Camping in Metolius, OR, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2024

United States
—
Oregon
—
Metolius

97% (1444 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Metolius

Under $50

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96%

(132)

Heart of Sisters

2 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Sisters, OR

In the city limits of Sisters. Just a few block walk to parks and downtown Sisters where tourists get trapped. Good for getting close spots for events like Sisters Folk Festival. Couple blocks from the Buckrun Trail head and 15 min drive to Three Creeks Lake. Firepit, Bbq, and grills available for use and can work out deals with the host for prepared meals. I do social media videos on the food I make and if you own a small business and would like to talk about your business on my live streams or make some quick promo videos then that is something we can discuss. Just message me or bring it up on arrival. You can find my youtube channel at youtube.com/@LearnWithDanaris

100%

(9)

Tumalo Oasis

1 site · RV7 acres · Bend, OR

Small hobby farm outside of Bend with a little group of alpacas and sheep. Small wading pond, sandbox and pleasant sitting area. Five minutes from Tumalo town, which is home to The Bite food carts, Bend Cider, Pisano's Pizza, other food establishments, summer farm stand, a gas station and a convenience store. Short, scenic, back road drive to Bend downtown, 45 minutes to Mt. Bachelor. Just minutes to Tumalo State Park and Tumalo Reservoir. BLM is across the street for hiking, dog-walking and mountain biking. Excellent road biking right out the door on a scenic biking route. View of mountains in the distance on clear days. OK for well-behaved dogs, though note that the driveway is not gated and the property is not entirely fenced. Dogs must be under voice control as we have pets and small kids.

99%

(73)

Big Rock Ranch

2 sites · Lodging30 acres · Terrebonne, OR

Nathaniel and Raina Potter purchased this 30-acre ranch in 2016 and aptly named it "Big Rock Ranch." The modest ranch layout with the wildly immodest views of a giant rock outcropping jutting out of coyote butte was the immediate draw and continual wonder to Nathaniel, Raina, and all who visit. Big Rock Ranch runs cattle in the irrigated pastures and raises sheep and chickens for meat and eggs.Stay at Big Rock Ranch...Stay in a 12x14 ft canvas tent on a working regenerative family farm in the high desert. Enjoy views of a 300+ ft Tuff rock formation, Cascade Mountains, and irrigated pasture views all from the tent. Cook your own meals in the outdoor kitchen, outfitted with propane burners and a sink. Eat meals from the tent deck or the picnic table under native junipers surrounded by sagebrush, bitterbrush, and native grasses and tuff boulders. Collect farm fresh eggs and greens seasonally with the opportunity to enjoy meat raised at the ranch. One queen bed in a canvas tent, one folding cot, and access to a 2-person tent if needed to accommodate a family or two couples. Bedding is NOT supplied beyond the queen bed. Recreation Activities: Limited hiking available onsite but only 8 minutes from Smith Rock State Park for hiking and climbing. Only 25 minutes from Lake Billy Chinook for water recreating. Just 15 minutes from mountain biking at Skull Hollow. A 10-minute drive to swimming in the Deschutes River at Borden Beck Wildlife Preserve. Bend and Sisters are both 30-minutes away. Night rates are offerings to our family and ranch.

B:30 Desert Destination

3 sites · Tents10 acres · Prineville, OR

Enjoy Cascade Mountain views during the day and unlimited stargazing at night. Cook your own meals in the outdoor kitchen, featuring a propane stove and propane BBQ. Camping is situated on 10 acres and just 10 minutes from the Crooked River, Prineville Reservoir and Millican Valley OHV Trail System . A 15 minute drive will take you to a very scenic hike at Chimney Rock Trail. Bend and Prineville are both a 30 minute drive away. The group tent site is on two separate-12' x 14' flat gravel pads and will accommodate tents of all reasonable sizes. The other two separate tent sites are roughly 20'x20' flat gravel pads and will accomodate 2 individual tents if needed. Wood fire bans are in effect year round. We do provide propane fire pits at each site as an alternative. Group site outdoor shower available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Camping under the Stars

5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Culver, OR

We are sharing our property with guests who have good reviews and are invited to the property. Our strict rules about --NO FIRES-- is strictly in effect all summer long. We do provide some outdoor propane firepits which work great for heat and marshmallows !! We love our property close to the lake and the great grasslands, and also love to share it with responsible groups for camping. Please note that we are only sharing our property and that this is not a full-time campground or RV park with any specific layout. There are no services offered, other than a Bathroom which is serviced regularly. Come camp with us, we look forward to hosting you and your friends/family.

12 top campgrounds near Metolius

99%

(73)

Big Rock Ranch

2 sites · Lodging30 acres · Terrebonne, OR

Nathaniel and Raina Potter purchased this 30-acre ranch in 2016 and aptly named it "Big Rock Ranch." The modest ranch layout with the wildly immodest views of a giant rock outcropping jutting out of coyote butte was the immediate draw and continual wonder to Nathaniel, Raina, and all who visit. Big Rock Ranch runs cattle in the irrigated pastures and raises sheep and chickens for meat and eggs.Stay at Big Rock Ranch...Stay in a 12x14 ft canvas tent on a working regenerative family farm in the high desert. Enjoy views of a 300+ ft Tuff rock formation, Cascade Mountains, and irrigated pasture views all from the tent. Cook your own meals in the outdoor kitchen, outfitted with propane burners and a sink. Eat meals from the tent deck or the picnic table under native junipers surrounded by sagebrush, bitterbrush, and native grasses and tuff boulders. Collect farm fresh eggs and greens seasonally with the opportunity to enjoy meat raised at the ranch. One queen bed in a canvas tent, one folding cot, and access to a 2-person tent if needed to accommodate a family or two couples. Bedding is NOT supplied beyond the queen bed. Recreation Activities: Limited hiking available onsite but only 8 minutes from Smith Rock State Park for hiking and climbing. Only 25 minutes from Lake Billy Chinook for water recreating. Just 15 minutes from mountain biking at Skull Hollow. A 10-minute drive to swimming in the Deschutes River at Borden Beck Wildlife Preserve. Bend and Sisters are both 30-minutes away. Night rates are offerings to our family and ranch.

B:30 Desert Destination

3 sites · Tents10 acres · Prineville, OR

Enjoy Cascade Mountain views during the day and unlimited stargazing at night. Cook your own meals in the outdoor kitchen, featuring a propane stove and propane BBQ. Camping is situated on 10 acres and just 10 minutes from the Crooked River, Prineville Reservoir and Millican Valley OHV Trail System . A 15 minute drive will take you to a very scenic hike at Chimney Rock Trail. Bend and Prineville are both a 30 minute drive away. The group tent site is on two separate-12' x 14' flat gravel pads and will accommodate tents of all reasonable sizes. The other two separate tent sites are roughly 20'x20' flat gravel pads and will accomodate 2 individual tents if needed. Wood fire bans are in effect year round. We do provide propane fire pits at each site as an alternative. Group site outdoor shower available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Working Ranch just outside Bend

2 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Bend, OR

Located 9 miles east of Bend our 40 acre ranch is full of open fields and juniper forest. We have cows, chickens, geese and ducks that live on the ranch and you will most likely see them roaming around the fields. The nights are quiet with the exception of frogs and crickets and offer a full night sky without light pollution.

Back Side of Painted Hills Camping

1 site · RV, Tent320 acres · Mitchell, OR

This 320 acre plot of land on which you can hike anywhere has been in our family since 1993. Large, graveled spot for tents or two vehicles with excellent view for miles and miles and night star gazing. Primitive outhouse. Juniper forest with sage brush... basically high desert vegetation. We only allow one reservation per night, although there is lodging (reserved) at the log home almost out of sight up above you. 320 acres to hike and roam. Mitchell is 10 miles away with well stocked grocery and feed store, restaurants, small brewery, and tire shop. We give directions fairly quickly. Road is wide, but steep at top. 4 wheel drive is recommended. Very close to the Painted Hills Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National monument, Ochoco National Forest is seven miles. John Day River for swimming, rafting about 20 minutes. If you can book, it means you can drive on up with out contacting us. As you drive in if at night, you will see a light on the outhouse.

Camping under the Stars

5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Culver, OR

We are sharing our property with guests who have good reviews and are invited to the property. Our strict rules about --NO FIRES-- is strictly in effect all summer long. We do provide some outdoor propane firepits which work great for heat and marshmallows !! We love our property close to the lake and the great grasslands, and also love to share it with responsible groups for camping. Please note that we are only sharing our property and that this is not a full-time campground or RV park with any specific layout. There are no services offered, other than a Bathroom which is serviced regularly. Come camp with us, we look forward to hosting you and your friends/family.

Picnik Place

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Bend, OR

Hi and welcome to Picnik Place! This is a 20 acre farm, so there is plenty of land to roam free and explore, as well as having your privacy from the primary residents. With this spot, you are nestled under a juniper tree with a lava rock backdrop and can watch the sun dip below the volcanos in the distance. This spot is very simple and tucked away. There is an off-grid solar power hook-up that you can use, but it will not be enough power to run the AC and toaster oven at the same time! While feeling remote and removed from the Bend tourism, it only takes 15 minutes to get downtown, where there are ample restaurants, shops, coffehouses, etc. It takes 7 minutes to get to Trader Joe's and Home Depot, and 10 minutes to get to St. Charles Hospital.

100%

(21)

Cascadia Farm Sanctuary

5 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Pronghorn, OR

Learn more about this land: Enjoy a small working hay farm and animal sanctuary outside beautiful Bend, Oregon. We have amazing sunrises, sunsets, and star gazing on this 40-acre property. We have 11 goats and 2 Llamas, and we plan to enlarge our herd this year and take in other unwanted farm animals as needed. Note: This is an adults-only location. No children or dogs are allowed on the property. We have recently added two open-air A-Frames to the two campsites for your enjoyment. Both come with Gas firepits, lofts, and hammocks. We also have a new wood-burning sauna as an added feature and costs $20 per person for the duration of your stay.

Tumalo Oasis

1 site · RV7 acres · Bend, OR

Small hobby farm outside of Bend with a little group of alpacas and sheep. Small wading pond, sandbox and pleasant sitting area. Five minutes from Tumalo town, which is home to The Bite food carts, Bend Cider, Pisano's Pizza, other food establishments, summer farm stand, a gas station and a convenience store. Short, scenic, back road drive to Bend downtown, 45 minutes to Mt. Bachelor. Just minutes to Tumalo State Park and Tumalo Reservoir. BLM is across the street for hiking, dog-walking and mountain biking. Excellent road biking right out the door on a scenic biking route. View of mountains in the distance on clear days. OK for well-behaved dogs, though note that the driveway is not gated and the property is not entirely fenced. Dogs must be under voice control as we have pets and small kids.

95%

(116)

Justesen Ranches

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, TentsTygh Valley, OR

Justesen Ranches is family owned working cattle, wheat and recreation ranch . Our properties are located in the Columbia River Plateau in North Central Oregon. Enjoy wide open spaces, reservoirs for wildlife watching and clear night skies for star gazing. This is a leave no trace, pack it in, pack it out camping area.The property is located in Tygh Valley and is only a few minutes from the general store and the stunning White River Falls State Park. The Deschutes River whitewater rafting hub of Maupin is just a 10 minute drive away. The lodge two hours from Portland and 30 min from The Dalles.

Heart of Sisters

2 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Sisters, OR

In the city limits of Sisters. Just a few block walk to parks and downtown Sisters where tourists get trapped. Good for getting close spots for events like Sisters Folk Festival. Couple blocks from the Buckrun Trail head and 15 min drive to Three Creeks Lake. Firepit, Bbq, and grills available for use and can work out deals with the host for prepared meals. I do social media videos on the food I make and if you own a small business and would like to talk about your business on my live streams or make some quick promo videos then that is something we can discuss. Just message me or bring it up on arrival. You can find my youtube channel at youtube.com/@LearnWithDanaris

97%

(18)

Antelope Market Camping

5 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Antelope, OR

We are located in the heart of Antelope, a rural (near) Ghost town that is rich in history and culture. This particular property is currently being cleaned up and revitalized. We would like to open it up to dry camping only at this time as we are already seeing a huge influx of cyclists and motorcycles in the area and they have no place to camp. This is dry camping only until the facilities are improved. There is porta potty onsite next to the old Rajneesh bath house (Red and white building). In the image any spot that you can find in the near 2 acres of grass highlighted in orange is the designated areas.

83%

(24)

River Oasis Farm

4 sites · Lodging5 acres · Sisters, OR

A 3 acre farm on the Whychus Creek. We grow biodynamic and organic food along with medicinal herbs. We run a botanical skincare and herb business and are happy to share some of our products with our guests. We have had chickens, ducks, geese, pigs, and goats. However, you may or may not see them with the changing seasons. We do have a couple farm dogs around the farm that roam free so bring a leash if you bring your dog.

Dog-friendly getaways

95%

(11)

Camping under the Stars

5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Culver, OR

We are sharing our property with guests who have good reviews and are invited to the property. Our strict rules about --NO FIRES-- is strictly in effect all summer long. We do provide some outdoor propane firepits which work great for heat and marshmallows !! We love our property close to the lake and the great grasslands, and also love to share it with responsible groups for camping. Please note that we are only sharing our property and that this is not a full-time campground or RV park with any specific layout. There are no services offered, other than a Bathroom which is serviced regularly. Come camp with us, we look forward to hosting you and your friends/family.

Picnik Place

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Bend, OR

Hi and welcome to Picnik Place! This is a 20 acre farm, so there is plenty of land to roam free and explore, as well as having your privacy from the primary residents. With this spot, you are nestled under a juniper tree with a lava rock backdrop and can watch the sun dip below the volcanos in the distance. This spot is very simple and tucked away. There is an off-grid solar power hook-up that you can use, but it will not be enough power to run the AC and toaster oven at the same time! While feeling remote and removed from the Bend tourism, it only takes 15 minutes to get downtown, where there are ample restaurants, shops, coffehouses, etc. It takes 7 minutes to get to Trader Joe's and Home Depot, and 10 minutes to get to St. Charles Hospital.

B:30 Desert Destination

3 sites · Tents10 acres · Prineville, OR

Enjoy Cascade Mountain views during the day and unlimited stargazing at night. Cook your own meals in the outdoor kitchen, featuring a propane stove and propane BBQ. Camping is situated on 10 acres and just 10 minutes from the Crooked River, Prineville Reservoir and Millican Valley OHV Trail System . A 15 minute drive will take you to a very scenic hike at Chimney Rock Trail. Bend and Prineville are both a 30 minute drive away. The group tent site is on two separate-12' x 14' flat gravel pads and will accommodate tents of all reasonable sizes. The other two separate tent sites are roughly 20'x20' flat gravel pads and will accomodate 2 individual tents if needed. Wood fire bans are in effect year round. We do provide propane fire pits at each site as an alternative. Group site outdoor shower available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Working Ranch just outside Bend

2 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Bend, OR

Located 9 miles east of Bend our 40 acre ranch is full of open fields and juniper forest. We have cows, chickens, geese and ducks that live on the ranch and you will most likely see them roaming around the fields. The nights are quiet with the exception of frogs and crickets and offer a full night sky without light pollution.

Back Side of Painted Hills Camping

1 site · RV, Tent320 acres · Mitchell, OR

This 320 acre plot of land on which you can hike anywhere has been in our family since 1993. Large, graveled spot for tents or two vehicles with excellent view for miles and miles and night star gazing. Primitive outhouse. Juniper forest with sage brush... basically high desert vegetation. We only allow one reservation per night, although there is lodging (reserved) at the log home almost out of sight up above you. 320 acres to hike and roam. Mitchell is 10 miles away with well stocked grocery and feed store, restaurants, small brewery, and tire shop. We give directions fairly quickly. Road is wide, but steep at top. 4 wheel drive is recommended. Very close to the Painted Hills Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National monument, Ochoco National Forest is seven miles. John Day River for swimming, rafting about 20 minutes. If you can book, it means you can drive on up with out contacting us. As you drive in if at night, you will see a light on the outhouse.

Star Hosts in Metolius

95%

(11)

Camping under the Stars

5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Culver, OR

We are sharing our property with guests who have good reviews and are invited to the property. Our strict rules about --NO FIRES-- is strictly in effect all summer long. We do provide some outdoor propane firepits which work great for heat and marshmallows !! We love our property close to the lake and the great grasslands, and also love to share it with responsible groups for camping. Please note that we are only sharing our property and that this is not a full-time campground or RV park with any specific layout. There are no services offered, other than a Bathroom which is serviced regularly. Come camp with us, we look forward to hosting you and your friends/family.

Back Side of Painted Hills Camping

1 site · RV, Tent320 acres · Mitchell, OR

This 320 acre plot of land on which you can hike anywhere has been in our family since 1993. Large, graveled spot for tents or two vehicles with excellent view for miles and miles and night star gazing. Primitive outhouse. Juniper forest with sage brush... basically high desert vegetation. We only allow one reservation per night, although there is lodging (reserved) at the log home almost out of sight up above you. 320 acres to hike and roam. Mitchell is 10 miles away with well stocked grocery and feed store, restaurants, small brewery, and tire shop. We give directions fairly quickly. Road is wide, but steep at top. 4 wheel drive is recommended. Very close to the Painted Hills Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National monument, Ochoco National Forest is seven miles. John Day River for swimming, rafting about 20 minutes. If you can book, it means you can drive on up with out contacting us. As you drive in if at night, you will see a light on the outhouse.

Big Rock Ranch

2 sites · Lodging30 acres · Terrebonne, OR

Nathaniel and Raina Potter purchased this 30-acre ranch in 2016 and aptly named it "Big Rock Ranch." The modest ranch layout with the wildly immodest views of a giant rock outcropping jutting out of coyote butte was the immediate draw and continual wonder to Nathaniel, Raina, and all who visit. Big Rock Ranch runs cattle in the irrigated pastures and raises sheep and chickens for meat and eggs.Stay at Big Rock Ranch...Stay in a 12x14 ft canvas tent on a working regenerative family farm in the high desert. Enjoy views of a 300+ ft Tuff rock formation, Cascade Mountains, and irrigated pasture views all from the tent. Cook your own meals in the outdoor kitchen, outfitted with propane burners and a sink. Eat meals from the tent deck or the picnic table under native junipers surrounded by sagebrush, bitterbrush, and native grasses and tuff boulders. Collect farm fresh eggs and greens seasonally with the opportunity to enjoy meat raised at the ranch. One queen bed in a canvas tent, one folding cot, and access to a 2-person tent if needed to accommodate a family or two couples. Bedding is NOT supplied beyond the queen bed. Recreation Activities: Limited hiking available onsite but only 8 minutes from Smith Rock State Park for hiking and climbing. Only 25 minutes from Lake Billy Chinook for water recreating. Just 15 minutes from mountain biking at Skull Hollow. A 10-minute drive to swimming in the Deschutes River at Borden Beck Wildlife Preserve. Bend and Sisters are both 30-minutes away. Night rates are offerings to our family and ranch.

B:30 Desert Destination

3 sites · Tents10 acres · Prineville, OR

Enjoy Cascade Mountain views during the day and unlimited stargazing at night. Cook your own meals in the outdoor kitchen, featuring a propane stove and propane BBQ. Camping is situated on 10 acres and just 10 minutes from the Crooked River, Prineville Reservoir and Millican Valley OHV Trail System . A 15 minute drive will take you to a very scenic hike at Chimney Rock Trail. Bend and Prineville are both a 30 minute drive away. The group tent site is on two separate-12' x 14' flat gravel pads and will accommodate tents of all reasonable sizes. The other two separate tent sites are roughly 20'x20' flat gravel pads and will accomodate 2 individual tents if needed. Wood fire bans are in effect year round. We do provide propane fire pits at each site as an alternative. Group site outdoor shower available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Working Ranch just outside Bend

2 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Bend, OR

Located 9 miles east of Bend our 40 acre ranch is full of open fields and juniper forest. We have cows, chickens, geese and ducks that live on the ranch and you will most likely see them roaming around the fields. The nights are quiet with the exception of frogs and crickets and offer a full night sky without light pollution.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

95%

(70)

Deschutes National Forest

Three Rivers, Oregon

Smith Rock and the Crooked River from the Top of Misery Ridge Trail

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(25)

Smith Rock State Park

Terrebonne, Oregon

92%

(185)

Mt. Hood National Forest

Government Camp, Oregon

100%

(4)

Prineville Reservoir State Park

Prineville, Oregon

90%

(41)

Willamette National Forest

Ochoco National Forest

Mitchell, Oregon

Camping near Metolius guide

Overview

Situated between Bend and Madras in Oregon’s high desert, you may find yourself passing through the town of Metolius if you're camping in nearby Cove Palisades State Park or on your way to spots further afield, such as Ochoco National Forest or the Jefferson Wilderness. While the nearby town of Madras offers more in terms of grocery stores and supplies, Metolius has a remarkably large concentration of spots to get engines tended to, with a motorcycle repair shop, an auto repair shop, an RV repair shop, and a small-engine repair shop all within half a mile.

Where to go

Ochoco National Forest

Spread out over nearly a million acres, this national forest offers a wide mix of terrain, from soaring peaks to deep canyons. The forest offers a mix of campgrounds and dispersed camping, and five of the campgrounds here can accommodate horses.

Jefferson Wilderness

The Jefferson Wilderness is among Oregon's most popular backpacking areas and offers 163 trails that weave through the forest and across meadows. Around 40 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail passes through the wilderness.

Warm Springs

Spanning over 1000 miles just northwest of Metolius, the Warm Springs Reservation is run by the Warm Springs, Wasco and Paiute Native American Tribes. You can familiarize yourself with local cultures at the Museum at Warm Springs, take a tour of the Warm Springs National Fish Hatchery, or test your luck at the Indian Head Casino.

When to go

The weather in this part of the state is dryer than in Western Oregon, and camping in the area is pleasant from about mid-April until October, provided you are in lower elevation spots. Higher elevations, conversely, tend to get a lot of snow that may not melt until as late as May or even June. While some campgrounds in the area are open year-round, winter temperatures can drop below freezing. Come prepared.