Sunstrip Campground

For Oregonians, the lure of a tranquil riverside retreat, surrounded by the lush beauty of the Pacific Northwest, is a powerful call. Sunstrip Campground, nestled along the banks of the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River near Eagle Creek, offers just such an escape. It’s a small, intimate campground that provides a genuine connection to nature, perfect for those seeking a rustic experience with the soothing sounds of the river as their constant companion. While it shares its space with the nearby highway, its primary appeal lies in its direct river access and the myriad of outdoor activities it facilitates.

As residents of Oregon, we understand the importance of finding camping spots that deliver on the promise of outdoor adventure and peaceful respite. Sunstrip Campground, with its "best light, open space & river access" as noted by one visitor, truly embodies this. It's a place where you can unwind by the water, watch for wildlife, and enjoy the simple pleasures of camping. This article will provide a detailed overview of what makes Sunstrip Campground a unique and suitable choice for locals, from its specific location and services to its notable features and why it remains a cherished spot for many Oregonians.

Sunstrip Campground is a primitive tent-only campground located on the banks of the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River within the Mt. Hood National Forest. It's an ideal spot for those who prefer a more natural and less developed camping experience, focusing on immersion in the beautiful riverside environment. With approximately 8-9 campsites, it offers an intimate and relatively quiet atmosphere, allowing campers to feel truly connected to the natural surroundings.

The campground is a popular destination for various river-based activities, including fishing and whitewater rafting, due to its direct access to the Clackamas River. While reviews note the presence of highway noise, especially during the day, the overall experience is often described as enjoyable, particularly after 8 PM when traffic tends to quiet down. Sunstrip Campground provides essential amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, making it a comfortable base for outdoor adventures, though campers should be prepared to bring their own drinking water. Its charm lies in its simplicity and its unbeatable proximity to the river.

Sunstrip Campground is located on Clackamas Hwy, Eagle Creek, OR 97022, USA. More specifically, it is situated along Oregon Highway 224, which runs parallel to the Clackamas River as it winds through the Mt. Hood National Forest. This strategic location places it within easy reach of the Portland metropolitan area, making it a convenient destination for a weekend getaway for many Oregon residents.

The campground's direct access from the highway ensures straightforward navigation for campers. However, its close proximity to the road also means that highway noise is a noticeable factor, particularly during daylight hours. This is a trade-off for its ease of access and prime riverside positioning. It's generally a tent-only campground, and while some sources suggest very limited space for smaller RVs, it's primarily designed for those arriving by car with tents. Cell service is often limited or nonexistent in this area, which for many, is a welcome opportunity to truly disconnect. The blend of easy accessibility and a deeply natural setting makes Sunstrip Campground an appealing option for locals seeking a quick escape to the river.

• Tent-Only Campsites: Sunstrip Campground offers approximately 8-9 designated tent-only campsites. These sites are designed for traditional tent camping.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite comes equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for food preparation and outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings with Grills: Every site includes a fire ring with a grill, allowing campers to enjoy campfires and cook meals outdoors (subject to current fire warnings and bans).
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilets for public use. Reviews suggest their cleanliness can vary, but they offer an essential facility.
• No Potable Water: A significant point to note is that potable drinking water is NOT available directly at the campground. Campers must bring all their own drinking water or be prepared to filter/purify river water.
• No Hookups: There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups, reinforcing the primitive and rustic nature of the campground.
• First-Come, First-Served: Campsites are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are usually not taken. Early arrival is often recommended, especially during peak seasons.

• Direct Clackamas River Access: The prime feature of Sunstrip Campground is its immediate and easy access to the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River. Many sites are just a short walk to the water, offering ideal spots for sitting by the river and enjoying the views.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The Clackamas River is renowned for its fishing, particularly for winter steelhead, spring Chinook, and late summer coho salmon, as well as other freshwater fish species. Anglers will find this campground a perfect base.
• Popular for Whitewater Rafting: The river provides miles of "wild water" as it flows through the scenic Cascade Range, making it a favorite destination for whitewater rafting and kayaking enthusiasts.
• Wildlife Viewing: The riverside and forested environment provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including the federally protected bald eagle and northern spotted owl, as well as an occasional peregrine falcon, offering opportunities for wildlife watching.
• Beautiful Natural Setting: Despite its proximity to the highway, the campground is nestled in a wooded area of the Mt. Hood National Forest, thick with moss and greenery, creating a serene and picturesque environment.
• Scenic Drives Nearby: The campground is located along the West Cascades National Scenic Byway, which follows the river, providing opportunities for scenic drives and exploring the surrounding forest.
• Open Space and Light: Some sites, like Site #4, are noted for having "the best light" and "open space," which allows for a pleasant and airy camping experience.

Address: Clackamas Hwy, Eagle Creek, OR 97022, USA

Phone: (503) 325-5451 (This number might be for the Mt. Hood National Forest general information or a specific district office that manages this campground, as direct campground phones are rare for primitive sites).

Mobile Phone: +1 503-325-5451

It is always recommended for prospective visitors to check the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Mt. Hood National Forest or Recreation.gov for the most current information regarding operating status, fire restrictions, and any potential closures, especially given the rustic nature and previous wildfire impacts in the region.

For Oregonians, Sunstrip Campground offers an unpretentious yet deeply rewarding camping experience that aligns perfectly with our state's love for accessible river recreation. Its prime location directly on the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River, coupled with its relatively short drive from the Portland metropolitan area, makes it an ideal spot for a quick escape into nature without extensive travel. As locals, we appreciate the simplicity and raw beauty of a primitive campground, where the focus is truly on the natural environment rather than extensive amenities.

The campground's direct river access is a significant draw, providing immediate opportunities for fishing for steelhead and salmon, or launching a raft for a thrilling whitewater adventure. The chance to sit by the river, watch for local wildlife like bald eagles, and simply soak in the peaceful sounds of flowing water (especially as the highway noise subsides in the evening) offers a genuine respite from daily life. While some may note the lack of privacy or the highway noise as "drawbacks," for many, these are minor considerations balanced by the convenience, the beautiful riverside setting, and the sheer joy of being in such a natural, wild space.

The rustic amenities, including vault toilets and the requirement to bring your own water, encourage a sense of self-reliance and a deeper connection to the outdoors, which resonates with the Oregonian spirit. Sunstrip Campground is not about luxury; it's about the authentic experience of camping by a wild river, surrounded by the evergreen forests of the Cascades. It's an "enjoyable little place to stay," as one local put it, and for many, its simplicity and direct access to the beloved Clackamas River make it a continuously "awesome" spot they'll be happy to return to again and again.

Sunstrip Campground

Clackamas Hwy, Eagle Creek, OR 97022, USA