The Metolius River runs along one side of Gorge Campground, and for fly-fishing enthusiasts, that proximity is the main draw. Set within Deschutes National Forest outside Sisters, Oregon, this drive-in campground runs from May through September and accommodates rigs up to 40 feet, with some pull-through sites available. Sites are well-spaced and a mix of forested and open terrain, with heavier tree coverage in most areas but a few spots that could support solar setups or satellite connections. Cell reception is limited, with AT&T picking up some signal and Verizon reportedly getting none.
Campers who visit during early summer should plan for mosquitoes, which multiple reviewers describe as intense enough to warrant serious preparation. Fire bans are also common here due to the area's wildfire history, so the listed fire pit amenity may not be usable depending on conditions. The Camp Sherman General Store sits about two miles from the entrance and makes a practical stop for supplies. Nearby, Smiling River Campground, Allingham Campground, and Pine Rest Campground cluster along the same road for those who want options in the corridor.
Reservations are strongly recommended. As one visitor noted, the campground is "usually reserved," with last-minute spots rarely opening up. Pit toilets and dumpsters are on-site, and dogs are welcome with leash etiquette generally observed by the camping crowd. At $27 to $32 per night, it runs slightly higher than comparable Forest Service campgrounds, but the direct river access accounts for much of that premium. Anglers and anyone who wants a riverside camp in central Oregon should check availability early.
Description
Overview
Gorge Campground is part of a chain of campgrounds one right after another that dot the upper portion of the Metolius River.
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. The 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.
Facilities
Gorge Campground can accommodate RV, trailer or tent-campers however water and electric hookups are not available. This is a no water facility so campers will need to bring their own supply. All sites are equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill and the campground has vault toilets available.
Natural Features
The headwaters of the adjacent Metolius 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 Camp Sherman Fish Viewing Platform allows visitors the chance to view a variety of types of fish while the Metolius Research Natural Area gives bird watchers ample opportunities. Visit the Metolius Fish Hatchery or Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery display ponds to observe and feed different types of salmon and other fish. 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 nearby Bend, Oregon, and the unique geological landscape of Newberry National Volcanic Monument draw visitors to the region as well. It is a great starting point for visitors to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits. Visitors can also explore the Lava River Cave, located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. At 5,211 feet in length, the northwest section of the cave is the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon.
Charges & 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
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Fire restrictions are currently in effect that prohibit all fires. Generators with an approved spark arrestor and fires or stoves that use liquid petroleum (LPG) fuels are permitted.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsGorge Campground is located in Oregon near Camp Sherman
Public CampgroundDirections
From Sisters, OR: Travel 9.6 miles northwest on Highway 20, then 6.1 miles north on Forest Road 14, then two miles north on Forest Road 1419.
Address
P.O. BOX 249
Sisters, OR 97759
Coordinates
44.4853222 N
121.6391694 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 8/14/26
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 8/14/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 55 min from Bend, OR
- 1 hr 58 min from Albany, OR
- 2 hrs from Eugene, OR
- 2 hrs 20 min from Salem, OR
