Rainbow Campground operates seasonally from late May through mid-September at $26 per night, with reservations available through the Forest Service. Located in Mt. Hood National Forest near Welches, this tent-only facility requires careful navigation on rough forest roads that can challenge low-clearance vehicles.
The campground's 17 sites split between creek-adjacent spots and more exposed interior locations. Several sites sit directly alongside a fork of the upper Clackamas River, where the water flow provides natural sound cover and direct access for wading or cooling off. "However, the ones that weren't along the creek were pretty out in the open," notes Katherine H., highlighting the contrast between waterfront and interior sites. Sites away from the creek offer less privacy, with clear sightlines between camping spots.
A hiking trail departs directly from the campground, following the river downstream for approximately four miles to connect with other Forest Service areas. About half a mile down this trail, a swimming hole provides a secluded spot for cold-water dips, though temperatures remain brisk even in late summer. The campground sits just minutes from Ripplebrook Ranger Station for supplies and information.
The single vault toilet serves all campers, and no potable water is available on-site. This spot works well for tent campers comfortable with basic facilities who prioritize creek access and trail connectivity over full amenities.
Description
Overview
Rainbow Campground provides ample access to the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River. The campground offers a great location to enjoy peace and quiet in the beautiful mountains of northern Oregon. Visitors enjoy fishing, hiking, biking and rafting.
Recreation
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 Clackamas River also provides miles of wild water as it bends through the scenic Cascade range, making whitewater rafting a popular activity. The 5-mile Riverside National Recreation Trail, popular for hiking and mountain biking, is located not far from the campground. The surrounding area provides numerous additional opportunities for hiking.
Facilities
The campground offers more than a dozen single-family sites for tent camping. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Parking surfaces are paved and gravel.
Natural Features
The campground is located in Mt. Hood National Forest along the Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River at an elevation of about 1,400 feet. Huge maple and Douglas fir trees cover the area, and dense shrubbery provides some privacy between campsites. The campground is not far from the Ripplebrook Ranger Station and Ripplebrook Pond. The river 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
Bagby Hot Springs is located about 14 miles southwest of the campground. A popular site for soaking and relaxing, the springs are in a heavily wooded area in the scenic Cascade Range. The available bathhouses are fed by three major hot water springs and several minor outlets in the area. A historic guard station was built there in 1913.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundRainbow (OR) - TEMP CLOSED is located in Oregon
Directions
From Estacada, travel east on Highway 224/Road 46 for 26 miles to the campground.
Coordinates
45.078932 N
122.04311 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 1 hr 7 min from Portland, OR
- 1 hr 33 min from Salem, OR
- 1 hr 51 min from Albany, OR
- 2 hrs 8 min from Corvallis, OR
