The sound of the Metolius River carries through most of the 12 sites at Lower Bridge Campground, a small Forest Service camp set within Deschutes National Forest outside Sisters, Oregon. Sites are large and well-spaced, and even when the campground fills on holiday weekends, neighbors tend to stay out of earshot. Expect no cell service here.
Fishing draws a steady share of visitors. The Metolius runs close enough to walk to from camp, and a riverside trail gives both hikers and anglers easy access along the bank. Stella D. sums up the draw simply: "River is always beautiful and fishy." Crowds are most noticeable during peak summer weekends and Labor Day; early May visits have found the campground nearly empty. One seasonal nuisance worth noting: yellow jackets can be aggressive around food in late summer, and the nearest store is roughly 8 miles away in Camp Sherman.
Lower Bridge is open mid-May through mid-October, with sites running $27 to $29 per night. Reservations are available and worth considering for summer weekends. RVs up to 30 feet can access the campground, though the road in is rough, so check conditions before arriving with a larger rig. Nearby, Pioneer Ford Campground sits just down the river for campers who want a comparable setup with more flexibility on dates. If the Metolius corridor is on your itinerary, Lower Bridge rewards an early booking.
Description
Overview
Lower Bridge Campground earned its name for being located on the Metolius River where it flows under the corresponding bridge. You can't miss the beauty of this campground with its towering ponderosa pines and incense cedars providing ample shade.
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
Lower Bridge Campground can accommodate RV, trailer or tent-campers however water and electric hookups are not available. All sites are equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill and the campground has vault toilets and drinking water 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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLower Bridge Campground is located in Oregon near Camp Sherman
Directions
From Sisters, OR: Travel 9.6 miles northwest on Highway 20, then 13.6 miles north on Forest Road 14.
Address
P.O. BOX 249
Sisters, OR 97759
Coordinates
44.5577556 N
121.6202278 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/19/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/19/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 1 hr 6 min from Bend, OR
- 2 hrs 10 min from Albany, OR
- 2 hrs 12 min from Eugene, OR
- 2 hrs 32 min from Salem, OR
