Three Creeks Meadow Campground
4.0518 reviewsP.O. BOX 249, SISTERS, OR, 97759, USA
Three Creeks Meadow Campground
$21.00 - $23.00 / 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
Peak season rates for standard non-electric sites are $21 per night with an additional $2 fee for holidays.
About this campground
Tucked away in a pristine pocket of old-growth forest, Three Creeks Meadow Campground beckons those seeking solitude and natural beauty. This intimate campground features just 11 sites, creating a peaceful retreat where the only sounds you'll hear are wind through ancient trees and the gentle clip-clop of horses from the adjacent equestrian camp. Without hookups or crowds, this is camping as it was meant to be—simple, serene, and surrounded by towering evergreens that have stood sentinel for centuries. The nearby Three Creeks Lake serves as your backyard, offering crystal-clear waters and endless opportunities for quiet contemplation.
Three Creeks Meadow Campground accommodates a mix of camping preferences with sites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs. Additionally, there are designated horse camping sites adjacent to the main campground.
Historical SignificanceYour journey to Three Creeks follows the renowned Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, a ribbon of asphalt that has connected adventurers to Oregon's volcanic wonderland for generations. The campground serves as a gateway to the Metolius-Windigo Trail, a backcountry route carved through the wilderness in the 1980s that continues to challenge hikers and horseback riders today. These paths through the Deschutes National Forest trace routes once used by Native peoples and early settlers, each trail marker a testament to the enduring human connection to these sacred mountains.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this high-country haven into a camper's paradise, where warm days give way to crisp mountain evenings perfect for stargazing. The dry season stretches from late June through September, painting the meadows in wildflower hues and keeping trails dust-dry for exploration. As autumn arrives, golden larches create a stunning contrast against evergreen forests. Winter, however, claims this landscape entirely—deep snows and sub-zero temperatures close access roads and blanket the campground in a pristine white silence that lasts until late spring's thaw.
ElevationPerched at 6,550 feet above sea level, Three Creeks Meadow exists in that magical alpine zone where mountain hemlock and subalpine fir thrive in the thin, pure air. This lofty elevation gifts campers with naturally air-conditioned summers—expect temperatures 15-20 degrees cooler than the valley floor below. The altitude paints spectacular sunrises and sunsets across the sky, while the thin atmosphere reveals a blanket of stars so bright you'll swear you could reach out and touch them.
Natural Features and SceneryThree Creeks Lake steals the show here—a sapphire jewel cradled in an ancient glacial cirque beneath the dramatic cliffs of Tam McArthur Rim. This 28-acre alpine sanctuary plunges to depths of nearly 30 feet, its waters so clear you can count individual rocks on the bottom. Old-growth giants frame perfect reflections of volcanic peaks, while meadows burst with Indian paintbrush and lupine in summer. The landscape tells a story of ice and time: gentle slopes invite quiet picnics on one shore, while sheer rock faces on the other speak to the massive glaciers that carved this basin millennia ago.
Geological RegionYou're camping in a natural amphitheater sculpted by ancient glaciers, where Tam McArthur Rim towers above like a colossal granite guardian. This glacial cirque showcases the raw power of ice age forces that shaped the Cascade Range, leaving behind the perfect bowl that now cradles Three Creeks Lake. The surrounding Deschutes National Forest reveals Oregon's volcanic heritage at every turn—from distant peaks that still steam with geothermal activity to lava flows now clothed in centuries-old forests. The three creeks that give this place its name tumble from the lake through a landscape that reads like a geology textbook come to life.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific details regarding accessibility features are mentioned for this campground.
Sites SizeThe campsites are standard-sized and can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. Specific dimensions are not provided.
Sites PrivacySites are described as dispersed well, offering some level of privacy. User reviews indicate that some sites are more secluded with great views, such as those closer to the three creeks.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the lake or meadow offer better views and privacy. 'If you can get a site by the lake go for it!' Users also suggest avoiding crowded holiday weekends.
Best CampsitesSites 007, 009, and 010 are highlighted in user reviews for their proximity to scenic features like streams and meadows.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Sites must be occupied by noon the day after scheduled arrival.
Check-out
Checkout time is noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay at this campground is limited to 14 consecutive nights, and 28 total nights per year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Sites accommodate one RV with a tow vehicle or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites allow one extra vehicle for an additional fee.
Groups
There is no explicit information about group-specific camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features dispersed sites numbered 001-011 for regular camping. Sites are positioned near meadows and streams, providing varied levels of privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season is from June 13 to September 27 for peak reservations. Closed from September 28 through June 12.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, via their website or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityReserved sites are held until checkout time (noon) the day following your scheduled arrival date. If not occupied by then, sites become available for other visitors.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies for changes made before the day of scheduled arrival. Late cancellations will forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Once the reservation date begins, no changes can be made via Recreation.gov or on-site personnel.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Three Creeks Meadow Campground provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and non-motorized boating, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding area includes the Tam McArthur Trail and views of the Three Sisters mountains. Wildlife viewing is also noted, with a variety of birds reported in the meadow.
Hiking
The campground is near the Tam McArthur Trail, which is described as a short and reasonably easy hike offering spectacular views of the Sisters - Faith, Hope, and Charity. The area also connects to the Sisters Wilderness Trails and other alpine trails.Fishing
Three Creeks Lake, located nearby, is noted for fishing opportunities. Fishing from the shore or by wading is possible, but boat fishing is most popular. Reviewers describe the lake as a 'favorite fishing spot.'Boating
Only non-motorized boating is allowed on Three Creeks Lake. This makes the location peaceful and suitable for activities such as kayaking and canoeing.Wildlife viewing
The meadow and surrounding area are home to a variety of birds and other wildlife. Reviews mention 'a truly beautiful meadow with lots of birds.'Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned for this campground.Water Sports
Non-motorized boating such as kayaking is supported. Specific water sports facilities are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed unless restricted due to dry weather conditions. Visitors advised to check the centraloregonfire.org website for updates.
- Quiet hours are From 10 PM to 7 AM
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife such as bears and yellow jackets pose potential hazards, as mentioned in reviews: 'LOTS of yellow jackets could not take food outside as they would swarm.'
Active alertsNone explicitly mentioned, but reviews indicate closures may occur unexpectedly.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 55%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 3.7 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
Emergency Services
Emergency contact: Police or medical services in Sisters, OR (15.2 miles). Nearest ranger station and further assistance available via campground inquiries phone number (541-323-1746).
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 13 - September 27
Trash and recyclingThere is no specific mention of trash or recycling facilities on-site. User reviews mention instances where previous campers left garbage, indicating that campers should be prepared to manage their own waste.
Proximity to water featuresClose to Three Creeks Lake, which is ideal for fishing and non-motorized boating. Streams nearby also provide a tranquil environment.
Common complaintsUser reviews cite issues with off-leash dogs, yellow jackets, noisy neighbors, and occasional theft. Complaints also include holiday weekend crowding at the lake.
HostReviews mention a 'kind and informative' camp host who helps with firewood and provides guidance.
Campground Map
P.O. BOX 249, SISTERS, OR, 97759, USA
Driving directionsFrom Sisters, OR: Travel 15.2 miles south on Forest Road 16 (Elm Street in Sisters).
The campground is accessible via Forest Road 16, which is paved but reportedly rough in parts, especially in the last mile leading to the lake, as mentioned in reviews: 'The last mile of the road in is very rough, as is the mile in to the lake.'Nearby places
Sisters: 15.2 miles (approximately 25 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in the nearby town of Sisters, OR, approximately 15.2 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.1
18 reviews
Three Creeks Meadow Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally highlight the beautiful and peaceful environment, well-maintained facilities, and the wonderful camp host. However, there are occasional complaints regarding dog leash policy enforcement, neighboring campers' behavior, and yellow jackets.
Review Summaries
Based on 18 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive mentions include the clean and well-maintained vault toilets, beautiful meadow and lake views, proximity to excellent hiking trails, and the helpfulness of the camp host. Some users also...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints from users include non-compliance with the dog leash policy, presence of yellow jackets, trash left by previous campers, theft of personal items, and noise from radios at nearby...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend arriving early to secure a site near the lake, bringing sufficient water since none is available on-site, and preparing for a rough last mile of road leading to the campground. They...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is busiest during summer months when the lake and hiking trails are popular. Some reviews note that the lake can get crowded during peak times. Winter weather conditions, such as snow,...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'The campground is small with no hookups. The road in and out can be challenging for any long or large vehicles/motorhomes.' - Rebecca F.
2. 'Vault toilets are cleaned twice a day and were...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 009 is praised as beautiful and peaceful. Site 010 is described as being in a quiet, scenic spot. Multiple users highlight the advantages of sites closer to the lake or the Three Creeks.
Based on 18 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific user reviews explicitly address accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 18 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Multiple reviews mention issues with dogs off-leash, leading to conflicts with other campers and wildlife. Some users were upset about owners not cleaning up after their pets.
Based on 18 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025