Portland camping options extend from the Columbia River shoreline to the forested banks of the Clackamas River. Elevation ranges from near sea level along the Columbia to 800-1000 feet in some outer campgrounds. The camping season peaks from May through September when average temperatures range between 65°F and 85°F, with limited rainfall compared to winter months.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Milo McIver State Park Campground offers competition-quality disc golf with twin 18-hole courses or a 27-hole layout during non-tournament times. "Home of the annual Beaver State Fling, a PDGA sanctioned National Tour event, Milo McIver is an excellent host for the international players that come to the Pacific Northwest for a chance to win the tournament," explains one reviewer.
River activities: Barton County Park Campground serves as a popular starting point for floating the Clackamas River. "Great place to put into the river to float or kayak. lots of parking. also a campground. perfect for a close weekend getaway," writes a camper. The park includes boat landings, swimming areas, and river access points.
Historical exploration: Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground offers more than just camping with its historical significance. "The farmhouse fascinated my boys... they got to water the garden with a water pump and buckets!" notes one visitor. The heritage site includes period actors and interpretive displays about Oregon's early settlement.
Biking trails: Several campgrounds connect to extensive biking networks. "Champoeg State Park is on the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway, and a great place to camp if you want to do a long biking getaway," writes a reviewer. The ride to St. Paul offers a scenic countryside route accessible directly from camp.
What campers like
Natural seclusion minutes from the city: Oxbow Regional Park provides a wilderness experience despite its proximity to Portland. "Oxbow feels like it is in the middle of nowhere but it's easy to get to and practically within the city limits of Portland," notes a camper. The park spans 1,200 acres with old-growth forests.
Riverside camping: Many Portland-area campgrounds feature water access. "The location couldn't be more convenient, right near Portland and just steps away from the beautiful Columbia River," writes a visitor to Columbia River RV Park. Reeder Beach RV Park offers similar appeal: "This morning, Dec 1st, I woke up to the sound of frogs croaking, birds chirping, airplanes swooshing, trains puffing... I can hear nature, farm, and city here from my picnic table or lying in bed with my window open."
Off-season availability: Some campgrounds remain open year-round, allowing camping in Portland, Oregon during winter months. "Love to stay here when all the other campgrounds close," mentions a Champoeg visitor. Battle Ground Lake State Park also offers year-round access: "Rolled in January 1st. Self pay. About 5 sites with power and water."
Diverse accommodation options: Beyond traditional tent sites, many campgrounds offer alternative lodging. "We've been here 3 times, once for tent camping and twice in a yurt. The yurts are heated, and a couple of them are pet friendly, which is great for us!" says a Champoeg visitor. The park features a couch and bunk bed configuration in each yurt.
What you should know
Transportation options: Most campgrounds require driving, but Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground offers an unusual setup. "You have to park down below and walk to the site, the furthest ones being over a quarter mile away," explains a camper. Some parks are accessible via public transportation, like Barton: "We were able to take a city bus there and walk the 3/4 mile into the campground."
City noise factors: The urban-adjacent nature of Portland camping means some noise intrusion. "Sites within the city limits tend to have more traffic noise and airplane flyovers," says a camper. At Jantzen Beach RV Park, "you can hear traffic from nearby I-5 as well as airplanes flying overhead."
Facility limitations: Some campgrounds restrict certain activities or substances. "Alcohol is prohibited at several parks including Oxbow Regional Park and Barton County Park Campground," notes a camper. At Columbia River RV Park, a visitor warned about "the bright street lights were distracting at night— perhaps they are necessary for safety, but we found them excessive."
Water considerations: Water quality varies significantly between campgrounds. At Reeder Beach, a visitor notes: "The water has arsenic and is no good to drink or cook with. You have to bring your own water, or buy theirs, which they don't mention on their website."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Milo McIver State Park Campground offers recently upgraded play facilities. "The recent upgrades to playgrounds are awesome for the kids and the new welcome center makes check in a breeze," says a visitor. Barton Park also features "a huge playground for the kids."
Swimming options: Designated swimming areas provide safer water play. Battle Ground Lake has "a swim area roped off, and a small sand area for the kids to play," according to a reviewer. Barton Park offers river access for cooling off during summer months.
Kid-friendly activities: Several parks offer specific programming for children. At Champoeg, "along the way got to see the Champoeg Heritage site with period piece actors, wide open spaces, and the Willamette River," reports a visitor. Jantzen Beach RV Park includes multiple pools: "kids especially loved the pools and playground."
Booking windows: Family-friendly sites fill quickly during peak season. "Make reservations early," advises one Champoeg visitor. Most sites within 30 miles of Portland require bookings several months in advance for summer weekends.
Tips from RVers
Urban convenience: Jantzen Beach RV Park offers a location ideal for city access. "On Hayden Island in Portland, so nearby to an outdoor mall that includes Target as well as several restaurants," notes a visitor. The park features facilities like "pools, playgrounds, several places for laundry, showers, a workout room etc."
Water pressure issues: Several RV parks report inconsistent utilities. At Jantzen Beach, "Water pressure is the lowest we've ever experienced. Not sure what's going on but all of the folks we've talked to are experiencing the same."
Self-contained requirements: Some RV parks have specific equipment mandates. Clackamette RV Park requires all units be "self contained" as "tents are not allowed here." This urban park costs "$25 vs $20" for riverfront sites.
Age restrictions: Some parks enforce RV age policies. Columbia River RV Park has "many long-termers here, but due to their 10 or 15 year RV rule, all the RVs here were really nice and fancy," according to a recent visitor.
