Canal Creek

4.55

10 reviews

Featured in:Group Camping Oregon Forest Camping Oregon

Quick Facts

33 ft

Price

$190 - $270/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens American Land and Leisure site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

33 ft

Price

$190 - $270/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens American Land and Leisure site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Canal Creek

$190.00 - $270.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Two fee options are available based on peak season rates: $190.00 and $270.00 per night for group sites. Additional fees such as reservation service...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$190.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 10 reviews

Most mentioned

clean

"User reviews generally highlight the campground's scenic beauty and clean facilities. Vault toilets are well-maintained, and the remote location ensures tranquility. However, the lack of garbage disposal facilities is a common concern."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Canal Creek

44.3931, -123.9253

Driving directionsFrom Waldport, Oregon, take State Route 34 east 7 miles to the campground sign at Canal Creek Rd./Forest Service Rd. 3462. Turn right onto Canal Creek Rd./FSR 3462 and go 4 miles to another campground sign and turn left into the campground.

Access to Canal Creek requires fording the gentle creek with your vehicle. Buses and RVs cannot access the campground, making this difficult for some visitors. Roads leading to the campground are not paved, and the old footbridge is no longer usable.

Nearby places

Waldport, OR (7 miles, approximately 20 minutes travel time)

Nearby supplies

Closest facilities for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Waldport, OR, approximately 20 minutes away.

Best Time to Camp at Canal Creek

From late spring through summer, Canal Creek reveals its most welcoming personality, with temperatures hovering comfortably between 44°F and 50°F. While the Pacific Northwest's signature rainfall can bring up to 2.44 inches during wetter weeks, creating a mystical atmosphere as mist dances through the forest canopy, these showers nurture the lush ecosystem that makes this region so enchanting. Occasional wind gusts up to 36 mph whisper through the treetops, and frequent cloud cover creates dramatic lighting that photographers dream about. Pack layers and rain gear to fully embrace the forest's moody beauty.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Open May 9–Aug 31; summer reviews are consistently positive and highlight suitability.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

Not recommended

Campground is closed to bookings after Aug 31; fall use not allowed.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Open starting May 9 (late spring); cool temps (~44–50°F) and fewer details on early-season conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed outside May 9–Aug 31; winter season unavailable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 9 - August 31 during applicable years.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season runs from May 9 - August 31 (both 2025 and 2026). Outside these dates, no bookings are allowed.
Current Alerts: No active alerts are specified, but the lack of a usable footbridge might affect accessibility for some visitors.

About Canal Creek

Nestled deep within the coastal forest, Canal Creek Group Campground offers an intimate escape where two riverside camping areas are naturally divided by the gentle waters of Canal Creek. Towering Douglas firs and ancient spruce trees create a cathedral-like canopy overhead, while the melodic sounds of flowing water provide nature's soundtrack to your wilderness retreat. This hidden gem promises solitude and serenity far from the hustle of everyday life, making it perfect for groups seeking authentic connection with Oregon's pristine backcountry.

Canal Creek is primarily designed for group camping. It features two group sites with different capacities and configurations.

Weather and SeasonsFrom late spring through summer, Canal Creek reveals its most welcoming personality, with temperatures hovering comfortably between 44°F and 50°F. While the Pacific Northwest's signature rainfall can bring up to 2.44 inches during wetter weeks, creating a mystical atmosphere as mist dances through the forest canopy, these showers nurture the lush ecosystem that makes this region so enchanting. Occasional wind gusts up to 36 mph whisper through the treetops, and frequent cloud cover creates dramatic lighting that photographers dream about. Pack layers and rain gear to fully embrace the forest's moody beauty.

ElevationTucked into the gentle folds of Oregon's coastal mountains, Canal Creek rests in a low-elevation forest setting where the maritime climate creates perfect conditions for the region's legendary old-growth forests. This accessible elevation means you'll enjoy the full splendor of the temperate rainforest without the challenges of high-altitude camping.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where Canal Creek's crystal-clear waters babble over smooth stones, creating peaceful pools and gentle cascades. Massive Douglas firs stretch skyward like ancient pillars, their bark deeply furrowed with age, while graceful Sitka spruce add their silvery-green hues to the forest tapestry. In summer, wild huckleberries carpet the forest floor, offering sweet treats for observant hikers. Keep your eyes peeled for majestic Roosevelt elk grazing in nearby meadows, bald eagles soaring overhead, and the elusive marbled murrelet - a rare seabird that nests in these old-growth giants. Visitors consistently marvel at the profound tranquility and untouched beauty that defines this special corner of the Pacific Northwest.

Geological RegionCanal Creek lies within the magnificent Siuslaw National Forest, where the dramatic meeting of land and sea has created one of America's most diverse ecosystems. This extraordinary region encompasses everything from the windswept Oregon Dunes to pristine Pacific beaches, with Canal Creek occupying a sweet spot in the lush coastal forest zone. The creek itself has carved a natural boundary through the campground, creating two distinct group camping areas while serving as a vital corridor for wildlife. Here, the temperate rainforest thrives in the mild maritime climate, producing the towering Douglas firs and Sitka spruce that have become icons of the Oregon Coast.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time is not explicitly stated in authoritative sources but noted by users as an area for improvement in transparency.

Check-out

Check-out time is not explicitly stated in authoritative sources.

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 100 people allowed per group site (Canal Creek) or 50 people (Alsea).

Groups

The Canal Creek Group Site accommodates up to 100 people and 20 vehicles, while the Alsea Group Site accommodates up to 50 people and 10 vehicles. RVs are recommended only for Alsea Group Site due to limited access at Canal Creek Group Site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutTwo distinct group sites are divided by Canal Creek. Canal Creek Group Site offers a large open field, picnic shelter, and campfire circle, accommodating up to 100 people. Alsea Group Site offers 10 separate campsites surrounding a central dining area and campfire circle, accommodating up to 50 people.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are managed exclusively through Recreation.gov, accessible via the website, mobile app, or contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up or first-come-first-served availability is indicated for Canal Creek.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the date of scheduled arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee for late cancellations (less than 14 calendar days prior to check-in for group sites). No refunds are issued for 'no-shows.

AccessibilityThere is limited information available about accessibility features; fording Canal Creek with vehicles is required, and a broken bridge limits pedestrian access.

Site SizeThe campground accommodates up to 100 people at Canal Creek Group Site and up to 50 people at Alsea Group Site.

PrivacyThe campground offers a tranquil and scenic setting with privacy enhanced by natural features like dense Douglas firs and spruce trees.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesCampers seeking quiet and remote experiences are advised to choose Canal Creek for its peaceful atmosphere, while Alsea Group Site offers more accessibility, including RV accommodation.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Canal Creek provides ample opportunities for recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, crawfishing, tubing, and swimming. The site also has an open field suitable for sports like soccer, Frisbee, and football.

HikingHiking is available, although specific trails and difficulty levels are not detailed.

FishingFishing is popular, particularly for cutthroat trout inhabiting Canal Creek.

SwimmingVisitors can swim and tube in Canal Creek, but no designated swimming areas or safety measures are specified.

Wildlife viewingWildlife in the area includes Roosevelt elk and bald eagles. User reviews also mention sightings of marbled murrelets, adding to the unique natural experience.

Beach activitiesNearby attractions include sandy beaches about 20 minutes from the campground.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bear activity, requiring food to be stored in approved containers or locked inside vehicles. Fording Canal Creek is required for access, adding a safety consideration, especially for buses/RVs. The old footbridge is no longer usable.

Active AlertsNo active alerts are specified, but the lack of a usable footbridge might affect accessibility for some visitors.

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

Fire PolicyFires are permitted in designated campfire circles but burning non-paper products is prohibited. Visitors are encouraged to source firewood locally to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No specific quiet hours are mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are located in Waldport, 20 minutes away. Specific facilities are not listed.

Trash & RecyclingCampers must bring their own garbage bags and follow the 'pack it in, pack it out' policy. Recycling for glass, metals, and plastics is encouraged, and only paper products should be burned.

Water FeaturesCanal Creek runs directly through the campground, serving as both a natural feature and a dividing line for the two group sites. Tubing, swimming, and fishing are popular water-related activities.

Camp HostOne reviewer praised camp hosts Jim and Debbie for their hospitality but noted the need for bridge repairs.

Weather at Canal Creek

Reviews

4.6

10 reviews

Top-Rated

Canal Creek is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally highlight the campground's scenic beauty and clean facilities. Vault toilets are well-maintained, and the remote location ensures tranquility. However, the lack of garbage disposal facilities is a common concern.

Review Summaries

Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the cleanliness of the vault toilets and the scenic surroundings, including large fir and spruce trees and Canal Creek. "Bathrooms were spotless," KEITH M noted, while CYNTHIA A...

Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

Several users mentioned the inconvenience of dealing with garbage accumulation due to the 'pack it in, pack it out' policy. Jackie H remarked, "When you camp for 5 days or more and you have a large...

Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors should bring garbage bags, as there are no disposal options on-site. Canoes, sports equipment, and plenty of drinking water are advisable due to the lack of water facilities. Be prepared for...

Based on 10 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews are consistently positive during summer months, emphasizing the site's suitability for family reunions and group gatherings. Winter and off-season impacts were not elaborated.

Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Vault toilets were clean and well stocked," said CYNTHIA A. "This place is really special," she added. Jackie H shared, "The grounds are so lovely with the immense trees, babbling creek and overall...

Based on 10 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

User Jackie H specifically highlighted the Alsea Group Site as ideal for family reunions due to its lovely grounds. Tiffany B praised the camp hosts at Alsea Group Site.

Based on 10 reviews