How much does camping cost at Lower Canyon Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Lower Canyon Creek Campground range from $21-$23/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Lower Canyon Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Lower Canyon Creek Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Lower Canyon Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Lower Canyon Creek Campground has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Lower Canyon Creek Campground?

Lower Canyon Creek Campground is open May 01 to October 16. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Lower Canyon Creek Campground?

Lower Canyon Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Lower Canyon Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Lower Canyon Creek Campground: Fire Restrictions : Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Lower Canyon Creek Campground have?

Lower Canyon Creek Campground has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lower Canyon Creek Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Lower Canyon Creek Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Lower Canyon Creek Campground?

Lower Canyon Creek Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Lower Canyon Creek Campground

4.31

40 reviews

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

Top 18% in ORSummer

Fishing

Featured in:Mountain Camping Oregon

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,076 ft

Price

$21 - $23/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open season begins M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Hoodoo Recreation Services Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,076 ft

Price

$21 - $23/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open season begins M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Hoodoo Recreation Services Official Website

Get Directions

Lower Canyon Creek Campground

$21.00 - $23.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $21.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-323-1746Jen@Hoodoo.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Lower Canyon Creek Campground

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

Nearby places

Sisters (12 miles, ~25-minute drive)

Weather at Lower Canyon Creek Campground

Current alerts(9)

Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive calendar days is prohibited.
Click here for more information about Deschutes National Forest Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests.
During your time in Central Oregon, you can find wildfire, prescribed fire and smoke information at centraloregonfire.org
NO generator use is allowed in campgrounds between 10:00PM and 7:00AM (36 CFR 261.10). Silent power banks or battery powered devices are allowed.

Best Time to Camp at Lower Canyon Creek Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to Lower Canyon Creek Campground’s open season (May 23–Sept 27), with warm, dry days ideal for hiking and world-class fly fishing on the crystal‑clear Metolius River. Expect daytime highs typically in the mid‑70s to low‑80s°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F, making for comfortable camping and evenings by the river. Because there are only five secluded sites, summer weekends can be busy—plan weekday stays or arrive early to secure a site. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 18% in OR

Best season: dry days, pleasant highs in mid‑70s to low‑80s; open May–Sep.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 16. 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.

About Lower Canyon Creek Campground

Lower Canyon Creek Campground sits in the Deschutes National Forest foothills near Sisters, operated by Hoodoo Recreation Services. This very small campground offers primitive tent and RV sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, attracting visitors drawn to the nearby Metolius River for fly fishing and hiking. Reviewers consistently praise the clean facilities and peaceful setting, though sites lack privacy and some maps inaccurately show river proximity.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to Lower Canyon Creek Campground’s open season (May 23–Sept 27), with warm, dry days ideal for hiking and world-class fly fishing on the crystal‑clear Metolius River. Expect daytime highs typically in the mid‑70s to low‑80s°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F, making for comfortable camping and evenings by the river. Because there are only five secluded sites, summer weekends can be busy—plan weekday stays or arrive early to secure a site. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation3076 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryCanyon Creek meets the Metolius River here, surrounded by dense conifers and the volcanic landscape that defines this part of Central Oregon. Black Butte's cone rises above forests shaped by ancient lava flows. The Metolius runs crystal-clear, fed by snowmelt that emerges from underground lava tubes upstream at Metolius Springs. Wildlife includes mule deer, coyotes, and migratory birds. The river's clarity and the surrounding geology create ideal conditions for both fishing and scenery.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style lodges or cabins.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are available within the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or through their app.

Site 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.

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 SitesFor 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 CampsitesSites 2 and 3 sit closest to the Metolius River. Reviewers specifically recommend these for water access and views.

Need help booking Lower Canyon Creek Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Lower Canyon Creek Campground offers basic facilities designed to provide a rustic camping experience. It accommodates RV, trailer, and tent campers, but does not provide water or electrical hookups. Campers must bring their own water supply. The campground features picnic tables and fire rings with grills at each site, and vault toilets are available.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

40 reviews

Satisfactory

Lower Canyon Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 40 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 40 reviews.

Site 3Loved
Site 3: Short walk to the river; clean and peaceful.
Site 2Mentioned
Site 2: Large, near the river, and well-reviewed for its direct river access and serene setting.
Site 4Mentioned
Site 4: Not as close to the river as expected, causing some disappointment.

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 40 reviews

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 40 reviews

Pro 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 40 reviews

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 40 reviews

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 40 reviews

Pet-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 40 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want affordable access to Metolius River fishing and hiking without needing hookups or seclusion.

Skip if

You need private, well-spaced sites or guaranteed riverfront placement for your campsite.

Nearby Campgrounds

Highly Popular

4.3

(236)

Smiling River Campground

PO BOX 249, SISTERS, OR 97759, USA

Smiling River Campground sits along the spring-fed Metolius River in Deschutes National Forest, 20 minutes from Sisters. This mid-sized Forest Service campground offers tent and RV sites without hookups, flush and vault toilets, and access to fishing, hiking, and biking trails. River-adjacent sites provide views of clear water flowing through ponderosa pine forest.