Riverford Campground

For Oregonians seeking an authentic and serene escape into the heart of the Mt. Hood National Forest, Riverford Campground in Estacada offers a compelling and rustic experience. Nestled along the banks of the Wild & Scenic Clackamas River, this primitive campground provides a shaded, natural setting that feels remarkably untouched by recent events, offering a peaceful retreat from the everyday hustle. It’s an ideal spot for those who appreciate the sounds of a flowing river, the shade of a dense forest, and a more self-reliant camping adventure.

Riverford Campground distinguishes itself by its direct connection to the Clackamas River, allowing campers to be just steps away from its soothing sounds and recreational opportunities. While it operates on a first-come, first-served basis and offers basic amenities, its allure lies in its natural beauty and the sense of seclusion it provides. Visitors often speak of the "river running pretty loud," which for many, is a cherished soundtrack for a restful night's sleep. The accessibility to fishing and the close proximity to popular attractions like Bagby Hot Springs further enhance its appeal.

Despite some challenges noted by recent visitors, such as the need to pack out all trash and the current state of restroom facilities, Riverford Campground continues to be a favored spot for those who value its core offerings: a beautiful riverside location, abundant shade, and a genuine Oregon outdoor experience. It's a place where a polite sheriff might patrol to ensure responsible camping, reinforcing the community effort needed to keep these natural spaces enjoyable for everyone.

Riverford Campground is conveniently located in the Mt. Hood National Forest, near Estacada, Oregon. Its address can be broadly identified as:

Riverford Campground Loop, Estacada, OR 97023, USA

More specifically, it is situated along the banks of the Wild & Scenic Clackamas River, near its confluence with the Collawash River. The campground is nestled between Forest Road 45 and Forest Road 63. While there might be occasional traffic noise from these roads, the setting is generally described as quiet and peaceful.

Access to Riverford Campground is typically via Oregon Highway 224 from Estacada, leading into Forest Service roads. It's approximately 35 miles southeast of Estacada on Forest Road 46, requiring about an hour's drive from Estacada. The road is unpaved in sections, and while accessible by tents, trailers, and small RVs, larger vehicles might find the approach challenging due to unpaved sections. As a first-come, first-served campground, availability can vary, especially during peak season, so early arrival is always recommended. From Portland, Riverford Campground is approximately a 2 to 2.5-hour drive, making it a viable option for a day trip or weekend camping for many Oregon locals.

Riverford Campground is a primitive Forest Service campground, focusing on basic amenities to support a natural camping experience.

• Campsites: The campground offers approximately 7 to 10 campsites. These sites are suitable for tents, trailers, and small RVs. Each site typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate, providing essential comforts for outdoor living. Some campsites are located just feet away from the Clackamas River, offering direct river access and scenic views.
• Vault Toilets: The campground is equipped with at least one pit or vault toilet. While functional, recent reviews suggest that maintenance may be lacking at times, with the bathroom "kinda falling apart" in some areas, though the roof, walls, and floor are generally intact. Visitors should be prepared for basic, non-flush facilities.
• No Potable Water: It is crucial for campers to note that Riverford Campground does not have potable drinking water available. Visitors must bring all their own water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning purposes.
• No Garbage Collection: The campground operates on a strict "pack it in, pack it out" policy. There are no trash cans or garbage collection services available. Campers are responsible for removing all their waste, and recent reviews highlight issues with trash being left behind by previous campers, scattered by wildlife due to full bins, underscoring the importance of this policy.
• First-Come, First-Served: All campsites at Riverford Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted.
• Shade: The campground is generally well-shaded by a dense forest of Douglas fir and hemlocks, providing a cool retreat even on warmer days. This is a significant advantage, especially given the impact of the Riverside Fire on other nearby campgrounds.

• Clackamas River Access: The standout feature of Riverford Campground is its direct, immediate access to the Wild & Scenic Clackamas River. Some campsites are literally "just feet away" from the river, allowing campers to enjoy the soothing sounds of the flowing water and easy access for various river activities.
• Fishing Opportunities: The Clackamas River is renowned for its excellent fishing, particularly for salmon and steelhead, as well as various trout species. Signs in the area indicate that fishing is a popular activity, especially at the right time of year.
• Proximity to Bagby Hot Springs: Riverford Campground is conveniently located approximately 10 miles from the popular Bagby Hot Springs. This makes it an ideal base for a day trip to enjoy a relaxing soak in the rustic hot springs tubs.
• Shaded Environment: Unlike some nearby campgrounds impacted by the 2020 Riverside Fire, Riverford Campground was "relatively untouched" and remains heavily shaded by dense forest. This provides a cooler, more traditional forest camping experience.
• Wildlife and Nature: The secluded forest setting offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, and the natural environment provides a tranquil backdrop for relaxation and connecting with nature. The presence of a variety of birds and forest animals is common.
• Primitive Experience: For campers who prefer a less developed, more rustic outdoor experience, Riverford offers an authentic primitive camping feel, encouraging self-reliance and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.
• Forested Seclusion: Despite its proximity to forest roads, the dense tree cover creates a sense of seclusion and privacy at many of the campsites.

For current conditions, alerts, and detailed information about Riverford Campground, it is best to contact the managing authority, the U.S. Forest Service, specifically the local Ranger District responsible for the Clackamas River area.

Address: Riverford Campground Loop, Estacada, OR 97023, USA (within the Mt. Hood National Forest)

Phone: (503) 668-1700

Mobile Phone: +1 503-668-1700

It is important to note that this phone number likely connects to the Clackamas River Ranger District office, rather than a direct line to the campground itself, as it is a primitive, unstaffed site.

More specific contact for the managing district:

Clackamas River Ranger District

Address: 16400 Champion Way, Sandy, OR 97055

Phone: (971) 333-4100

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Closed 12 to 1 for lunch. Closed on federal holidays).

Always check the Mt. Hood National Forest official website (fs.usda.gov/mthood) for the latest alerts and warnings, especially concerning road conditions, fire restrictions, and any changes in campground status.

For Oregonians, Riverford Campground offers a particularly appealing and suitable camping experience, especially for those who cherish raw natural beauty and a more traditional, uncommercialized outdoor retreat. Its location within the majestic Mt. Hood National Forest and direct access to the Wild & Scenic Clackamas River make it an ideal local escape. This close proximity to home allows for spontaneous weekend trips without extensive travel planning, making the most of Oregon's abundant natural resources.

A significant draw for locals is that Riverford Campground was "relatively untouched" by the 2020 Riverside Fire, meaning it retains its dense, natural shade—a welcome feature for those seeking respite from the sun or a traditional forest camping atmosphere, a contrast to some recovering areas. The primitive nature of the campground, operating on a first-come, first-served basis with basic amenities like pit toilets (despite their condition) and no potable water, encourages self-reliance and adherence to Leave No Trace principles, values often embraced by experienced Oregon campers.

The opportunities for recreation are abundant and intrinsically Oregonian: the world-class fishing in the Clackamas River, the soothing sound of the river for a peaceful night's sleep, and the convenient 10-mile drive to the beloved Bagby Hot Springs. These features provide a rich, authentic outdoor experience that resonates deeply with local preferences. While the challenge of packing out all trash and some maintenance issues require responsible visitor behavior, these aspects contribute to the rustic charm and affordability of the site. For Oregon residents who seek a genuine connection with their state's wild places, prioritizing nature over extensive amenities, Riverford Campground offers a truly rewarding and perfectly suited local camping adventure.

Riverford Campground

Riverford Campground Loop, Estacada, OR 97023, USA