How much does camping cost at Ripplebrook?

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

Is Ripplebrook first-come first-served or reservation?

Ripplebrook 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 Ripplebrook before I book?

Yes! Ripplebrook 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 Ripplebrook?

Ripplebrook 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 Ripplebrook?

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

Are dogs allowed at Ripplebrook?

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

What amenities are available at Ripplebrook?

Ripplebrook offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Ripplebrook?

Popular activities at Ripplebrook include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Ripplebrook

Q: Can I have a campfire at Ripplebrook?

Fire policies at Ripplebrook: 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.

4.62

16 reviews

Top 15% in ORSummer

Scenic Views

Featured in:Tent Camping Oregon

Quick Facts

1,400 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Reservable season ru...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Mount Hood Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,400 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Reservable season ru...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Mount Hood Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Ripplebrook

$26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

503-630-5721jacob@alaskarm.com

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Campground Map

Ripplebrook

45.0800, -122.0428

Weather at Ripplebrook

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 Ripplebrook

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Ripplebrook for reliably dry weather, comfortable daytime temperatures (roughly 65–80°F) and cool nights (40–55°F), making hiking, fishing the Clackamas/Oak Fork, river viewing and paddling/whitewater outings most enjoyable. Campground is fully open and reservable from late May through mid-September, so facilities and access are at their peak and trails are clear. Crowds are moderate on summer weekends—plan midweek visits for quieter campsites—and be aware that O Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in OR

Best season: dry, 65–80°F days; campground open and busiest May–Sep.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 17 to September 21. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Reservable season runs from May 23, 2025, to September 21, 2025.

About Ripplebrook

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.

Ripplebrook Campground primarily supports tent camping but can accommodate small RVs and tent trailers under 19 feet. Group camping and primitive sites are not explicitly mentioned.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Ripplebrook for reliably dry weather, comfortable daytime temperatures (roughly 65–80°F) and cool nights (40–55°F), making hiking, fishing the Clackamas/Oak Fork, river viewing and paddling/whitewater outings most enjoyable. Campground is fully open and reservable from late May through mid-September, so facilities and access are at their peak and trails are clear. Crowds are moderate on summer weekends—plan midweek visits for quieter campsites—and be aware that O Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation1400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense forest of maple, cedar, and Douglas fir creates a canopy overhead, with ferns and shrubs covering the forest floor. The Oak Fork runs close enough to hear from many sites. One reviewer said the foliage made them feel like the only people there. Bald eagles, northern spotted owls, and peregrine falcons live in the area, and deer show up at dawn. The forest is thick enough that sites feel isolated despite the campground's moderate size.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or other accommodations are available within the park.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights per visit, with a total of 14 nights allowed within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific guest limits per site are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe vault toilets are accessible. Some campsites are described as spacious with flat areas, though their overall accessibility for individuals with disabilities is not detailed.

Site SizeSites are described as accommodating tents and small RVs under 19 feet. Site #1 is noted as spacious enough for two tents.

PrivacyThe dense forest of maple, cedar, and fir trees, along with large shrubs and ferns, provides a good level of privacy between campsites. "The sites were so far apart we felt like we were the only people there," one reviewer mentioned.

Recommended SitesSite #001 is praised for its spaciousness but noted for being near the road with occasional vehicle noise. Site #007 offers a good balance of sunshine and shade.

Best CampsitesSite 1 is spacious enough for two tents and close to the river sound. Sites 4, 7, and 12 also get positive mentions in reviews. The spacing and forest density mean most sites offer decent privacy, but specific site characteristics aren't detailed in available data.

Need help booking Ripplebrook?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Ripplebrook Campground provides a mix of basic and charming amenities. The campground is geared towards tent camping but accommodates RVs under 19 feet. Each campsite comes with a picnic table and a campfire ring with a grill. Vault toilets are available and accessible, and parking surfaces range from paved to gravel. No utility hookups are provided. "The vault toilets were well-maintained," noted a user, though others mentioned occasional odors. The proximity to the Clackamas River and dense forest provides privacy and a serene setting.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Ripplebrook

Ripplebrook offers a range of recreational activities. Fishing in the Clackamas River is highly popular, with opportunities to catch winter steelhead, spring chinook, and kokanee salmon. Whitewater rafting and hiking are also favored activities. The nearby Riverside National Recreation Trail spans 5 miles and supports both hiking and mountain biking.

Hiking4.0/5

Riverside National Recreation Trail (5 mi) is located near the campground and popular.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Campground used as a staging point for whitewater runs and paddling.

Water Sports4.0/5

Paddlers use it as a staging point for whitewater runs (kayak/raft access).

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Scenic river, forest canopy and wildlife (eagles) offer strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; vault toilets are provided instead.

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).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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 & RecyclingTrash receptacles are conveniently spaced in the campground.

Cell Coverage"Absolutely no Wi-Fi or phone reception, so be prepared," a reviewer mentioned.

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

4.6

16 reviews

Top-Rated

Ripplebrook is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the campground's natural beauty, serenity, and cleanliness. However, some concerns about safety (theft) and vault toilet odors have been mentioned.

Review Summaries

Based on 16 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 16 reviews.

Site #4Loved
Site #4 is praised for its proximity to the river and privacy.
Site #12Loved
Site #12 is noted as quiet and relaxing.
Site #7Loved
Site #7 provides a mix of shade and sunshine.
Site #1Mentioned
Site #1 is spacious and close to the road, leading to some vehicle noise.

What Campers Love

Campers praised the campground's cleanliness, "breathtakingly beautiful location," and the privacy of campsites due to dense foliage. Numerous reviews appreciate the peaceful sound of the river and...

Based on 16 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviewers mentioned theft concerns, with one stating, "My friend's backpack with his wallet and keys got stolen..." Others noted occasional odors from vault toilets and the lack of potable water.

Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing your own water and hand sanitizer. "Be prepared for no Wi-Fi or cell reception," advised one reviewer. Reserving multiple sites is suggested for group camping due to...

Based on 16 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Most visitors favor the early summer to late fall season. Rain is common towards the end of the season, as noted in some reviews.

Based on 16 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campground was well-maintained." "The camp host was very nice and knowledgeable." "The sites were so far apart, we felt like we were the only people there." "No potable water provided, but the...

Based on 16 reviews

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Ripplebrook

$26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

503-630-5721jacob@alaskarm.com

Go if

You want a clean, quiet riverside base for fishing the Clackamas or staging whitewater trips.

Skip if

You're sensitive to vault toilet odors or need secure storage for valuables.

Nearby Campgrounds

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.

Ripplebrook

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Ripplebrook

Campground Map

Weather at Ripplebrook

Current alerts(3)

Best Time to Camp at Ripplebrook

Planning Tips

About Ripplebrook

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Ripplebrook?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Ripplebrook

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Ripplebrook

Current alerts(3)

Best Time to Camp at Ripplebrook

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Ripplebrook?

Amenities available

Things to do at Ripplebrook

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns