Camping near Metolius

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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.

96% (2.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Sage Ridge

1. Sage Ridge

100%
(139)
45mi from Metolius · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Bend, OR
Our unique location is close to Bend city limits and right next to Horse Ridge Mountain Biking Trails. BLM land surrounds the area, and is even accessible from the upper part of our property. Come out and enjoy the high desert and expore the juniper forest. We have tent camping sites and one tipi. We are currently in the process of still building out our glamping pods. However in the mean time you can currently book a stay at thoses sites for tent camping. The tent sites offer a comfortable setting for your tent in the sandy dirt. Each site includes a picnic table and a fire pit. We have a small community area! There you will find a mini outdoor kitchen with a blackstone and a bbq. (We have no water on-site) This is also where the trash bins are located. There is also a basketball hoop, yoga deck, and pull up /hanging bars. Next to the community area is where you will also find the bathroom, which is a clean porta potty. Come enjoy wandering the juniper forest and sage brush in Central Oregon’s high desert. We are next to 100’s of acres of BLM land, including the Horse Ridge Mountain Biking Trail System. There is hiking, biking, horse trails and ATV trails all nearby. Our open skies are great for daydreaming and stargazing. Come see how bright the milky way is out here Sage Ridge. Sage Ridge is only 15 miles east of Bend right off of Hwy 20.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$25
 / night
Lucky Six Ranch

6. Lucky Six Ranch

100%
(15)
32mi from Metolius · 1 site · Tent, RV · Bend, OR
Lucky Six Ranch is located 5 miles from the edge of NE Bend OR surrounded by sagebrush, juniper, pastures, and mountain views. Enjoy the seasonal adventures around the Central Oregon Area including Mt Bachelor, Smith Rock State Park, Tumalo State Park. Grab a bite at one of the many food carts in town and relax under the stars at the ranch. Say hi to the goats and cats and listen to the coyotes, hawks and quail. Stretch, do yoga, mediate in the tipi space. This campsite space works well for self contained camper vans/trucks, tent camping. The tipi space can be used for camping/sleeping in good weather. However- Please note, it is OPEN, un-heated, and during times of rain/snow, it is not weather proof. You are welcome to use your own portable propane or electric heaters at your own risk. No fires or cooking is allowed inside the tipi space.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$38
 / night
Calico Princess

7. Calico Princess

99%
(36)
41mi from Metolius · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Deschutes River Woods, OR
A peaceful retreat on the ranch, lots of open pasture and wildlife. Multiple RV spaces with electrical and well water, and a few tent sites. Lots of open space and sunshine for walks, clear sky’s for starry nights, a frog pond, larger pond with mature aspen grove and bench, campfires*, motorcycles**. birds, deer passing through. Resident cats, Ike, Rose and Haze can be seen out hunting. Streams and ponds June-Sept. Rpod not included. Cameras onsite, but campsites are not covered. Kid friendly with some playground equipment. Very private, lots of spaces to choose from. Kid friendly, including a climbing dome and a trampoline, and some other obstacle course items. Cows and goats to follow around. Afternoon shade on the bench by the main pond next to the aspen grove and a bit of a trickling creek when the pond is full. 10 minutes from downtown Bend and all it has to offer. 5 mins north on Brookswood to the Old Mill District, and the Deschutes river (and trail). Chickens on site for fresh eggs (starting Sept ‘25)
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$23
 / night
Back Side of Painted Hills Camping

9. Back Side of Painted Hills Camping

97%
(110)
43mi from Metolius · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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. You can arrange vehicles or tents to not be in view or block any view from house way above. 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.
Pets
Toilets
from 
$21
 / night
Sunny Ponderosa Camp

10. Sunny Ponderosa Camp

96%
(12)
39mi from Metolius · 1 site · RV · Bend, OR
Park in our large wrap-around driveway under our beautiful Ponderosa pines and fall asleep to the gorgeous view of the stars with no obnoxious streetlights. Don’t worry, we have a flood light and cameras to keep you and your stuff safe! Then wake up to the smell of our Juniper trees and watch our local group of mule deer grazing through the yard with views of Tumalo Mountain. Just across the street starts the Canal Trail that heads East and West. A 5 min bike ride East along the trail will take you to a Fred Meyer Grocery store, Starbucks, and much much more. Or take the Canal Trail West through the massive 123+ acres of forested public land that connects directly to the Deschutes River Trail (only 4 mins away). Once there, the outdoor activities are endless! Great fishing, bouldering, biking, swimming, rafting, and nature viewing spots are all within a couple minute walk from our home. Heading to the Old Mill or Hayden Homes Amphitheater for some shopping, a concert, restaurants, or drinks? It all starts 3/4 of a mile down the hill! If you’re viewing this posting, you probably already know all the amazing outdoor and sporting opportunities, entertainment, shopping, and eating that our beautiful town of Bend offers. If you’re still not sure, we’ll be right here to help you find the perfect spot to go! We’ll be continuing to add photos and facilities as time goes on to help better serve you. We appreciate your interest and hope that if the dates don’t work out this time, we get to meet you on your next trip to Bend. Cheers!
Pets
Trash
from 
$63
 / night
Rags To Rescues Sanctuary

11. Rags To Rescues Sanctuary

100%
(18)
27mi from Metolius · 2 sites · Lodging · Sisters, OR
Welcome to Rags to Rescues! Nestled on our serene 165-acre farm, we offer two unique stays: The Bunkhouse and The Cottage on the Pond. Whether you're seeking a rustic getaway or a peaceful retreat by the water, every stay directly supports our mission of compassionate and sustainable animal care. The Bunkhouse: A cozy, fully furnished space with rustic charm and modern amenities, perfect for solo travelers or couples. The Cottage on the Pond: A charming one-bedroom retreat, ideal for individuals or couples looking for a tranquil escape surrounded by nature. During your visit, you’ll experience the rhythms of farm life—whether you choose to relax in nature or engage in hands-on activities. Your stay helps provide care for our rescued animals and sustains our mission. We are proud to create an inclusive and welcoming space for all, including individuals from BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. At Rags to Rescues, diversity is celebrated, and your presence enriches our community. Important Details: *Pet Policy: A pet deposit is required if you're bringing a furry friend. Please add the pet deposit in the “Extras” section when booking. Maximum of 2 dogs allowed. *Cancellation Policy: We offer a 14-day money-back cancellation policy to allow other guests the opportunity to book a stay. Thank you for supporting Rags to Rescues Sanctuary, where relaxation, purpose, and community come together in harmony. We look forward to hosting you! **Tax-ID: 99-1736093
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$149
 / night
The Camp

12. The Camp

91%
(46)
38mi from Metolius · 28 sites · RVs · Bend, OR
Welcome to The Camp, Bend's premier RV park where adventure meets comfort in the heart of Oregon. Situated less than a mile from downtown Bend and just off Highway 97, we offer fully renovated sites with stunning mountain views, modern amenities, and easy access to the city's top attractions. Join us for a unique camp-cation experience that promises relaxation and adventure for the whole family, pets included. At The Camp, we cater to all adventurers with a variety of back-in RV sites tailored for everything from vans to larger RVs, offering dimensions to suit every need. Each site boasts full hookups, gravel pads with concrete and artificial grass lounging areas, and access to top-tier amenities, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay amidst Bend's natural beauty. The Camp offers an array of amenities to enhance your experience, including a spacious community area with a fire pit and BBQ grills, clean restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. We prioritize your comfort with WiFi access, family-friendly spaces, and a dedicated onsite dog area, ensuring a welcoming environment for all our guests. Bend, Oregon, uniquely merges urban appeal with the thrill of the outdoors, boasting a vibrant mix of cultural sites, like the Deschutes Historical Museum, and top-notch dining, including the acclaimed Ariana Restaurant. Adventurers can scale Smith Rock, kayak the Deschutes River, or explore the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, offering endless exploration opportunities. The culinary scene is equally diverse, from the innovative dishes of Ariana Restaurant to the craft brews of Deschutes Brewery, highlighting Bend's dedication to quality, creativity, and local tastes, appealing to both food lovers and casual diners.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$94
 / night
Desert Rose Private Campground

15. Desert Rose Private Campground

97%
(17)
35mi from Metolius · 3 sites · Lodging · Prineville, OR
Welcome to our family's Private Campground - The Desert Rose. A boondocking site for you and your family to enjoy! We have a Yurt, a cabin, 3 RV/Travel trailer pads and 2 tent sites created here and plenty of room for everyone to have their own space yet be all together. You can book the entire campground, or just one of the units. Whether it's just you, or you're bringing a crew, we know you'll love it here! Our favorite hikes in the Central Oregon area is Smith Rocks and Chimney Rock. The Prineville reservoir is roughly a 12 minute drive and the starry nights here are something to behold. Up the road is the most unique petting zoo that we recently found! Find it and you might just be able to hold a baby kangaroo! Boondocking site means there is no hook-ups or running water so you'll want to bring in your own water and heat if you're here in the colder months. Your four legged furry family members are welcomed! They must be accompanied at all times and not left on the property alone. The dog run is for you to keep closer tabs on them while relaxing, not for leaving them while going into town or enjoying the area. The dirt is very soft and it wouldn't take very long for them to dig under to get out and go looking for you. The cabin or yurt is also not a pet storage area - with no power or AC, pets are not allowed to be left alone in the dwellings.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$75
 / night
Festival Fun

20. Festival Fun

98%
(47)
26mi from Metolius · 59 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Redmond, OR
We recently relocated to Redmond and LOVE being here! It has allowed us the opportunity to enjoy everything Central Oregon has to offer and we hope you too can experience and enjoy it as much as we do. It's all about making memories. It's also perfect for Fall/Winter fun and avoiding the summer crowds. Simply stay on our 5 acre property with complete hook ups if you're looking to avoid the bustle of downtown and it's hotel prices! Our property is about 5 acres and tent spots are first come first serve with about 1 acre being closer to our house with shady grassy areas. The other 4 acres are in the pasture and mostly unshaded. Pitch a tent out in the pasture, near the canal that runs through the property. We are a perfect location to the fairgrounds for the Farewell Festival and all Bend festivals throughout the year. We are 4 miles to the festival sights in Redmond and 20 min to Bend. We offer shuttle rides to and from the festivities so just enjoy the ride, enjoy the show and come home for a relaxing evening under the stars. If coming for The Farewell Festival we offer the purchase of a weekend shuttle pass to and from the fairgrounds for the weekend so you can enjoy your time and not spend it stuck trying to get out of the parking lot!! If you are bringing an RV or trailer we have hookups for electric (first come basis). We are close to Bachelor for skiing, Smith Rock for hiking, Sisters for shopping, too many lakes to name and 20mins to all Bend has to offer and so much more!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$110
 / night

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.

96% (2.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Sage Ridge

1. Sage Ridge

100%
(139)
45mi from Metolius · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Bend, OR
Our unique location is close to Bend city limits and right next to Horse Ridge Mountain Biking Trails. BLM land surrounds the area, and is even accessible from the upper part of our property. Come out and enjoy the high desert and expore the juniper forest. We have tent camping sites and one tipi. We are currently in the process of still building out our glamping pods. However in the mean time you can currently book a stay at thoses sites for tent camping. The tent sites offer a comfortable setting for your tent in the sandy dirt. Each site includes a picnic table and a fire pit. We have a small community area! There you will find a mini outdoor kitchen with a blackstone and a bbq. (We have no water on-site) This is also where the trash bins are located. There is also a basketball hoop, yoga deck, and pull up /hanging bars. Next to the community area is where you will also find the bathroom, which is a clean porta potty. Come enjoy wandering the juniper forest and sage brush in Central Oregon’s high desert. We are next to 100’s of acres of BLM land, including the Horse Ridge Mountain Biking Trail System. There is hiking, biking, horse trails and ATV trails all nearby. Our open skies are great for daydreaming and stargazing. Come see how bright the milky way is out here Sage Ridge. Sage Ridge is only 15 miles east of Bend right off of Hwy 20.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$25
 / night
Lucky Six Ranch

6. Lucky Six Ranch

100%
(15)
32mi from Metolius · 1 site · Tent, RV · Bend, OR
Lucky Six Ranch is located 5 miles from the edge of NE Bend OR surrounded by sagebrush, juniper, pastures, and mountain views. Enjoy the seasonal adventures around the Central Oregon Area including Mt Bachelor, Smith Rock State Park, Tumalo State Park. Grab a bite at one of the many food carts in town and relax under the stars at the ranch. Say hi to the goats and cats and listen to the coyotes, hawks and quail. Stretch, do yoga, mediate in the tipi space. This campsite space works well for self contained camper vans/trucks, tent camping. The tipi space can be used for camping/sleeping in good weather. However- Please note, it is OPEN, un-heated, and during times of rain/snow, it is not weather proof. You are welcome to use your own portable propane or electric heaters at your own risk. No fires or cooking is allowed inside the tipi space.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$38
 / night
Calico Princess

7. Calico Princess

99%
(36)
41mi from Metolius · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Deschutes River Woods, OR
A peaceful retreat on the ranch, lots of open pasture and wildlife. Multiple RV spaces with electrical and well water, and a few tent sites. Lots of open space and sunshine for walks, clear sky’s for starry nights, a frog pond, larger pond with mature aspen grove and bench, campfires*, motorcycles**. birds, deer passing through. Resident cats, Ike, Rose and Haze can be seen out hunting. Streams and ponds June-Sept. Rpod not included. Cameras onsite, but campsites are not covered. Kid friendly with some playground equipment. Very private, lots of spaces to choose from. Kid friendly, including a climbing dome and a trampoline, and some other obstacle course items. Cows and goats to follow around. Afternoon shade on the bench by the main pond next to the aspen grove and a bit of a trickling creek when the pond is full. 10 minutes from downtown Bend and all it has to offer. 5 mins north on Brookswood to the Old Mill District, and the Deschutes river (and trail). Chickens on site for fresh eggs (starting Sept ‘25)
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$23
 / night
Back Side of Painted Hills Camping

9. Back Side of Painted Hills Camping

97%
(110)
43mi from Metolius · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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. You can arrange vehicles or tents to not be in view or block any view from house way above. 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.
Pets
Toilets
from 
$21
 / night
Sunny Ponderosa Camp

10. Sunny Ponderosa Camp

96%
(12)
39mi from Metolius · 1 site · RV · Bend, OR
Park in our large wrap-around driveway under our beautiful Ponderosa pines and fall asleep to the gorgeous view of the stars with no obnoxious streetlights. Don’t worry, we have a flood light and cameras to keep you and your stuff safe! Then wake up to the smell of our Juniper trees and watch our local group of mule deer grazing through the yard with views of Tumalo Mountain. Just across the street starts the Canal Trail that heads East and West. A 5 min bike ride East along the trail will take you to a Fred Meyer Grocery store, Starbucks, and much much more. Or take the Canal Trail West through the massive 123+ acres of forested public land that connects directly to the Deschutes River Trail (only 4 mins away). Once there, the outdoor activities are endless! Great fishing, bouldering, biking, swimming, rafting, and nature viewing spots are all within a couple minute walk from our home. Heading to the Old Mill or Hayden Homes Amphitheater for some shopping, a concert, restaurants, or drinks? It all starts 3/4 of a mile down the hill! If you’re viewing this posting, you probably already know all the amazing outdoor and sporting opportunities, entertainment, shopping, and eating that our beautiful town of Bend offers. If you’re still not sure, we’ll be right here to help you find the perfect spot to go! We’ll be continuing to add photos and facilities as time goes on to help better serve you. We appreciate your interest and hope that if the dates don’t work out this time, we get to meet you on your next trip to Bend. Cheers!
Pets
Trash
from 
$63
 / night
Rags To Rescues Sanctuary

11. Rags To Rescues Sanctuary

100%
(18)
27mi from Metolius · 2 sites · Lodging · Sisters, OR
Welcome to Rags to Rescues! Nestled on our serene 165-acre farm, we offer two unique stays: The Bunkhouse and The Cottage on the Pond. Whether you're seeking a rustic getaway or a peaceful retreat by the water, every stay directly supports our mission of compassionate and sustainable animal care. The Bunkhouse: A cozy, fully furnished space with rustic charm and modern amenities, perfect for solo travelers or couples. The Cottage on the Pond: A charming one-bedroom retreat, ideal for individuals or couples looking for a tranquil escape surrounded by nature. During your visit, you’ll experience the rhythms of farm life—whether you choose to relax in nature or engage in hands-on activities. Your stay helps provide care for our rescued animals and sustains our mission. We are proud to create an inclusive and welcoming space for all, including individuals from BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. At Rags to Rescues, diversity is celebrated, and your presence enriches our community. Important Details: *Pet Policy: A pet deposit is required if you're bringing a furry friend. Please add the pet deposit in the “Extras” section when booking. Maximum of 2 dogs allowed. *Cancellation Policy: We offer a 14-day money-back cancellation policy to allow other guests the opportunity to book a stay. Thank you for supporting Rags to Rescues Sanctuary, where relaxation, purpose, and community come together in harmony. We look forward to hosting you! **Tax-ID: 99-1736093
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$149
 / night
The Camp

12. The Camp

91%
(46)
38mi from Metolius · 28 sites · RVs · Bend, OR
Welcome to The Camp, Bend's premier RV park where adventure meets comfort in the heart of Oregon. Situated less than a mile from downtown Bend and just off Highway 97, we offer fully renovated sites with stunning mountain views, modern amenities, and easy access to the city's top attractions. Join us for a unique camp-cation experience that promises relaxation and adventure for the whole family, pets included. At The Camp, we cater to all adventurers with a variety of back-in RV sites tailored for everything from vans to larger RVs, offering dimensions to suit every need. Each site boasts full hookups, gravel pads with concrete and artificial grass lounging areas, and access to top-tier amenities, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay amidst Bend's natural beauty. The Camp offers an array of amenities to enhance your experience, including a spacious community area with a fire pit and BBQ grills, clean restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. We prioritize your comfort with WiFi access, family-friendly spaces, and a dedicated onsite dog area, ensuring a welcoming environment for all our guests. Bend, Oregon, uniquely merges urban appeal with the thrill of the outdoors, boasting a vibrant mix of cultural sites, like the Deschutes Historical Museum, and top-notch dining, including the acclaimed Ariana Restaurant. Adventurers can scale Smith Rock, kayak the Deschutes River, or explore the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, offering endless exploration opportunities. The culinary scene is equally diverse, from the innovative dishes of Ariana Restaurant to the craft brews of Deschutes Brewery, highlighting Bend's dedication to quality, creativity, and local tastes, appealing to both food lovers and casual diners.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$94
 / night
Desert Rose Private Campground

15. Desert Rose Private Campground

97%
(17)
35mi from Metolius · 3 sites · Lodging · Prineville, OR
Welcome to our family's Private Campground - The Desert Rose. A boondocking site for you and your family to enjoy! We have a Yurt, a cabin, 3 RV/Travel trailer pads and 2 tent sites created here and plenty of room for everyone to have their own space yet be all together. You can book the entire campground, or just one of the units. Whether it's just you, or you're bringing a crew, we know you'll love it here! Our favorite hikes in the Central Oregon area is Smith Rocks and Chimney Rock. The Prineville reservoir is roughly a 12 minute drive and the starry nights here are something to behold. Up the road is the most unique petting zoo that we recently found! Find it and you might just be able to hold a baby kangaroo! Boondocking site means there is no hook-ups or running water so you'll want to bring in your own water and heat if you're here in the colder months. Your four legged furry family members are welcomed! They must be accompanied at all times and not left on the property alone. The dog run is for you to keep closer tabs on them while relaxing, not for leaving them while going into town or enjoying the area. The dirt is very soft and it wouldn't take very long for them to dig under to get out and go looking for you. The cabin or yurt is also not a pet storage area - with no power or AC, pets are not allowed to be left alone in the dwellings.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$75
 / night
Festival Fun

20. Festival Fun

98%
(47)
26mi from Metolius · 59 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Redmond, OR
We recently relocated to Redmond and LOVE being here! It has allowed us the opportunity to enjoy everything Central Oregon has to offer and we hope you too can experience and enjoy it as much as we do. It's all about making memories. It's also perfect for Fall/Winter fun and avoiding the summer crowds. Simply stay on our 5 acre property with complete hook ups if you're looking to avoid the bustle of downtown and it's hotel prices! Our property is about 5 acres and tent spots are first come first serve with about 1 acre being closer to our house with shady grassy areas. The other 4 acres are in the pasture and mostly unshaded. Pitch a tent out in the pasture, near the canal that runs through the property. We are a perfect location to the fairgrounds for the Farewell Festival and all Bend festivals throughout the year. We are 4 miles to the festival sights in Redmond and 20 min to Bend. We offer shuttle rides to and from the festivities so just enjoy the ride, enjoy the show and come home for a relaxing evening under the stars. If coming for The Farewell Festival we offer the purchase of a weekend shuttle pass to and from the fairgrounds for the weekend so you can enjoy your time and not spend it stuck trying to get out of the parking lot!! If you are bringing an RV or trailer we have hookups for electric (first come basis). We are close to Bachelor for skiing, Smith Rock for hiking, Sisters for shopping, too many lakes to name and 20mins to all Bend has to offer and so much more!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$110
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Metolius guide

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.