Smiling River Campground

With 34 campsites, Smiling River Campground is by far the largest established campground on Central Oregon's legendary Metolius River. Here, you can set up camp and enjoy the sounds of this mellow fly fishing stream and be cooled by the dry summer breeze under a grove of giant ponderosa pines.

From the campground you can cast your fly directly from the river's banks or hop on the Metolius River Trail to scope out the area, and you can even make the short jaunt to Camp Sherman, where the general store is sure to sell any provisions you might be missing.

Should the campground be full, be sure to check some of the other incredible campgrounds along the upper stretch of the Metolius River. From north to south, campgrounds include:

• Candle Creek, 10 sites
• Lower Bridge, 12 sites, potable water
• Pioneer Ford, 18 sites, potable water
• Allen Springs, 16 sites
• Lower Canyon Creek, 7 sites
• Gorge, 18 sites
• Pine Rest, 7 sites
• Smiling River, 34 sites, potable water, reservable
• Allingham, 10 sites, potable water
• Camp Sherman, 9 sites, potable water, reservable, open year-round
• Riverside, 16 sites

Note: Smiling River Campground is typically open May 22 through October 6, but call (541) 338-7869 for specific dates, as they may vary from year to year.