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Nestled in Deschutes National Forest, Smiling River Campground offers visitors some of the most stunning scenery in central Oregon and easy access to an abundance of recreational activities.
Hiking and fishing top the list of recreational activities for visitors.
For anglers, the spring-fed Metolius river offers a stunning setting for fly-fishing. Its clear, cold water supports rainbow trout, whitefish, bull trout and kokanee salmon.
For day hikers and backpackers, the area offers a wide variety of scenic terrain, ranging from riverside trails to routes in subalpine forests.
Smiling River Campground offers sites that accommodate both tent and RV camping, however hookups are not available.
Picnic areas, trails and scenic overlooks, along with the conveniences of firewood, drinking water and flush toilets, give visitors the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while still having many of the conveniences of home.
Many sites at this campground look out to Metolius River, a tributary of the Deschutes River.
The headwaters of the river are at Metolius Springs at the base of Black Butte, a 3,076-foot cinder cone. The clear, cold river flows north from the springs through diverse coniferous forest and a landscape of volcanic activity.
The area provides habitat for mammals such as mule deer, coyote and cougar. Migratory birds and native fish also call the area home.
The Metolius-Windigo Trail, open to hikers, bikers and horses, is more than 100 miles in length, and begins near the Metolius River headwaters west of the town of Sisters, Oregon. The trail was created in the 1980s primarily to serve long-distance horse riders seeking an alternative to the Pacific Crest Trail.
Lava Lands Visitor Center in Bend, Oregon, offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits.
From 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.
Nancy running the camp is an absolute gem. We came looking for a campsite later at night and she was nothing but friendly, accommodating and an absolute sweetheart. She made everything so easy and seem less, don’t sleep on Nancy! The campsite was beautiful and incredibly clean, along with the bathrooms, we are super thankful!! Definitely would stay again, as long as someone as awesome as Nancy is running the joint.
Amazing! Clean and safe campground, nicely spaced, with restrooms and water, as well as being next to a river. Fly fishing is allowed there. Camp host was polite and very helpful, as well as friendly! Great experience for us all. (Photos of river and forest, sorry no photos of actual campsites.) Camp sites are adequate for a camp trailer and 3 tents ⛺.
