Candle Creek Campground
Candle Creek Campground sits at the confluence of the Metolius River and Candle Creek. It is at the end of the Metolius Valley and on the river where the rapids start. This unique location makes it a very popular spot among locals.
More like this: reservable in Oregon · pets allowed in Oregon
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 10 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 18 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
10 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Entry | Fits, ft | Surface | Shade | Waterfront | People / vehicles | Fires | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Back-in | 18 | Gravel | Partial | Riverfront | 6 / 1 | Yes | Standard |
| 02 | Back-in | 18 | Gravel | Partial | Riverfront | 6 / 1 | Yes | Standard |
| 03 | Back-in | 18 | Gravel | Partial | Riverfront | 6 / 1 | Yes | Standard |
| 04 | Back-in | 18 | Gravel | Partial | Riverfront | 6 / 1 | Yes | Standard |
| 05 | Back-in | 18 | Gravel | Partial | Riverfront | 6 / 1 | Yes | Standard |
| 06 | Back-in | 18 | Gravel | Partial | 6 / 1 | Yes | Standard | |
| 07 | Back-in | 18 | Gravel | Partial | 6 / 1 | Yes | Standard | |
| 08 | Back-in | 18 | Gravel | Partial | 6 / 1 | Yes | Standard | |
| 09 | Back-in | 18 | Gravel | Partial | 6 / 1 | Yes | Standard | |
| 10 | Back-in | 18 | Gravel | Partial | 6 / 1 | Yes | Standard |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Max vehicle length | 18 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Fees | Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation. |
Candle Creek Campground can accommodate RV, trailer or tent-campers however water and electric hookups are not available. Drivers should go slow and use caution. This is a no water facility so campers will need to bring their own supply. All sites are equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill and the campground has vault toilets available.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Closed for the season. Forest Service sites close for the season; check the official page for the reopening date. |
| Forest | Deschutes National Forest |
| Booking | Reservations can be made online through Recreation.gov or by calling toll free 1-877-444-6777 (International 606-515-6777 or TDD 877-833-6777). |
| Fees | Single Campsite Rate: $21/night. One vehicle included with reservation – Each Additional Vehicle: $10.00. NOTE: Holders of a Golden Age and Golden Access Passports and Senior and Access Passes are entitled to the following discounts on expanded amenity recreation fees: - A 50 percent discount on… |
| Rules | Maximum site spur length is 18 feet. RVs and trailers not recommended. |
Weather by month
Getting there
From 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.
| Nearest town | Sisters, Oregon |
| Coordinates | 44.5769° N, 121.6285° W · Directions ↗ |
Good to know
- Due to the gravel access road this facility is not the best for RVs or passenger cars although they can be accommodated.
Fire nearby
- WildfireBench
14 mi from the campground · 67,071 acres · 90% contained
- PrescribedSlow Dxp/Lemiti Rx - West
24 mi from the campground
- PrescribedSisi Lookout Admin Piles Rx - West
25 mi from the campground
- PrescribedSpike Timber Sale Rx - West
28 mi from the campground
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 18.6 mi |
| Outdoor gear | Redpoint ↗ | 27.1 mi |
| RV sales & service | Big Country RV ↗ | 31.2 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
Candle Creek Campground - Deschutes National Forest, OR
Worth a stop
The Camp Sherman Fish Viewing Platform allows visitors the chance to view a variety of types of fish while the Metolius Research Natural Area gives bird watchers ample opportunities. Visit the Metolius Fish Hatchery or Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery display ponds to observe and feed different types of salmon and other fish. The Metolius-Windigo Trail, open to hikers, bikers and horses, is more than 100 miles in length and begins near the Metolius River headwaters west of the town of Sisters, Oregon. The trail was created in the 1980s primarily to serve long-distance horse riders seeking an alternative to the Pacific Crest Trail. Lava Lands Visitor Center in nearby Bend, Oregon, and the unique geological landscape of Newberry National Volcanic Monument draw visitors to the region as well. It is a great starting point for visitors to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits. Visitors can also explore the Lava River Cave, located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. At 5,211 feet in length, the northwest section of the cave is the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon.
- 5.1 miCabot Lake Trailhead ↗Trailhead
Trails nearby
- 0.5 miWest Metolius River Trail ↗8.4 mi trail · hiking
- 1.5 miEast Metolius River Trail ↗9.5 mi trail · hiking
- 2.1 miGreen Ridge ↗11.8 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 2.4 miJefferson Lake ↗9.2 mi trail · hiking, horse
Trailheads within three miles
- 2.4 miJefferson Lake Trailhead ↗Deschutes National Forest
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Public land it sits in
Mount Jefferson Wilderness begins about 2.8 miles away, and it is the closest of these.
- 2.8 miMount Jefferson Wilderness ↗Wilderness · Forest Service · 109,098 acres
- 12.2 miWillamette National Forest ↗National Forest · Forest Service · 1,801,292 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Camp Sherman Community HallBuilding · Camp Sherman · 8.9 mi
Natural features
The headwaters of the adjacent Metolius River are at Metolius Springs at the base of Black Butte, a 3,076-foot cinder cone. The clear, cold river flows north from the springs through diverse coniferous forest and a landscape of volcanic activity. The area provides habitat for mammals such as mule deer, coyote and cougar.
Recreation
Hiking and fishing top the list of recreational activities for visitors. For anglers, the spring-fed Metolius river offers a stunning setting for fly-fishing. The clear, cold water supports rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout and kokanee salmon. For day hikers and backpackers, the area offers a wide variety of scenic terrain, ranging from riverside trails to routes in subalpine forests.
Guidebooks for Oregon
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Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Candle Creek Campground?
Sites at Candle Creek Campground are reservable on Recreation.gov. Reservations can be made online through Recreation.gov or by calling toll free 1-877-444-6777 (International 606-515-6777 or TDD 877-833-6777). Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Candle Creek Campground?
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Candle Creek Campground?
Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is Candle Creek Campground open right now?
Closed for the season as of Oct 16, 2026.
Source: Forest Service status
How many sites does Candle Creek Campground have?
10 sites, including 10 standard sites without power.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Candle Creek Campground?
The longest site here provides 18 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Are pets allowed at Candle Creek Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Candle Creek Campground. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Candle Creek Campground?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. As of 2026-10-16, there are 4 active fires within 50 miles, so check current restrictions before you light one. Maximum site spur length is 18 feet.
Source: Fire nearby
What is there to do at Candle Creek Campground?
Hiking and fishing top the list of recreational activities for visitors. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Candle Creek Campground?
Sisters, Oregon. The Camp Sherman Fish Viewing Platform allows visitors the chance to view a variety of types of fish while the Metolius Research Natural Area gives bird watchers ample opportunities.
Source: Getting there
What if Candle Creek Campground is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Lower Bridge Campground (1.4 mi), Pioneer Ford Campground (1.8 mi), and Sheep Springs Horse Camp (2.5 mi).
Source: Campgrounds nearby