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Pioneer Ford Campground

Deschutes National Forest, Oregon

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As of October 2026, Pioneer Ford Campground is a campground in Deschutes National Forest, Oregon with 16 campsites. Pioneer Ford Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks Pioneer Ford Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
Pioneer Ford Campground is located at 44.5506° N, 121.6222° W.

people allowed on each site: 6

Pioneer Ford Campground reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Stay and booking rules

Taxes apply
Maximum consecutive stay: 14 consecutive nights
Maximum stay: 28 nights
Minimum stay: 1 consecutive nights

Published by Recreation.gov for Pioneer Ford Campground, read on September 29, 2026.

Campsites at Pioneer Ford Campground

1234671011121314161718

Standard 14
Tent 2

What an RV fits

30 ft5 sites
32 ft2 sites
34 ft2 sites
36 ft1 site
40 ft4 sites

Amenities

restrooms
potable water

At a glance: Setting: Forest.

Things to do: fishing, hiking, biking, wildlife, photography, stargazing, horse riding.

All sites at Pioneer Ford Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the Loop 1 loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps	Max RV
001	Standard	6	36 ft
002	Standard	6	34 ft
003	Standard	6	30 ft
004	Standard	6	34 ft
006	Standard	6	30 ft
007	Standard	6	32 ft
008 Tent Only	Tent	6	-
009 Tent Only	Tent	6	-
010	Standard	6	30 ft
011	Standard	6	40 ft
012	Standard	6	40 ft
013	Standard	6	30 ft
014	Standard	6	40 ft
016	Standard	6	32 ft
017	Standard	6	40 ft
018	Standard	6	30 ft

About Pioneer Ford Campground

Overview

Pioneer Ford is one of the most popular of the campgrounds in the area since many of the sites are well suited to RVs and most of the sites are mostly private, shaded amongst a mixture of pine and cedar trees. As you travel north away from the first in a series of Metolius-area campgrounds and Camp Sherman, the facilities become more and more isolated which is why Pioneer Ford can be so quiet. Located on the Metolius River, this campground provides access to fishing and hiking trails.

Recreation

Hiking and fishing top the list of recreational activities for visitors.

For anglers, the spring-fed Metolius River offers a stunning setting for fly-fishing. Its clear, cold water supports rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout and kokanee salmon.

For day hikers and backpackers, the area offers a wide variety of scenic terrain, ranging from riverside trails to routes in subalpine forests.

Facilities

With 20 campsites Pioneer Ford Campground is well-suited to trailers, tents or RVs with its mix of back-in and pull-through sites. Many sites are right along the Metolius River and site 8 also has an adjacent picnic shelter. This facility has vault toilets as well as drinking water available. Each site is equipped with a fire ring and picnic table.

Natural Features

The headwaters of the river are at Metolius Springs at the base of Black Butte, a 3,076-foot cinder cone. The clear, cold river flows north from the springs through diverse coniferous forest and a landscape of volcanic activity.

The area provides habitat for mammals such as mule deer, coyote and cougar. Migratory birds and native fish also call the area home.

Nearby Attractions

The Metolius-Windigo Trail, open to hikers, bikers and horses, is more than 100 miles in length, and begins near the Metolius River headwaters west of the town of Sisters, Oregon. The trail was created in the 1980s primarily to serve long-distance horse riders seeking an alternative to the Pacific Crest Trail.

Lava Lands Visitor Center in Bend, Oregon, offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits.

Charges & Cancellations

Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

Rules and notices at Pioneer Ford Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check Pioneer Ford Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Prevent the spread of invasive species by inspecting and cleaning packs, equipment and tires before using lake or trails.

Please Note: One RV with tow vehicle per single site or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites can accommodate 1 extra vehicle that is not included with the reservation fee. Extra vehicle will be charged a per night fee and collected at the 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.

During your time in Central Oregon, you can find wildfire, prescribed fire and smoke information at centraloregonfire.org

Reserved Sites will be held until check out time (NOON) the day following your arrival date. Sites must be occupied by the checkout time of that following day to hold a reservation or the site will be forfeited and released to other guests.

Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).

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. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Click here for more information about the Deschutes National Forest

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. ‘Location’ means the occupied area, the occupied campsite, and the National Forest System lands in the immediate vicinity thereof. Camping or occupying any location on all National Forest lands for more than 28 calendar days total during a calendar year is prohibited.

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.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Pioneer Ford Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Pioneer Ford Campground?

Pioneer Ford Campground is rated "Moderate to Book" based on historical demand. With 16 sites available, you have good chances of finding availability, especially on weekdays.

How do I find last-minute availability at Pioneer Ford Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Pioneer Ford Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Pioneer Ford Campground have?

Pioneer Ford Campground has 16 campsites.