Carter Bridge Campground
01 reviewState Rt. 224, Estacada, OR
Carter Bridge Campground
$14.00 - $17.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$14.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard single site fee is $14 per day. Overnight use for a single site costs $17 per night. Additional vehicles cost $8 per night. Payments must be made via cash or check. Reservation fees may apply.
About this campground
Nestled along the banks of the pristine Wild and Scenic Clackamas River, Carter Bridge Campground invites adventurers into a tranquil riverside sanctuary. This intimate single-loop campground winds beneath a magnificent cathedral of towering cedars, graceful maples, and whispering alders, creating a natural haven for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. While the crystalline waters beckon anglers and thrill-seekers with promises of prime fishing spots and exhilarating whitewater rafting, visitors should note that nature's resilience is on full display here. The Riverside Fire has left its mark on this landscape, transforming it into a testament to forest regeneration. Campers are encouraged to embrace this unique opportunity to witness nature's recovery while exercising appropriate caution around fire-affected trees, naturally sculpted slopes, and seasonal water fluctuations.
Carter Bridge Campground is designed for tent and combined camping, with no facilities for RVs, primitive camping, or cabins.
Historical SignificanceCarter Bridge Campground stands as a gateway to the legendary Mt. Hood National Forest, a landscape steeped in centuries of human connection and natural wonder. This protected wilderness has long served as both sanctuary and playground for generations of outdoor enthusiasts, from early Native American tribes who fished these waters to modern adventurers seeking respite from urban life. The recent Riverside Fire has added a new chapter to this storied landscape, creating a living classroom where visitors can witness firsthand the remarkable resilience and regenerative power of Pacific Northwest forests.
Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-May through early September, Carter Bridge awakens under the gentle warmth of Pacific Northwest summers, where morning mist dances above the river before giving way to sun-dappled afternoons. The temperate climate creates perfect conditions for outdoor adventures, though Mother Nature keeps things interesting with her occasional surprise showers that transform the forest into a symphony of raindrops on leaves. Early season visitors might catch winter's last whisper in the form of light snow dustings, while those arriving as summer wanes could experience autumn's first cool breath. Pack layers and rain gear to fully embrace whatever weather story unfolds during your stay.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable 900 feet above sea level, Carter Bridge offers the perfect sweet spot where mountain air meets river valley tranquility. This modest elevation provides year-round accessibility while still delivering that refreshing mountain atmosphere that cleanses both lungs and spirit.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Clackamas River serves as the campground's liquid centerpiece, its emerald waters carving a sinuous path through a tapestry of old-growth splendor. Massive cedars stand sentinel alongside the riverbank, their bark deeply furrowed with age and wisdom, while bigleaf maples spread their broad canopies overhead, filtering sunlight into a thousand dancing fragments. Beneath this verdant umbrella, red alders lean gracefully toward the water, their pale trunks creating natural sculptures against the darker conifers. As summer deepens into August, hidden treasures emerge in the understory—wild berry patches heavy with blackberries and huckleberries reward those who venture off the beaten path with nature's sweet bounty.
Geological RegionCarter Bridge Campground occupies a remarkable position within the Clackamas River corridor, where millennia of geological forces have sculpted a dramatic landscape of water and stone. The Wild and Scenic Clackamas River, fed by Mt. Hood's glacial meltwaters and countless mountain springs, has carved its channel through ancient volcanic deposits, creating a diverse ecosystem where temperate rainforest meets riverine habitat. This unique convergence supports an extraordinary botanical community—from the moisture-loving western red cedars that thrive in the river's humid microclimate to the hardy Douglas firs clinging to drier slopes. The understory bursts with native berry species, sword ferns, and seasonal wildflowers, all woven together in a complex ecological tapestry that changes with each bend of the river.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no information regarding specific accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe campground offers tent and combined sites under a canopy of trees. Parking aprons are made of dirt and gravel and are uniform in size.
Sites PrivacySites offer minimal privacy due to their grouping under a heavy canopy.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite-specific recommendations are not provided.
Best CampsitesSome walk-in tent sites along the river are highly recommended for their scenic views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is not specified.
Check-out
Check-out time is not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific information on guest limits per site.
Groups
There are no designated group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of a compact single loop layout.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 15 through September 7.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites may be reservable, but no specific information on walk-up or first-come-first-served availability is provided.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not explicitly stated.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Campers can enjoy fishing, non-motorized boating like rafting and kayaking, and picnicking. There are no hiking trails or swimming areas available.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities include catch-and-release fishing for steelhead trout and Kokanee salmon in the Clackamas River.Boating
Non-motorized boating activities like kayaking and rafting are popular. Contact the Ranger District Office for whitewater conditions.Winter Activities
The site is closed seasonally, so winter activities are not applicable.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like rafting and kayaking are supported. Motorized water sports are not permitted.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Specific fire policies are not mentioned.
- Quiet hours are not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsVisitors should be cautious due to potential hazards from the Riverside Fire, such as burned trees, eroded slopes, mudslides, missing trails, or flash flooding.
Active alertsThe campground is closed due to damage from the Riverside Fire.
Weather forecast
87
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest hospital: null; police station: null; ranger station: Contact Clackamas Ranger District for emergencies.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15 through September 7.
Trash and recyclingInformation about trash and recycling facilities is not provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly beside the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River.
Common complaintsNo user complaints explicitly mentioned.
HostNo details about hosts or their availability are provided.
Campground Map
State Rt. 224, Estacada, OR
Driving directionsIn Estacada, OR, at the intersection of State Rts. 211 and 224, take Rt. 224 east and go 14 miles to the campground on the left.
Road access is via OR 224. The campground is located 14 miles southeast of Estacada. Roads are paved, but visitors should be cautious due to potential hazards in the area resulting from the Riverside Fire, such as eroded slopes and mudslides.Nearby places
Estacada (14 miles, approximately 20 minutes driving time)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and supplies are available in Estacada, OR, approximately 14 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Carter Bridge Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is mentioned positively in a review: "Camp here every year," though this appears to be a single user mentioning their annual visits.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground's location on the Clackamas River and opportunities for fishing and rafting are highlights.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
The lack of potable water and minimal privacy at sites are potential drawbacks. Additionally, the campground was damaged during the Riverside Fire, requiring caution about hazards.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should carry their own potable water and exercise caution in burned areas. Fishing and rafting enthusiasts may find this campground appealing.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No seasonal trends in user reviews are provided. However, the campground is closed from September 8 through May 14 each year.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Camp here every year" - Patricia Phillips.
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews or recommendations are provided.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews addressing accessibility features or experiences are available.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews or information related to pets are available.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025