How much does camping cost at Rainbow?

Camping fees at Rainbow range from $26/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Rainbow first-come first-served or reservation?

Rainbow accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Rainbow before I book?

Yes! Rainbow has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Rainbow?

Rainbow is open May 17 to September 21. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Rainbow?

Rainbow does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Rainbow have?

Rainbow has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Rainbow?

Pets are not allowed at Rainbow. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Rainbow?

Rainbow offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Rainbow?

Popular activities at Rainbow include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Rainbow (Or)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Rainbow?

Fire policies at Rainbow: Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.69

24 reviews

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Featured in:Forest Camping Oregon

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,400 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Campground is open a...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Mount Hood Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,400 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Campground is open a...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Mount Hood Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Rainbow (Or)

$26.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $26.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

503-630-5721clm@clm-services.com

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Rainbow (Or)

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

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Rainbow (Or)

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Nearby places

Estacada: approximately 26 miles and around 45 minutes by car.

Weather at Rainbow (Or)

Current alerts(3)

Click here for more information on the Mt. Hood National Forest
In accordance with standard industry practices, Mount Hood Recreation will be assessing a $8 additional vehicle fee on the second vehicle in each single family campsite, and on the third and fourth vehicle in any double family campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined to…
Off-road vehicle use is prohibited within the campground

Best Time to Camp at Rainbow (Or)

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of comfortable weather, lower crowds, and vivid forest color along the Clackamas—expect crisp days in the 50s–60s°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s°F. River flows are calmer than spring runoff, making fishing, relaxed boating, and riverside hikes most pleasant, while trails and lookouts show peak maple and alder color. Because the campground closes in late September, early fall (late September) delivers the quietest experience with full services still available and a Peak months: September, June, July, August Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall delivers best conditions before late-Sept closure; maples and alders show peak color.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 17 to September 21. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Campground is open and reservable between May 23, 2025, and September 21, 2025.

About Rainbow (Or)

Rainbow Campground sits along the Clackamas River in Mount Hood National Forest, operated by Mount Hood Recreation. This small foothills campground offers spacious, private sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for riverside access, hiking trails into the surrounding forest, and fishing the Clackamas during calmer fall flows.

Rainbow Campground primarily caters to tent camping with more than a dozen single-family sites. The focus is on providing a rustic and natural camping experience near the Clackamas River.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of comfortable weather, lower crowds, and vivid forest color along the Clackamas—expect crisp days in the 50s–60s°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s°F. River flows are calmer than spring runoff, making fishing, relaxed boating, and riverside hikes most pleasant, while trails and lookouts show peak maple and alder color. Because the campground closes in late September, early fall (late September) delivers the quietest experience with full services still available and a Peak months: September, June, July, August Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation1400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a river corridor where Douglas fir and maple dominate the canopy. Dense shrubbery separates most sites, though shade and privacy vary. Some campers report downed trees and exposed conditions at specific spots. The Oak Grove Fork runs clear and steady, its flow calmer in late summer and fall than during spring runoff. Even-numbered sites face the river. The surrounding forest grows on volcanic soils characteristic of the Cascades, and the area supports bald eagles, northern spotted owls, and peregrine falcons.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not mention any hotel or lodge-style accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights maximum per 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Most sites are designed for 2-3 individuals.

Groups

Group camping is not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative content.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityVault toilets are accessible, and the campground offers paved and gravel parking surfaces. No other specific accessibility features are mentioned.

Site SizeThe campground offers more than a dozen single-family sites for tent camping. Most sites are small, accommodating 1 tent and 2-3 people, but a few larger spots are available near the river.

PrivacyThe dense shrubbery and large maple and Douglas fir trees provide some privacy between campsites, although some reviews indicate limited shade and privacy at certain sites. For example, "Spot 5 is a great spot but not very private.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesEven-numbered sites are near the river but may lack shade. Sites 5 and 10 are better for water access.

Best CampsitesSite 5 gets praise for its riverside position but offers little privacy. Site 7 had downed trees and looked like a logging operation during at least one visit. Site 10 provides water access but no shade. Even-numbered sites generally face the river, which matters if you want the sound of moving water. Check current conditions before choosing. Maintenance appears inconsistent.

Need help booking Rainbow (Or)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Rainbow Campground is a serene camping location situated near the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River in the Mt. Hood National Forest. It offers basic amenities including drinking water, vault toilets, picnic tables, and campfire rings with grills. The parking surfaces are paved or gravel. While the campground provides scenic beauty and access to recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and rafting, it is currently closed due to damage from the 2020 Riverside Wildfire.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Rainbow Campground is a hub for outdoor recreation, offering activities such as hiking, fishing, mountain biking, rafting, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Clackamas River and Riverside National Recreation Trail provide ample opportunities for adventure.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Trash & RecyclingUser reviews mention that garbage facilities are close to some campsites, but one reviewer noted, "Garbage was close but overflowing & smelled terrible." There is no mention of recycling facilities.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.7

24 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Rainbow (Or) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground has mixed reviews, with an average sentiment of 3.88. Visitors appreciated its proximity to the river and trails, but some expressed dissatisfaction with site conditions, such as downed trees and lack of shade. Overall, it is described as a quiet and scenic location, ideal for those seeking a natural retreat.

Review Summaries

Based on 24 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 24 reviews.

Site 7Mentioned
Site 7: Mixed reviews, some liked its seclusion, while others noted it was "ugly and hot." Site 8: Very small, suitable for a couple with one car and tent.
Site 15Mentioned
Site 15: Awkward layout but close to restrooms; requires a hike or drive to water.

What Campers Love

Positive feedback highlights the campground's beautiful location, proximity to the river, and access to hiking trails. Many reviewers appreciated the spacious and private sites, with one stating,...

Based on 24 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include small site sizes, lack of shade, and poor maintenance in some areas. "Our camp site had many downed trees... it looked like a logging operation," one reviewer mentioned....

Based on 24 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing your own firewood as it is not available for purchase on-site. Ensure you check site-specific details, as some sites are smaller or lack access to water. Even-numbered...

Based on 24 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the lack of shade in certain sites, making them hot during the day. Additionally, garbage overflow issues were noted during peak season. Winter data is unavailable.

Based on 24 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Campsite 7 felt just the right amount of secluded. Camp attendants were friendly." "Really great campground next to the river and trailhead." "Our camp site had many downed trees on it... it looked...

Based on 24 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a quiet riverside base camp for fall hiking and fishing with private sites.

Skip if

You need shade coverage or expect consistent site maintenance across all spots.

Nearby Campgrounds

Mt. Hood National Forest

Ripplebrook sits along the Clackamas River in Mt. Hood National Forest's foothills, operated by Mount Hood Recreation. Dense foliage separates tent and RV sites, creating private spaces where the river's sound carries through camp. Anglers fish the Clackamas and Oak Fork, while paddlers use the campground as a staging point for whitewater runs.