Riverside (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or)
4.347 reviewsQuick Facts
1,400 ftPrice
$26/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
12 campsites
Season
Open for reservation...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
1,400 ftPrice
$26/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
12 campsites
Season
Open for reservation...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsRiverside (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or)
$26.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$26 for standard non-electric and tent-only sites during peak season (May 23 - September 21, 2025). Additional vehicle fee applies.
Standard Site Fee$26.00
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$26.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider503-630-5721clm@clm-services.com
What Campers Say
4.34
Recommended
Based on 7 reviews
3 Google reviews
Most mentioned
quietpeacefulsites
"The campground is appreciated for its tranquility, natural setting, and access to trails and the Clackamas River. Visitors frequently mention its peaceful atmosphere and suitability for outdoor activities like fishing and hiking."
Fees & Passes at Riverside (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or)
$26/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: 14 nights maximum per 30-day period.
Cancellation: $10 change fee applies for modifications; cancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of first nig...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Mount Hood Recreation website.
Best Time to Camp at Riverside (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or)
Experience the best of Riverside Campground during its peak season from late May through mid-September, when warm days and cool nights create ideal camping conditions. The campground opens its gates on May 23rd, welcoming visitors through September 21st when autumn begins to paint the forest in brilliant hues. Winter transforms the landscape into a dramatic wonderland of rushing water and misty forests, though heavy precipitation and occasional snowfall make this a season best admired from afar.
Best
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 23 - September 21, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open for reservations May 23 - September 21, 2025.
- Current Alerts: Campground currently closed due to 2020 Riverside Wildfire.
About Riverside (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or)
Nestled alongside the pristine waters of the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River, Riverside Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its rustic charm and natural beauty. This tranquil retreat offers thoughtfully spaced single-family sites perfect for tent camping and small RVs, where the gentle sounds of flowing water create nature's soundtrack. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear river, exploring scenic hiking trails, or paddling through gentle rapids, this riverside sanctuary provides the perfect basecamp for your Pacific Northwest adventure.
Riverside Campground primarily accommodates tent and small RV camping. "The campground offers more than a dozen single-family sites for tent and small RV camping." Some sites are hike-in, as noted by a user: "Check which site you reserve, because some of them are hike-in."
Historical SignificanceThe resilient spirit of the Cascade wilderness shines through at Riverside Campground, which has weathered nature's challenges including the transformative 2020 Riverside Wildfire. This natural event, while temporarily closing the area, has become part of the forest's ongoing story of regeneration and renewal, offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness nature's remarkable ability to heal and flourish.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of Riverside Campground during its peak season from late May through mid-September, when warm days and cool nights create ideal camping conditions. The campground opens its gates on May 23rd, welcoming visitors through September 21st when autumn begins to paint the forest in brilliant hues. Winter transforms the landscape into a dramatic wonderland of rushing water and misty forests, though heavy precipitation and occasional snowfall make this a season best admired from afar.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable 1,400 feet above sea level, Riverside Campground offers the perfect sweet spot between mountain majesty and accessible adventure. This moderate elevation provides refreshingly cool temperatures without the thin air of higher altitudes, creating an ideal environment for active days and restful nights under the stars.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanted forest where towering Douglas firs reach skyward and bigleaf maples create a verdant canopy overhead. The Clackamas River winds through this living cathedral, its waters providing sanctuary to an impressive array of wildlife including federally protected bald eagles soaring overhead and elusive spotted owls calling from ancient trees. Every turn reveals postcard-worthy vistas where emerald waters meet moss-covered stones and fern-lined banks.
Geological RegionSet within the majestic Cascade Range, Riverside Campground showcases the region's signature landscape of volcanic peaks and lush temperate rainforest. Here, centuries-old Douglas firs and vibrant bigleaf maples create a dense forest tapestry that exemplifies the Pacific Northwest's legendary natural beauty, offering campers an authentic taste of one of North America's most spectacular mountain ranges.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are available. No additional information regarding accessibility features.
Sites SizeSingle-family sites are available, suited for tents and small RVs.
Sites PrivacyDense shrubbery provides some privacy between campsites. Reviews note sites like '15' as being 'huge, private' and 'tucked away.'
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose riverside sites for better views and ambiance; avoid inner loop sites for lack of scenic access.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
- Check-out time not clearly stated
- assumed standard.
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum per 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact number of guests per site not specified.
Groups
No specific group camping facilities or details provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle loop design with paved and gravel parking surfaces.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen for reservations May 23 - September 21, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot mentioned explicitly, though some sites are hike-in.
Cancellation Policy$10 change fee applies for modifications; cancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of first night’s fees for late notice.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Riverside Campground offers diverse outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. "Fishing is very popular in the Oak Fork, and anglers can expect a catch of winter steelhead, spring Chinook, and late summer Kokanee salmon, as well as other species of freshwater fish." The Riverside National Recreation Trail, a 5-mile trail, is accessible from the campground and is "popular for hiking and mountain biking." Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy observing species such as bald eagles, northern spotted owls, and even peregrine falcons.
Hiking
The Riverside National Recreation Trail, a 5-mile trail accessible from the campground, is highly popular for hiking and mountain biking. User reviews highlight enjoyment of this trail: "We enjoyed the Riverside Trail, which starts at this campground. You can hop off the trail at various points and explore some of the riverside beaches."Fishing
Fishing opportunities include winter steelhead, spring Chinook, and late summer Kokanee salmon. Located along the Clackamas River, the campground offers access to miles of wild waters, making fishing a favorite activity.Biking
The hiking trails in the area are shared with mountain bikers, offering opportunities for biking enthusiasts.Wildlife viewing
The area is home to the federally protected bald eagle and northern spotted owl, as well as the occasional peregrine falcon. A variety of other wildlife can also be observed.Winter Activities
No specific winter recreational activities mentioned.Water Sports
Whitewater rafting is popular along the Clackamas River.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Standard campfire rings with grills provided; firewood usage restrictions apply to prevent invasive species.
Hazards
General hazardsWildfire susceptibility and potential for extreme weather conditions.
Active alertsCampground currently closed due to 2020 Riverside Wildfire.
Weather at Riverside (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or)
49
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Dense drizzle
Precipitation: 1.2%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 85%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 6.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Very Light Rain - (1.20% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Dense drizzle
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Ripplebrook Ranger Station is nearby; additional services not detailed.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - September 21, 2025.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information provided on trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresDirect access to the Clackamas River.
Common complaintsIncorrect directions provided by Google Maps; limited accessibility for hike-in sites.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Estacada, travel east on Highway 224 for approximately 26 miles, then keep right onto Highway 46 for approximately 2 miles to the campground.
Highway 224 east from Estacada is paved and relatively accessible, though some reviews mention Google Maps provides incorrect directions.Nearby places
Estacada - 26 miles (approximately 30 minutes’ drive).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies not detailed, though Estacada is likely the nearest town with provisions.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.3
7 reviews
Riverside (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is appreciated for its tranquility, natural setting, and access to trails and the Clackamas River. Visitors frequently mention its peaceful atmosphere and suitability for outdoor activities like fishing and hiking.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
"Nice quiet rustic campground." "Very quiet and peaceful." Campsites are "huge and private" with "tucked away" options like site 15. The Riverside Trail and proximity to the river are highly praised.
Based on 7 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some users noted that the Google Maps directions were inaccurate and that certain campsites are hike-in, which could be inconvenient for some visitors.
Based on 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Consider reserving riverside campsites for the best experience: "Definitely pick a campsite that is on the river, the inner campsites looked lame." Check site-specific details for hike-in...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground operates in peak season from late May to late September. Visitors have noted the peaceful atmosphere and suitability for summer activities during this time.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great huge, private site at the end of the loop (15)." "Loved this site and our camp spot. 15 is tucked away at the end and has private access to the river." "My family enjoyed the Riverside Trail,...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 15 is described as 'huge, private, and tucked away,' with access to the river. Site 10 is recommended for its proximity to the river, though inner campsites are less appealing.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets are described as accessible, but no other accessibility features are explicitly mentioned.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific information provided on pet policies or pet-related reviews.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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