Riverford Campground
4.566 reviewsRiverford Campground
$19.00 - $21.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$19.00
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
One site costs $19/night for overnight use; additional vehicles are $8/night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount for single campsites only. Day use is $10/vehicle/day. Northwest Forest Passes, available for $30 annually, are also accepted. Cash or check payment required.
About this campground
Where the wild Clackamas and Collawash Rivers meet in a dramatic confluence, Riverford Campground offers an intimate escape into Oregon's untamed wilderness. This hidden gem shelters just eight coveted campsites beneath a cathedral of towering Douglas firs and ancient hemlocks, where lucky visitors can claim one of the prized creekside spots. The rhythmic song of rushing water provides nature's soundtrack as you settle into this pocket of tranquility, far from the crowds yet close to endless adventures.
Riverford Campground offers a basic camping experience with eight first-come, first-serve sites. Options cater to both tent and RV campers. Some sites are drive-in accessible, while others require walking down to reach.
Weather and SeasonsRiverford's mountain climate brings refreshing diversity throughout the year, with crisp mornings giving way to comfortable afternoons. Summer days warm to the pleasant mid-80s, perfect for river activities and forest exploration, while spring and fall offer cooler temperatures in the 40s to 60s ideal for hiking without the heat. Winter transforms the landscape into a wonderland that challenges even seasoned campers with snow and freezing temperatures, making this primarily a three-season destination. The naturally dry air and cool forest canopy create a refreshing environment even on warmer days.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in an old-growth sanctuary where massive Douglas firs stretch skyward alongside graceful hemlocks, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The federally designated Wild and Scenic Clackamas River rushes past your doorstep, its crystal-clear waters carving through ancient volcanic rock while providing endless opportunities for contemplation or adventure. This pristine watershed showcases the raw beauty of the Cascade foothills, where moss-draped trees, fern-covered understories, and the constant melody of moving water create an enchanting Pacific Northwest paradise.
Geological RegionNestled at the dramatic confluence where the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River embraces the pristine Collawash River, Riverford sits within a geological wonderland shaped by millennia of volcanic activity and glacial carving. This densely forested valley, dominated by towering Douglas firs and majestic hemlocks, represents the heart of the Western Cascades' temperate rainforest ecosystem. The converging rivers have sculpted deep gorges through ancient lava flows, creating a landscape where water, stone, and forest merge in perfect harmony.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no specific information regarding accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeSites are described as generally large, with enough space to accommodate a large two-room tent, two smaller two-person tents, and two pop-up canopies, according to user Heidi Sebunia. Jayne Reuterdahl mentioned that there are eight sites in total, and three are located near the creek.
Sites PrivacySome sites are described as secluded and quiet, particularly those by the creek, while others are close to the main roads, which may affect the level of privacy.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUsers suggest selecting creekside sites for better views and quieter spots.
Best Campsites"Site #4 is highly recommended for its proximity to the river, as mentioned in Heidi Sebunia's review."
Reserving a campsite
Groups
There are no designated group camping sites mentioned in the sources.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 8 sites, with a mix of drive-in and walk-down access. Four sites are drive-in, while four require walking down to access. Some sites are located directly by the creek, offering scenic views.
Open and Closed Season"Seasonal closures occur due to environmental factors such as the Riverside Fire; visitors should check current availability."
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through platforms operated by Alaska Recreational Management (ARM) and affiliated portals.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve sites are available. Review by Heidi Sebunia notes this process for securing a spot.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The scenic Riverford Campground offers limited recreational opportunities centered around its proximity to the Clackamas and Collawash Rivers. Fishing is a notable activity, with users reporting signs prohibiting fishing off the nearby bridge. Hiking is also possible, and user Heidi Sebunia specifically highlighted trails leading to old-growth forests and river scenes. Swimming opportunities are limited due to shallow river areas near the campground, but deeper spots are accessible nearby.
Hiking
Trails are available near the campground. Reviews highlight scenic paths leading to old-growth forests with thick moss carpets and beautiful river views. Access to the trails involves crossing the bridge and heading upriver.Fishing
Fishing is allowed in the river, with signs advising against fishing off the bridge. Specific fish types are not mentioned.Swimming
Shallow areas in the Clackamas River near the campground make swimming difficult directly on-site, but deeper swimming areas are accessible nearby, including where the two rivers meet and farther upriver.Water Sports
There is no mention of non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Each site comes with a firepit that has a grill top. No specific policies mentioned.
Hazards
General hazards"Proximity to NF-63 road means occasional noise and potential safety concerns from logging truck traffic. Wildlife is likely present in the dense forest setting."
Active alertsCurrently closed due to the Riverside Fire.
Weather forecast
92
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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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
The nearest emergency services are provided by the Ripplebrook Ranger Station, approximately 4 miles west of the campground.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingDumpsters for trash are provided, but users have noted that they can be full at times. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along the Clackamas River and near the confluence with the Collawash River. Three campsites are directly on the creek.
Common complaints"Lack of potable water on-site is a recurring issue. Some reviews mention full trash bins and minor maintenance issues with facilities."
Host"Camp hosts are present at the site to manage check-ins and payments, as noted by Heidi Sebunia."
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Estacada, OR - Travel east on Highway 224/Road 46 for approximately 29 miles just past the intersection with Road 63. Turn left into the campground.
"Highway 224/Road 46 is the primary access route. However, NF-63, a nearby road, has frequent logging truck traffic. Navigation is straightforward, but some reviews mention that the proximity to these trucks can be disconcerting, particularly for campers near the campground entrance."Nearby supplies
The nearest basic store is the Ripplebrook Ranger Station, about 4 miles west, which offers basic camping supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.6
6 reviews
Riverford Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, emphasizing the campground's scenic location and well-maintained grounds. However, some criticisms include the lack of potable water, noise from logging trucks, and limited parking. Vault toilets received mixed reviews, and dumpsters being full was a noted issue.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the large campsite sizes, well-maintained grounds, scenic river views, and the camp host's helpfulness. Specific praise includes Heidi Sebunia's note about fitting multiple tents and...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of potable water, noise from nearby roads and logging trucks, issues with full dumpsters, and the condition of the vault toilets. Matty also noted the absence of a...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own potable water as none is available on-site. Deep swimming spots can be found upriver or where the two rivers meet. For hiking, walk across the bridge and head upriver for scenic trails.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight the campground's beauty and the availability of nearby recreational activities such as swimming and hiking. However, noise from logging trucks and limited parking are...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'The area is very pretty! The river here was very low, couldn’t swim in most areas as it is shallow, but there are lots of areas nearby that are very deep.' - Heidi Sebunia
2. 'Awesome! There are...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #4 is described as one site away from the Clackamas River and requires walking down several large steps to access. It offers proximity to the river but is near the road, where logging trucks can...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies or experiences for pet owners were not mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025