Oregon / Jefferson County

Smiling River Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Reopens May 2, 2026 through October 12, 2026. Reservations available via Recreation.gov. Water system typically turned on in May depending on weather conditions and turned off by September 30 or upon campground closing.

About

Smiling River Campground is nestled in the Deschutes National Forest along the spring-fed Metolius River, offering visitors some of the most stunning scenery in central Oregon. The campground sits in a landscape of diverse coniferous forest and volcanic terrain, with many sites overlooking the clear, cold waters of the Metolius River, a tributary of the Deschutes River. The river originates at Metolius Springs at the base of Black Butte, a 3,076-foot cinder cone, and flows north through habitat supporting mule deer, coyote, cougar, migratory birds, and native fish. Fly-fishing is a primary draw, with the Metolius River supporting populations of rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout, and kokanee salmon. The area offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities, from riverside trails to routes through subalpine forests. The Metolius-Windigo Trail, open to hikers, bikers, and horses, begins near the Metolius River headwaters and extends more than 100 miles. Located just one mile north of the Camp Sherman Store, the campground offers convenient access to supplies while maintaining a natural, forested setting. Sites are more heavily used midweek than other areas along the Metolius River, though the campground rarely fills completely even on busy weekends.

Directions

From Sisters, Oregon, travel 9.6 miles northwest on Highway 20, then 6.1 miles north on Forest Road 14, then 1 mile north on Forest Road 1419.

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