Lower Bridge Campground

Campground · Oregon · 11 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Metolius, Oregon Wild and Scenic River (Scenic) · Open Access

11
Bookable sites
30 ft
Max rig length
up to 6
People per site
2,732 ft
Elevation
LOWER BRIDGE CAMPGROUND

Overview

Lower Bridge Campground earned its name for being located on the Metolius River where it flows under the corresponding bridge. You can't miss the beauty of this campground with its towering ponderosa pines and incense cedars providing ample shade.

Recreation

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. The 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.

Facilities

Lower Bridge Campground can accommodate RV, trailer or tent-campers however water and electric hookups are not available. All sites are equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill and the campground has vault toilets and drinking water available.

Natural Features

The headwaters of the adjacent Metolius 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.

Nearby Attractions

The Camp Sherman Fish Viewing Platform allows visitors the chance to view a variety of types of fish while the Metolius Research Natural Area gives bird watchers ample opportunities. Visit the Metolius Fish Hatchery or Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery display ponds to observe and feed different types of salmon and other fish.

The Metolius-Windigo Trail, open to hikers, bikers and horses, is more than 100 miles in length and begins near the Metolius River headwaters west of the town of Sisters, Oregon. The trail was created in the 1980s primarily to serve long-distance horse riders seeking an alternative to the Pacific Crest Trail.

Lava Lands Visitor Center in nearby Bend, Oregon, and the unique geological landscape of Newberry National Volcanic Monument draw visitors to the region as well. It is a great starting point for visitors to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits. Visitors can also explore the Lava River Cave, located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. At 5,211 feet in length, the northwest section of the cave is the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon.

Charges & Cancellations

Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

The facts

  • Season: Year-round — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
  • 11 bookable sites
  • 12 sites in total, including non-bookable
  • Vehicles up to 30 ft
  • Up to 6 people per site
  • Loops: Loop 1

Site types

  • 11 Standard Nonelectric
  • 1 Management

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

12 campsites at Lower Bridge Campground

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceGradeWaterMax rigPeople
01Loop 1Standard NonelectricPull ThroughGravelSlightRiverfront26 ft6 🐾
02Loop 1ManagementBack InGravelSlightRiverfront24 ft6 🐾
03Loop 1Standard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightRiverfront26 ft6 🐾
04Loop 1Standard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightRiverfront30 ft6 🐾
05Loop 1Standard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightRiverfront24 ft6 🐾
06Loop 1Standard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightRiverfront26 ft6 🐾
07Loop 1Standard NonelectricPull ThroughGravelSlight—30 ft6 🐾
08Loop 1Standard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightRiverfront24 ft6 🐾
09Loop 1Standard NonelectricBack InGravelSlightRiverfront24 ft6 🐾
10Loop 1Standard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight—24 ft6 🐾
11Loop 1Standard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight—30 ft6 🐾
12Loop 1Standard NonelectricBack InGravelSlight—30 ft6 🐾

Getting there

From Sisters, OR: Travel 9.6 miles northwest on Highway 20, then 13.6 miles north on Forest Road 14.

44.55776, -121.62023 · 44°33'27.9"N 121°37'12.8"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in12.08.08.96.64.62.80.70.62.66.411.312.7

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 15.2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Lower Bridge Campground

Can you reserve a site at Lower Bridge Campground?
Yes, Lower Bridge Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Lower Bridge Campground have?
12 sites in total, of which 11 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at Lower Bridge Campground?
30 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Lower Bridge Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Lower Bridge Campground.
Are campfires allowed at Lower Bridge Campground?
Campfires are allowed at Lower Bridge Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Lower Bridge Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Lower Bridge Campground's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • Single Campsite Rate: $27/night
  • One vehicle included with reservation – Each Additional Vehicle: $10.00

Restrictions:

  • Maximum site spur length is 30 feet.
  • The water system will be turned on in the month of May depending on weather conditions and will be turned off no later than September 30, or upon the campground closing, whichever, is earlier to prevent potential damage from cold temperatures.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Lower Bridge Campground

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-06-12.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.