Pioneer Ford Campground

Culver, OR

4.7(23 reviews)

Start of the 360 degree virtual tour of Pioneer Ford Campground

About this campground

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.

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.

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.

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.

What campers say

Pioneer Ford Campground sits along the Metolius River in central Oregon and offers small, secluded campsites, many right on the water. The loop provides running drinking water and vault toilets; most visitors find facilities clean, though a few report occasional odors when vaults need emptying. Sites vary from private to more exposed, and hiking trails are easily accessed from the loop road. A helpful camp host and off the beaten path setting make it a popular summer destination—reservations are advisable on busy weekends if you want a riverside spot.

Our summary of 23 traveler reviews.