Overview 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. Recreation 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. Facilities 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. Natural Features 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.
Source: rec_gov · last verified 2026-05-19