Pioneer Ford Campground
4.4974 reviewsPO BOX 249, Sisters, OR, 97759, USA
Pioneer Ford Campground
$30.00 - $32.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard Nonelectric campsites range from $30-$32 per night during the Peak Season (May to September), with an additional $2 for holiday nights. Tent-only Nonelectric sites are also priced at $30-$32 per night.
About this campground
Escape to Pioneer Ford Campground, where towering pines and ancient cedars create a natural cathedral of shade along the pristine Metolius River. This beloved riverside retreat beckons anglers with world-class fishing opportunities and adventurers with miles of scenic trails winding through old-growth forests. Whether you're casting a line at dawn or exploring hidden paths through the wilderness, Pioneer Ford offers the perfect basecamp for your Central Oregon adventure.
Pioneer Ford Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent, trailer, and RV camping. It also features tent-only sites and sites suitable for larger vehicles.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape rich with stories of exploration and adventure. The campground serves as a gateway to the historic Metolius-Windigo Trail, carved through the wilderness in the 1980s to offer equestrians a spectacular alternative to the Pacific Crest Trail. Just a short drive away, the fascinating Lava Lands Visitor Center unveils the dramatic volcanic forces that sculpted this remarkable region, where ancient eruptions created the unique ecosystem you'll explore today.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal tapestry of the Cascade foothills, where summer days bask in sunshine with temperatures climbing into the 90s before cooling to crisp, star-filled nights in the 50s. While these warm months invite outdoor exploration, they also awaken the local mosquito population, so come prepared. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland with moderate snowfall and refreshing rains, though some periods bring surprisingly cold, crystal-clear conditions that reveal stunning mountain vistas.
ElevationPerched at 3,076 feet above sea level in the shadow of the majestic Black Butte, Pioneer Ford offers the perfect balance of mountain atmosphere and accessible adventure. This moderate elevation provides cooler temperatures than the valley below while remaining comfortable for visitors of all ages and activity levels.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where crystal-clear springs feed the legendary Metolius River, creating an oasis of life beneath towering conifers. This volcanic wonderland, sculpted by ancient lava flows and cinder cones, supports a thriving ecosystem where lucky visitors might glimpse graceful mule deer at dawn, hear coyotes calling under moonlight, or spot the silent shadow of a cougar moving through the forest. Overhead, migratory birds paint the sky with their seasonal journeys, adding their songs to the river's eternal melody.
Geological RegionDiscover the geological wonders of Deschutes National Forest, where Pioneer Ford Campground rests along the spring-fed Metolius River—one of Oregon's most remarkable waterways. This extraordinary landscape showcases nature's volcanic artistry, from the diverse coniferous forests that blanket ancient lava flows to the imposing Black Butte cinder cone that rises 3,076 feet into the sky. Here, millennia of volcanic activity have created a unique ecosystem where pure mountain springs emerge mysteriously from the earth, feeding a river renowned for its clarity and abundant wildlife.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were described.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as spacious, with some large enough to accommodate RVs or trailers. Reviews mention 'large, lovely sites.'
Sites PrivacyReviews highlight variability in privacy levels. Some sites are described as 'fairly private,' while others offer 'very little privacy.' Riverside sites generally seem to provide better seclusion.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites along the river for better views but note that not all river-adjacent sites have direct access. Site 9 works well for tent camping.
Best CampsitesSite 8 is highlighted for its picnic shelter. Sites 5 and 9 are praised for privacy and riverside locations.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at noon.
Check-out
Check-out is by noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay rules include 14 consecutive nights per visit and 28 nights total per calendar year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No explicit guest limit mentioned per site in the authoritative sources.
Groups
No designated group sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutA single loop with 20 sites, including a mix of back-in and pull-through configurations. Some sites are tent-only.
Open and Closed SeasonPeak Season: May 23 - September 27, 2025; First-Come, First-Serve Season: May 1 - May 21, 2026; Off-Season: September 27, 2025 - May 1, 2026.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or its mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityDuring First-Come, First-Served season (May 1 - May 21, 2026).
Cancellation PolicyStandard cancellation fee is $10. Late cancellations result in forfeiting the first night fee. No modifications allowed after the reservation start date.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Pioneer Ford Campground is a hub for outdoor activities, particularly hiking and fly-fishing. The area offers scenic riverside trails and routes through subalpine forests.
Hiking
The campground provides easy access to hiking trails, including routes along the Metolius River and through diverse coniferous forests. A user recommended the trail leading to Candle Creek Campground for its beauty.Fishing
The Metolius River is a prime location for fly-fishing, supporting species like rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout, and kokanee salmon. Anglers describe the setting as 'stunning' and well-suited for fishing.Wildlife viewing
The campground provides opportunities to observe diverse wildlife, including mule deer, coyote, cougar, and a variety of migratory birds and native fish. One user recounted a memorable sighting of a weasel chasing a chipmunk.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
No information about non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding is provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. Campfires are allowed at designated areas unless otherwise specified.
- Quiet hours are No generator use between 10 PM and 7 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife such as cougars may pose risks. The Metolius River has swift currents that may be dangerous for small children or swimming.
Active alertsFire restrictions may apply during hot, dry weather. Late cancellations and no-shows affect site availability.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Sisters Fire Department (approx. 22 miles, 30 minutes). No explicit mention of hospitals or ranger stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - September 27, 2025.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information on trash and recycling facilities is available.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located alongside the Metolius River. While scenic, the river's currents are unsuitable for swimming but provide excellent fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints about vault toilet maintenance ('strong odor') and no potable water availability during certain seasons.
HostMixed reviews for the hosts. Positive mentions include 'helpful and friendly.' However, there are criticisms of hosts failing to address reservation issues or enforce rules during fire warnings.
Campground Map
PO BOX 249, Sisters, OR, 97759, USA
Driving directionsFrom Sisters, OR: Travel 9.6 miles northwest on Highway 20, then 12.6 miles north on Forest Road 14.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, and its location off Forest Road 14 provides easy access for trailers, RVs, and cars. Seasonal closures or inaccessible terrain are not mentioned.Nearby places
Sisters (approx. 22.2 miles, 30 minutes), Bend (approx. 40 miles, 1 hour), Redmond (approx. 34 miles, 50 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Camp Sherman Store (approx. 10 miles)
general supplies, deli sandwiches, and essentials are available here. Larger stores are likely in Sisters or Bend.
Camper Reviews
4.5
74 reviews
Pioneer Ford Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Pioneer Ford Campground highlight its scenic setting, the proximity of campsites to the Metolius River, and the availability of hiking and fishing opportunities. The campground is often described as peaceful and well-maintained, though some visitors noted issues with vault toilet maintenance and water availability during certain periods.
Review Summaries
Based on 74 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the campground for its beautiful and quiet setting, availability of clean water (when functional), spacious sites, and excellent hiking trails. Several reviews emphasized the serene...
Based on 74 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common issues include the infrequent maintenance of vault toilets, leading to unpleasant odors, and occasional lapses in water availability. Some visitors also mentioned poor management by the camp...
Based on 74 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Future visitors are advised to bring their own water as the water system was reported to be down during some stays. Campers should inspect reservation signs to avoid confusion. The trail to Candle...
Based on 74 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that summer is the most popular time to visit, with high praise for the shaded sites and cool nighttime temperatures, even when daytime highs reach the 90s. However, the season also...
Based on 74 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'It's easy to see why reservations are a must for a summer weekend spot.' (Matt Faber) 2. 'Very nice campground.' (James Cupp) 3. 'Great camping spots along the river with plenty of space between...
Based on 74 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
1. Site 8: Described as having an adjacent picnic shelter. 2. Site 9: Tent-only site with a beautiful riverside setting. 3. Site 2: Riverside site frequently noted for its spaciousness and privacy....
Based on 74 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 74 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews addressing pet policies or experiences from pet owners are available.
Based on 74 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025