.
Active alertsNo active alerts are noted at this time.
Weather at Lower Canyon Creek Campground
47
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 78%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 12.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available in Sisters, approximately 12 miles away, which includes medical facilities and a police station.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - September 27, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not specifically described in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresLocated adjacent to the Metolius River and Canyon Creek, providing opportunities for fishing and swimming.
Common complaintsSome campers have noted a lack of privacy between campsites and inaccuracies in campground maps, leading to confusion about site proximity to the river.
HostHost information and availability are not specified.
Campground Map
P.O. BOX 249, SISTERS, OR 97759, USA
Driving directionsFrom Sisters, OR: Travel 9.6 miles northwest on Highway 20, then 2.7 miles north on Forest Road 14, then 2 miles north on Forest Road 1419, and then 3.4 miles north on Forest Road 1420. Then follow the signs to the campground.
The campground is accessible by Forest Roads 14, 1419, and 1420, which are unpaved but navigable with standard vehicles. Seasonal closures may apply.Nearby places
Sisters (12 miles, ~25-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Supplies including groceries and fuel can be found in Sisters, OR, approximately 12 miles away. Camp Sherman also has limited provisions closer to the campground.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.7
16 reviews
Lower Canyon Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Lower Canyon Creek Campground is appreciated for its tranquility, proximity to the Metolius River, and access to hiking and fishing. Reviewers noted its small size and scenic environment but criticized the lack of privacy and outdated maps.
Review Summaries
Based on 16 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently praised the cleanliness of the facilities, the peaceful setting, and the convenience of nearby hiking trails. The Metolius River's beauty and fishing opportunities were also...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The primary complaints include confusion about campsite maps, limited site privacy, and the lack of water facilities. Some users mentioned that dispersed campers increase vault toilet usage.
Based on 16 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users suggest booking sites 2 or 3 for their proximity to the river. They also recommend bringing your own water supply due to the lack of on-site potable water and being prepared for minimal privacy...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Late spring to early fall is the most popular time to visit, with reviewers noting the clear, cold river and accessible trails. Quiet and cleanliness are consistently mentioned, even during peak...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Great little camp area next to a bend in the Metolius River. Perfect spot to hike up to the Wizard Falls fish hatchery.' - John Blackwell
2. 'The only bummer about camping at Lower Canyon Creek...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 2: Large, near the river, and well-reviewed for its direct river access and serene setting. Site 3: Short walk to the river; clean and peaceful. Site 4: Not as close to the river as expected,...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific feedback is provided regarding accessibility features for disabled campers.
Based on 16 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are mentioned indirectly in the context of dogs accessing the river, but no detailed reviews focus on pet policies or experiences.
Based on 16 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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