Kingfisher

Overview

Kingfisher Campground is a diamond in the rough. Its unkempt appearance gives it a true nature feel, yet it offers numerous modern conveniences and is close to a variety of recreational opportunities. It lies next to the scenic Hot Springs Fork of Collawash River, a tributary to the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River nearby.

Recreation

Catch and release fishing for trout is allowed on the main fork of the Collawash, but the streams are closed to fishing. Whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular activities in the area. At least one 5-mile stretch of the more than 17-mile river boasts class III-IV whitewater.

Visitors enjoy hiking in the Bull of the Woods Wilderness, which is south of the campground and offers numerous trailheads. Several primitive forest roads nearby are open to mountain biking. The Cascades Scenic Byway, which follows the Clackamas River, is not far from the campground.

Facilities

The campground offers nearly two dozen single-family sites for tent and RV camping. RVs larger than 19 feet, however, may have difficulty negotiating tight turns within the campground. No utility hookups are available. Parking surfaces are either paved or 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 at the campground.

Natural Features

The campground is located in the Mt. Hood National Forest along the banks of the Hot Springs Fork of Collawash River, just north of the Bull of the Woods Wilderness. It is situated in a mixed evergreen forest at an elevation of about 1,250 feet. A variety of birds and wildlife make their homes in the area.

Nearby Attractions

Kingfisher Campground is at the center of the Mt. Hood National Forest, where a variety of tourist attractions and historic sites draw thousands of visitors every year. A map of the area can be found at the Ripplebrook Camp Store about 9 miles north of the campground.

Bagby Hot Springs is located about 5 miles southwest of the campground. A popular site for soaking and relaxing, the springs are in a heavily wooded area. 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.

The city of Estacada is 35 miles northwest of the campground, with a variety of dining and shopping options, groceries and fuel.

Camp site features

Across 23 camp sites:

  • Fire pit: 22 of 23 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 23 sites
  • Longest RV: 35 ft
  • Largest party: 6 people

Directions

From Estacada, travel east on Highway 224 for 26 miles, then turn right on Road 46 and continue for 5 miles. Turn onto Road 63 and continue for 4 miles. Turn onto Road 70 and continue about 2 miles to the campground.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

30 reviews
5 stars
18
4 stars
6
3 stars
5
2 stars
1
Andrea G
Loop:Area Kingfisher
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
Never saw the park host.There was a party going on next to us.Till three in the morning, loud drinking never once saw the park host in all the days that I was there. I would die for that job and do all I can to make the place better. And I feel that park host is there just to have a place to live
grace E
Loop:Area Kingfisher
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
Over all the camp ground was nice. The issues are the water and the garbage collection. The water pump is extremely slow and the water is brown and tastes bad. We were told it is safe, but we drove back into town to get good water. The garbage cans nearest our camp site were completely full for the entire 3 days we were camping. We found the alternative dumpster on our way out and disposed of our garbage properly, others piled garbage up on the ground around the full cans & dumpster, which meant that critters were tearing open the bags overnight. Beware that some campers who occupy the spots in front of the swimming hole think that means they have a private river...as in even if you can reach the swimming hole without entering their camp site they believe others do not have a right to access the water or its edge below their camp site.
Dean E
Loop:Area Kingfisher
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
Great little campground near a river. Note that there is no designated path to the river, so if you are staying in one of the campsites in the middle of the campground, it's not easy to access the river. Most people don't mind if you walk through their camp if you ask nicely, but it can be awkward and a bit of a disturbance if they have barking dogs.
Brian F
Loop:Area Kingfisher
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
This is a hidden treasure!
James P
Loop:Area Kingfisher
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
Nice campground with some issues that need correcting. The first bathroom is closed - the roof is literally caving in and falling apart. The disabled bathroom is great, but the last remaining one at the far end of the campground really needs a remodel. Access to the river is hit or miss - a few have simple access but most have so much over grown bushes and shrubs as well as tons of deadfall/logs that have washed up you simply can't get to it with climbing under/over the obstacles to get to it. Still, it's secluded, quiet, with some nice sites. Note there is a well for potable water in the middle of the campground. Zero cell service and VERY spotty Starlink based on your site and if you can move it to see the sky.
James M
Loop:Area Kingfisher
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
Clean campground and friendly camp host
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

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Season dates

Peak season

May 23, 2027 – Sep 21, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

May 23, 2028 – Sep 21, 2028

Reservable online

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