The sound of the Sandy River runs through most campsites at Riverside Campground, a walk-in Forest Service campground set among conifers in Mt. Hood National Forest outside Welches. Parking is roughly 50 yards from the sites, which means a short carry for gear but also a buffer from road noise. Sites vary considerably in size and shade, and reviewers consistently note that picking the right spot matters: river-side sites sit lower and feel more enclosed by trees, while upper sites can put campers within a few steps of passing traffic on the adjacent highway. Noise from the road reaches most of the campground at night.
Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Drinking water and vault toilets are available on-site, and trash service is provided. The campground accommodates tents and small RVs up to 24 feet. Reservations are available, though at least one first-come, first-served site exists. Dogs are welcome. The Riverside Trail runs directly from the campground along the river, giving anglers and hikers a straightforward route without needing to drive anywhere. Tubing the river is a draw in summer.
"You may also hear the coyotes," notes Stephanie Z., a reminder that the campground sits in working forest rather than a manicured recreation area. Campers planning to reserve should read the site description carefully, as the walk-in requirement has caught some visitors off guard, particularly those with rooftop tents or vehicle-based setups. Ripplebrook Ranger Station is the last resupply point before arrival. Those wanting a quieter or more remote experience might look at Austin Creek Dispersed, Mt. Hood NF, located less than a half-mile away, or browse campgrounds around Mt. Hood National Forest for additional options in the area.
Description
Overview
Riverside Campground is a charming and rustic campground, situated alongside the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River in Mt. Hood National Forest. It provides access to a variety of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails and is a great place to experience nature.
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 and small conversion van camping. 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. Sites 1-4 are walk in sites with a common parking area or ideal for hiker/cyclists.
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.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy for sensitive groups.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRiverside Campground is located in Oregon near Welches
Directions
From Estacada, travel east on Highway 224 for approximately 26 miles, then keep right onto Highway 46 for approximately 2 miles to the campground.
Coordinates
45.057053 N
122.052751 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 11 min from Portland, OR
- 1 hr 38 min from Salem, OR
- 1 hr 56 min from Albany, OR
- 2 hrs 13 min from Corvallis, OR




















