Camping near Metolius with horseback riding

Get your engine fixed in this tiny high desert town.

97% (799 reviews)
97% (799 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Metolius

Available this weekend

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top campgrounds near Metolius with horseback riding

98%
(106)

Big Rock Ranch

2 sites · Lodging30 acres · Terrebonne, OR
Nathaniel and Raina Potter purchased this 30-acre ranch in 2016 and aptly named it "Big Rock Ranch." The modest ranch layout with the wildly immodest views of a giant rock outcropping jutting out of coyote butte was the immediate draw and continual wonder to Nathaniel, Raina, and all who visit. Big Rock Ranch runs cattle in the irrigated pastures and chickens for meat and eggs. Stay at Big Rock Ranch...Stay in a 12x14 ft canvas tent on a working regenerative family farm in the high desert. Enjoy views of a 300+ ft Tuff rock formation, Cascade Mountains, and irrigated pasture views all from the tent. Cook your own meals in the outdoor kitchen, outfitted with propane burners and a sink. Eat meals from the tent deck or the picnic table under native junipers surrounded by sagebrush, bitterbrush, and native grasses and tuff boulders. Collect farm fresh eggs and greens seasonally with the opportunity to enjoy meat raised at the ranch. One queen bed in a canvas tent, one folding cot, and access to a 2-person tent if needed to accommodate a family or two couples. Bedding is NOT supplied beyond the queen bed. Recreation Activities: Limited hiking available onsite but only 8 minutes from Smith Rock State Park for hiking and climbing. Only 25 minutes from Lake Billy Chinook for water recreating. Just 15 minutes from mountain biking at Skull Hollow. A 10-minute drive to swimming in the Deschutes River at Borden Beck Wildlife Preserve. Bend and Sisters are both 30-minutes away. Night rates are offerings to our family and ranch.
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
Cooking equipment
from 
$126
 / night
100%
(12)

Desert Rose Private Campground

3 sites · Lodging2 acres · 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
Trash
from 
$55
 / night
96%
(80)

Back Side of Painted Hills Camping

1 site · RV, Tent320 acres · 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, although there is lodging (reserved) at the log home almost out of sight up above you. 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 
$20.50
 / night
99%
(77)

Tom's Rest Canyon Retreat Center

5 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · OR
TOM'S REST was created by Tom's wife Cheryl in an effort to carry out their plans to provide respite for those in need. Tom Edwards worked tirelessly for years to clear this wild recreation space where he planned to live while helping others. Tom suddenly and unexpectedly passed February 2, 2015 while in the process of making his move to Sisters with his High School sweetheart of 45 years. Cheryl continued his passion and their dream to make this a place for those in need as a way to honor the most giving man she ever knew. This process, while overwhelming, has brought some healing and it is our hope to continue that healing for others in need from life's many trials. We continue to use our funds to promote healing in grief and other trials of life. We would appreciate hearing from those that have anything to contribute in way of maintenance and housekeeping, services to provide those in need such as massage or counseling, or any other contributions you are led to give. We are developing a list of volunteers to be called upon when someone in need is referred to us and will keep you informed as things develop. Anyone having a grief, widows/widowers, caregiver, cancer, hospice or other group that would like to have their group listed should message us as well. These respite visits are short getaways to refuel and support individuals during tough times. Those that come to enjoy Tom's Rest will be ministering to those in need through your paid visits here and hopefully, gain some needed respite of your own. We have taken every precaution for distancing and cleanliness with the ever changing Covid policies for your safety and concerns. Most feel they are pretty much 'on their own' in this retreat area with the option for seclusion OR mingling if so desired. My deepest thanks to all who have stood alongside through this journey and continue to do so. May we collectively create TOM'S REST with Tom's intention and the passion he infused in us to carry it through to fulfillment.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from 
$49
 / night
98%
(23)

Birdwatching Oasis

1 site · RV2 acres · Bend, OR
I wanted a peaceful place to call home. I found this property after a long search with a very patient and kind realtor. I fell in love with it almost immediately. The ponds bring wonderful wildlife that I enjoy watching and listening to….birds, frogs and many other animals. I wanted a property where I could have space to have horses or other farm animals if I chose to. I have not chosen to acquire them as of yet, but I like having the option. I love sharing this spot with others. The stars are incredibly brighter than most places and there is very little noise pollution as well. I call it my Little Desert Oasis. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Learn more about this land:I offer Standard RV plug in electricity and water. Sorry no toilet facilities at all. So you must have your own self-contained bathroom set up in your rig. No tent camping is it allowed. Trailers and vans with toilet are a perfect fit. It feels like country out here with horses, sheep llamas etc. small farms all around. Yet close to town,  just a mile away from Highway 97 and about 3 miles away from Highway 20 near Tumalo. I think you will find the location convenient as it is only 15 minutes from the Redmond Airport, about 20 minutes to Sisters Oregon and downtown Bend is an easy 8 mile drive.There are pretty views of ponds joined by a creek and small waterfalls. The water features attract lots of wildlife! You will likely see deer, wild ducks, quail, hawks and many other types of birds. I even had a duck build a nest next to the pond last year and hatch a clutch of ducklings. There are several small Aspen trees and old junipers near the campsite next to the ponds. If the night sky and stars don’t take your breath away, the frogs will surely serenade you to sleep! There is a little view of the mountains as well. The site is centrally located for easy access to Highway 24 Highway 97. Trader Joe’s, Food 4 Less, Target, Starbucks and a outdoor shopping malls are only 5 miles away. Numerous restaurants are also only 5 miles from the home. There are more than a half a dozen breweries within 8 miles and 45 minutes to Mount Bachelor. The quaint little town of Tumalo is only 3 miles down the road. There you will find a cool taproom (The Bite) with outdoor seating, corn hole and yummy food carts. In addition, there is a great pizza joint and Tumalo Cider Bar. Tumalo State Park is less than 5 miles away. Riley Ranch Nature Preserve is also less than 5 miles away and well worth the trip!
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Trash
from 
$35
 / night
100%
(9)

Mountain view escape

1 site · RV5 acres · Redmond, OR
A beautiful peaceful 5 acres in a quiet country neighborhood, with views of Mt Bachelor, the Three Sisters, and Mt Washington, Mt. Jefferson Learn more about this land: A 16’x30’ relatively level gravel site with 30-amp hookup (Plenty for air conditioning) with stunning mountain views in our quiet campground country neighborhood. Delicious well water available and wifi. This is for Class C motorhomes and vans (short trailers are fine but no fifth wheels or long trailers). As we don't provide bathrooms, we are not hosting tents or parties that need a bathroom. 9 miles to Smith Rock State Park, 15 miles to charming town of Sisters, 19 miles to adventurous Bend. Short walk to the Deschutes River where you can picnic, swim, fish, or hike on trails. Watch deer graze under the Three Sisters mountains as you relax in the quite, peaceful setting you will be staying at. Fill your RV with our incredible tasting well water (May- Sept we have water) and watch the birds swoop over the valley underneath the gaze of the Cascade Range.
Pets
Potable water
Trash
from 
$45
 / night
99%
(41)

Camp Close to town, trails, river and more

1 site · RV1 acre · Bend, OR
Our house is located in Wood River Village. It is the beginning of where the Deschutes River bends as it comes into the town of Bend. One can quickly and easily walk to the river trail from our house. By going up river, one gets the sense of being remote and in the forest along a well maintained trail that makes a 3 miles loop with many rapids visible from the trail. By walking down river, one can quickly access Hayden Homes Amphitheater, Old Mill shopping and Downtown on a paved walking path. Check out the Hayden Homes Amphitheater websites for their concert series this year. https://www.eventticketscenter.com/hayden-homes-amphitheater-bend-tickets/525456/e?gclid=Cj0KCQjw06OTBhC_ARIsAAU1yOUS7UvoFf-WWpnWbHjLjiXzVu0zkNnzLjvGaFg_Oh2eCBJhXHjRfIEaAvU7EALw_wcB Learn more about this land: Campers will be camping in our backyard, surrounded by old growth Ponderosa pines. We are a 5 minute walk to the Deschutes River and a 15 minute walk to the Old Mill and Hayden Homes Amphitheater. We love it here. You will, too. We offer water and electrical hook ups. However, we have no public bathroom.
Potable water
Trash
from 
$75
 / night

Star Hosts in Metolius

Under $50

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

Camping near Metolius with horseback riding guide

Overview

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.

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.

Top cities near Metolius

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Camp Your Way™

Find the perfect site to match your camping style. Explore the largest collection of private campsites, RV parks, cabins, and glamping—including 120,000+ sites you won’t find anywhere else. Explore our maps, filter by your camping style, read real camper reviews, and book directly in our app. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars.

Download the Hipcamp App

© 2024 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.