Estacada sits at the edge of the Mount Hood National Forest, with elevations ranging from 400 to 800 feet above sea level in town, while nearby camping areas climb to over 3,000 feet in the surrounding foothills. The Clackamas River watershed creates a unique climate zone where summer temperatures often reach the mid-80s during July and August, with cooler 50-60°F nights even during peak season. Most campgrounds near Estacada remain open from May through September, with limited winter options available.
What to do
Hiking at Oxbow Regional Park: The 1,200-acre ancient forest offers numerous trails for all ability levels. "There are nice hiking trails around, it's a serene weekend in nature. Clean campsite with the basic amenities, conveniently only a 30-minute drive from Portland but doesn't feel like you're near the city at all when you're there," notes a camper at Oxbow Regional Park.
Fishing opportunities: The Clackamas River watershed provides excellent fishing access. "There is salmon fishing within driving distance inside of the park. There is also a 'bat' barn that is close by," shares a visitor at Milo McIver State Park Campground. The park's proximity to the Clackamas River makes it a prime spot for anglers.
Swimming holes: Clear Creek provides natural swimming areas during summer months. "Metzler Park offered beautiful, shaded campsites 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!" reports a camper at Metzler Park.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer wooded separation between campsites. "The full hook up sites are in old growth timber giving each site a feeling of seclusion. The lodge, pool, hot tub and saunas are in good condition," notes a visitor at Mt Hood Village Resort.
River access: Direct water access ranks high among camper priorities. "Beautiful campground nice sites. I have used both RV and yome sites at this campground. The grounds are well maintained. There is easy water access with a pier for fishing. Within a mile up the road is a marina and boat ramp," shares a camper at Promontory Park.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers matter to campers. "Bathrooms are well maintained and have excellent showers. No coins needed. Great access to the river to keep cool in summer. Nice sandy beaches," reports a visitor at Oxbow Regional Park.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. "Reservations are hard to get we booked at 6am, six months out and felt very lucky to get three spots for our family Campout," advises a camper at Trillium Lake.
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have limited connectivity. "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," warns an Oxbow Regional Park visitor.
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. "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," notes a visitor, though many sites only operate May through September.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Ranger programs provide structured entertainment. "The campground did have awesome park staff (Matthew was AWESOME) who put on two great activities for kids every day," shares a visitor at Promontory Park. The daily programs keep children engaged while parents set up camp.
Playground access: Dedicated play areas give children space to burn energy. "Great family camping spot. Pros - there is a playground, swimming pool, small store, cafe, bathrooms with showers (and warm water) and activities during the day for kids," notes a camper at Mt Hood Village Resort.
Fishing for kids: Some locations offer youth-specific fishing opportunities. "One of the biggest attractions to this park is the stocked pond called Small Fry Lake. It was developed for kids and is stocked from October to April. Youth up to 17 can catch a limit of two fish per day," explains a Promontory Park visitor.
Tips for RVers
Size restrictions: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. "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," advises a camper at Promontory Park.
Hookup availability: Electric and water access varies between campgrounds. "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," reports a visitor at Mt Hood Village Resort.
Dump station locations: Plan waste disposal in advance. "The RV park is in a good location, which is what you're really paying for, but not somewhere we'd stay longer term due to the cost, noise and size of the place," notes a visitor describing glamping in Estacada, Oregon at Mt Hood Village Resort.
