Camper submitted image from Candle Creek Campground - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Candle Creek Campground - 2
Facilities
Camper submitted image from Candle Creek Campground - 3
Camping
Camper submitted image from Candle Creek Campground - 4
Roads
Camper submitted image from Candle Creek Campground - 5
Nature
Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Candle Creek Campground

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

This location is open during the Federal government lapse in funding.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Candle Creek Campground, near Sisters, Oregon, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape into nature. With spacious sites that allow for tents and RVs, it’s perfect for a rustic camping experience right alongside the beautiful Metolius River.

This campground is all about the great outdoors, featuring large sites that provide ample room for hammocks and camp kitchens. Visitors rave about the peaceful ambiance, with the sound of rushing water creating a soothing backdrop. One camper noted, “The river is loud,” which adds to the charm of the location.

While there are no amenities like running water or electric hookups, the trade-off is a serene environment that many find refreshing. The campground is surrounded by stunning hiking trails, making it easy to explore the area. Reviewers have highlighted the beauty of the nearby trails, perfect for all ages.

Getting to Candle Creek can be a bit of an adventure, especially if you’re driving a low-clearance vehicle, but the journey is worth it. The secluded nature of the campground means you can enjoy a quiet retreat, away from the hustle and bustle. Whether you’re fishing, hiking, or just soaking in the views, Candle Creek Campground offers a memorable outdoor experience.

Fee Info

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

Suggest an Edit

Location

Candle Creek Campground is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

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.

Address

P.O. BOX 249
Sisters, OR 97759

Coordinates

44.5768806 N
121.6285306 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Is Candle Creek Campground sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

100%
0%
0%
0%
0%

5.0

out of 5

8 Reviews

Reviewed May. 24, 2023

Fine river site

May 20, 2023 site is open and active with weekend campers.

Good space between sites, tables, fire pits. Rv'ers will find level hard to find. Wow the sound of the full river is wonderful. No bugs either, love it.

Excellent place to hang out and fish if your so inclined.

Site5
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Candle Creek Campground by Hollis F., May 24, 2023
  • Review photo of Candle Creek Campground by Hollis F., May 24, 2023
Reviewed Jun. 29, 2022

Quite in the forest

Beautiful quiet campground. Perfect location to many Hiking THs. Sites a large with plenty of room between sites. No running water and one pit toilet. Definitely will be back again.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jun. 20, 2022

Roomy rustic sites

We love this campground. It is definitely rustic, one pit toilet and no running water.

Getting there is easier w/4wd but there were passenger cars there too.

Campsites are very roomy with huge tent pads and space for hammocks, camp kitchen, etc. Half are along the Metolius and half are along the creek.

The trail that leads from the campground along the river is a lovely hike for all ages.

Site1
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Candle Creek Campground by Alexis C., June 20, 2022
  • Review photo of Candle Creek Campground by Alexis C., June 20, 2022
  • Review photo of Candle Creek Campground by Alexis C., June 20, 2022
Reviewed Aug. 6, 2020

Secluded - worth the drive

While there were some harrowing moments getting to this campground with our 16' pull-behind toy hauler(last mile or so is dirt road with a couple of knarly soft sand areas that you have to plow through quickly or risk getting stuck), upon arrival the site was amazing. HUGE sites(we could have had 6 more people with us each in their own tent), right on the rushing whitewater of the Metolius. The river is loud.:) Clear, dusty sites. Little to no stargazing due to lots of tree cover. No host, no potable water. Situated right between the Metolius and Candle Creek (which is really a small river), so all sites are essentially waterfront.

Trail runs right through the campground, but we saw no one.  Good hike along the river.

Really great secluded campground- which is saying a lot for Central Oregon in the summer!

Site#4
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Candle Creek Campground by Gayle B., August 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Candle Creek Campground by Gayle B., August 6, 2020
  • Review photo of Candle Creek Campground by Gayle B., August 6, 2020
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2019

Relaxing Creek Side Campground

This small campground sits alongside Candle Creek and is awesome.  The sites are huge and the creek provides great white noise.  The sites are large and can fit multiple tents.  I put my hammock up and relaxed all weekend. 

Please note, it is easy to get lost following the android directions.  I followed my phone and went way in the wrong direction before turning around.  If in doubt the camp host at one of the many other campgrounds along the road gave great directions.  Also the road did have big pot holes that could be difficult for low clearance vehicles.

There is also no potable water, so bring your own.

SiteSpot 2
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Candle Creek Campground by Ashley B., October 1, 2019
  • Review photo of Candle Creek Campground by Ashley B., October 1, 2019
  • Review photo of Candle Creek Campground by Ashley B., October 1, 2019
  • (13) View All
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2019

Beautiful,

I love this campground. The river is very swift and dangerous- is be very worried about young children near the banks. The creek side is calmer but ice cold and swift as well. Rugged.
#7 is our favorite. The sites are huge. Tons of hiking close by.

  • Review photo of Candle Creek Campground by Lindsay M., August 28, 2019
  • Review photo of Candle Creek Campground by Lindsay M., August 28, 2019
  • Review photo of Candle Creek Campground by Lindsay M., August 28, 2019
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there hiking trails or fishing spots near Candle Creek Campground?

Yes, Candle Creek Campground serves as an excellent base for outdoor recreation. Numerous hiking trailheads are located nearby, making it convenient for day hikes. The Metolius River offers fishing opportunities right from the campground, though caution is advised as the river is swift and can be dangerous. Candle Creek provides additional fishing spots with somewhat calmer water, though still cold and swift. The area surrounding the campground features beautiful scenery and varied terrain for exploration. For hikers, the location provides access to multiple trails that showcase the natural beauty of Central Oregon's forests and waterways.

Where is Candle Creek Campground located in Oregon?

Candle Creek Campground is located alongside the Metolius River in Central Oregon. It's a somewhat remote and secluded campground that requires navigating a dirt road for the final mile or so to reach it. Access can be challenging in spots, with some rough road conditions and soft sand areas that may be difficult for vehicles without good clearance. Four-wheel drive is helpful but not strictly required, as passenger cars do make it to the campground. The remote location contributes to its peaceful atmosphere away from crowds.

What amenities and facilities are available at Candle Creek Campground?

Candle Creek Campground is a rustic, primitive campground with minimal amenities. There is one pit toilet available and no running water, so campers should bring all the water they'll need. Each site features a picnic table and fire pit. The campground doesn't offer electrical hookups or shower facilities. What it lacks in modern conveniences, it makes up for in natural beauty, with the soothing sounds of Candle Creek and the Metolius River providing natural white noise for campers. The campground is well-maintained and clean despite its primitive nature.

What do Candle Creek Campground sites look like?

Candle Creek Campground features exceptionally spacious sites that can accommodate multiple tents. Each site includes a fire pit and picnic table with huge tent pads that provide ample room for setting up your camping area. Many sites offer enough space for hammocks and a separate camp kitchen area. The campground is divided with some sites along the Metolius River and others alongside Candle Creek. Site #7 is particularly popular among repeat visitors. While the sites are level for tents, RV campers may find achieving a perfect level more challenging.