Lower Canyon Creek Campground

This is one of my favorite places anywhere; I grew up camping here and my dad grew up camping here as well. Camp Sherman has a cute little store nearby where you can get ice cream or snacks. The charming town of Sisters is nearby if you want to explore or go out to eat.

Canyon Creek is basically two campgrounds in one: there are sites along the creek and then there are sites clustered at the river. The creek sites are spaced out along the road as you come in; you will see little “driveways” along the creek as you come in. They can be tricky to access and I wouldn’t recommend taking an rv or low-clearance vehicle into some of them without careful scouting and an honest appraisal of your ability to get in and out. Most of them are fine but it’s definitely not the place for a 40’ trailer.

Creek sites have more privacy and seem to stay a little cooler. Some of them have downed logs or rocks that you can use to cross the creek and explore the forest beyond. The creek is painfully cold but if you really wanted to, you could cool off in it (I would recommend making a day trip to Suttle Lake or Scout Lake though if you really want to swim).

The other set of campsites are clustered around the river. They are pretty close together and can get pretty dusty during the summer months. The river is beautiful though and excellent for fly fishing.

One thing to keep in mind is that the river has incredibly strong currents and some serious rapids. If you have small children, it could be legitimately dangerous if they fall in regardless of whether they can swim. My family has been camping here for generations and at least one child in each generation has fallen in while fishing and had to be rescued by some very quick-thinking adults. I could see it being a little stressful to camp in one of the riverside sites if you have active kids with you.

Spent several days camping at Lower Canyon Creek and it was peaceful and full of wonder.  No running water but that’s ok because there was also no CELL COVERAGE 🤙👍 either.  One (very clean) vault toilet available.  Put the devices and social media away and soak in the beauty.    Seriously, put them away (airplane mode and pictures only).  

We were tent camping in site 2. This is the best site in my opinion.  You’re right on the point of the camp ground.  Your tent door will open up to an aqua pool where Lower Canyon Creek meets the Matolius River.  The Matolius is 100% spring fed maintaining a consistent 40 degree temperature so swimming is not advised.  But a quick dip will rejuvenate and energize your soul.  You fall asleep to the sound of the river as the stress of 2020 melts away.  The nights  were cool and the days warm.  Fished a lot and hiked the surrounding trails. It was hard to leave and return to life (and cellular coverage).....booo! If you have a small RV (r-pod, tent trailer) site 1 and 4 will accommodate you.  Visit this place, you won’t regret it.

The Lower Canyon Creek Campground lacks in many common amenities, but it more than makes up for this with its seclusion and selection of quality sites.

Whether you're in the mood for fishing, hiking, exploring the back roads, or a relaxing get away, this is the place.

A few pro tips:

The dispersed camping spots you'll see along the Canyon Creek road are all free to stay. Spots on the main loop require payment at the information board.

There is no running water at this campground so plan ahead. The Camp Sherman store sells water at a premium down the road a few miles. Campers share a two-sided pit toilet. If you're staying in the dispersed sites, you'll have a decent walk each way.

There is a trail head at the far end of the campground. Don't miss this walk. Less than a mile down the path you'll find natural springs gushing from the side of a hill. Keep following this path to the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery. If you have children, they'll love seeing the fish in all different stages of growth.

There is one dispersed site that is the absolute gem of the entire area. I won't give away this secret, but if you're looking, you'll probably find it. Please do everyone a favor and leave any site you stay in cleaner than you found it.