Lower Bridge Campground

Location

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Policies

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Max stay

14 nights

Pets

Allowed (per listing)

Campfires

Allowed (per listing)

About

Lower Bridge Campground sits where the Metolius River slips beneath the bridge that gives the site its name, and the river is the defining presence here spring-fed, clear and cold, running north from Metolius Springs at the base of Black Butte (a 3,076-foot cinder cone). The campground is shaded by tall ponderosa pines and incense cedars, and those trees, the volcanic outcrops nearby and the active riparian corridor create a landscape that supports mule deer, coyotes and the occasional cougar, along with a steady parade of migratory birds. Anglers come specifically for fly-fishing the Metolius, which holds rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout and kokanee salmon, while hikers and equestrians use local access to riverside routes and longer circuits such as the Metolius-Windigo Trail a 100-plus-mile route that serves hikers, bikers and horse riders and begins near the river headwaters. Nearby features worth planning for include the Camp Sherman fish-viewing platform and the Metolius Research Natural Area, fish hatcheries at Metolius and Wizard Falls, and, a short drive toward Bend, interpretive exhibits at the Lava Lands Visitor Center and the Lava River Cave (the northwest section of the cave runs 5,211 feet). Practical camping at Lower Bridge is straightforward: there are 11 total campsites, and all 11 are configured to serve both RVs and tents, so the campground accommodates trailers, motorhomes and traditional tent setups, but it does not offer water or electrical hookups. Each site comes with a picnic table and a campfire ring with grill; vault toilets and potable drinking water are provided on site. Reservations and any applicable fees are handled through Recreation.gov note that once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager can modify it so plan arrival and changes ahead of time. The campground is accessed from Sisters, Oregon, by traveling roughly 23 miles northwest via Highway 20 and Forest Road 14; because access includes a national forest road, check current road conditions and vehicle suitability before you go. Beyond on-site fishing and short trail access, the larger Deschutes National Forest offers biking, boating, equestrian routes, wildlife viewing and seasonal winter recreation, making Lower Bridge a convenient base for a variety of outdoor itineraries.