About ROARING RIVER
Overview Campground closed due to the 2020 Riverside Wildfire Roaring River Campground is located across from the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River in the beautiful Cascade Range of northern Oregon. The small, rustic campground has some charm and provides visitors with access to a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, including world-famous whitewater rafting. Recreation Fishing is very popular in the Clackamas River and anglers can expect a catch of winter steelhead, spring Chinook and late summer Coho salmon, as well as other species of freshwater fish. The Clackamas River provides miles of wild water as it bends through the scenic Cascade Range, making whitewater rafting a very popular activity. A hiking trail follows the river north and south. Scenic driving is also available on the nearby West Cascades Scenic Byway, which follows the river.Facilities The campground offers just over a dozen single-family sites, the majority of which are designated for tent camping only. RVs larger than 16 feet are not recommended in the campground. Utility hookups are not available and parking surfaces are gravel. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Firewood is available for purchase within the campground.Natural Features The campground is nestled in a wooded area thick with moss and greenery, at an elevation of about 1,000 feet. The river is across the highway and is not visible from the campground, but can sometimes be heard. 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 Just below nearby Indian Henry Campground, the Clackamas River provides 12.5 miles of class III-IV whitewater as it works its way toward North Fork Reservoir.
How to Get There
From Estacada, travel east on Highway 224 for 20 miles to the campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
- 🌡
Layers for swings
Daily temp range is wide (48°F low → 71°F high). Pack layers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 7)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to ROARING RIVER
Heading to ROARING RIVER? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for ROARING RIVER?
No central reservation system listed for ROARING RIVER. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232847) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to ROARING RIVER?
From Estacada, travel east on Highway 224 for 20 miles to the campground.
How do I contact ROARING RIVER?
You can reach the park at phone: 503-630-5721 or email: clm@clm-services.com.
References & Official Resources
