Best Campgrounds near Estacada, OR

The Clackamas River corridor near Estacada, Oregon encompasses several developed campgrounds within 30 minutes of town, with notable options including Milo McIver State Park, Promontory Park, and Metzler Park. These established sites provide varied accommodations ranging from tent-only areas to full-hookup RV spaces, with some facilities offering yurts and cabins for those seeking alternatives to traditional camping. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally, typically from spring through fall, though a few like Metzler Park maintain year-round accessibility. The mixed-use campgrounds cater to different camping styles, with dedicated sections for tent campers seeking more privacy and separate areas with utility hookups for RVs.

Road conditions throughout the area remain generally accessible for most vehicles, though seasonal considerations affect campground operations significantly. Many campgrounds close during winter months, with the camping season typically running from April through October. "I have stayed here many times both in an RV and in tent sites. The campground is well maintained and the hosts have been great each time I have been there," noted one visitor about Milo McIver State Park. Water access represents a major draw for campers, with several campgrounds positioned along the Clackamas River or near Estacada Lake, offering swimming, fishing, and paddling opportunities. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better connectivity at campgrounds closer to town and limited or no service in more remote locations.

Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with Clear Creek access at Metzler Park and Clackamas River sites earning particular praise. Most developed campgrounds feature standard amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to potable water, while shower facilities vary by location. Noise levels depend largely on proximity to Highway 224, which parallels the Clackamas River and creates audible traffic sounds at some campgrounds. Several visitors mentioned appreciating the balance of natural settings with reasonable proximity to town conveniences, as Estacada provides accessible services roughly 15-20 minutes from most campgrounds. During summer weekends, reservations are strongly recommended for tent and RV sites, particularly at popular locations like Milo McIver, where lakeside spots fill quickly during peak season.

Best Camping Sites Near Estacada, Oregon (330)

    1. Milo McIver State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Estacada, OR
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 630-7150

    $8 - $78 / night

    "Estacada lake is within walking distance, and there is salmon fishing within driving distance inside of the park. There is also a "bat" barn that is close by."

    "Just 45 minutes outside of Portland, and near the town of Estacada, is Milo McIver State Park, which I consider to be a quintessential Oregon State Park: lots of huge evergreen trees, large campsites,"

    2. Oxbow Regional Park

    38 Reviews
    Corbett, OR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 797-1850

    $25 / night

    "Close proximity to Multonomah Falls. Pros - bathrooms with electric outlets, free showers, deer come close and are fun to watch, quiet & fairly private stay."

    "There is distance between you and other guests but if you want to meet your neighbors you can. They have ADA sites, a lake, play grounds and a welcome center."

    3. Barton County Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Eagle Creek, OR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 742-4422

    $28 - $81 / night

    "Close to Portland so it gets a lot of day traffic. Access to river so it has summer activities. Sites for large get togethers."

    "The kids enjoyed the playground and biking around the loop. The river access down at the day use was lovely. All the park staff were friendly."

    4. Mt Hood Village Resort

    47 Reviews
    Rhododendron, OR
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "There is a playground onsite for those with children and plenty of bike paths and walking paths to keep you busy."

    "We were parked next to the bathroom that was in the area and the facilities were very clean. The river that runs along the property was very beautiful."

    5. Promontory Park

    14 Reviews
    Estacada, OR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 630-7229

    "If you are looking for some more off the grid camping you can take the NF4610 up the hill from Promontory Park and continue till you find a good cut off near Whiskey Creek for some good camping."

    "There is also a play area for the kiddos along with walking paths along the water. One knock on the place is that the campsites are bumped up really close to each other."

    6. Lazy Bend - TEMP CLOSED DUE TO FIRE DAMAGE

    11 Reviews
    Estacada, OR
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 630-5721

    $22 - $24 / night

    "It sits right next to the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River, which is great for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and rafting."

    "Outstanding location, 20 minutes outside of civilization, you get giant private sites, a path to the river, beautiful scenery and all the mosquitoes and gnats you can swat at."

    7. Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground

    75 Reviews
    Donald, OR
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 678-1251

    $22 - $152 / night

    "As I rode up to the site, I noticed right away that it was not tucked far away from the amenities such as restrooms, and showers. It was part of one of the campground loops."

    "Champoeg State Heritage Area is a beautiful and peaceful campground located near Newberg, Oregon."

    8. Clackamas River RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Estacada, OR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 630-7000

    "So this campground is quite well maintained The people are very friendly everywhere around it and the view of the great mountains are quite beautiful especially with the snow still on on top and what early"

    9. Metzler Park

    6 Reviews
    Estacada, OR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 742-4415

    $28 - $46 / night

    "There were huge playing fields in the sunshine, trails to explore with the kids and the creek has a swimming hole!"

    "This campground is one of the best around. Close to stores and town, but far enough to be private. Very well kept up, large spots, and very kid friendly."

    10. Clackamette RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Oregon City, OR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 496-1201

    "Simple RV park with access to everything. The river is right there, bike trails, grass area, walk to town, everything."

    "Right off the exit of 205, it's very easy to get to, and a beautiful spot where the Clackamas flows into the Willamette."

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Recent Reviews near Estacada, OR

1928 Reviews of 330 Estacada Campgrounds


  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Trillium Lake Airstrip Dispersed

    Lots of spaces

    Came on a Sunday night so had lots of spots to choose from. Good camping for a quick stop. There are warning signs about potentially closing the campground cause people keep leaving trash. So if you come please LNT!

  • Susan M.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Phoenix RV Park

    Nope

    We stayed here for 11 months. We had a problem with our fridge overheating and the compressor being noisy when the afternoon sun hit the front side. We built an insulated box to solve the problem. Painted it. It wasn't an eyesore. We didn't have more than 5 personal items in our lot. Manager made us take it down. Said there would be a spot in September that she could move us to. Was unwilling to switch around someone who wasn't coming in for 2 months. When September hit, nothing happened. She never did move us. But she did move her RV to the prime spot, facing the way that we needed, up front when it came open. Lots of spots with so much junk under their RVs. We had a whitewater raft under ours and were told that we couldn't have it under there. Instead of paying a ridiculous price for a storage unit, we sold it. We already had one in the RV. Head management was coming through in a couple of weeks and she had to make the place look like she actually enforced the rules? Their sprinkler system quit working. The maintenance person put the sprinkler on the grass on the side of us. My window was wide open. Soaked my couch, left a water stain all across the blinds(RV was 9 months old) and the water stained a handmade quilt on the back of my couch. When I called the office the manager told me to stop yelling at her. I guess a loud voice was yelling? The guy said he didn't see that my window was open, yet I saw it was as I drove up. The manager also charged my debit card for our last couple of days/electricity without my permission. When I called to confront her about it, she hung up on me. I had to call my bank to get my card cancelled but the charge went through. Even though she sent me an email saying I was refunded. I am now trying to deal with the head office about her. Rent also going up to$830 a month. For a parking spot and water. No internet. Lots of sirens. Heard gunfire a lot. Not a great part of town. Lots of homeless people, garbage because it's near the can redemption center.

  • Emille R.
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Oxbow Regional Park

    Most Beautifil Place Oxbow Regional Park

    https://thecelebjackets.com/the-wrong-paris-movie-outfit-collection/

    Recently i visit this place such a great experience, Nestled along the wild and scenic Sandy River, Oxbow Regional Park is a natural sanctuary offering a classic Pacific Northwest escape. The park's 1,200 acres of ancient forest are crisscrossed with hiking trails and provide habitat for elk, deer, and osprey. Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, and rafting in the river, or reserve one of its rustic campsites for a truly immersive experience in nature, all just a short drive from the Portland metropolitan area.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Columbia Riverfront RV Park

    Unexpected gem

    We only stayed a couple of days, but the views, Columbia River waterfront, and open spaces were wonderful. The spaces were a little close, but not enough to make me drop my rating. It's close to home, so we will definitely be back.

  • S. Renae M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Green Canyon

    Unexpected serenity!!

    I wanted to get away for the weekend and it was close. I arrived. Perfect camp spot. Close to the river. I heard it’s lullaby at night!! True therapy in its finest !!

    The trail along the river was awesome. It’s now one of my favorite spots. Will definitely be back.

    No cell service at all but it’s worth it!!! Great camp host!! Very friendly people there. Great memories!!!

  • Anna D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Ainsworth State Park Campground

    Good location

    Location is great, road traffic is loud can hear the train as well. Most sites look good. I booked day of and it wasn’t level at all 🙂. Clean showers and bathroom!

  • Anna D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Eagle Creek Campground

    Great location and clean

    Bathrooms are clean, vaulted toilets. Water available. Site is level…camp host is really nice!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Britenbush River Dispersed2

    Britenbush River Dispersed2

    A bit past the other listing. Beautiful, just off the road. There is a pullout on both sides of the road to camp. I suggest stopping to scout each to decide what is best for your rig.


Guide to Estacada

The Clackamas River area near Estacada offers diverse camping sites across 1,000+ acres of forestland at elevations ranging from 500-1,200 feet. Most Estacada camping areas maintain moderate temperatures, typically 70-85°F in summer days and 50-60°F at night. Seasonal rainfall affects trail conditions, with many sites receiving up to 60 inches of annual precipitation concentrated between November and April.

What to do

Wildlife viewing at Clear Creek: Metzler Park provides excellent opportunities to observe native wildlife along Clear Creek. "My site was just above the creek and I fell asleep to its calming sound. There were huge playing fields in the sunshine, trails to explore with the kids and the creek has a swimming hole!" notes one visitor to Metzler Park.

Disc golf tournaments: Several courses are available for both casual players and competitive enthusiasts. At Milo McIver State Park, visitors appreciate "two competition quality disc golf courses. Not into disc golf or rafting? Then you probably won't see those folks at all." The park hosts annual tournaments that draw international competitors.

Tubing and kayaking: The Clackamas River offers multiple launch points for water recreation. One visitor to Barton County Park shares: "Great place to put into the river to float or kayak. lots of parking. also a campground. perfect for a close weekend getaway." Water activities are most popular from late June through August when water levels are safer.

Biking trails: Connected pathways link several campgrounds to wilderness areas. "The biking trails surrounding the area are beautiful and close to civilization for a quick and low key camping trip. Great for beginner campers and families!" mentions a visitor to Champoeg State Heritage Area.

What campers like

Riverside camping sites: Many campers value direct river access from their sites. At Lazy Bend Campground, "You can find some seclusion with thick vegetation or seclusion and shade with tall trees...most sites with good river access. Boating is the thing here - tubbing, kayaking especially - and fly fishing."

Cell service variability: Some campers appreciate the unplugged experience. At Oxbow Regional Park, visitors note: "Barely got 1 bar of 4g at the welcome center. There's a guest wifi in the parking lot there too but it's 2 miles further to the camp ground and texts hardly go through." This location offers a true disconnect from digital demands.

Ranger-led activities: Organized programs enhance the experience for many visitors. At Promontory Park, one camper shared: "The hosts were welcoming and made sure we were comfortable with our stay. We also got a scavenger hunt with stickers for our toddler." These activities typically run weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Off-season accessibility: Some campgrounds maintain year-round operations. "Love to stay here when all the other campgrounds close. Nice hiking trails. The rangers are very nice. Beautiful scenery," reports a visitor about winter camping options near Estacada.

What you should know

Tight spacing at some campgrounds: Site proximity varies significantly between locations. At Promontory Park, one camper noted: "My boyfriend and I had a good Time and everyone was very nice and had a pretty good time expect my dog running off come to find out hes not much of a camping kind of dog lol the one and only thing that we did not like was how on top of each other the camp sites are."

Alcohol policies vary: Several campgrounds near Estacada prohibit alcohol. At Barton County Park, no alcohol is allowed, while others like Milo McIver permit responsible consumption. Check regulations before packing coolers.

Seasonal campground closures: Many campgrounds operate limited schedules. Lazy Bend operates from April through early October. One camper noted: "Great spot to explore small little camp sites but provide enough privacy. The last two times we have been out there the campground has been open but it says it's closed on here."

Bugs during summer months: Insect activity peaks from June through August. "Spring and summer can be a bug challenge so bring lots of insect repellant!" advises one camper at Champoeg State Heritage Area.

Tips for camping with families

Accessible swimming spots: Shallow water areas provide safer recreation for children. At Milo McIver State Park, "Two parties (all family) stayed the night Friday night. This park would have been even better later in the year (we went in May), as it sits along the Clackamas river, and is the river is easily accessible for rafting, tubing, swimming, or fishing."

Playground facilities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. One visitor to Barton Park reported: "We love to float the river! The play area/park is one of my kids favorite. Lots of area to play. Volleyball, gagaball, playground."

Distance to restrooms: Bathroom proximity matters for families with young children. At Mt. Hood Village Resort, one camper observed: "If you're tent camping the bathrooms are quite the hike, the tent sites are crammed together, there's only one working faucet in the entire tent camping area."

Educational opportunities: Historical and natural learning experiences abound. "What other campground has a bat trail? There are private feeling hiking trails around the large park," noted one visitor to Milo McIver State Park regarding their unique nature trails.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Power and water connections vary by location. At Mt. Hood Village Resort, "Easy to access, even for larger rigs. We stayed in 39 foot 5th wheel. Plenty of pull thru spots, full hookups, regularly spaced bathroom/showers. Nice store for basic needs, nice laundry room."

Site privacy considerations: Visual separation between sites differs significantly. "The sites have a medium amount of privacy, where all of them are pretty much visible from the main campground road, but there's also trees between most spots," noted one RVer about Lazy Bend Campground.

Access for larger vehicles: Some campgrounds have size limitations. At Promontory Park, a visitor shared: "I have a 36' rv and had a little trouble getting my rv into my reserved site, but there are others that have easier access for large rigs."

Winter availability: Limited options exist for year-round RV camping. "This is one of those interesting RV parks/campgrounds that's attached to a city park and to boat ramps/fishing, so you have a lot of day use activity going on," reported one visitor about Clackamette RV Park, one of the few with year-round operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Estacada, Oregon?

Milo McIver State Park Campground is a top choice just 45 minutes from Portland, offering well-maintained sites for both RVs and tents with electric and water hookups. The park features hiking trails, fishing opportunities on the Clackamas River, and is surrounded by towering evergreens. Another excellent option is Metzler Park, which provides beautiful shaded sites along Clear Creek where you can fall asleep to the sound of running water. The park includes large playing fields, exploration trails perfect for families, and a swimming hole in the creek. Both parks offer clean bathroom facilities and showers, making them ideal bases for exploring the Estacada area.

Is camping available at Estacada Lake, and what amenities are offered?

Yes, camping is available near Estacada Lake with several options. North Arm Campground offers scenic lakeside camping with warm, placid waters that are perfect for swimming. The lake is rarely crowded, and by using the trail around the water, you can find secluded beach areas. Note that tent sites can be uneven. Promontory Park provides another option with drive-in, walk-in, and even boat-in access to campsites. Amenities at these locations typically include reservable sites, water access, and toilet facilities. Both campgrounds provide excellent water recreation opportunities, though Estacada Lake itself can get busy with kayakers and boaters during peak season.

What are the seasonal camping options in Estacada for different times of year?

Estacada offers year-round camping options with seasonal considerations. Silver Falls State Park Campground is excellent for spring through fall camping with multiple waterfall views and diverse hiking trails. The park offers tent sites and yurts, making it suitable even during cooler or wetter months. For RV travelers seeking year-round accessibility, Clackamas River RV Park provides full hookups and is open throughout all seasons. Summer is peak camping season around Estacada, with most campgrounds fully operational from May through September. Reservations are strongly recommended during this period as sites book up quickly, especially for weekend stays. Some campgrounds reduce services or close entirely during winter months due to weather conditions.