Riverside Campground (Deschutes National Forest, OR)
Located on the upper Metolius River, Riverside Campground is one of a sting of camps that dot the river offering visitors some of the most stunning scenery in central Oregon and easy access to an abundance of recreational activities.
Riverside Campground is one of our few walk-in tent-only facilities therefore we cannot accommodate RVs or trailers. Campers must haul their camping gear a short distance to the camping site. All sites are equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill and the campground has vault toilets available.
Need to Know
This campground is only suitable for walk in tent camping since we cannot accommodate RVs or trailers.
- This is a no water facility so campers will need to bring their own supply.
- Prevent the spread of invasive species by inspecting and cleaning packs, equipment and tires before using lake or trails.
Please Note: One RV vehicle per site. Most sites can accommodate 1 extra vehicle that is not included with the reservation fee. Extra vehicle will be charged a per night fee and collected at the campground.
Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.
During your time in Central Oregon, you can find wildfire, prescribed fire and smoke information at centraloregonfire.org
Reserved Sites will be held until check out time (NOON) the day following your arrival date. Sites must be occupied by the checkout time of that following day to hold a reservation or the site will be forfeited and released to other guests.
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
Refunds: Refund requests made through www.recreation.gov will be charged a $10 processing fee. This fee is retained by the reservation service contractor along with the non-refundable reservation fee. All requests for the return of the non-refundable reservation fee and the cancellation fee will be declined by the campground concessionaire as they did not receive these fees (these are the fees retained by the reservation contractor, a different entity).
Click here for more information about Deschutes National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive calendar days is prohibited. ‘Location’ means the occupied area, the occupied campsite, and the National Forest System lands in the immediate vicinity thereof. Camping or occupying any location on all National Forest lands for more than 28 calendar days total during a calendar year is prohibited.
Natural Features
The headwaters of the adjacent Metolius 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.
Nearby Attractions
The Camp Sherman Fish Viewing Platform allows visitors the chance to view a variety of types of fish while the Metolius Research Natural Area gives bird watchers ample opportunities. Visit the Metolius Fish Hatchery or Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery display ponds to observe and feed different types of salmon and other fish.
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 nearby Bend, Oregon, and the unique geological landscape of Newberry National Volcanic Monument draw visitors to the region as well. It is a great starting point for visitors to learn about the diverse landscape and history of the area through interpretive programs and exhibits. Visitors can also explore the Lava River Cave, located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. At 5,211 feet in length, the northwest section of the cave is the longest continuous lava tube in Oregon.
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. The 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.
Changes & Cancellations
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
Contact Information
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P.O. BOX 249 SISTERS OR 97759
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 541-323-1746
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Sisters, OR: Travel 9.6 miles northwest on Highway 20, then 4.4 miles north on Forest Road 14.
Available Campsites
- Site 016, Loop Loop 1, Type Walk To
- Site 008, Loop Loop 1, Type Walk To
- Site 014, Loop Loop 1, Type Walk To
- Site 005, Loop Loop 1, Type Walk To
- Site 002, Loop Loop 1, Type Walk To
- Site 015, Loop Loop 1, Type Walk To
- Site 012, Loop Loop 1, Type Walk To
- Site 013, Loop Loop 1, Type Walk To
- Site 011, Loop Loop 1, Type Walk To
- Site 006, Loop Loop 1, Type Walk To
- Site 001, Loop Loop 1, Type Walk To
- Site 010, Loop Loop 1, Type Walk To
- Site 007, Loop Loop 1, Type Walk To
- Site 009, Loop Loop 1, Type Walk To
- Site 004, Loop Loop 1, Type Walk To
- Site 003, Loop Loop 1, Type Walk To
