How much does camping cost at Lower Bridge Campground?

Camping fees at Lower Bridge Campground range from $27-$29/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Lower Bridge Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Lower Bridge Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Lower Bridge Campground before I book?

Yes! Lower Bridge Campground has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Lower Bridge Campground?

Lower Bridge Campground is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Lower Bridge Campground?

Lower Bridge Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Lower Bridge Campground have?

Lower Bridge Campground has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lower Bridge Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Lower Bridge Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Lower Bridge Campground?

Lower Bridge Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Lower Bridge Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Lower Bridge Campground?

Fire policies at Lower Bridge Campground: Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.34

118 reviews

P.O. BOX 249, SISTERS, OR, 97759, USA

Scenic Views

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,730 ft

Price

$27 - $29/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Octob...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Deschutes National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,730 ft

Price

$27 - $29/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open May 23 to Octob...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Deschutes National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Lower Bridge Campground

$27.00 - $29.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $27.00 (+$2.00 holiday). Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-323-1746Jen@Hoodoo.com

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Lower Bridge Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

P.O. BOX 249, SISTERS, OR, 97759, USA

Lower Bridge Campground

P.O. BOX 249, SISTERS, OR, 97759, USA

Nearby places

Sisters (9.6 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Bend (approximately 40 miles, about 1 hour)

Weather at Lower Bridge Campground

Current alerts(9)

Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive calendar days is prohibited.
Click here for more information about Deschutes National Forest Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests.
During your time in Central Oregon, you can find wildfire, prescribed fire and smoke information at centraloregonfire.org
NO generator use is allowed in campgrounds between 10:00PM and 7:00AM (36 CFR 261.10). Silent power banks or battery powered devices are allowed.

Best Time to Camp at Lower Bridge Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of warm, dry days (typically 75–85°F) and cool nights (40–50°F), making riverside camping comfortable and accessible. Trail hiking, biking, and early-morning fly fishing on the crystal-clear, cold Metolius are at their peak, and all campground services and reservation-driven loops are open (May 23–Oct 18). Expect higher weekend and holiday crowds in July–August, so reserve early if you want a riverside site. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Quieter, cooler; good hiking and fishing though some services shift to first‑come.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23 to October 18 for reservations; October 19 to May 21 is first-come first-serve.

About Lower Bridge Campground

Lower Bridge Campground sits along the Metolius River in Deschutes National Forest, a short drive from Sisters. Managed by the Forest Service, this small riverside campground draws anglers and hikers seeking access to cold, clear water and forested trails. Sites are shaded and spacious, though underbrush is sparse.

The campground supports a variety of camping styles, including tent and RV camping. It is designed to offer a natural and off-grid experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of warm, dry days (typically 75–85°F) and cool nights (40–50°F), making riverside camping comfortable and accessible. Trail hiking, biking, and early-morning fly fishing on the crystal-clear, cold Metolius are at their peak, and all campground services and reservation-driven loops are open (May 23–Oct 18). Expect higher weekend and holiday crowds in July–August, so reserve early if you want a riverside site. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation2730 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Metolius River runs cold and clear past camp, fed by springs at the base of Black Butte. Ponderosa pines and incense cedars shade most sites, but underbrush is sparse, which affects privacy between neighbors. The surrounding forest climbs toward volcanic formations typical of central Oregon's Cascade foothills. Water clarity makes the river popular with fly fishers targeting trout.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not include hotel-style accommodations. It is designed for RV, trailer, and tent camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights per visit and 28 total nights per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One RV with tow vehicle per site, or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites accommodate one additional vehicle at an extra fee.

Groups

No data on specific group camping facilities.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov website, app, or contact center.

AccessibilityThere is no specific data provided on accessibility features for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and well-shaded by trees, but some reviews noted challenges with leveling areas for RVs and campers.

PrivacyReviews highlight that campsites are well-spaced, offering adequate privacy. However, some users noted "no underbrush, so little privacy between campsites" (review by Bruce A, 2021).

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose riverside sites for views and shade. Bring leveling blocks for RVs due to uneven terrain. Site 01 is scenic but challenging for trailers.

Best CampsitesSite 10 gets mentioned for river proximity. Site 01 has good views but runs narrow for larger rigs. Reviewers recommend bringing leveling blocks since several sites have uneven pads.

Need help booking Lower Bridge Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Lower Bridge Campground offers a serene camping experience along the Metolius River, surrounded by towering ponderosa pines and incense cedars. The campground is suitable for tent, RV, and trailer camping. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings with grills, vault toilets, and potable water spigots. Note that there are no electrical or water hookups available. The campground is frequently described as clean and well-maintained, though some users reported occasional issues with water availability and trash management.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Lower Bridge Campground offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The scenic Metolius River enhances the experience, providing opportunities for fly fishing and riverside trails.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at the campground. Vault toilets are provided.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.

Trash & RecyclingThere are trash disposal facilities available, but some complaints have been recorded about overfilled trash cans, leading to litter issues. "Trash was strewn all over the ground where squirrels were carrying it off," (review by JL F, 2022).

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Lower Bridge Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.3

118 reviews

Recommended

Lower Bridge Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for Lower Bridge Campground are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the serene environment, proximity to the Metolius River, and natural beauty. However, some concerns were raised about water spigot availability, trash management, and the reservation system.

Review Summaries

Based on 118 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 118 reviews.

Site 03Loved
Site 03: "Beautiful campground, quiet and clean." (Diane Blais M, 2022).
Site 10Loved
Site 10: "Great site, but pit toilets were pretty ripe." (Robert T, 2021).
Site 01Issues noted
Site 01: "Very narrow, tight for a camper/RV/trailer." (Russell H, 2023).

What Campers Love

The campground is frequently praised as "stunning" and "serene," with many users appreciating the spacious, shaded sites and proximity to the river. The fly fishing and hiking opportunities also...

Based on 118 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users report issues with water availability, particularly during certain seasons, while others mention overfilled trash cans and occasional campsite privacy concerns. The reservation system is...

Based on 118 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring leveling blocks for RVs or trailers as some sites are uneven. Check the water spigot availability ahead of time. Consider visiting during shoulder seasons for reduced crowds and a quieter...

Based on 118 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the campground is busiest during summer, with quieter and cooler conditions in spring and autumn. Some complaints about water spigots and trash management are more frequent in peak...

Based on 118 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Absolutely stunning site and location! Love all the hiking up and down the Metolius." (Angela W, 2022). "The campsite is situated in a serene location with crystal-clear water, stunning views."...

Based on 118 reviews