Smiling River Campground

Star4.30
236 reviews
PO BOX 249, SISTERS, OR 97759, USA
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

2,963 ft

Price

$29 - $31/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

36 campsites

Season

Open season is from ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Deschutes National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Smiling River Campground
$29.00 - $31.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for standard nonelectric campsites ranges from $29-$31, with an additional $2 charge for holiday dates. Fees do not include...
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Standard Site Fee$29.00
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

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Provider
541-323-1746
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What Campers Say

4.30

Satisfactory

Based on 236 reviews

61 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsspaciousfriendlysites

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Smiling River Campground reveal mixed sentiments. Positive comments often highlight the serene setting, proximity to the Metolius River, and helpful camp hosts. Negative feedback includes issues with reservation management, the smell of vault toilets, generator noise, and occasional theft."

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Campground Map

PO BOX 249, SISTERS, OR 97759, USA

Smiling River Campground

PO BOX 249, SISTERS, OR 97759, USA

Driving directionsFrom 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.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but user reviews mention challenges with confusing directions. For example, one review by KOLLEEN P mentions, 'Directions sent to find the campground were a bit confusing.'
Nearby places
Sisters (9.6 miles northwest, approximately 15-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Camp Sherman Store is approximately 1 mile away and provides groceries, camping supplies, and coffee. Additional supplies can be found in Sisters, OR, about 9.6 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Smiling River Campground

Experience the magic of Central Oregon's crisp mountain climate, where blue skies grace campers nearly a third of the time and gentle rains occasionally refresh the forest floor. With temperatures hovering between a comfortable 43°F at midday and a brisk 29°F during cool mountain evenings, the campground offers that perfect sweater-weather atmosphere. Fall transforms this riverside retreat into a photographer's paradise, when golden light filters through changing leaves and the crowds thin out, leaving you with peaceful moments alongside the murmuring river.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open and scenic in summer but can be crowded; generator noise cited in peak season.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall often quieter and recommended for a more serene experience.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Season opens May 23; early spring stays not available at campground.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 23–Oct 12 season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season dates are from May 23 to October 12.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season is from May 23 to October 12, with reservations available starting June 23 each year.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions and seasonal water turn-offs have been noted in reviews.

About Smiling River Campground

Nestled along the crystal-clear waters of the Metolius River in the heart of Deschutes National Forest, Smiling River Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of riverside serenity and forest adventure. Whether you're pulling up in an RV or pitching a tent beneath towering pines, you'll find yourself immersed in one of Oregon's most pristine natural settings. Modern conveniences like drinking water, flush toilets, and picnic areas complement the rustic charm, while nearby trails invite exploration and firewood stands ready for evening campfires under starlit skies.
Smiling River Campground caters to tent and RV campers, with no hookups available. Primitive camping and group sites are not explicitly mentioned, but the campground provides a scenic and quiet environment.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is officially listed as noon.
Check-out
Check-out time is noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limits are 14 consecutive nights per visit and 28 nights total within a calendar year.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Smiling River Campground offers a range of outdoor activities suitable for various interests. The proximity to the Metolius River provides opportunities for fishing and hiking, while nearby attractions like the Metolius-Windigo Trail allow for biking and horseback riding. Wildlife viewing and serene forest scenery enhance the overall experience.
HikingThe campground features several hiking trails, including riverside paths and routes through subalpine forests. One reviewer noted, 'Hiking the loop from Lower Bridge to the fish hatchery, then back on the other side of the river—beautiful.'
FishingFishing is a popular activity at the Metolius River, known for its clear, cold waters hosting rainbow trout, bull trout, and kokanee salmon. One reviewer said, 'Caught a couple of fish,' highlighting the area's suitability for anglers.
BikingBiking around the area is a popular activity, with nearby trails offering scenic views. A reviewer stated, 'Biking around the area was fabulous,' and recommended visiting the fish hatchery and Wizard Falls.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include spotting mule deer, coyotes, and migratory birds. One reviewer shared, 'We saw an Osprey flying down river with a fish in its talons, a kingfisher flying up river, and an otter feeding for 45 minutes right in front of our campsite.'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife (e.g., cougars), theft (as documented in reviews), and generator noise. Some user reviews also mention challenging terrain or dusty conditions.
Active AlertsFire restrictions and seasonal water turn-offs have been noted in reviews.

Weather at Smiling River Campground

Reviews

4.3
236 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Smiling River Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Smiling River Campground reveal mixed sentiments. Positive comments often highlight the serene setting, proximity to the Metolius River, and helpful camp hosts. Negative feedback includes issues with reservation management, the smell of vault toilets, generator noise, and occasional theft.
Review Summaries
Based on 236 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users appreciated the beautiful river views, spacious campsites, and friendly camp hosts. 'The river-adjacent sites can't be beat,' shared one reviewer. Another noted, 'Camp sites were fine, but...
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Based on 236 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints included the smell of vault toilets, generator noise disrupting the quiet, theft of camping gear, and issues with the reservation system leading to occupied reserved sites. 'Lock...
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Based on 236 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include avoiding sites near vault toilets due to odors, locking valuables to prevent theft, and considering alternative campgrounds for tent campers due to generator noise.
Based on 236 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal insights reveal that summer can be busy, leading to issues with crowding and generator noise. Fall is often quieter and recommended for a more serene experience.
Based on 236 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'We love the campground and the Metolius River.' 2. 'Nancy, the camp host, is the best we ever had.' 3. 'Honestly the perfect campground. The host was super kind and helpful.'
Based on 236 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight river-adjacent spots as particularly desirable. Site #19: 'Beautiful, private, safe campsite.' Site #24: 'Beautiful but challenging for larger trailers due to...
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Based on 236 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility feedback is minimal, though one reviewer praised the camp host for accommodating their needs.
Based on 236 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and the campground is considered suitable for reactive dogs due to the spacing of campsites.
Based on 236 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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