The best big rig friendly campgrounds near Metolius, Oregon

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.

97% (203)

Top-rated campgrounds near Metolius

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.

97% (203)

Top-rated campgrounds near Metolius

1. Calico Princess

99%

(36)

41mi from Metolius · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

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)

2. Upriver RV Park

100%

(17)

41mi from Metolius · 27 sites · RVs

Discover one of Central Oregon’s most scenic RV destinations at Imperial River Company’s riverside RV park in Maupin. Perfectly set along a quarter mile of the wild and scenic Deschutes River, our 27 pet-friendly RV sites offer full hookups, room to relax, and unbeatable views. With direct river access, you can fish, raft, kayak, or simply unwind by the water just steps from your site. Guests enjoy modern comforts including high-speed WiFi, a clean bathhouse, and our seasonal onsite restaurant and bar. Wake up to the sound of the river, spend your day exploring Maupin’s recreation opportunities. Blending rustic high-desert charm with thoughtful amenities, our RV park is the perfect balance of adventure and tranquility—your ideal home base for a Central Oregon getaway.

3. Justesen Ranches

96%

(195)

45mi from Metolius · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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.

4. Sun Outdoors Bend

40mi from Metolius · 119 sites · RVs

Discover the unique charm of Sun Outdoors Bend, a top-rated RV campground nestled in the breathtaking high desert plateaus of Bend, Oregon. This exceptional destination, located just east of the majestic Cascade Mountains, offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking to explore Central Oregon. At Sun Outdoors Bend, guests can choose from a variety of spacious RV sites with full hookups, including extra-large and extra-long options, as well as vacation rentals for added comfort. The campground boasts an impressive array of amenities designed to enhance your stay. Unwind in the soothing hot tub, challenge friends to a game of billiards in the clubhouse, or gather around the fire in the courtyard for memorable evenings under the stars. Surrounding the resort, you'll find a wealth of attractions to explore. Spend a day in Bend indulging in tastings at the renowned Deschutes Brewery, take leisurely walks along the scenic river, and savor a delicious meal at one of the many locally-sourced restaurants. For outdoor enthusiasts, the area offers endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and whitewater rafting. In winter, the nearby slopes of the Cascades provide excellent skiing and snowboarding options. Plan your next adventure at Sun Outdoors Bend, where unforgettable memories

5. The Back Five

91%

(11)

24mi from Metolius · 1 site · RV

Property located in SW Redmond, OR - in the heart of an outdoorsman's paradise - fishing, skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, running, biking, swimming, hiking and mountain climbing are all within an hour of the location. Smith Rock State Park is approximately 20 minutes to the north. Eagle Crest Resort is a short drive away. 5 acres of land with a gravel pad, gravel driveway, cross-fencing, shop building ( not accessible to campers) and great views of the Three Sisters mountains in the Cascades range. Summer days are typically warm and dry, while nights cool off dramatically. High desert climate - Redmond is located at about 3,000 feet above sea level. Electrical hook-up is available for an RV/trailer on the front of the shop building and to the south of the shop on the post. Dry-camping only - no sewage, septic or water hookup is available. 50 amp circuit. Privacy is not guaranteed. The shop is utilized daily by our family and friends. So, there might be a few visitors throughout the day in the shop.

6. Coyote Landing

100%

(10)

33mi from Metolius · 2 sites · RVs

All inclusive RV camping on 5 quiet acres with views! Two sites separated by a newly built barn for longer stays. Washer and dryer available, ample privacy and lots of open space. We are a hard working family of 5 with 2 dogs and a number of other small animals. We run a quiet / tidy space with access to public lands and walking trails. The 2 mile loop around the neighborhood is scenic and lush with irrigation during the summer months. The 2 fenced acres immediately north of the camping area are for your enjoyment. All of this and more, only 10 minutes from town. Please note that while good separation exists between your accommodations and our primary residence, you should expect to see and hear us around the property on occasion. Lastly, we are at the far corner of a 2 mile gravel loop, making the drive into our property slow and dusty - and also private!

7. Little Acres Farm

98%

(25)

35mi from Metolius · 5 sites · RVs

Little farm in the heart of Bend! Nestled in large trees with lots of grassy area where you can enjoy many beautiful sunsets, while feeling secluded in the heart of Bend. Gravel or grass parking available, ideal for any RV size. Easy access to any destination in Central Oregon. Walk to Pine Nursery park to play pickle ball or take your kids to the playground, Butler Market Store , or a short drive to downtown Bend and Redmond.

Camper favorites near Metolius

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Sun Outdoors Bend

40mi from Metolius · 119 sites · RVs

Discover the unique charm of Sun Outdoors Bend, a top-rated RV campground nestled in the breathtaking high desert plateaus of Bend, Oregon. This exceptional destination, located just east of the majestic Cascade Mountains, offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking to explore Central Oregon. At Sun Outdoors Bend, guests can choose from a variety of spacious RV sites with full hookups, including extra-large and extra-long options, as well as vacation rentals for added comfort. The campground boasts an impressive array of amenities designed to enhance your stay. Unwind in the soothing hot tub, challenge friends to a game of billiards in the clubhouse, or gather around the fire in the courtyard for memorable evenings under the stars. Surrounding the resort, you'll find a wealth of attractions to explore. Spend a day in Bend indulging in tastings at the renowned Deschutes Brewery, take leisurely walks along the scenic river, and savor a delicious meal at one of the many locally-sourced restaurants. For outdoor enthusiasts, the area offers endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and whitewater rafting. In winter, the nearby slopes of the Cascades provide excellent skiing and snowboarding options. Plan your next adventure at Sun Outdoors Bend, where unforgettable memories

The Back Five

91%

(11)

24mi from Metolius · 1 site · RV

Property located in SW Redmond, OR - in the heart of an outdoorsman's paradise - fishing, skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, running, biking, swimming, hiking and mountain climbing are all within an hour of the location. Smith Rock State Park is approximately 20 minutes to the north. Eagle Crest Resort is a short drive away. 5 acres of land with a gravel pad, gravel driveway, cross-fencing, shop building ( not accessible to campers) and great views of the Three Sisters mountains in the Cascades range. Summer days are typically warm and dry, while nights cool off dramatically. High desert climate - Redmond is located at about 3,000 feet above sea level. Electrical hook-up is available for an RV/trailer on the front of the shop building and to the south of the shop on the post. Dry-camping only - no sewage, septic or water hookup is available. 50 amp circuit. Privacy is not guaranteed. The shop is utilized daily by our family and friends. So, there might be a few visitors throughout the day in the shop.

Coyote Landing

100%

(10)

33mi from Metolius · 2 sites · RVs

All inclusive RV camping on 5 quiet acres with views! Two sites separated by a newly built barn for longer stays. Washer and dryer available, ample privacy and lots of open space. We are a hard working family of 5 with 2 dogs and a number of other small animals. We run a quiet / tidy space with access to public lands and walking trails. The 2 mile loop around the neighborhood is scenic and lush with irrigation during the summer months. The 2 fenced acres immediately north of the camping area are for your enjoyment. All of this and more, only 10 minutes from town. Please note that while good separation exists between your accommodations and our primary residence, you should expect to see and hear us around the property on occasion. Lastly, we are at the far corner of a 2 mile gravel loop, making the drive into our property slow and dusty - and also private!

Little Acres Farm

98%

(25)

35mi from Metolius · 5 sites · RVs

Little farm in the heart of Bend! Nestled in large trees with lots of grassy area where you can enjoy many beautiful sunsets, while feeling secluded in the heart of Bend. Gravel or grass parking available, ideal for any RV size. Easy access to any destination in Central Oregon. Walk to Pine Nursery park to play pickle ball or take your kids to the playground, Butler Market Store , or a short drive to downtown Bend and Redmond.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

B

Becky

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Calico Princess

Fantastic host, great property, and a cat that I can pretend is my new best friend. 10/10 Brett was great! Made sure we had everything we needed, and we felt like we had plenty of privacy.

A

ANGELA

October 2025

18 ft campervan

1 night at Calico Princess

Brett was great! Beautiful, clean property and lovely farm animals. We will definitely be back here! Thanks Brett!

B

October 2025

25 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Upriver RV Park

Great location right on the river and in town. very clean facility, would return. .

Randy

September 2025

26 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Upriver RV Park

This property is located in the middle of East Maupin, OR. Full services included hookups, wifi and showers. There are a few restaurants and lounges in the area as well. The star of the show is the Lower Deschutes River. Will be back in the future. 💯✅

V

Vince

September 2025

36 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Upriver RV Park

Scenic River view RV sites and a fur bar. Another restaurant and a general store near by, walking distance. I enjoyed my stay.

T

Taylor

September 2025

26 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Upriver RV Park

Campsite was clean, easy to find, and a great place to spend a few nights.

B

Brian

September 2025

Group trip

2 nights at Justesen Ranches

I have stayed with my wife here before, I have also camped on the property a few times. It has become one of my favorite places to get away. It’s very stress free, Amanda is a wonderful host and the place is quite frankly, stunning. I enjoy places of silence and few people, and this has both. And the stars, you just can’t get them any better than here. Fantastic. BF

Justine

September 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Justesen Ranches

What a beautiful property! All the sites were really spread out and we had so much space to ourselves. Overall, it was very quiet and peaceful. We loved spending time at the river and the shared beach area and there were a lot of places to walk and explore. I would recommend arriving in the daytime as this site isn't as well marked as some of the other sites. No picnic table or sign to really label it as a campsite. The bathroom is a bit further from this site as well if that is important to you.

K

Kelsey

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Justesen Ranches

Such a great site! The lake was awesome for swimming, SUPing and floating. Our group loved it, highly recommend.

Picnic table and lots of flat space for tents or campers

M

Marie

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Justesen Ranches

Nice spot. We used it as a home base for rafting day trips on the Deschutes. About 20 minutes from Sandy Beach. Felt very private and a short walk across the road to hang by White River. Freshly cleaned porto potty. We would stay again. Host warned us about yellow jackets and they were bad. Brought a trap to add to about 6 others already hanging and had to eat in screened in tent. Pretty typical in field like that in late summer in the area though.

I

Ian

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Justesen Ranches

The pond was perfect for a quick dip or floating on a tube. And the privacy was great. Just what my group was looking for, thanks!

J

Jake

August 2025

15 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Justesen Ranches

Beautiful spot right on the water, surrounded by trees. Peaceful, clean, and the perfect place to relax—I’ll definitely be back!

Tani

August 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Justesen Ranches

Perfect Camping Experience for three generations of family!! The clear driving directions dropped us into a hidden green paradise with fruit trees and a scenic pond. Welcomed by a large family of deer! Plenty of flat, green grass areas for tents, trailers, and lots of lawn games and the dogs had a fabulous time running free! The concrete pad of what used to be a home was the perfect gathering area for cooking, eating, and "fire" circles! Yellow jackets were pretty crazy during the day but disappeared at dusk, no fault of the land owners as it is just that time of year. Great separation from other sites with complete privacy, no view of other campers and great barriers for sound. Spectacular view all around left you feeling like you were the only people for miles. We had a neighborly visits from lizards, wild turkeys, squirrels, and a family of raccoons! They were all very well behaved but I would suggest storing food in a plastic bin as potato chips seem to be a favorite of theirs. Beautiful site for all ages and we will definitely be back again!

M

Michelle

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Justesen Ranches

The land was beautiful, the river stunning, and directions were clear. I appreciated the check in/out times as well as the fresh porta potty. Lots to love!

Rae

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Justesen Ranches

Great piece of property for camping! We loved that we were not close to other campers and had direct access to the river from our site. The port-a-potty was close by and very clean. The only downside was that there were a lot of bees which the camp owner warned us about before arriving.

Ben

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Justesen Ranches

I came here for a weekend camping trip with another family. We had 4 adults and 3 kids, and everyone had a great time! The communication and directions from the host were very helpful. The site was beautiful. We had the whole field to ourselves, and it was a short walk to the river. It was a short drive in to Maupin one day for lunch and a swim in the Deschutes. I was concerned going into it because a lot of reviews mentioned bugs being a problem, but we didn’t have any issues. The yellowjackets were definitely around, but they only seemed interested in our food. No stings and no bites for anyone over the whole weekend.

A

Andrew

August 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Justesen Ranches

Having a space to ourselves was just perfect for camping. The site was quiet and secluded, the creek along the back was beautiful. It was wonderful to find a spot to get back to nature, to not have to worry about others being around. The dogs had plenty of space to run around and have fun. It was perfect in every way and would certainly go there again.

M

Mariaya

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Justesen Ranches

BEAUTIFUL site! Very calm and quiet- site keepers are also very helpful when you need them! the river was stunning and there was a perfect private beach where we spent all our time.

S

Sean

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Justesen Ranches

This was a great spot to camp, quiet and peaceful with lots of room to spread out. The property is very beautiful with the river and basalt mesas. Amanda was very responsive and we had a great experience. It’s only about a 20 minute drive to the Harpham Flats put-in on the Deschutes River, so great place if you’re planning a river trip and don’t want to roll the dice on first come first serve BLM campsites.

Teri

August 2025

20 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Justesen Ranches

This site rates high on our favorites list. This site has unrivaled privacy, access to wildlife, and peaceful views. We parked our Airstream Basecamp 20X REI edition in this large meadow, bordered by stream-fed ponds, oak/ponderosa slopes, and rocky bluff vistas. We were privileged to witness wildlife including Western Gray Squirrels, Black & White tailed deer, garter snakes, frogs, toads (emitting a low, honking sound), Western Fence Lizards, Scrub Bluejays, robins, wild turkeys, and the star of the show- Peregrine Falcons. We had one Peregrine fly up to take a hunting lookout on our Dragonfly tarp, attacking three different prey targets from that perch. So cool! There’s ample opportunity to stroll around the meadow and up the gravel road to get some steps in. The melodic sound of the stream spilling into the pond is soothing. We will be back to visit this magical place.

More campsites near Metolius

Sun Outdoors Bend

40mi from Metolius · 119 sites · RVs

Discover the unique charm of Sun Outdoors Bend, a top-rated RV campground nestled in the breathtaking high desert plateaus of Bend, Oregon. This exceptional destination, located just east of the majestic Cascade Mountains, offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking to explore Central Oregon. At Sun Outdoors Bend, guests can choose from a variety of spacious RV sites with full hookups, including extra-large and extra-long options, as well as vacation rentals for added comfort. The campground boasts an impressive array of amenities designed to enhance your stay. Unwind in the soothing hot tub, challenge friends to a game of billiards in the clubhouse, or gather around the fire in the courtyard for memorable evenings under the stars. Surrounding the resort, you'll find a wealth of attractions to explore. Spend a day in Bend indulging in tastings at the renowned Deschutes Brewery, take leisurely walks along the scenic river, and savor a delicious meal at one of the many locally-sourced restaurants. For outdoor enthusiasts, the area offers endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and whitewater rafting. In winter, the nearby slopes of the Cascades provide excellent skiing and snowboarding options. Plan your next adventure at Sun Outdoors Bend, where unforgettable memories

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best big rig friendly 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.