Lower Canyon Creek Campground

Star4.54
40 reviews
P.O. BOX 249, SISTERS, OR 97759, USA

Quick Facts

3,076 ft

Price

$21/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open season begins M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Hoodoo Recreation Services site

Official Website
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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
Lower 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

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Provider
541-323-1746Jen@Hoodoo.com
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What Campers Say

4.54

Top-Rated

Based on 40 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 Reviewers noted its small size and scenic environment but criticized the lack of privacy and outdated maps."

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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

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.

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season May–Sep; reviewers note accessible trails, clear river and high visitation in summer.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open into late September; crisp fall conditions and scenic transitions noted by visitors.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from late May (limited spring access); late-spring visits see clear cold river but shorter season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed outside May 23–Sep 27 window; winter visits not supported.

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.
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Best Campsites

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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.

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.
HikingThe 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.
FishingThe 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 viewingThe 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
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

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

Weather at Lower Canyon Creek Campground

Reviews

4.5
40 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
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 40 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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Based on 40 reviews

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,...
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Based on 40 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific feedback is provided regarding accessibility features for disabled campers.
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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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