Allingham Campground
4.5035 reviewsAllingham Campground
$28.00 - $28.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$28.00
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
Daily rate for standard non-electric campsites during the peak season is $28, with an additional $2 fee on holidays. Discounts, taxes, or incremental charges are not reflected.
About this campground
Escape to Allingham Campground, where the pristine waters of the upper Metolius River create a soundtrack for your wilderness retreat. This intimate Forest Service campground offers a back-to-basics camping experience with essential amenities including vault toilets, fresh drinking water, sturdy picnic tables, and fire pits complete with grills for evening cookouts. While you won't find electric or water hookups here, what you will discover is something far more valuable: a peaceful sanctuary where fly fishermen cast their lines at dawn, hikers disappear into forest trails, and nature lovers find their perfect basecamp for adventure.
Allingham Campground accommodates a range of camping preferences, including tent and RV camping. Group camping and cabin accommodations are not supported.
Historical SignificanceStep onto the historic Metolius-Windigo Trail and you're following a path carved through wilderness in the 1980s, when visionary trail builders created this scenic alternative to the famous Pacific Crest Trail. Beginning near the mystical headwaters of the Metolius River, where crystal-clear water springs forth from the earth as if by magic, this trail connects modern adventurers to decades of outdoor heritage and the timeless spirit of Central Oregon exploration.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings ideal camping conditions to Allingham, with warm, dry days perfect for river activities and cool nights made for campfire stories. The minimal mosquito presence means you can enjoy evening gatherings without the usual buzzing interruptions. As autumn arrives, crisp air signals the changing seasons, while winter transforms the landscape into a quieter wonderland where snow dust decorates the pines and hardy adventurers enjoy the solitude of cold-weather camping.
ElevationThe campground's mountain setting provides a refreshing escape from lower elevations, though specific altitude details await your personal discovery.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where ancient volcanic forces meet the life-giving waters of the spring-fed Metolius River. Towering ponderosa pines, fragrant Douglas firs, and other conifers create a living cathedral overhead, while the river's impossibly clear waters reveal darting native trout below. Keep your eyes peeled for mule deer grazing in meadow clearings, listen for the haunting call of coyotes at dusk, and watch overhead as migratory birds follow ancient flyways. This is where the raw beauty of Central Oregon's volcanic heritage creates an unforgettable backdrop for your camping adventure.
Geological RegionAllingham Campground sits in the shadow of geological giants, where the dramatic silhouette of Black Butte - a perfectly formed 3,076-foot cinder cone - dominates the horizon. Near the mysterious Metolius Springs, where underground rivers burst forth from volcanic rock, you'll camp in a landscape shaped by fire and time. This diverse coniferous forest thrives in volcanic soils, creating a unique ecosystem where ancient geological forces continue to influence the stunning natural beauty that surrounds your campsite.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described by users as good-sized, though some noted that they can be 'too close together.' Specific sizes are not provided.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary. While some users appreciated the 'privacy in site,' others mentioned that overgrown trails forced hikers into campsites, reducing privacy.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the river, such as #4 and #8, offer excellent views and access to trails. Site #10 is noted for its tranquility and proximity to bicycling routes.
Best CampsitesHighly rated sites include #4, #6, #7, and #8 for proximity to the river and scenic views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Reserved sites must be occupied by noon the following day after the scheduled arrival date.
Check-out
Check-out time is noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
One RV with a tow vehicle per single site or one vehicle per tent site. Sites accommodate one extra vehicle for an additional per-night fee.
Groups
Group sites are not available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground has a single loop layout with 10 sites, some near the river and others closer to forested areas.
Open and Closed SeasonOpens May 23, 2025, and closes October 12, 2025. First-come, first-served season runs May 1, 2026, to May 21, 2026.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov website and contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served season from May 1, 2026 - May 21, 2026. Reserved sites are held until noon the day after the arrival date before opening to walk-up visitors.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations may be made before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee and the forfeiture of the first night's fee apply if canceled within one calendar day before check-in. Late cancellations after this timeframe incur penalties.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Hiking and fishing are emphasized as the top recreational activities at Allingham Campground. The Metolius River provides opportunities for fly-fishing, while the surrounding trails cater to hikers and backpackers. Visitors can explore riverside paths and subalpine forest trails. User reviews frequently mention great hiking opportunities, proximity to the river, and wildlife viewing.
Hiking
The area offers diverse hiking opportunities, including riverside trails and routes through subalpine forests. One review described it as 'great hiking along the river,' and another highlighted a 'riverside hiking path' that connects to Camp Sherman.Fishing
Fly-fishing is a major attraction at the Metolius River, which supports rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout, and kokanee salmon. No specific user reviews about fishing were found, but the authoritative source describes it as 'a stunning setting for fly-fishing.'Biking
The Metolius-Windigo Trail offers biking opportunities, though no detailed descriptions of trail conditions are provided. User reviews briefly note 'lots of bicycling at our doorstep.'Wildlife viewing
The area hosts a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, coyotes, cougars, and migratory birds. Butterflies are also prevalent, as noted by a user review: 'Butterflies were everywhere!'Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire rings with grills are provided at each site. Fire restrictions may apply during hot, dry conditions.
- Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife such as cougar and coyote, as well as narrow access roads. Drivers should be cautious of butterflies and other insects during warmer months.
Active alertsNo current alerts are reported, but campers are advised to monitor fire and smoke conditions at centraloregonfire.org.
Weather forecast
67
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 52%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 0.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Mainly clear
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
Nearest emergency services are in Sisters, Oregon, approximately 16 miles or 25 minutes away, including medical care and police services.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - October 12, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available on-site, but no specific details about recycling facilities or schedules are provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to the Metolius River, offering direct water access for fishing and enjoying scenic views.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include trail encroachment onto campsites, reserved sites left unoccupied, and unpleasant odors from vault toilets.
HostCamp hosts are frequently praised for their friendly and helpful demeanor and for maintaining clean facilities.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Sisters, OR: Travel 9.6 miles northwest on Highway 20, then 6.1 miles north on Forest Road 14, then 1 mile north on Road 1419.
The approach includes paved roads until the turn onto Forest Road 14 and Road 1419, which may be narrow or less maintained.Nearby places
Sisters, Oregon (approximately 16 miles or 25 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Camp Sherman General Store is within walking distance along the river trail. Additional supplies are available in Sisters, Oregon.
Camper Reviews
4.5
35 reviews
Allingham Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is generally well-regarded, with an average sentiment rating of 4.4. Common themes include the cleanliness of the facilities, the beauty of the Metolius River, and the friendliness of the camp host. Some users reported issues with campsite spacing, privacy, and reservation management.
Review Summaries
Based on 35 reviews
What Campers Love
- Beautiful location by the river, with 'crystal clear water running through the gentle rapids.' - Clean and well-maintained facilities. - Friendly and helpful camp hosts. - Excellent hiking and...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- Campsites are 'too close together' for some. - Trails require better maintenance to avoid hikers walking through campsites. - Issues with reservation management, such as unoccupied reserved sites....
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
- Arrive early to secure your site if visiting during the first-come, first-served season. - Bring your own firewood to prevent the spread of invasive species. - Be considerate and cancel...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer months are popular for camping due to dry weather, though vault toilet odors can be a drawback during this time. Bugs like mosquitoes are rare, as noted in several reviews.
Based on 35 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Listening to the crystal clear water running through the gentle rapids in the still of the forest is heaven on earth.' 2. 'The hiking trail goes right by the campsites but not a problem at all.'...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific details include user mentions of site numbers 003, 004, 007, 008, and 009. - Campsite 003: 'Had to resolve reservation issues, but the host was helpful.' - Campsite 008: 'Lovely site by...
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Accessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews are available.
Based on 35 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews on pet policies or experiences were found.
Based on 35 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025