Clear Spring Campground, Sisters, OR

## Overview Clear Spring Campground is a public drinking spring located about four miles west of the charming mountain town of Sisters, Oregon, in Deschutes County. Nestled along the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range, this spring sits within the Deschutes National Forest — an area renowned for its volcanic geology and abundant cold-water springs fed by snowmelt filtering through layers of porous basalt and pumice. The spring is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, making it a convenient stop for travelers, hikers, and water enthusiasts exploring Central Oregon. The water at Clear Spring emerges in a region where Cascade snowpack percolates through volcanic rock over many years before resurfacing as cold, clear spring water — a geological process characteristic of the Sisters area. Visitors have historically used springs like this one as a source of drinking water, though water quality can vary with conditions. ## Directions 1. From the town of Sisters, Oregon, head west on **Highway 242** (McKenzie Highway). 2. Continue approximately **four miles** west of Sisters. 3. Look for **National Forest Development Road 1012** (Nat for Dev Road 1012) on your left. 4. The most convenient access is to park at the **Cold Spring Campsite** area and walk to the spring from there. 5. Alternatively, you can park along the road approximately **100 yards west** of the spring entrance. **GPS Coordinates:** 44.323803, -121.617905 A [map of Clear Spring Campground](https://maps.google.com/?q=44.323803,-121.617905) can help you pinpoint the location before you go. ## What to Expect Clear Spring Campground offers a straightforward, no-frills experience for visitors looking to access a natural spring in a beautiful forested setting. The surrounding Deschutes National Forest provides a scenic backdrop of ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forest typical of the eastern Cascades. Parking at the nearby Cold Spring Campsite is the easiest way to reach the spring, with a short walk to the water source. If the campsite lot is full or you prefer a quicker stop, roadside parking is available about 100 yards west of the spring entrance along the forest road. Because the spring is open around the clock with no seasonal closures, it can be visited any time of year. However, keep in mind that Highway 242 west of Sisters is a seasonal road that typically closes in winter due to snow — so access via this route may be limited during colder months. The spring area itself remains accessible as long as you can reach it. The area around Sisters is popular with outdoor recreationists, so combining a visit to Clear Spring with hiking, mountain biking, or exploring nearby trails and campgrounds is easy to do. Bring containers if you'd like to collect water, and enjoy the peaceful forest surroundings.