The sound of the Metolius River runs through every site at Smiling River Campground, a National Forest campground outside Sisters, Oregon that operates from early May through early October. The campground is laid out as a large loop with a road down the center, giving the roughly 35 sites a range of positions: riverside spots have direct water access and views of the fast-moving current, while sites on the far side of the loop sit closer to the road and pick up more traffic noise. Cell coverage is poor to nonexistent throughout the area, so plan accordingly.
The Metolius runs cold and fast year-round. That makes it a draw for anglers working the walking and fishing trail that follows the river, but reviewers consistently flag the current as a concern for families with small children. Summer heat can be significant, and sites away from the water offer little relief. Yellow jackets are active around food in warmer months, and mosquitoes and gnats tend to be heavy in early summer. Pit toilets are on-site; at least one reviewer noted maintenance had lagged during a busy stretch.
Drinking water is available from spigots around the campground, though Laura M. observed "no water available here other than the river" at her visit, so conditions may vary by season. Sites include a picnic table and fire pit, with no electrical or water hookups. Nightly rates run $29 to $33, and reservations are available. The Camp Sherman General Store is roughly a mile and a half away. Campers wanting a different setup along the same stretch of river can look at Allingham Campground to the south.
Description
Overview
Nestled in Deschutes National Forest, Smiling River Campground offers visitors some of the most stunning scenery in central Oregon and easy access to an abundance of recreational activities.
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. 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.
Facilities
Smiling River Campground offers sites that accommodate both tent and RV camping, however hookups are not available. Picnic areas, trails and scenic overlooks, along with the conveniences of firewood, drinking water and flush toilets, give visitors the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while still having many of the conveniences of home.
Natural Features
Many sites at this campground look out to Metolius River, a tributary of the Deschutes River. 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.
Nearby Attractions
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 Bend, Oregon, offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits.
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.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Fire restrictions are currently in effect that prohibit all fires. Generators with an approved spark arrestor and fires or stoves that use liquid petroleum (LPG) fuels are permitted.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSmiling River Campground is located in Oregon near Camp Sherman
Public CampgroundDirections
From Sisters, Oregon, travel 9.6 miles northwest on Highway 20, then turn right on SW Camp Sherman Rd / Road 14 for about 5 miles, then follow right onto SW Camp Sherman Rd / R F D 1419 for about half a mile. Make a left onto NF-1419 / 113, then a slight right onto SW Metolius River Rd / NF-900 and follow into the campground.
Address
PO BOX 249
Sisters, OR 97759
Coordinates
44.4933333 N
121.6405556 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 8/15/26- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 8/15/26
AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 8/15/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 8/15/26
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 57 min from Bend, OR
- 2 hrs from Albany, OR
- 2 hrs 2 min from Salem, OR
- 2 hrs 2 min from Eugene, OR
