Summer is winding down so if you haven’t gone camping yet, consider these spots if you’re looking for unforgettable outdoor experiences and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you crave the serenade of flowing creeks or the tranquility of forests, this blog is your ultimate guide. From breathtaking scenery to meticulously maintained facilities, each campground offers unique highlights that set them apart. Let’s explore our top 10 favorite campgrounds near Portland.
#1 Columbia River RV Park
Located 10 miles north of downtown, Columbia River RV Park is a premier site for RV campers. All comforts of home are offered in this well-appointed park for a comfortable stay.
There are plenty of spacious sites with full hookups, on-site laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, a recreation room, showers, and clean restrooms. Moreover, over-35’ and pull-through sites are available, and extra-long RVs are welcome.
One main highlight of this RV park is its proximity to some of the top attractions in Portland, including Owens Sports Complex, Columbia Children’s Arboretum Park, and Portland International Raceway. Daily rates are $46 (economy, small, medium, and large sites) and $52 (pull-through and premium sites).
#2 Barton Park Campground
To those who want to take a break from the busy city and get reconnected with nature, Barton Park Campground which is located on Clackamas River is the ideal destination. The campground has 112 campsites, including 103 sites with electric and water hookups.
Aside from camping, this unique park features hiking, event amenities, multi-day use amenities, and various river recreation opportunities. A boat ramp, picnic tables, a playground, fire rings, flush toilets, a dump station, showers, restrooms, and drinking water are available within the campground.
Families with kids can enjoy a game of horseshoes. The park is also a favorite spot for hiking, boating, and fishing. Campsite rates range from $21 to $81 per night.
#3 Cascade Locks/Portland East KOA Holiday
Cascade Locks KOA, nestled in the heart of Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable camping experience. This campground, with its prime location and modern amenities, provides a relaxing atmosphere and easy access to countless exciting activities and natural wonders.
The campground boasts forested tent sites, cabins, deluxe cabins, and full hookup RV sites. Firewoods, bike rentals, a pool, propane, Wi-Fi, cable TV, a hot tub/sauna, laundry facilities, a gift shop, and a playground are available in the campground.
Campers can enjoy activities in the nearby canyon which includes fishing and hiking. Campsite rates start at $37 avg/night.
#4 Ainsworth State Park Campground
With 6 walk-in tent sites and 42 full hookups campsites for trailers, RVs, and tents, Ainsworth State Park Campground is a hiker’s paradise and tranquil retreat with breathtaking waterfalls. Open mid-March through October, the park is surrounded by mature trees, providing shade for a cozy and comfortable stay.
Campsites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. An RV dump station, hot showers, flush toilets, firewood, drinking water, and a playground are also available within the campground. Outdoor recreations include fishing, windsurfing, hiking, kayaking, and biking.
This campground serves as a convenient base when you’re looking to explore the Columbia River Gorge and the area’s historic sites. Campsite fees range from $17 to $26 per night.
#5 Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground
Featuring a distinct combination of recreation, history, and nature, Champoeg State Heritage Areaoffers a scenic landscape of a bygone era. The campground has 81 campsites, including 21 full hookup sites, 54 partial hookup sites, and 6 walk-in tent sites.
There are also 6 cabins, 6 yurts, 3 group tent sites, a bicyclist/hiker camp, and a group RV loop. Hot showers, flush toilets, a dump station, hiking trails, exhibit information, bike paths, disc golf, and an amphitheater can be found in the area. Aside from the hiking trails, there are several historic buildings you can explore.
Champoeg State Heritage Area’s ecologically rich surroundings house over 130 bird species making it an ideal location to appreciate wildlife. This is also the site where the first provisional government in Oregon was formed. Campsite fees range from $21 to $58 per night.
#6 Wyeth Campground
An hour away east of Portland, Wyeth Campground offers 3 group sites and 13 individual sites in a beautiful camping spot surrounded by towering trees. Due to its location, outdoor recreational opportunities are abundant, including scenic drives, hiking, fishing, and exploring historic sites.
Each site includes a fire grill and picnic table. Only small RVs and trailers (less than 30 feet in length) are allowed and there are no hookups available. The campground has flush toilets, hot and cold water, tent pads, potable water, and showers.
The campground is popular in the area so make sure to reserve early. The camping fee is $20/night for one vehicle and single unit and $30/night for a group site.
#7 Gone Creek Campground
Sitting on the edge of Timothy Lake, Gone Creek Campground is surrounded by green, lush forest. This campground has 49 campsites for trailers, RVs, and tents, including 18 pull-through sites.
Water activities like boating, fishing, and kayaking as well as hiking and horseback riding are popular activities in the campground. There are no hookups but each site has a fire ring with a grill and picnic table. Other facilities include a boat ramp, vault toilets, and drinking water.
With its proximity to the lake and other historic buildings in the area, the campground is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike, so make sure to reserve a site ahead of time. Daily/nightly campsite rates range from $26 to $52.
#8 Bayport RV Park and Campground
Bayport RV Park and Campground, adjacent to Scappoose Bay Marine Park, is an idyllic spot that attracts campers with its myriad of activities and scenic surroundings. This campground has 23 RV sites and tents are allowed on paved/gravel areas only.
All sites are 25’ wide and have electricity and water hookups. Park amenities include showers, restrooms, Wi-Fi, and an automated RV dump station. The boat launch fee is included with your site rental but overnight moorage is $17 per night. For those who prefer to stay on dry land, there’s a paved nature trail you can explore or you can just relax on the shore and enjoy the breathtaking sunset.
On the other hand, the campground is a paradise for water lovers. With its proximity to the bay, boating, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing is just a stone’s throw away. Rates are $30 per night.
#9 L.L. Stub Stewart State Park Campground
Just over 30 miles west of Portland, L.L. Stub Stewart State Park Campground offers the best backyard camping experience. With its numerous trails and variety of camping opportunities, this campground boasts 78 full hookups RV sites, 15 cabins, 12 walk-in tent sites, and universal access to several sites and cabins at Dairy Creek.
Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring and table. The campground has flush and vault toilets, drinking water, a playground, hot showers, a visitor center, two reservable meeting halls, and an open picnic shelter. Some of the sites have good shade but all of them are paved.
Outdoor recreation activities include hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and disc golf. Campsite rates start at $11 per night.
#10 Mt. Hood Village RV Resort
Known as Oregon’s premier RV resort, Mt. Hood Village offers a variety of rental accommodations and over 300 wooded RV sites. This particular spot is the ideal destination for all kinds of retreats, large family gatherings, or a simple weekend getaway in the mountains.
Each RV site is equipped with a fire pit, picnic table, and either full or partial hookups. Other rentals like yurts, cabins, tiny houses, and cottages have modern amenities like kitchen appliances, fully equipped baths, BBQ grills, and extended outdoor space. A store, clubhouse, library, game room, playground, fitness center, restaurant, spa/hot tub, WiFi, shower/restroom facilities, laundry facilities, biking trails, and hiking trails in the park.
Explore beyond the campground and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Mt. Hood National Forest. Popular activities include rock climbing and fishing. The site rates range from $70 to $209 per night.
Takeaway
So there you have it, our top 10 best spots for camping around Portland. We hope our guide has given you insightful ideas and inspiration for your upcoming holiday, whether you’re looking for picturesque lakeside views or family-friendly amenities.
The best thing, though? You are welcome to bring your four-legged companions along for the adventure at any of these campgrounds. Go forth and embrace the wonders that await in these boundaries. Happy camping!