Smiling River Campground

Oregon's Best Camping

Metolius River, Deschutes National Forest, Oregon
Metolius River, Deschutes National Forest, Oregon

Smiling River Campground

Deschutes National Forest


Smiling River Campground

Smiling River Campground is beside the Metolius River in the Deschutes National Forest, 15 miles north of Sisters. The Metolius River is well-known for its catch-and-release fly fishing. Hikers enjoy a variety of trails through scenic terrain in the area. Both road cycling and mountain biking are popular up and down the river.

Smiling River Campground offers 35 campsites for RVs, trailers, and tents. Most sites can be reserved ahead of arrival, while some may be available as first-come, first-served sites. All the campsites have good shade. Eight sites have pull-through driveways.

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Smiling River Campground Basics
Smiling River Campground Location: From Sisters, Oregon, drive 9.6 miles northwest on Highway 20, then 6.1 miles north on Forest Road 14, then 1 mile north on Forest Road 1419.
Elevation: 2,900 feet
Nearby Gateway Cities: Sisters - 15 miles
Albany - 92 miles
Salem - 100 miles
Number of Sites: 35
Open - Closed: Open April through October
Max. People per single site: 6
Vehicles per site: 1 vehicle and 1 legally towed vehicle. (fee for additional vehicles)
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Hoodoo Recreation Services for Deschutes National Forest
Deschutes National Forest, Bend: (541) 383-5300

Smiling River Campground Reservations
Reservations Available Reservations are available for campsites 2 days to 6 months in advance of arrival date.
Maximum vehicle length: 50 feet
Wheelchair accessible sites: None designated
Fees: Standard Single campsite - $25 per night
Premium Riverfront site - $27
($2 more on holiday and holiday weekends)
(plus $8 reservation fee)
Campground Map: Smiling River Campground Map
Campground Reservations: Smiling River Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: Check-in: 2:00 PM, check-out: 12:00 PM

Smiling River Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, campfire ring with grill; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, piped water
Showers: No, but available in the town of Camp Sherman
Dump station: No
Attractions near
Smiling River Campground:




Smiling River Campground, Deschutes National Forest, Oregon

Smiling River Campground


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Smiling River Campground, Deschutes National Forest, Oregon

Smiling River Campground

Deschutes National Forest Area
Attractions and Activities


Key Smiling River Campground Regulations

  1. Pets must be kept on leash and attended at all times.
  2. Avoid problems with bears by securing food and scented items in a vehicle or other bear-proof locker.
  3. Quiet Hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
  4. Prevent the spread of invasive pests by obtaining firewood locally.
  5. Fires are only permitted in designated fire receptacles and must be attended. Fires must be extinguished upon departure.

Check for any park or campground updates: Deschutes National Forest: Smiling River Campground