Map showing campground location near Camp Sherman, Oregon

Camper submitted image from Pioneer Ford Campground

Pioneer Ford Campground

Within Deschutes National Forest, Pioneer Ford Campground sits along the Metolius River, offering 20 sites accessible by both vehicle and boat. The US Forest Service facility operates from May through September, with sites ranging from $30-34 per night and accommodating RVs up to 40 feet.

The campground stretches along both sides of the access road next to the river, with tent-only and RV-friendly sites available. Several sites provide direct river access, particularly beneficial for fly fishing enthusiasts targeting rainbow, bull trout, cutthroat, and kokanee salmon. Derek N. notes that sites 8 and 9 were "seconds away from the edge of Metolius river," though RV sites lack this immediate water access. The campground connects to the Metolius River Trail system, allowing hikers to explore upstream and downstream routes on both sides of the water.

Cell service remains unavailable throughout the campground, though brief patches appear about 10 minutes away on access roads. Campers should plan accordingly for water needs, as no potable water is available on-site - the nearest fill-up location is Camp Sherman store. The facility includes vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, with firewood sometimes available through the camp host. For additional camping options, visitors can explore campgrounds near Camp Sherman or nearby Lower Bridge Campground just half a mile north.

Description

Overview

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.

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.

Facilities

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.

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.

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.

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Map & DirectionsPioneer Ford Campground is located in Oregon near Camp Sherman

Public Campground

Directions

From Sisters, OR: Travel 9.6 miles northwest on Highway 20, then 12.6 miles north on Forest Road 14.

Address

PO BOX 249
Sisters, OR 97759

Coordinates

44.5505556 N
121.6222222 W

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Connectivity

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Last on 5/11/26
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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Make reservation

Drive Time

1 hr 5 min from Bend, OR
2 hrs 9 min from Albany, OR
2 hrs 11 min from Eugene, OR
2 hrs 31 min from Salem, OR

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Pioneer Ford Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

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1 Star

4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned spacious sites with excellent river access and peaceful surroundings along the Metolius. Several visitors reported significant utility limitations including no potable water, hookups, or dump stations on-site.

Stacy L.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 15, 2024

Great campground on the river

This site is awesome! Super easy to get to from sisters/camp Sherman. Camped at site 9 and there was super easy river access directly from the site. Also a connection to the metolius river trail, going both directions on both side of the river. Lots of swimming/fishing spots. Soooo peaceful.

Site9

Month of VisitJune

Todd J.

Guide

Reviewed May. 7, 2024

Gorgeous area, spots aren't too crowded.

For a campground with RVs present, this one offers a great feeling of seclusion and quiet. The river is so fun to have right there, and some nice trails are present.

Site013, Loop 1

Month of VisitJuly

(4) View All

Derek N.

Legend

Reviewed Jun. 20, 2022

Spacious Campgrounds right on the Metolius River

I went here with a group of 5 families, all with kids 4 years old and under. The campsites were spacious with plenty of room for the kids to run around and play. We reserved 4 of the 20 sites, 2 sites were tent only and 2 were for RVS. I stayed on Site 9 and 8, and they were seconds away from the edge of Metolius river. The 2 RV sites did not have direct access to the river.

No one in our group had any cell service. About a 10min drive away from the campgrounds, on the access roads, you can find cell service appear in brief patches.

My family really enjoyed exploring the area and hanging out with friends we hadn't seen in a while. We also took a day trip to Scout Lake nearby, which was accessible for our younger kids to get some time in the water.

SiteSite 9

Month of VisitJuly

(4) View All

Bill T.

Ranger

Reviewed Jun. 3, 2022

quiet streamside retreat

We had a wonderful, restful time at this campground in early June, 2022. There are plenty of reviews to back this up, I just wanted to add some important information for planning purposes.

There is not water at this campground or any of the others along the Metolius River. The only place you can fill up on potable water is at the Camp Sherman store. I don't know how long their goodness with last, so I strongly suggest filling up at home before you come. You might be able to fill a few jugs at the Fish Hatchery, but you cannot run a hose to your RV.

There are also no dump stations. The nearest dump station is in Sisters at the municipal Creekside Campground (see my review of the site) on the east end of town. The dump is $10, very clean and good drainage with a hose connection to non-potable water for black tank flushing.

Note, they will not sell or allow you to fill up with potable water at Creekside CG due to abuses in the past.

Finally, there is absolutely no cell service on Verizon or any other. However, at the top of the hill, on a well used turnout, just south/west of the turn off to Gorge CG, you can get a good signal.

Site18

Month of VisitJune

Pat S.

Ranger

Reviewed May. 28, 2019

Right on the Metolius River

This CG, like most on the Metolius is a hikers or fly fisherman's dream. The CG has twenty sites along both sides of the CG road next to the river. There are two vault toilets both with M/W. There is also water spigots located along the road. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. You can make reservations on recreation.com. There are also walk up sites too. However it might be tough on the weekends or during the summer to score a site. All the CG's along the Metolius are pretty popular. Stay away from site 7, its too close to the northern vault toilet. The CG can support RV's, trailers, and tent camping. I didn't see any hook-ups for power, and there is no dump station.

The CG gives you immediate access to the river. You can hike the various trails leading up or down the river. The Wizard Falls fish hatchery is less than 3 miles away and is worth the trip. The Metolius is supposed to be tricky for fly fishing (the only kind of fishing you can do) but if you do a little scouting you will find a good spot. Most of the CG's were teeming with fly fisherman. You'll find rainbows, bull trout, cut throat, and Kokanee to test your skills.

Make sure you bring everything you need. We brought wood and it was a good thing, the camp host was sold out.

SiteSeven

Month of VisitMay

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Pioneer Ford Campground?

Pioneer Ford Campground offers basic facilities with 20 campsites arranged along the road next to the Metolius River. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. There are two vault toilets (men's and women's) available in the campground. Important note: despite some outdated information, there is NO water available at this campground or others along the Metolius River. Campers should bring all the water they'll need for their stay. The campground accommodates both tents and RVs, with some sites designated specifically for each type of camping.

Where is Pioneer Ford Campground located and how do I get there?

Pioneer Ford Campground is located along the scenic Metolius River near Sisters and Camp Sherman in Oregon. The campground is easily accessible from these nearby towns, with good road access making it a straightforward drive. Its riverside location makes it popular with hikers and fly fishermen. For specific directions, contact the campground management or check with the Forest Service office that oversees the area.

What does Pioneer Ford Campground look like?

Pioneer Ford Campground features a natural, secluded setting along the beautiful Metolius River. The 20 campsites are arranged on both sides of the campground road, with many sites offering direct river access. The campground maintains a peaceful atmosphere even with RVs present. Spacious sites provide plenty of room for families, with ample play space for children. The surrounding area offers scenic river views, swimming spots, and access to the Metolius River Trail which runs along both sides of the river. The natural environment creates a tranquil, outdoorsy experience perfect for those seeking a connection with nature.

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