Can you reserve a site at Candle Creek Campground?

Yes, Candle Creek Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.

What is the maximum RV length at Candle Creek Campground?

18 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Candle Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Candle Creek Campground.

Are campfires allowed at Candle Creek Campground?

Campfires are allowed at Candle Creek Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Candle Creek Campground, Oregon — 10 sites, fees and cancellation alerts

Overview

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.

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.

Facilities

Candle Creek Campground can accommodate RV, trailer or tent-campers however water and electric hookups are not available. Due to the gravel access road this facility is not the best for RVs or passenger cars although they can be accommodated. 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.

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. Migratory birds and native fish also call the area home.

Nearby Attractions

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.

Charges & Cancellations

Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

The facts

Season: Tentative Opening: May 2, 2025 – October 19, 2025 — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
10 bookable sites
Vehicles up to 18 ft
Up to 6 people per site
Loops: Loop 1

Site types

10 Standard Nonelectric

Amenities

Campfires allowed
Fire pits
Picnic tables
Shade
Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

10 campsites at Candle Creek Campground

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Grade	Water	Max rig	People
01	Loop 1	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Riverfront	18 ft	6	🐾
02	Loop 1	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Riverfront	18 ft	6	🐾
03	Loop 1	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Riverfront	18 ft	6	🐾
04	Loop 1	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Riverfront	18 ft	6	🐾
05	Loop 1	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	Riverfront	18 ft	6	🐾
06	Loop 1	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	18 ft	6	🐾
07	Loop 1	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	18 ft	6	🐾
08	Loop 1	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	18 ft	6	🐾
09	Loop 1	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	18 ft	6	🐾
10	Loop 1	Standard Nonelectric	Back In	Gravel	Slight	—	18 ft	6	🐾

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.

44.57688, -121.62853 · 44°34'36.8"N 121°37'42.7"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Low °F	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Precip in	12.0	8.0	8.9	6.6	4.6	2.8	0.7	0.6	2.6	6.4	11.3	12.7

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 15.7 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

Common questions about Candle Creek Campground

Can you reserve a site at Candle Creek Campground?: Yes, Candle Creek Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Candle Creek Campground have?: 10 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Candle Creek Campground?: 18 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Candle Creek Campground?: Yes, pets are allowed at Candle Creek Campground.
Are campfires allowed at Candle Creek Campground?: Campfires are allowed at Candle Creek Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Candle Creek Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Candle Creek Campground's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

Single Campsite Rate: $21/night
One vehicle included with reservation – Each Additional Vehicle: $10.00

Restrictions:

Maximum site spur length is 18 feet. RVs and trailers not recommended.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Candle Creek Campground

Lower Bridge Campground 1.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
Pioneer Ford Campground 1.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Sheep Springs Horse Camp 2.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
Green Ridge Lookout 3.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Allen Springs Campground 3.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
Lower Canyon Creek Campground 5.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
Jack Creek Campground 5.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Smiling River Campground 5.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Allingham Campground 6.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Gorge Campground 6.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
Camp Sherman Campground 6.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
Cabot Lake Trailhead 5.1 mi · Facility

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-06-05.

Candle Creek Campground