Pioneer Ford Campground
Pioneer Ford is one of the most popular of the campgrounds in the area since many of the sites are well suited to RVs and most of the sites are mostly private, shaded amongst a mixture of pine and cedar trees. As you travel north away from the first in a series of Metolius-area campgrounds and Camp Sherman, the facilities become more and more isolated which is why Pioneer Ford can be so quiet. Located on the Metolius River, this campground provides access to fishing and hiking trails.
With 20 campsites Pioneer Ford Campground is well-suited to trailers, tents or RVs with its mix of back-in and pull-through sites. Many sites are right along the Metolius River and site 8 also has an adjacent picnic shelter. This facility has vault toilets as well as drinking water available. Each site is equipped with a fire ring and picnic table.
Need to Know
- Prevent the spread of invasive species by inspecting and cleaning packs, equipment and tires before using lake or trails.
Please Note: One RV with tow vehicle per single site or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites can accommodate 1 extra vehicle that is not included with the reservation fee. Extra vehicle will be charged a per night fee and collected at the campground.
Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.
During your time in Central Oregon, you can find wildfire, prescribed fire and smoke information at centraloregonfire.org
Reserved Sites will be held until check out time (NOON) the day following your arrival date. Sites must be occupied by the checkout time of that following day to hold a reservation or the site will be forfeited and released to other guests.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).
- Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
Click here for more information about the Deschutes National Forest
Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive calendar days is prohibited. ‘Location’ means the occupied area, the occupied campsite, and the National Forest System lands in the immediate vicinity thereof. Camping or occupying any location on all National Forest lands for more than 28 calendar days total during a calendar year is prohibited.
Natural Features
The headwaters of the river are at Metolius Springs at the base of Black Butte, a 3,076-foot cinder cone. The clear, cold river flows north from the springs through diverse coniferous forest and a landscape of volcanic activity.
The area provides habitat for mammals such as mule deer, coyote and cougar. Migratory birds and native fish also call the area home.
Nearby Attractions
The Metolius-Windigo Trail, open to hikers, bikers and horses, is more than 100 miles in length, and begins near the Metolius River headwaters west of the town of Sisters, Oregon. The trail was created in the 1980s primarily to serve long-distance horse riders seeking an alternative to the Pacific Crest Trail.
Lava Lands Visitor Center in Bend, Oregon, offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits.
Recreation
Hiking and fishing top the list of recreational activities for visitors.
For anglers, the spring-fed Metolius River offers a stunning setting for fly-fishing. Its clear, cold water supports rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout and kokanee salmon.
For day hikers and backpackers, the area offers a wide variety of scenic terrain, ranging from riverside trails to routes in subalpine forests.
Changes & Cancellations
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
Contact Information
Default
PO BOX 249 SISTERS OR 97759
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 541-323-1746
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Sisters, OR: Travel 9.6 miles northwest on Highway 20, then 12.6 miles north on Forest Road 14.
Available Campsites
- Site 002, Loop Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 014, Loop Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 008 Tent Only, Loop Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 018, Loop Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 017, Loop Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 016, Loop Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 009 Tent Only, Loop Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 020, Loop Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
