How much does camping cost at Riverside Campground?

Camping fees at Riverside Campground range from $12-$18/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Riverside Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Riverside Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis as reservations are not available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Riverside Campground before I book?

Yes! Riverside Campground has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Riverside Campground?

Riverside Campground is open Peak season coincides with its operational dates from May to September.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Riverside Campground?

Riverside Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Riverside Campground?

Fire policies at Riverside Campground: No specific fire policies are mentioned.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Riverside Campground have?

Riverside Campground has 16 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Riverside Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Riverside Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Riverside Campground?

Riverside Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Riverside Campground?

Popular activities at Riverside Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Riverside Campground

4 reviews

Featured in:Summer Camping Oregon

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

$12 - $18/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Opening: May 1, 2026...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

$12 - $18/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Opening: May 1, 2026...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Riverside Campground

$12.00 - $18.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single Campsite Rate: $18/night One vehicle included with reservation – Each Additional Vehicle: $10.00

Standard Site Fee$18.00

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Riverside Campground

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Campground Map

Riverside Campground

44.4424, -121.6337

Nearby places

Sisters: Approximately 9.6 miles northwest (travel time varies depending on traffic and road conditions).

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies, including groceries and fuel, can be found in Sisters, Oregon, approximately 9.6 miles away.

Weather at Riverside Campground

Best Time to Camp at Riverside Campground

Summer brings reliable conditions: daytime highs in the 70s-80s°F, nights cooling to the 40s-50s°F at elevation. Long daylight hours make for easy hiking and exploring the Metolius corridor. The walk-in format keeps crowds lighter than front-country campgrounds, though weekends still fill up. Reserve ahead or arrive early during holidays. May through September offers the most dependable access before seasonal water systems shut down with early cold snaps.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May–Sep; summer days in 70s–80s and long daylight favor hiking and camping.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season coincides with its operational dates from May to September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Opening: May 1, 2026 - September 20, 2026 Visit Recreation.gov for current operating dates. This campground will be closing at noon on September 20, 2026, and the last night to reserve a campsite is September 19, 2026.

About Riverside Campground

Riverside Campground offers 16 walk-in tent sites spread across a quiet Ponderosa pine grove in the Deschutes National Forest. Despite the name, the Metolius River flows nearby but isn't visible or audible from camp. Sites run $12-18/night and provide genuine privacy in an open forest setting. No potable water on-site.

Riverside Campground exclusively offers tent camping at walk-in sites. It is not suited for RV camping, group camping, or other accommodations.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings reliable conditions: daytime highs in the 70s-80s°F, nights cooling to the 40s-50s°F at elevation. Long daylight hours make for easy hiking and exploring the Metolius corridor. The walk-in format keeps crowds lighter than front-country campgrounds, though weekends still fill up. Reserve ahead or arrive early during holidays. May through September offers the most dependable access before seasonal water systems shut down with early cold snaps.

ElevationPerched at 3,000 feet above sea level, Riverside Campground enjoys the perfect balance of mountain freshness and accessibility. This gentle elevation brings refreshingly cool mornings that gradually warm into pleasant afternoons, while evenings invite cozy campfire gatherings. The altitude creates an ideal climate for comfortable camping, with noticeably cooler temperatures than the valley floor, especially welcome during peak summer months.

Natural Features and SceneryWidely spaced Ponderosa pines define the campground, their orange-plated bark and vanilla scent creating the classic east-side Cascade feel. The forest floor stays open beneath the pines, allowing good sightlines between sites while maintaining privacy. The spring-fed Metolius River carved its path through ancient lava flows nearby, accessible by trail rather than from camp itself. At 3,000 feet, the landscape reflects centuries of volcanic activity and forest succession unique to Central Oregon's dry side.

Geological RegionSet within the volcanic landscape of the Deschutes National Forest, Riverside Campground showcases the region's signature Ponderosa pine ecosystem. This area, shaped by ancient lava flows and centuries of forest succession, creates a unique environment where the famous spring-fed Metolius River has carved its path through the rugged terrain. The surrounding forest represents one of Central Oregon's most pristine examples of east-side Cascade ecology.

Scenic ViewsDue to its layout and dense forested surroundings, views are limited and the river is not visible from campsites.

Lodging & AccommodationsHotel-style lodging accommodations are not available at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-out

The last reservation ends at noon.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each campsite accommodates one vehicle and additional charges apply for extra vehicles.

Groups

Group camping sites are not available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites stretch 0.3 miles through the pine stand with wide spacing between spots. The walk-in design and open Ponderosa canopy create natural separation without dense understory.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for this campground.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis as reservations are not available.

Cancellation PolicyNo information available on cancellation policies.

AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets are not available. Accessibility information beyond this is not provided.

Site SizeSite sizes are not explicitly described, but sites are noted to provide good privacy and are widely spaced.

PrivacySites offer good privacy as they are widely spaced through an open stand of Ponderosa pine.

Total Campsites16 campsites

Recommended SitesWidely spaced sites provide good privacy; ideal for those seeking a quiet camping experience.

Amenities available

Riverside Campground is a tent-only, walk-in campground situated near the upper section of the Metolius River. The campground stretches over 0.3 miles through an open stand of Ponderosa pine, offering widely spaced sites with good privacy.

Potable water

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Riverside Campground offers limited recreational activities. Hiking trails are available nearby, including the Metolius River Trail (#4020), which spans 10 miles.

Hiking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal cold weather may affect water availability and camping conditions.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; vault toilets are instead provided.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies are mentioned.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No specific quiet hours are mentioned.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are likely in Sisters, Oregon, approximately 9.6 miles away, including hospitals and police services.

Trash & RecyclingSpecific details about trash and recycling facilities are not provided.

Water FeaturesThe campground is near the Metolius River, although the river is not visible or audible from campsites.

Cell CoverageCell phone service availability is not explicitly mentioned.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

Riverside Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful setting and spacious sites. Some express disappointment that the Metolius River cannot be seen or heard from the campsites.

Review Summaries

Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

"Sites are widely spaced and provide lots of privacy." "The campground is peaceful and nestled among Ponderosa pines."

Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

"The river cannot be seen or heard despite the campground name." "Potable water is not available on-site."

Based on 4 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

There are 16 tent-only walk-in sites. Reviews do not provide specific feedback on individual site numbers.

Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring sufficient water as potable water is unavailable. Be mindful that the river is not visible from campsites.

Based on 4 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Services are available from mid-May to early September. Campers should note that water systems may be affected by weather, leading to early shut-off.

Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Contrary to the campground name, the Metolius River cannot be seen or heard from the campsites." "This is an excellent campground for large groups."

Based on 4 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-friendly toilets are not available.

Based on 4 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No explicit mention of pet policies or experiences is provided.

Based on 4 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Tent campers who want genuine privacy without paying resort prices. Widely spaced walk-in sites through an open pine stand keep neighbors at a distance, and the Metolius River Trail (#4020) is a 10-mile day hike away.

Skip if

Carrying enough water for your whole trip is a dealbreaker here. No potable water on-site means hauling everything in from Sisters, 9.6 miles out, and there are no hookups, no showers, and no dump station.

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