Indian Henry

Star3.98
8 reviews
Indian Henry
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees include $8 for reservations made online or through the app, $9 through the contact center, and $3 if made in-person. Additional fees apply for...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
503-630-5721clm@clm-services.com

About this campground

Nestled along the pristine waters of the Clackamas River, Indian Henry Campground has long been a cherished gateway to the untamed beauty of Mount Hood National Forest. This riverside sanctuary once welcomed adventurers seeking solace among towering evergreens and the soothing sounds of rushing water. While the devastating 2020 Riverside Wildfire has temporarily closed this beloved retreat, its legacy as a portal to Oregon's wilderness adventures remains etched in the memories of countless visitors who explored its trails and fished its waters.
Indian Henry Campground accommodates a range of camping styles, including tent and RV camping. Tent-only sites are reservable, while other sites are first-come, first-served. Group camping options are not explicitly mentioned.
Historical SignificanceHistory runs as deep as the ancient forests here, where just 20 miles southwest, the legendary Bagby Hot Springs has drawn weary travelers to its therapeutic waters for over a century. These natural hot springs, channeled through historic bathhouses, tell tales of loggers and forest workers who once soaked their tired muscles after long days in the wilderness. The area's 1913 guard station stands as a sentinel to the early days of forest conservation, when rangers first began protecting these precious woodlands for future generations.
Weather and SeasonsThe Cascade Mountains create a dramatic backdrop for ever-changing weather patterns at Indian Henry. Recent conditions have brought crisp, cold temperatures that transform breath into misty clouds, while moderate winds whisper through the forest canopy. Frequent precipitation nourishes the lush understory, creating that quintessential Pacific Northwest atmosphere where moss-draped trees glisten with dewdrops and the air carries the fresh scent of rain-washed earth.
ElevationPerched at 1,249 feet above sea level, the campground occupies a sweet spot in the Cascade Mountains where alpine air meets river valley warmth. This modest elevation creates a perfect microclimate that supports an incredibly diverse ecosystem, from moisture-loving ferns carpeting the forest floor to majestic Douglas firs reaching skyward, their crowns disappearing into the mountain mists.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanted forest where ancient Douglas firs stand like cathedral pillars, their massive trunks telling stories of centuries past. The campground's sites are artfully tucked among a tapestry of conifers and hardwoods, where emerald ferns unfurl in the dappled sunlight and ivy creates natural privacy screens between neighboring camps. Some fortunate sites offer front-row seats to the Clackamas River's endless performance, while others nestle beside babbling mountain creeks that sing lullabies through the night. This living landscape shifts with the seasons, from the vibrant greens of spring to autumn's golden transformation.
Geological RegionIndian Henry Campground occupies a remarkable position at 1,249 feet within Oregon's majestic Cascade Range, where volcanic forces and glacial carving have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary beauty. Here, the ancient geological story unfolds through layers of volcanic rock and river-carved valleys, all cloaked in a verdant tapestry of old-growth Douglas firs, diverse conifers, and deciduous trees. The abundant rainfall has created a temperate rainforest environment where massive ferns and trailing ivy thrive, forming natural curtains that provide each campsite with its own secluded forest alcove.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityThe campground features paved parking surfaces and accessible flush toilets, making it moderately accessible.
Sites SizeThe large campground features spacious single-family campsites that accommodate tents and RVs.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is enhanced by thick gatherings of ferns and ivy between campsites, as well as the natural forest setting.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommendations to avoid overgrown and poorly maintained loops except for the 'C loop' as mentioned in user reviews.

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights during a visit, and up to 14 nights within a rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact number of guests permitted per site not provided.
Groups
No explicit details on group sites are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground has loops, but many are closed or overgrown due to wildfire damage.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityTent-only sites are available for reservation, while other sites are first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled before the date of arrival with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations for individual campsites incur a fee of $10 plus forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Indian Henry Campground provides a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and whitewater rafting. The Clackamas River Trail and Indian Henry Trail offer scenic hikes, while the nearby Clackamas River is ideal for fishing and rafting. User feedback highlights the area's natural beauty but also notes restricted access to certain facilities.
Hiking
The Clackamas River Trail is an 8-mile route that climbs 450 feet in elevation, suitable for hiking and mountain biking. It is available year-round, though it may be snow-covered in winter. The Indian Henry Trail is another option that winds through the forest.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are abundant in the Clackamas River, with species such as winter steelhead, spring chinook, and kokanee salmon. Surprise Lake also offers fishing but is not large enough for motorized boats.
Biking
Mountain biking is permitted on the Clackamas River Trail, providing a recreational option alongside hiking.
Boating
Whitewater rafting is popular on the Clackamas River, which offers miles of wild water amidst scenic surroundings.
Winter Activities
The Clackamas River Trail may be snow-covered in winter, and the area generally offers a wintery scenic experience.
Water Sports
Whitewater rafting is a major water activity in the Clackamas River.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Campfires are permitted within provided campfire rings with grills.

Hazards

General hazardsHazards include overgrown vegetation and damaged facilities due to lack of maintenance following the wildfire. Bathrooms labeled as hazardous and toxic material warnings have been reported in user reviews.
Active alertsThe campground is closed due to the 2020 Riverside Wildfire.

Weather forecast

50
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 42%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 5.8 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Overcast

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Emergency services information is not provided.

Good to know

Peak season datesPeak season dates are not specified.
Trash and recyclingNo detailed information about trash and recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is alongside the Clackamas River, providing opportunities for fishing and scenic views. Nearby attractions include Surprise Lake, a small lake ideal for fishing.
Common complaintsUser reviews consistently mention overgrown vegetation, blocked-off loops, broken facilities, lack of host presence, and hazardous bathrooms.
HostUser reviews report that the presence of hosts is inconsistent, with complaints about unavailability.

Campground Map

Driving directionsFrom Estacada, Oregon, travel east on Highway 224 for 24 miles to the campground.
Road access quality is described as mostly paved parking surfaces within the campground.
Nearby places
Estacada, Oregon: 24 miles (approximate travel time not provided)
Nearby supplies
Closest locations for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are not provided.

Camper Reviews

4.0
8 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Indian Henry has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Indian Henry Campground present a mixed picture. Positive remarks focus on the natural beauty and spacious campsites, while negative reviews highlight significant maintenance issues, such as overgrown areas, broken facilities, and hazardous toilets. The campground's closure due to wildfire damage is also a recurring theme.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive comments emphasize the scenic location by the Clackamas River, opportunities for hiking and fishing, and the general appeal of the forested environment: 'Awesome camping spot,' wrote Joshua...
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Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

Key issues include poor maintenance of facilities: 'The bathrooms (pit toilets) are disgusting,' noted Jocelyn K., mentioning hazardous conditions. Katelyn K. criticized the blocked and broken...
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Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

1. Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds, as highlighted by Mark McGlothlan. 2. Be prepared for limited site availability and maintenance issues, as noted by multiple reviewers. 3. Consider hiking...
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Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During summer, the campground can get crowded, as Jane Telzey noted. End-of-season visits offer a quieter experience, as described by Snow W.: 'The park was beautiful and nearly empty.'
Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Awesome camping spot. Be aware that basically all the loops except for C loop are closed and are extremely overgrown.' - Joshua Krivoshein. 2. 'It was fantastic, and the babies had fun at the...
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Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviewers noted that only C loop remains open, while other loops are overgrown and closed. Specific campsite reviews are not provided.
Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

Mixed feedback on accessibility: flush toilets and paved parking are noted as accessible, but maintenance issues may limit usability for some visitors.
Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-specific reviews are not available.
Based on 8 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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