Set along the Clackamas River in the heart of the Cascades, Alder Flat offers a peaceful retreat where tall firs frame every campsite and the river's song never fades.
46
Riverside Campsites
Tent & RV compatible
River Access
Direct Clackamas River frontage
Fishing & wading available
Year-Round
Open every season
Fire rings & pit toilets
Alder Flat Campground sits on the banks of the Clackamas River within the Mt. Hood National Forest, just east of Estacada. The site draws its name from the dense stands of red alder that line the riverbanks, their branches weaving a dappled ceiling over 46 individual campsites.
Each site offers a degree of privacy rarely found at busy campgrounds — mature firs and alders create natural partitions between sites, and the constant murmur of the river provides a soundtrack that makes tent camping feel like a private woodland retreat.
1,800 ft
Elevation along the river
46
Individual campsites
Riverfront
Direct water access
USFS
Managed by USDA Forest Service
Alder Flat is a developed campground with the essentials for a comfortable outdoor stay — the kind of straightforward setup that lets the forest do the talking.
46 individual sites accommodate both tents and recreational vehicles, each with a fire ring and food storage lockers.
Every campsite includes a stone fire ring. Bring your own firewood or purchase it nearby — dry wood burns cleaner and safer.
The Clackamas River runs directly through the campground. Wade in, cast a line for trout, or simply sit by the water's edge.
Bear-resistant food lockers are available at each site to keep your provisions safe and wildlife undisturbed.
Composting toilet facilities are maintained on-site throughout the operating season for guest convenience.
Hiking and fishing trails radiate from the campground into the surrounding Cascade foothills. The river itself is a destination.
Morning mist over the river, evening firelight through the firs — moments that make Alder Flat worth the drive.
Alder Flat Campground is located along the Clackamas River, accessible via Forest Service roads east of Estacada. The drive through the national forest is part of the experience — winding roads, towering firs, and the occasional glimpse of elk in the meadows.
Alder Flat doesn't chase crowds. It offers something rarer — a quiet place by the water where the only schedule is the rising and setting sun.
Get in TouchWhether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer stretch of river time, we're happy to help you prepare. Reach out by phone or email and we'll get back to you promptly.
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