Jack Creek Campground
4.4714 reviewsJack Creek Campground
$21.00 - $21.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$21.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
$21 per night for a single campsite. One vehicle is included in the fee, and each additional vehicle costs $10. Holders of Golden Age, Golden Access, Senior, and Access Passes receive a 50% discount on single camping unit fees, but the discount does not cover extra vehicles or separately charged utility fees.
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About this campground
Tucked away in a pristine forest where the soothing melody of Jack Creek provides nature's soundtrack, this intimate 19-site campground offers a perfect escape from the everyday. Here, towering Ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral overhead, their vanilla-scented bark and needle-carpeted floor welcoming weary travelers. Each generously-sized campsite offers plenty of room for your adventure basecamp, whether you're arriving with multiple RVs or a simple tent setup. Though you'll need to come self-contained (no hookups available), the reward is an authentic wilderness experience where the creek's gentle murmur lulls you to sleep each night.
Jack Creek Campground features primitive camping with defined campsites but lacks advanced amenities. It supports dry camping.
Historical SignificanceFollow the Jack Creek Headwaters Trail to discover one of nature's most profound mysteries—a sacred spring where crystal-clear water emerges mysteriously from ancient lava rock, marking the very birthplace of Jack Creek. This geological wonder has drawn people for generations, becoming a place of deep spiritual significance. Today, visitors often find others in quiet contemplation at this natural shrine, and many families choose this serene spot to scatter the ashes of loved ones, returning them to the eternal cycle of water and stone. The headwaters remain a powerful reminder of nature's mysteries and humanity's connection to the land.
Weather and SeasonsJack Creek transforms with the seasons, each bringing its own magic to this mountain retreat. Summer unveils endless blue skies and warm days perfect for creek-side relaxation and forest exploration. As autumn arrives, crisp air carries the scent of pine while golden light filters through the canopy. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-dusted wonderland accessible only to adventurous souls with high-clearance 4x4 vehicles, offering solitude and stark beauty to those willing to brave the cold. Spring brings renewal as wildflowers emerge and the creek swells with snowmelt, creating nature's symphony at full volume.
ElevationPerched at 3,200 feet in the Cascade foothills, Jack Creek Campground offers that perfect sweet spot of mountain camping—high enough to escape the valley heat and enjoy cool, pine-scented air, yet accessible enough for a comfortable camping experience. This elevation brings crisp mornings that invite a steaming cup of coffee by the campfire and refreshingly cool evenings perfect for stargazing through the forest canopy.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground unfolds along a scenic loop that follows Jack Creek upstream, immersing visitors in a classic Pacific Northwest forest dominated by majestic Ponderosa pines interspersed with stately firs. The star of the show is Jack Creek itself—a ribbon of crystal-clear, ice-cold mountain water that dances over smooth stones and pools in perfect swimming holes. On hot summer days, these natural pools become irresistible places to dangle your feet or take a refreshing (if brief!) dip. The forest floor tells its own story with fallen logs hosting miniature ecosystems, while shafts of sunlight create an ever-changing tapestry of light and shadow throughout the day.
Geological RegionSet within the magnificent Deschutes National Forest, Jack Creek Campground showcases the dramatic volcanic history of Central Oregon. The landscape tells an ancient story written in lava flows and carved by persistent streams. The campground's centerpiece—Jack Creek—emerges from one of geology's fascinating puzzles, where underground water finds its way through porous volcanic rock to burst forth at the surface. This unique setting, where Ponderosa pine forests thrive in volcanic soils and mysterious springs feed year-round creeks, creates an outdoor classroom where every rock and tree has a story spanning millions of years.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in official sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeOfficial sources describe sites as 'huge,' capable of accommodating multiple RVs. Dirt parking aprons are not clearly defined.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy between campsites varies from poor to good due to the lack of understory and middlestory vegetation.
Total Campsites19 campsites
Recommended CampsitesThe campground offers a variety of spacious sites, some of which are closer to the creek than others. First-come, first-served availability may allow campers to choose quieter, more secluded spots.
Reserving a campsite
Check-out
Check-out time is noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive days.
Groups
Group camping is not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is organized as a large loop that follows upstream along Jack Creek. Campsites include picnic tables and grilles.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 1 to October 6. Tentative opening for 2025 is May 9, with closure by October 19.
Walk-in AvailabilityFrom October 1 to October 19, the campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Jack Creek Campground offers limited activities, primarily focusing on hiking and nature exploration. The Jack Creek Headwaters Trail is a notable attraction. User reviews highlight the creek's beauty and opportunities for quiet meditation.
Hiking
The Jack Creek Headwaters Trail is a 1.7-mile foot trail accessible from the campground. User reviews describe the trail as beautiful, with lush greenery and proximity to the creek.Winter Activities
User reviews indicate camping in winter is feasible with high-clearance, 4x4 vehicles.Water Sports
Not applicable. Water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not supported.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazards"The campground is known for spiders and bats, which might not be suitable for all visitors." Additionally, there have been reports of other campers engaging in disruptive activities, such as fights, which might impact the camping experience.
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 36%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 2.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the campground documentation or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Jack Creek, which is a notable attraction. The creek is suitable for wading and is a quiet, scenic feature.
Common complaintsSome users have complained about the presence of spiders, overflowing restrooms, and disruptive campers.
HostA host is on-site and available to help campers find open spots and maintain the campground.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Sisters, OR: Travel 12.4 miles northwest on Highway 20, then 4.5 miles north on Forest Road 12, and then 0.6 miles north on Forest Road 1230.
The campground is accessible via paved roads for the majority of the journey, transitioning to dirt roads for the final stretch. "The dirt parking aprons are not clearly defined - basically, open parking."Nearby places
Sisters, Oregon is approximately 12.4 miles away (travel time varies by route and road conditions).
Nearby supplies
Groceries and fuel stations are likely available in Sisters, Oregon, the nearest city.
Camper Reviews
4.5
14 reviews
Jack Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed for Jack Creek Campground. Positive feedback highlights spacious campsites, the creek's beauty, and clean vault toilets. Negative comments mention restroom issues, overflows, and noise caused by neighboring campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the large campsites, shade trees, peaceful environment, and proximity to Jack Creek. Some reviews commend the camp hosts for their helpfulness.
Based on 14 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include overflowing restrooms, broken locks on bathrooms, overcrowding, and noise disturbances such as fights and bat shooting incidents.
Based on 14 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early for a better choice of campsites. Consider bringing high-clearance vehicles for winter camping. Carry potable water due to the lack of water hookups.
Based on 14 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that the campground is quieter during off-peak seasons but may experience overcrowding during summer. For winter camping, high-clearance vehicles are recommended.
Based on 14 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The little ground squirrels were fun to watch play." "Jack Creek is beautiful, just right for wading in to cool off." "Dry camping but what a beautiful area." "Huge campsites, very close access to...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews are not explicitly provided, but users mention spacious campsites with tree cover and proximity to the creek.
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility-specific feedback is not available from user reviews.
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews do not provide specific feedback regarding pet policies or experiences.
Based on 14 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025