Mt. Hood National Forest runs a string of campgrounds along the Clackamas River corridor southeast of Portland, and Fish Creek sits among them as a densely wooded, river-adjacent site with direct water access and a notably primitive setup. No showers, no flush toilets, and water from a hand pump well. Sites vary in size and layout, so scouts report it's worth walking the campground before committing to a spot.
The Clackamas River runs close enough that its sound carries through the trees and largely masks highway noise from the nearby road. Fishing and swimming draw most visitors, and Fish Creek itself has slower, deeper pools that work well for wading. Several sites connect to one another, making the campground a workable option for larger groups needing adjacent space. Hammock trees are plentiful. Breanne J. notes "lots of great trees for hammocks, fire rings with grills" throughout the campground.
Weekends fill fast. One reviewer warns the campground gets packed on summer weekends, while midweek visits tend to offer more room to settle in. Reservations are available and worth considering for the May through mid-September season. The access road has a rough reputation, so lower-clearance vehicles should factor that in. No RV hookups are available, and the campground does not accommodate RVs. Pets are allowed. For campers open to a slightly different setup nearby, Armstrong is another option just up the road, and those planning a broader trip can browse camping near Mt. Hood National Forest for additional sites in the area.
Description
Overview
Campground closed due to the 2020 Riverside Wildfire Fish Creek Campground is ideally located next to the Clackamas Wild and Scenic River in Mt. Hood National Forest. It provides access to some of the area's greatest whitewater, as well as a famous place to fish. Whether it is relaxation or expansive exploration, there's something for everyone at Fish Creek.
Recreation
Fishing is very popular on the Clackamas and anglers can expect to find winter steelhead, spring chinook and late summer coho salmon, as well as other species of freshwater fish. A convenient boat ramp is available within the campground. The Clackamas River also provides miles of wild water as it bends through the scenic Cascade Range, creating prime whitewater rafting opportunities. A hiking trail follows the river north and south and begins within the campground. Scenic driving is available on the West Cascades Scenic Byway, which follows the river.
Facilities
The campground offers single-family sites for tent or RV camping. Narrow roads within the campground make for tricky navigation for larger RVs. Each campsite is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided, but utility hookups are not available. Parking surfaces are gravel.
Natural Features
The campground is situated along a scenic bend just above the river at an elevation of about 900 feet. It is in a heavily forested area, with a variety of bushes, ferns and grasses covering the forest floor. Vegetation provides minimal privacy within the campground, but with the river so close, noises within the campground are fairly muffled. The river provides habitat for the federally protected bald eagle and northern spotted owl, as well as the occasional peregrine falcon. A variety of wildlife also makes its home in the area.
Nearby Attractions
The campground is located about an hour's drive from majestic Mt. Hood, Oregon's tallest point.
Map & DirectionsFish Creek (OR) is located in Oregon near Estacada
Public CampgroundDirections
From Estacada, travel east on Highway 224 for approximately 16 miles.
Coordinates
45.160502 N
122.151444 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
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Yurts
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Contact
General Info
Reservations
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
