Riverside Campground
00 reviewQuick Facts
3,000 ftPrice
$12 - $18/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
16 campsites
Season
Open tentatively fro...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
3,000 ftPrice
$12 - $18/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
16 campsites
Season
Open tentatively fro...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Riverside Campground
$12.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees range from $12 to $18 per night depending on site selection and additional vehicle charges. Holders of Golden Age and Golden Access...
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Standard Site Fee$18.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$18.00
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ProviderWhat Campers Say
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Limited Reviews
Based on 0 reviews
1 Google reviews
Most mentioned
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"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."
Fees & Passes at Riverside Campground
$12 - $18/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum stay limit is 14 days.
Cancellation: No information available on cancellation policies.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Deschutes National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Riverside Campground
From May through September, Riverside Campground welcomes visitors with warm, dry summer days perfect for outdoor adventures. The Mediterranean-like climate brings sun-drenched afternoons ideal for hiking and exploring, while evenings cool down to comfortable sleeping temperatures. As autumn approaches, crisp mornings remind visitors of the elevation, and the seasonal water systems may be affected by early cold snaps, adding to the authentic wilderness experience.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: Peak season coincides with its operational dates from May to September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open tentatively from May 2, 2025, to September 21, 2025.
About Riverside Campground
Tucked away in the serene upper reaches of the Metolius River valley, Riverside Campground offers an intimate tent-only experience for those seeking a peaceful retreat. This walk-in campground provides a unique blend of solitude and accessibility, where campers can immerse themselves in the tranquil forest setting. Despite its riverside name, the campground maintains a hushed atmosphere, set back from the water's edge in a quiet grove where the forest takes center stage.
Riverside Campground exclusively offers tent camping at walk-in sites. It is not suited for RV camping, group camping, or other accommodations.
Historical SignificanceThis pristine corner of the Deschutes National Forest remains untouched by recorded history, offering visitors a chance to create their own stories among the ancient pines. The land speaks through its natural beauty rather than historical markers, inviting contemplation and connection with the timeless rhythms of the forest.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, Riverside Campground welcomes visitors with warm, dry summer days perfect for outdoor adventures. The Mediterranean-like climate brings sun-drenched afternoons ideal for hiking and exploring, while evenings cool down to comfortable sleeping temperatures. As autumn approaches, crisp mornings remind visitors of the elevation, and the seasonal water systems may be affected by early cold snaps, adding to the authentic wilderness experience.
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 SceneryMajestic Ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral throughout the campground, their vanilla-scented bark and towering presence offering both shade and wonder. Each campsite is thoughtfully positioned among these gentle giants, ensuring privacy and a sense of personal wilderness. While the melodic Metolius River flows nearby, the campground itself is embraced by the forest's quiet majesty, with excellent trail access for those eager to explore the river's crystalline waters during day hikes.
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.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets are not available. Accessibility information beyond this is not provided.
Sites SizeSite sizes are not explicitly described, but sites are noted to provide good privacy and are widely spaced.
Sites PrivacySites offer good privacy as they are widely spaced through an open stand of Ponderosa pine.
Total Campsites16 campsites
Recommended CampsitesWidely spaced sites provide good privacy; ideal for those seeking a quiet camping experience.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground stretches 0.3 miles and features widely spaced sites for privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen tentatively from May 2, 2025, to September 21, 2025.
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.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
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
The Metolius River Trail (#4020) is accessible for day hikes. It covers 10 miles and is suited for foot traffic.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not supported or mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking or canoeing are not available.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies are mentioned.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours are mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsSeasonal cold weather may affect water availability and camping conditions.
Weather at Riverside Campground
48
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 79%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 20.2 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are likely in Sisters, Oregon, approximately 9.6 miles away, including hospitals and police services.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season coincides with its operational dates from May to September.
Trash and recyclingSpecific details about trash and recycling facilities are not provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is near the Metolius River, although the river is not visible or audible from campsites.
Common complaintsLimited facilities and lack of potable water are noteworthy concerns. River proximity might be misleading based on the campground's name.
HostNo information provided about campground hosts.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Sisters, OR: Travel 9.6 miles northwest on Highway 20, then 4.4 miles north on Forest Road 14.
The campground is accessible by paved roads; however, the water system and services are seasonal, which could affect accessibility during colder months.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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
0 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
What Campers Love
"Sites are widely spaced and provide lots of privacy." "The campground is peaceful and nestled among Ponderosa pines."
Common Concerns
"The river cannot be seen or heard despite the campground name." "Potable water is not available on-site."
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring sufficient water as potable water is unavailable. Be mindful that the river is not visible from campsites.
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.
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."
Site-Specific Reviews
There are 16 tent-only walk-in sites. Reviews do not provide specific feedback on individual site numbers.
Accessibility Features
Wheelchair-friendly toilets are not available.
Pet-Friendly Features
No explicit mention of pet policies or experiences is provided.
Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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