Roaring River
.
Roaring River
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
An $8 additional vehicle fee applies for the second vehicle in a single-family campsite and the third and fourth vehicle in double-family campsites....
Show more
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
Share this campground
Recreation.gov
Provider503-630-5721clm@clm-services.com
About this campground
Nestled along the banks of the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River, Roaring River Campground offers an intimate escape into the heart of Oregon's majestic Cascade Range. This hidden gem combines rustic charm with endless adventure, where the sound of rushing water serves as nature's soundtrack. Whether you're casting a line into pristine waters, navigating thrilling whitewater rapids, or exploring scenic trails that wind through ancient forests, this small but mighty campground serves as your perfect basecamp for experiencing the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Roaring River Campground offers primarily tent camping sites along with a few RV-accessible spaces, though RVs longer than 16 feet are not recommended due to the rustic nature of the facilities and gravel parking surfaces.
Historical SignificanceYou're camping on ancestral lands that have witnessed thousands of years of human connection to these forests and rivers. The Cascade Range has long been sacred to Native American tribes who found sustenance and spiritual significance in these mountains. Today, the region stands as a testament to both ecological preservation and cultural heritage, where ancient traditions meet modern conservation efforts. Every trail you walk and every vista you admire connects you to generations of people who have found wonder in this remarkable landscape.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the Cascades, where each season paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Summer brings gloriously mild days perfect for riverside adventures, while autumn wraps the forest in golden hues. Winter transforms the campground into a moody wonderland of mist and rain, with the river running high and wild. Spring emerges with explosive greenery and wildflower blooms. Pack your rain gear for the cooler months—the frequent precipitation is what keeps this corner of Oregon so lush and vibrant.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable 1,000 feet above sea level, Roaring River Campground occupies the sweet spot of Cascade elevations. Here, you'll enjoy refreshingly cool nights that invite deep sleep under starlit skies, while days remain pleasantly moderate even in summer's peak. This gentle elevation creates the perfect microclimate—high enough to escape the valley heat, yet low enough to avoid the harsh conditions of the alpine zones. It's nature's own air conditioning system, complete with the bonus of crisp, pine-scented mountain air.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an emerald cathedral where ancient Douglas firs and western hemlocks create a living canopy overhead, their trunks draped in velvet moss that glows in filtered sunlight. The campground's 1,000-foot perch offers front-row seats to one of Oregon's most biodiverse ecosystems. Keep your eyes skyward for magnificent bald eagles soaring above the river corridor, while the haunting calls of northern spotted owls echo through the twilight hours. Peregrine falcons slice through the canyon air with breathtaking speed, and the Clackamas River itself teems with life, its crystal-clear pools and riffles creating a aquatic highway for salmon and steelhead.
Geological RegionWelcome to Oregon's legendary Cascade Range, where volcanic forces and ancient rivers have sculpted a landscape of stunning contrasts. This northern section of the Cascades showcases nature's raw power through steep-walled river canyons, dense temperate rainforests, and rugged peaks that pierce the sky. The interplay of volcanic geology and relentless erosion has created a wonderland of waterfalls, deep pools, and dramatic cliffs. Here, the lush forests thrive in the abundant moisture captured by these mountains, creating an ecosystem so rich and complex that new discoveries await around every bend in the trail.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible vault toilets. No additional accessibility features are documented.
Sites SizeThe campground is best suited for smaller setups, with RVs larger than 16 feet not recommended. Parking surfaces are gravel.
Sites PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy. Some are more secluded, particularly sites 3, 4, and 5, which are described as 'park and hike in' spots, providing greater seclusion.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReviewers recommend booking sites 3, 4, and 5 for seclusion. Site 4 is noted as particularly good for a park-and-hike experience.
Best CampsitesSites 3, 4, and 5 are described as secluded and ideal by users.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is not explicitly provided.
Check-out
Check-out time is not explicitly provided.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights during a visit at this campground and within rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific guest limit information provided.
Groups
Group sites are not available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground has a small loop layout near the highway.
Open and Closed SeasonCurrently closed due to the 2020 Riverside Wildfire.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is reservable, but no specific information is provided about walk-in availability.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made any time before the arrival date but involve various fees: $10 for reservation changes, $10 for regular cancellations, and forfeiture of the first night’s fee for late cancellations.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Roaring River Campground offers a range of outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing, whitewater rafting, hiking, scenic driving, and wildlife viewing. The Clackamas River is a central feature, providing both wild water for rafting and excellent fishing conditions.
Hiking
A hiking trail runs parallel to the Clackamas River, offering opportunities to explore the area's natural beauty. Specific details on trail length or difficulty are not provided.Fishing
Fishing in the Clackamas River is highly regarded, with species such as winter steelhead, spring Chinook, and late summer Coho salmon available.Swimming
The campground is near swimming spots by the river. One user review mentions 'a great swimming spot across the road from the entrance' and another notes the 'swimming hole by the river was cold but wonderful.'Boating
Whitewater rafting is a popular activity on the Clackamas River, with 12.5 miles of class III-IV rapids close to the campground.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with federally protected bald eagles, northern spotted owls, and occasional peregrine falcons in the area. A variety of other wildlife also inhabits the region.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as whitewater rafting are a major draw at the Clackamas River, which offers challenging and scenic conditions for rafting.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted, and each site has a campfire ring with grill.
- Quiet hours are Specific quiet hours are not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include falling trees (some sites were described as having fallen trees and stumps), proximity to the road, and wildlife encounters.
Active alertsThe campground is closed due to the 2020 Riverside Wildfire.
Weather forecast
50
°F
Oct 11
Saturday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 79%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 2.5 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
The nearest emergency services are likely located in Estacada, which is 20 miles away and has healthcare, police, and fire departments.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo peak season dates provided.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned. User reviews note instances of leftover garbage at certain sites, indicating potential maintenance issues.
Proximity to water featuresThe Clackamas River is nearby, across the highway. Users report swimming holes and fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsUser mentions include fallen trees in campsites, cleanliness issues at some sites, and road noise.
HostMike, a past camp host, received positive reviews for his helpfulness.
Campground Map
.
Driving directionsFrom Estacada, travel east on Highway 224 for 20 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via Highway 224, which is paved and well-maintained. However, RVs larger than 16 feet are not recommended.Nearby places
Estacada (20 miles, approximately 30 minutes driving)
Nearby supplies
The nearest locations for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are likely in Estacada, about 20 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.5
8 reviews

Roaring River is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's picturesque location, clean facilities, and proximity to recreational opportunities. While some reviewers praise the camp host and the availability of clean vault toilets, others note issues with site maintenance, such as leftover garbage and uneven terrain caused by fallen trees.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback emphasizes clean vault toilets, a friendly camp host, and the rustic charm of the area. Reviews also commend the proximity to the river and its recreational potential, including...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include uneven terrain in campsites due to fallen trees and maintenance issues like leftover garbage. Some users also mention road noise from the nearby highway.
Based on 8 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend booking secluded spots such as sites 3, 4, and 5 for a quieter experience with greater privacy. They also suggest taking advantage of the swimming spot across the road from the...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that summer is the most popular season for visiting, as the river's recreational activities are in full swing. Seasonal challenges like fallen trees and maintenance issues appear to...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Lil problem... A lot of the sites are wrecked by trees that have fallen." "The swimming hole by the river was cold but wonderful." "Great tasting water out of the hand pump!" "Very nice camping...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific feedback includes praise for sites 3, 4, and 5 due to their seclusion. Site 1 received criticism for being dirty upon arrival. Site 13 was not available for its intended user due to an...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility is limited to vault toilets. No further accessibility features are noted, and there are no specific reviews from users with disabilities.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences of campers with pets.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025