Riverside Campground
02 reviewsRiverside Campground, Clackamas River Ranger District, 16400 Champion Way, Sandy, OR 97055
Riverside Campground
$5.00 - $19.00 / 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
$19 per night for single campsite; $8 per night for additional vehicles; Day use fee is $5 per vehicle.
About this campground
Perched along the banks of the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River, Riverside Campground invites adventurers into Oregon's rugged beauty. This rustic retreat serves as your basecamp for exploring miles of hiking trails, exhilarating mountain biking routes, and scenic horseback riding paths. While the 2020 Riverside Fire has transformed the landscape, creating more open skies above select campsites, the campground's enduring charm lies in its riverside serenity and authentic wilderness experience. Consider bringing a pop-up canopy to create your own shaded oasis as nature continues its remarkable recovery.
Riverside Campground offers a mix of camping options, including walk-in tent sites and standard campsites. The campground is characterized by its rustic appeal and location above the Clackamas River.
Historical SignificanceThe landscape surrounding Riverside Campground tells a powerful story of nature's resilience. The 2020 Riverside Fire swept through this region, leaving its mark on the forest and creating a unique opportunity to witness ecological rebirth firsthand. Today, visitors can observe the fascinating regeneration process as new growth emerges alongside fire-scarred giants, offering a profound lesson in the cyclical nature of forest ecosystems.
Weather and SeasonsSummer welcomes campers with Oregon's signature mild temperatures and clear skies, creating perfect conditions for river adventures and trail exploration. As autumn arrives, crisp mornings give way to comfortable afternoons ideal for hiking. Winter transforms the campground into a quiet retreat where hardy souls can experience the raw beauty of the season, complete with frosty mornings and occasional snow dustings that blanket the landscape in pristine white.
ElevationAt 1,600 feet above sea level, Riverside Campground occupies a sweet spot in the Cascade foothills where mountain air meets river mist. This moderate elevation provides comfortable camping conditions while still offering that refreshing mountain atmosphere that makes every breath feel cleaner and every morning more invigorating.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering Douglas firs stand as ancient sentinels alongside graceful alders, their canopies creating dappled light patterns across the campground. While the understory remains naturally sparse, offering an open, airy feel throughout the sites, the true gem lies at water's edge. Here, nature and human ingenuity have collaborated to create inviting wading pools along the riverbank, where crystal-clear mountain water collects in perfect spots for cooling off after a day of adventure.
Geological RegionRising from a scenic bluff overlooking the Clackamas River, this Mt. Hood National Forest campground showcases the dramatic geology of the Oregon Cascades. The river below has carved its course through volcanic rock over millennia, creating the stunning canyon that defines this landscape. The 2020 wildfire has unveiled previously hidden rock formations and geological features, offering campers a rare glimpse into the ancient bones of the mountain range while new vegetation begins its patient work of recolonization.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned apart from the absence of wheelchair-friendly toilets.
Sites SizeSites are moderately sized, with parking aprons that are paved. However, low overhanging branches may restrict larger vehicles.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is fair, with large alders and some Douglas fir trees providing shade. However, understory vegetation is limited.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites 1-4 for better privacy and proximity to the river.
Best CampsitesSites 1-4 are walk-in tent sites and offer the most privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive days.
Groups
No specific group camping facilities are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into two sections, with most sites overlooking the river. Walk-in sites are at the beginning.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 22 to September 13.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites may be available for walk-up, check availability.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Riverside Campground primarily include hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. The site connects to the Riverside National Recreation Trail, offering a five-mile hiking or mountain biking experience. Fishing opportunities include catch-and-release for steelhead and salmon.
Hiking
The Riverside National Recreation Trail is a five-mile trail connecting Riverside Campground to Rainbow Campground. It is suitable for hiking and mountain biking.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are focused on steelhead and salmon within the Clackamas River. Catch-and-release policies apply.Biking
Biking options include mountain biking trails, with the Riverside National Recreation Trail being a key highlight.Winter Activities
There is no mention of winter recreational activities.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports, such as kayaking or canoeing, are not available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Firewood is available for a fee; restrictions may apply due to seasonal and safety concerns.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsBurned trees, eroded slopes, mudslides, missing trails, and flash floods are potential dangers due to the area being within the burn scar of the 2020 Riverside Fire.
Active alertsAdvisory warnings for hazards related to the Riverside Fire burn scar are active.
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 55%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.4 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
Clackamas River Ranger District is located at 16400 Champion Way, Sandy, OR 97055, about 40 minutes away (Phone: (971) 333-4100).
Good to know
Peak season datesBetween May 22 to September 13.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information is available about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly above the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River; some campsites have access to man-made pools for wading.
Common complaintsLimited privacy among campsites due to sparse vegetation; lack of potable water availability.
Hostnull
Campground Map
Riverside Campground, Clackamas River Ranger District, 16400 Champion Way, Sandy, OR 97055
Driving directionsFrom Estacada, OR - Travel east on Highway 224 for approximately 26 miles, then continue straight on Forest Road 46 for approximately 2 miles to the campground.
The roads include paved parking aprons, but there are low overhanging branches on the interior road and some parking aprons that may pose challenges for larger vehicles.Nearby places
Estacada (approximately 28 miles, 40 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Timber Park Rest Area in Estacada, OR (on State Rt. 224, mile marker 22.3) has potable water available for donation.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Riverside Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the campground for its tranquility, rustic charm, and proximity to the river and trails. Vault toilets are noted as the primary restroom option.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the quiet and rustic environment, as well as the opportunity to camp near the Clackamas River. The Riverside Trail is a favorite for hiking.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users indicate that the lack of potable water and showers could be inconvenient. Limited shade due to the Riverside Fire of 2020 is also noted as a drawback.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring a pop-up canopy for shade and their own drinking water due to the lack of potable water on-site.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that the campground is most enjoyable during the summer and early fall months when the weather is favorable, and trails are accessible.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Nice quiet rustic campground, vault toilets.' - Jonathan Graham
2. 'One of the best places to camp alongside the river. For more fun, hike the trail between the two campgrounds.' - Don Mix
Based on 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
The first four sites are walk-in tent sites and offer the most privacy. Sites overlooking the river are particularly popular. However, some sites lack shade due to fire damage.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews focus on accessibility.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews mention experiences with pets.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025