Riverside Campground

Star3.42
14 reviews
Riverside Campground, Clackamas River Ranger District, 16400 Champion Way, Sandy, OR 97055

Quick Facts

1,600 ft

Price

$5 - $19/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Clackamas River Ranger District site

Official Website
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Riverside Campground
$5.00 - $19.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$19 per night for single campsite; $8 per night for additional vehicles; Day use fee is $5 per vehicle.
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

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Provider
(971) 333-4100null
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What Campers Say

3.42

Mixed Reviews

Based on 14 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiethiking

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Riverside Campground, Clackamas River Ranger District, 16400 Champion Way, Sandy, OR 97055

Riverside Campground

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.

Best Time to Camp at Riverside Campground

Summer 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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May 22 onward; summer offers mild temps, clear skies, best trail and river access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through Sept 13; early fall has crisp mornings and accessible trails.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Partially open only after May 22; late-spring conditions variable and limited availability.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 22–Sep 13; winter season not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Between May 22 to September 13.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 22 to September 13.
  • Current Alerts: Advisory warnings for hazards related to the Riverside Fire burn scar are active.

About Riverside 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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Open 24 hours
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive days.

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.
HikingThe Riverside National Recreation Trail is a five-mile trail connecting Riverside Campground to Rainbow Campground. It is suitable for hiking and mountain biking.
FishingFishing opportunities are focused on steelhead and salmon within the Clackamas River. Catch-and-release policies apply.
BikingBiking options include mountain biking trails, with the Riverside National Recreation Trail being a key highlight.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

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

Weather at Riverside Campground

Reviews

3.4
14 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Riverside Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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 14 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 14 reviews

Common 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 14 reviews

Pro 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 14 reviews

Seasonal 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 14 reviews

Camper 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 14 reviews

Site-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 14 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews focus on accessibility.
Based on 14 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews mention experiences with pets.
Based on 14 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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