Pioneer Ford Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens May 2, 2025 and operates through September 28, 2025. Reservations available via Recreation.gov. Water system typically turned on in May depending on weather conditions.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order.
West Bend Area Trail Closures
We are restoring the forest adjacent to the City of Bend to improve forest health, create a diversity of plant and wildlife habitat and to protect our communities and quality of life.
Deschutes 14-Day Camping Order
Deschutes 14-Day Camping Order (Effective November 14, 2024, Order #06-01-25-01)Describes the prohibition of camping or otherwise occupying a single location for a period longer than 14 consecutive c
Wilderness Permit, Camping & Fire Restrictions Order
Wilderness Permit, Camping, and Fire Restrictions Order (Effective May 1, 2024, Order #06-01-24-01)Describes the special restrictions and prohibitions for Wilderness areas on the Deschutes and Willamette Natio
Blue-Green Algae Information
The Deschutes National Forest encourages people recreating on the national forest to be aware of potential blue-green algae blooms on lakes and reservoirs as the weather warms. Not all algae in lakes and reservoirs is blue-green algae.
Recreating in the Cedar Creek Fire Burned Area
Please use caution when recreating in areas that were impacted by the 2022 Cedar Creek Fire. A burned landscape presents a number of safety hazards that either did not exist prior to the fire or have been exacerbated by the effects of the fire.
Camping & Campfire Forest Order
Camping and Campfire Forest Order (Effective April 6, 2021, Order #06-01-21-01)Describes where camping and campfires are prohibited on the Deschutes National Forest.This Order becomes effect
Cave Resource Protection Forest Order
Cave Resource Protection Forest Order (Effective April 1, 2021 Order #06-01-21-02)Describes the prohibitions for entering or exploring caves or areas near caves on the Deschutes National Forest.This O
About
Pioneer Ford Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds along the Metolius River, valued for its relatively isolated and private campsites shaded among a mixture of pine and cedar trees. Located in the Deschutes National Forest about six miles north of Camp Sherman, the campground offers 20 sites including both back-in and pull-through options that accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Many sites are positioned directly along the river, with site 8 featuring an adjacent picnic shelter. The spring-fed Metolius River provides a stunning setting for fly-fishing in its clear, cold waters, which support healthy populations of rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout and kokanee salmon. The river originates at Metolius Springs at the base of Black Butte and flows north through diverse coniferous forest shaped by volcanic activity. The area offers excellent hiking opportunities, from riverside trails to routes through subalpine forests, and serves as the northern terminus of the Metolius-Windigo Trail. The surrounding landscape provides habitat for mule deer, coyote, cougar, migratory birds and native fish. As you travel north from the series of Metolius-area campgrounds, the facilities become increasingly isolated, making Pioneer Ford particularly quiet and peaceful despite its popularity. The campground provides vault toilets and drinking water via hand pump during the operating season.
Directions
From Sisters, Oregon: Travel 9.6 miles northwest on Highway 20, then 12.6 miles north on Forest Road 14.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $30 - $32 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 549-7700 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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