Rv Camping Hood River Oregon

Viento State Park Campground

Just 10 minutes west of Hood River, Viento State Park offers access to the Columbia River. The rocky shoreline provides an easy entry to the river for windsurfing, stand up paddle boarding, and other water sports. The campground is actually across the highway from the river, but a walking trail runs down to the water making it a convenient base for campers looking to use the river.

Even if you are just looking to explore the waterfalls and sites along the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, this is an excellent base, just off Interstate 84. Viento State Park also provide easy access to the Columbia Historical Highway State Trail.

The campground has 56 RV sites and 18 tent sites, almost all of which are well-shaded. The tent area is set back in a forested area with a creek running in behind. The RV sites are closer to the highway.

The main drawback to this campground is the noise associated with its extremely close proximity to the highway and train tracks. The tent area is in a lush forest setting. Facilities include flush toilets.

Mineral Camp Campgroundumpqua National Forest

Image from The Dyrt camper TJ B.

This tiny campground along Sharps Creek in Umpqua National Forest is open year-round and has three individual campsites surrounded by towering Douglas Firs. There are fire pits, picnic tables and vault toilets, but no drinking water or garbage disposal.

This is a very small remote campground past Dorena lake near Bohemia Mountain. If you can luck out, or go in the off season, this is a nice far out spot, off the beaten path to just relax by Sharps Creek. I liked how this place is small and more primitive than others, while still being a legit campground. The Dyrt camper TJ B.

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Alder Springs Campgroundwillamette National Forest

Image from The Dyrt camper Eva W.

A small six-site campground, the Alder Springs Campground lies along the scenic McKenzie Pass Highway in the Willamette National Forest. Access to the Three Sisters Wilderness Linton Lake Trail is right across the road, while the campground itself features picnic tables, fire rings and a vault toilet.

So good when its hot out! Although its not very clean, the waterfall hikes are worth it. The Dyrt camper Eva W.

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The Best 10 Rv Parks In Hood River County Or

Dispersed Camping Rules & Regulations

One of our favorite things about dispersed camping is the lack of permits, reservations, and other requirements youll often find at developed campgrounds. However, that doesnt mean there arent important rules you should always following when dispersed camping.

It is best to check current regulations with the relevant USFS or BLM office, but you should plan on adhering to the following as outlined by the USFS:

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Cascade Locks Rv Park

If youre looking for a family-friendly campground, theres Cascade Locks RV Park. This site has pull-through sites, full hookups, cable TV, and restrooms. Theres also electricity and WI-FI, which is essential for those traveling with children. At Hood River RV Park, you can expect a comfortable stay in a beautiful location. Youll feel right at home with your family.

Best Free Camping Near The Columbia River

Whether youre looking for an out-of-the-way, rugged hangout or just a place to put your van for the night, youll be able to find both within a couple of hours of the Columbia River Gorge. Whether youre on the Oregon or Washington side, the scenery will vary between open, rocky expanses and scrubby, tree-covered ridges. However, the farther you are from a town, the better the stars will be.

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Lt Murray Wildlife Area

Speaking of stars, adventurous campers with an all-terrain van will love this secluded site. Located in the L.T. Murray Wildlife Area, near Selah, WA, this area has wildflowers, big game, and not many people. There are many dispersed camping sites you can drive up to for an enjoyable, quiet stay.

A few notes about this location:

• A Washington Discover Pass is required.
• There is a gate you need to open to enter. Make sure to close it once through.
• No water or dump station: pack in your water, pack out your waste.
• Rough road: High clearance vehicle with AWD recommended. Rocks on the road are large, sharp, and loose.
• Land Type: Wildlife Area
• Things to Do: Wildlife Viewing, Stargazing, Photography

Location: Selah, WA 98942

GPS Coordinates:46.799878934257926, -120.54032875452307

Directions: Follow I-90 E and I-82 E/US-97 S to WA-821 N in Yakima County. Take exit 26 from I-82 E/US-97 S. Turn right onto WA-821 N. Turn left onto WA-823 S. Take a sharp right onto N. Wenas Road, right onto Sheep County Road, then continue on Old Durr Road.

Nearby Attractions: From here, its a bit of a drive to the Columbia River Gorgeabout 1-2 hours, depending on where you go. When you get there, youll find much to do in the Wanapum Recreation Area or Hanford Reach National Monument, where you can enjoy water sports, hiking in the Ginkgo Petrified Forest, and bird or wildlife watching.

Day : Waterfalls And Frosty Treats

Youll want to wake up earlier this morning to hike some of the popular waterfall trails in the Columbia Gorge. Head 20 minutes west to the Bonneville Dam exit. Here you can hike to Wahclella Falls. Because trailhead parking is extremely limited, Id suggest parking a half-mile away at the Bonneville Hatchery. The easy 2.4-mile out-and-back Wahclella Falls Trail winds through a slot canyon to a 350-foot, two-tiered waterfall. When you return, visit the hatchery and then head over to the dams Bradford Island Visitor Center to see migrating fish through the fish ladders underwater window. Because of fall chinook and coho salmon spawning, September and October are the best months to visit.

The granddaddy of Oregons waterfalls, Multnomah Falls is 10 miles west of Wahclella. Again, parking here is challenging, so consider continuing west on the Historic Columbia River Highway for four less-crowded waterfalls: Wahkeena, Bridal Veil, Shepperds Dell and Latourell. Note that parking is limited, so prepare to keep moving if needed. Your final stop is Vista House in the Crown Point State Scenic Corridor. Portland architect Edgar Lazarus built the elaborate German art nouveau structure complete with rotunda and hand-carved drinking fountains. While the visitor center is temporarily closed, the panoramic view here is epic and its quite windy, so hold onto your hats.

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Mount Ashland Campgroundklamath National Forest

Image from The Dyrt camper Jenny R.

Situated within Klamath National Forest in Southern Oregon, the Mount Ashland campground offers remote mountain camping along the Siskiyou Crest. It offers access to the PCT, awesome views and excellent wildflowers, bird and butterfly watching.

Lovely place, lovely drive in. Spots are scattered and hard to find at night. Had deer running around while I was setting up the tent. Pit toilets, hiking close by, accessible in any vehicle. The Dyrt camper Noie V.

Cascade Locks / Portland East Koa

This is a small, pleasant, and well-treed campground offering plenty of space and privacy. Just 19 miles west of Hood River, it’s well positioned and offers easy access to town and the Historic Columbia River Highway.

Views of the lush hills in behind can be glimpsed through the trees. This KOA features a seasonal pool, hot tub, and sauna.

Full-hookup RV sites with pull-throughs have 50 amp service, cable TV, and Wi-Fi. If you are not traveling with an RV, tent sites as well as camping cabins are your other accommodation options.

The park is a fun place to park yourself for a few days or longer. Sign up for a game of horseshoes, cozy up by the wood-burning fire pit, or have a game of Ladder Golf. If you are traveling with children, the playground has a great assortment of climbing structures guaranteed to tire out even the most rambunctious of kids.

Pets are permitted, and the campground has an off-leash dog park.

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Where To Stay In Hood River When You Can’t Find A Campsite

Luxury and Mid-Range Hotels:

• On the edge of town overlooking the Columbia River, the Columbia Cliff Villas Hotel offers beautiful, large suites with balconies. Each suite is different but all are tastefully decorated. This is the perfect place to treat yourself to a luxury stay.

• , which leans more to mid-range, has wonderful views of the river from its manicured grounds. Many of the rooms have balconies.

Lodge In The Heart Of The Columbia River Gorge

This beautiful little cottage has everything you need and more as a base to explore the Columbia River Gorge. The cute space has an open layout with a full kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom and, although snug, can comfortably fit four people.

The views are stunning as you look out over the Columbia River and Washington syncline, and you are just a few miles away from the Hood River as well. Added extras include a grill, a hammock, washing machine and dryer, bike storage, and a lovely porch.

The nearest restaurant is walking distance away if you didnt fancy cooking yourself.

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Nestling in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, the city of Hood River in Oregon is the gateway to outdoor thrills and a haven for adventurers. This city is famous for its exhilarating activities such as kitesurfing and foil boarding that attract travelers who seek a thrill. Skiing and snowboarding are also possible on Mt. Hood. Some of the best hiking spots here include Indian Creek Trail, Hood River Waterfront Trail, and Wahclella Falls. Once you have your fill of adventure and nature scenes, you can venture downtown. There, you can enjoy local food, shop to your hearts content, and visit ice cream parlors when the weather gets too hot. The best part? If you want a quintessential nature retreat, there are many venues for that as well in Hood River. Read on for the best camping spots near Hood River, Oregon, for a memorable experience.

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Posted by Timberlake Campground and RV Park on Thursday, April 6, 2017

A relaxing retreat amidst nature awaits you at Timberlake Campground & RV. This camping destination is one of the best in the Southeast as it offers many recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, and kayaking. Plus, there are many nearby places of attraction as well as restaurants.

Timberlake Campground & RV

Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 9am – 5pm Fri – Sat: 9am – 6pm Sun: 11am – 5pm

Amazing Spots To Go Camping On The Columbia River Gorge

– Last updated: June 15, 2022

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From simple tent sites, to RV slots, to glamping, we have you covered on all the cool places to camp at The Columbia River Gorge! We even added in a few cottages and cabins at the end for good measure in case youre needing to treat yourself but dont want to stray too far away from nature or the Gorge.

For the best spots to go camping at the Columbia River Gorge, this is the only list youll need. Be sure to check out our guide to the best things to do at the Gorge as well!

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Sand Island Marine Parknear Portland Or

This is an excellent Oregon free camping spot on kayaking trips. Sand Island is a man-made island in the Columbia River just northwest of Portland that offers primitive free camping, as well as short nature trails and grassy areas for picnics. If youre on a multi-day kayaking excursion, you can resupply in St. Helens, a short stroll from the camping area.

Accessible by boat or kayak. Sites are primitive, no tables. This is on the Columbia River water kayak trail. The Dyrt camper Daniel L.

Best Columbia River Gorge Campground For Families

Trillium Lake Campground is a quiet campsite near Government Camp on the south side of Mount Hood. The lake is perfect for swimming, paddling or fishing and has a 1.9 mile hiking loop surrounding it. Nearby is Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl. The winter ski resort transforms into a wild summer adventure with alpine slides, disc golf, and bike parks that will entertain your kids for hours!

Photo by Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife via Flickr

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Rv Trip To Mt Hood And The Gorge

As an Oregonian, Ive had the privilege of RVing in this state for nearly two decades. I can say with confidence that the Mt. Hood/Columbia Gorge region packs more majesty per square mile than any other. I challenge you to drive on Interstate 84 along the Columbia River and not be awed by Mother Natures work, or to round the bend on the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway for your first glimpse of snowcapped Mt. Hood and not have your heart skip a beat.

The area abounds with campgrounds that have easy access to alpine lakes and waterfall-lined trails. Its the kind of contact with nature that will nourish your soul. Along the way, youll also have plenty of opportunities to feed your body: fresh-picked produce from Hood River Valley, award-winning wines from Columbia Gorge wine country, craft beers from family-owned breweries and local specialties like huckleberry shakes that will prompt you to make a detour.

Need help planning an RV adventure through the Mt. Hood/Columbia River Gorge region? Heres my suggested itinerary for this classic road trip.

Frequently Asked Questions And Answers

What are people saying about rv parks in Hood River County, OR?

This is a review for rv parks in Hood River County, OR:

“We will return to harmony RV park. The best park we’ve stayed in all summer. Clean. Good wifi ! Great area for our grandson staff was so friendly, very accommodating. We will be back soon. Many different sights. Wooded. More open. Lake views. Pull thru and back ins”

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Klickitat Canyon Wine Tent Camping

Wine lover? This is the campsite for you! It is located at the Klickitat Canyon Winery, set high on a hill under the shade of large, leafy oaks. What more could you want?

Picturesque vineyards surround the small working farm, so you will have views no matter how you pitch your tent, and dramatic Mount Hood finishes off the picture. Plus, many of the local wineries welcome visitors for a taste of their creations.

A perfect way to spend the afternoon is cooling off in the Klickitat River, which can be found bubbling away a short distance from the winery.