Mt. Hood National Forest manages this walk-in campground along the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River, though fire damage has temporarily closed the facility. The campground sits in dense forest cover with sites requiring a short walk from the parking area to reach.
When operational, Lockaby accommodates RVs up to 26 feet and offers basic amenities including vault toilets, fire rings with cooking grates, and picnic tables at each site. The sites cluster relatively close together, with the easternmost location providing the primary river access point for fishing and cooling off. Julie P. notes it's "a very simple, yet quiet place to camp" with no running water or cell service. Several reviewers mention the rough access road leading to the campground.
The Clackamas River draws anglers and offers swimming spots during warmer months. White water rafting operates in the area, and hiking trails branch off from the access road. The forest canopy provides substantial shade during hot days but temperatures drop notably at night. Reviews consistently mention bringing extra water, food supplies, and toilet paper, as the nearest store sits about 15 miles away.
Reserve sites online when the campground reopens, typically from mid-May through mid-September at $22-24 per night.
Description
Overview
Campground closed due to the 2020 Riverside Wildfire Lockaby Campground is ideally located next to the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River in the lush, green mountains of northern Oregon. It provides access to some of the area's greatest whitewater rafting, as well as a famous place to fish. Whether it is relaxation or recreation, there's something for everyone at the campground.
Recreation
Fishing is very popular in the Clackamas River and anglers can expect a catch of winter steelhead, spring Chinook and late summer Coho salmon, as well as other species of freshwater fish. The Clackamas contains miles of wild water as it bends and drops through the scenic Cascade Range, creating prime whitewater rafting opportunities. A hiking trail follows the river north and south and begins about a mile away at Fish Creek Campground. Scenic driving is also available on the West Cascades Scenic Byway, which travels alongside the river.
Facilities
The campground offers more than two dozen single-family sites for tent and RV camping, though RVs over 16 feet are not recommended due to the steep terrain within the facility. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided, but no hookups are available. Parking surfaces are paved and gravel.
Natural Features
The campground is situated along the river at an elevation of about 900 feet in Mt. Hood National Forest. Most campsites are within a dense stand of cedar trees overlooking the river. Sites are fairly close together and there is very little vegetation on the forest floor. The forest provides habitat for the federally protected bald eagle and northern spotted owl, as well as an occasional peregrine falcon. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area.
Nearby Attractions
A boat ramp is available at Fish Creek Campground, which is less than a mile south of the campground. It provides a convenient river launch for kayaks, canoes and rafts. Just below nearby Indian Henry Campground, the Clackamas River offers 12.5 miles of class III-IV whitewater. The Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival is hosted annually in May, attracting rafters from all over the country.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundMount Hood National Forest Lockaby Campground - TEMP CLOSED DUE TO FIRE DAMAGE is located in Oregon
Directions
From Estacada, take Highway 224 east for 15 miles to the campground.
Coordinates
45.163541 N
122.152031 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Yurts
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 53 min from Portland, OR
- 1 hr 19 min from Salem, OR
- 1 hr 38 min from Albany, OR
- 1 hr 54 min from Corvallis, OR
