Smiling River Campground

Awesome experience

This is a pretty little campground set back a bit from the road. We loved that the water was viewable from our spot (22) as well as accessible via a set of stone stairs at the end of the foot path. It was frustrating that generator noise made it difficult or impossible to enjoy the quiet. There are several campgrounds in this area and I wish even one of them would be designated as generator-free. We visited in late July/early August and while the pit toilets were surface level clean, the strong and unpleasant odor blew right into our site. By the day we left, the ammonia stench was overpowering. The waterfront trail is lovely but needs more signage; the trail jogged at our site and we saw several people get confused or turn around. We hiked it and it was impossible to hike through without walking right through the middle of certain sites (luckily unoccupied at the time).

This is a pretty little campground set back a bit from the road. We loved that the water was viewable from our spot (22) as well as accessible via a set of stone stairs at the end of the foot path. It was frustrating that generator noise made it difficult or impossible to enjoy the quiet. There are several campgrounds in this area and I wish even one of them would be designated as generator-free. We visited in late July/early August and while the pit toilets were surface level clean, the strong and unpleasant odor blew right into our site. By the day we left, the ammonia stench was overpowering. The waterfront trail is lovely but needs more signage; the trail jogged at our site and we saw several people get confused or turn around. We hiked it and it was impossible to hike through without walking right through the middle of certain sites (luckily unoccupied at the time).

Smiling River is a special place. Most campsites are roomy, shaded and simple. The river sites are amazing. Our campsite (on the river) was raked and ready for us to enjoy when we arrived. We love the location because it is one mile from the Camp Sherman Store and walking in for coffee in the morning is a scenic experience. With trails on either side of the Metolius River we walk one direction to get there and another to return to our campsite. We try to sign up for campsites with our friends so we will be next to each other. We were not able to do this in 2023, even though we signed up on the first day that we were able. Sadly, the three beautiful sites on either side of us, truly the most desirable in the campground, were empty all four days we were there. Actually, on the two days we took a count and only 1/2 to 2/3 of the campsites were occupied. What this told us was that many people reserve and do not show up, depriving others of these beautiful sites. Since communication is so limited, it is difficult for others to secure the sites. This seems such a poor use of the resources available to us.

Smiling River is a special place. Most campsites are roomy, shaded and simple. The river sites are amazing. Our campsite (on the river) was raked and ready for us to enjoy when we arrived. We love the location because it is one mile from the Camp Sherman Store and walking in for coffee in the morning is a scenic experience. With trails on either side of the Metolius River we walk one direction to get there and another to return to our campsite. We try to sign up for campsites with our friends so we will be next to each other. We were not able to do this in 2023, even though we signed up on the first day that we were able. Sadly, the three beautiful sites on either side of us, truly the most desirable in the campground, were empty all four days we were there. Actually, on the two days we took a count and only 1/2 to 2/3 of the campsites were occupied. What this told us was that many people reserve and do not show up, depriving others of these beautiful sites. Since communication is so limited, it is difficult for others to secure the sites. This seems such a poor use of the resources available to us.

Love this campground!

Love this campground!

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Beautiful camping right on the river. The campground was clean and quiet. Daily walks to Camp Sherman General Store and dips in the cool river made this a memorable stay.