Deschutes National Forest's Metolius River corridor holds several USFS campgrounds in close succession, and Pine Rest sits among them as a tent-only site with direct river frontage. No RVs fit here. The access road draws consistent mentions from reviewers, with rough conditions that warrant a capable vehicle and some patience. Cell service is poor to nonexistent throughout the area, so plan accordingly before leaving town.
Sites vary in character depending on their number. Sites 3 and up have direct Metolius River access, and the higher-numbered sites carry more shade from the surrounding forest canopy. Large sites in the 3-through-5 range can accommodate multiple tents, making them a reasonable fit for groups. As Debb notes, "prepare for cold nights next to glacial waters." The river runs cold year-round, and temperatures drop noticeably after dark. Anglers wade the Metolius regularly, and logs placed in the channel are designed to improve fly-fishing conditions. The Metolius River Trail gives hikers access to over six miles of riverside terrain on both sides of the water.
Amenities are minimal. Pit toilets and dumpsters are on-site, but there is no potable water. Campfire rules fluctuate with fire danger conditions and are frequently restricted despite fire rings at each site. The Camp Sherman General Store sits about two miles down the road for resupply. Nearby Gorge Campground and Allingham Campground offer additional options along the same road for those who want to compare sites before committing. Mosquitoes are a genuine concern in summer. Bring repellent and expect bear activity in the area.
Description
Overview
Pine Rest Campground is one of a string of campgrounds that dot the Metolius River offering visitors some of the most stunning scenery in central Oregon and easy access to an abundance of recreational activities.
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
Pine Rest Campground is one of our few tent-only facilities so we cannot accommodate RVs or trailers. 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!
This campground is currently open and accessible but is in a level 1 evacuation area due to the Akawa Butte Fire. Camping is still allowed and reservations are still being honored however guests are to be advised smokey conditions may affect air quality.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPine Rest Campground is located in Oregon near Camp Sherman
Directions
From Sisters, OR: Travel 9.6 miles northwest on Highway 20, then 6.1 miles north on Forest Road 14, then 1.5 miles north on Forest Road 1419.
Address
P.O. BOX 249
Sisters, OR 97759
Coordinates
44.4817139 N
121.6382222 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 7/25/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/25/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 7/25/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/25/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 53 min from Bend, OR
- 1 hr 57 min from Albany, OR
- 1 hr 59 min from Eugene, OR
- 2 hrs 19 min from Salem, OR
