Lower Canyon Creek Campground Deschutes National Forest Metolius River Camp Sherman Oregon

Seven sites are spread below ponderosa pines on a loop in Lower Canyon Creek Campground. This small and spacious campground is located in Deschutes National Forest near Camp Sherman and Sisters, Oregon. The campground borders the confluence of Canyon Creek and the Metolius River. Hikers can leave the campground on West Metolius River Trail to hike a short distance to a surprising springs and a fish hatchery.

Lower Canyon Creek Campground
Campsite 6 along the loop road in Lower Canyon Creek Campground

Lower Canyon Creek Campground is operated by Hoodoo Recreation Services as a concession with the U.S. Forest Service. Site come with picnic tables, fire rings, and large flat open areas for tents. The campground has a vault toilet and garbage collection, but no drinking water. Bring your own water.

Campsites three and four are probably the most appealing as they are set back a bit from the campground loop road closer to where Canyon Creek flows into the Metolius River. Sit on the bank and watch the meeting waters swirl on the surface.

Lower Canyon Creek Campground
A campsite by the confluence of Canyon Creek and the Metolius River
Lower Canyon Creek Campground
Canyon Creek meets the Metolius River

All seven sites are first-come first-served as the campground does not take reservations. Sites are $14 per night with a $7 charge for second vehicles (prices as of 2018). Campers with a senior pass to America’s public lands get a 50% discount. Pay in the iron box at the registration kiosk.

The campground is small and lightly used, open from Early May to mid-September. Checkout is at 2 p.m. The maximum length of stay is 14 days. Pets are welcome in the campground on leashes. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.

To get to the campground: From Sisters, drive northwest on Route 20 for 9.5 miles. Turn right onto Camp Sherman Road and drive 2.7 miles to a split with Metolius River Road. Bear left to stay on Camp Sherman Road (Forest Road 1419). Drive 2.2 miles to a stop sign and continue straight onto Rankin Road (Forest Road 1420). Drive 3.3 miles and turn right at a sign reading “Canyon Creek CG. / W. Metolius TR. HD.” Drive 3/4 of a mile to a loop at the end of the road within Lower Canyon Creek Campground.

Campground address: Lower Canyon Creek Campground, National Forest Development Road 1420/400, Camp Sherman, OR 97730
Campground coordinates: 44.5025, -121.6423 (44° 30′ 08.99″N 121° 38′ 32.28″W)

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Photos

Lower Canyon Creek CampgroundLower Canyon Creek CampgroundLower Canyon Creek CampgroundLower Canyon Creek CampgroundLower Canyon Creek CampgroundLower Canyon Creek CampgroundLower Canyon Creek CampgroundLower Canyon Creek CampgroundLower Canyon Creek CampgroundLower Canyon Creek CampgroundCanyon Creek and Metolius RiverCanyon Creek and Metolius RiverWest Metolius River TrailMetolius River Lower Canyon Creek CampgroundMetolius River Lower Canyon Creek Campground

These photos were taken in June of 2016. Click to enlarge.
Nearby Trails
West Metolius River TrailWest Metolius River Trail
The 5.4-mile hike follows the west bank of the Metolius River to incredible gushing springs and a fish hatchery.
Head of the Metolius River TrailHead of the Metolius
This 0.5-mile hike visits the surprising source of the Metolius River, a gushing spring accompanied by views of Mount Jefferson.
Black Butte TrailBlack Butte
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Clear Lake LoopClear Lake Loop
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Shevlin Park Loop TrailShevlin Loop Trail
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Archie Briggs Canyon TrailArchie Briggs Canyon Trail
This 1.25-mile hike descends a ravine to clifftop views over a dramatic canyon on the Deschutes River.
Pilot Butte BendPilot Butte
This 1.8-mile hike ventures up the dominant landmark in Bend to offer sweeping views of the majestic surroundings.
Oregon HikingTrails in Oregon
Explore more hikes in Oregon outside the Bend area.

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