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Riverford Campground is a small scenic campground, along the Clackamas River near its confluence with the Collowash River set in a dense forest of Douglas fir and hemlocks. Located on the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River.
From Estacada, OR - travel east on Highway 224/Road 46 for approximately 29 miles just past the intersection with Road 63. Turn left into the campground.
Had a wonderful weekend the camp host was awesome. Especially when a group complained about our camp and he said we were good. The only bad thing I can say is the forest ranger driving the white truck with a ponytail was a jerk ripping up peoples camp signs and smoking in a government vehicle.
My family and I stayed here from Thursday, through Sunday (July 9-12, 2015). The sites were pretty large, with a few smaller sites. We were able to fit a large 2 room tent, and two smaller two person tents, two pop up canopy/gazebo's, with room to spare. The sites have a good size man-made fire pit with a grill top over it. We stayed in site #4, (we had to walk down several large steps) which was one site away from the Clackamas River. The area is very pretty! The river here was very low, couldn't swim in most areas as it is shallow, but there are lots of areas nearby that are very deep (where the two rivers meet, as well as farther upriver).
It has a basic vault toilet (men's/women's), and is right off both main roads. NF-63 has logging trucks traveling it from early morning, through the day, and it is somewhat disconcerting that they are just yards away from your tent. It would be nice if they had potable water available.
There is plenty of parking available, and the campground was well maintained. There is a dumpster provided for trash. The camp host shows up several times within the day to check the facility, check for newcomers, take payments, etc. We didn't have a reservation, so set up our tents at a site that didn't have a reservation attached to the post. We paid the next day. ($18 per night at the time of this post) (The gentleman at this time was very nice and personable)
The nearest basic store is the Ripplebrook Ranger Station appx 4 mi west.
There are trails nearby if you feel like hiking as well. Walk across the bridge and upriver. If you follow the path you will see some amazing old-growth forest, with thick moss carpets and beautiful river scenes.
If you like hot springs, go east on Clackamas River Rd (right out of the campground), drive three miles, and find a spot on the side of the road to park. I'm not sure what the property owner-ship is, but there were several families enjoying the water when we went. Walk to the river side of the road (over the birm, towards the river), right on the river you will see small pools that were created to hold the natural hot springs. But... be careful and mindful that these are not regulated, so use good judgement when entering the pools!! The water can scald you if it comes out of the ground unexpectedly. Wear some shoes too. I wouldn't recommend small children be allowed in as the temps can vary. And PICK UP YOUR TRASH!!! People have left so much trash here it is very sad to see.
Enjoy your stay!
Awesome! There are 8 sites. 3 of them are on the creek. Secluded and quiet. First come first serve. $21 per night $8 extra car. Not a lot of parking. You have to walk down to 4 sites and leave your car above. 4 sites you drive into.
Spent Prom night here 1984. Been meaning to go back for a visit, but Life happens.
Very nice place, no manager yet and the bathroom is kinda falling apart but the roof and walls and floor are fine for the men’s bathroom. Theirs a sheriff that patrols but I wasn’t bothered until my third day, he just made sure I was cleaning up after myself, very polite. The river is just feet away from some of the campsites and runs pretty loud which I love for bedtime. I believe theirs fishing in the river too at the right time of year because I saw signs saying don’t fish off the bridge near by. Be prepared to pack your trash up and take it home because the trash cans where full to the brim. Only 10 miles from bagby too.
