Pioneer Ford Campground

Star4.47
145 reviews
PO BOX 249, Sisters, OR, 97759, USA
Scenic ViewsFishing

Quick Facts

3,076 ft

Price

$30 - $32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Peak Season: May 23 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Deschutes National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Pioneer Ford Campground
$30.00 - $32.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric campsites range from $30-$32 per night during the Peak Season (May to September), with an additional $2 for holiday nights....
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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

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Provider
541-323-1746
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What Campers Say

4.47

Recommended

Based on 145 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanspacious

"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."

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Campground Map

PO BOX 249, Sisters, OR, 97759, USA

Pioneer Ford Campground

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.

Best Time to Camp at Pioneer Ford Campground

Experience 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season; shaded sites praised for keeping nights cool even in 90s; popular with reviewers.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Off-peak likely quieter and scenic; autumn enjoyment implied though not widely described.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Early May first-come season; lush river-fed surroundings and strong fishing make spring appealing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Off-season covers much of winter; facilities and activities are limited or not mentioned.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23 - September 27, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Peak Season: May 23 - September 27, 2025; First-Come, First-Serve Season: May 1 - May 21, 2026; Off-Season: September 27, 2025 - May 1, 2026.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may apply during hot, dry weather. Late cancellations and no-shows affect site availability.

About Pioneer Ford 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.
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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.

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.
HikingThe 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.
FishingThe 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 viewingThe 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
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife 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 at Pioneer Ford Campground

Reviews

4.5
145 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
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 145 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...
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Based on 145 reviews

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...
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Based on 145 reviews

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...
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Based on 145 reviews

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...
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Based on 145 reviews

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...
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Based on 145 reviews

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....
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Based on 145 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 145 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews addressing pet policies or experiences from pet owners are available.
Based on 145 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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