Pet-friendly camping opportunities near Gladstone, Oregon spread across both sides of the Clackamas River in relatively flat terrain ranging from 50 to 250 feet elevation. The region experiences warm summer days that can reach the mid-90s with nighttime temperatures often dropping 30-40 degrees, requiring campers to pack appropriate layers. Most campgrounds in this area remain open from May through October, with a few offering year-round accessibility.
What to do
River adventures: Barton Park offers excellent access for water activities. "Great place to put into the river to float or kayak. Lots of parking," notes Caty M. The park serves as "the gateway to our annual Float With Friends" according to Brittany P., making it a popular starting point for river excursions.
Disc golf courses: Milo McIver State Park features exceptional disc golf facilities. "Milo McIver may be best known for its twin 18 hole disc golf courses, or single 27 hole layout when tournaments aren't in progress," shares Steve C. The park hosts "the annual Beaver State Fling, a PDGA sanctioned National Tour event" that attracts international players.
Historical exploration: Champoeg State Heritage Area offers educational opportunities about Oregon's pioneer history. Ashley B. shares that during her visit she "got to see the Champoeg Heritage site with period piece actors." Leslie C. mentions that "the farmhouse fascinated my boys... they got to water the garden with a water pump and buckets!"
Horseback riding: Oxbow Regional Park maintains multi-use trails suitable for equestrians. The park offers "lots of horses and fisherpeople, great trails, tall trees, lots of shade," according to Bjorn S. These trails connect to a broader network throughout the park's approximately 1,000 acres.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Milo McIver State Park offers well-designed camping areas. "I was super impressed with the size and location of the tent sites. The tent sites were also secluded and flat," writes Lindsey T. Hahns R. confirms the quality: "I have stayed here many times both in an RV and in tent sites. The campground is well maintained and the hosts have been great each time."
Heated accommodations: Champoeg State Heritage Area provides comfortable options during cooler months. "The yurts are heated, and a couple of them are pet friendly, which is great for us!" says Lana N., who adds there's "a couch and a bunk bed for sleeping arrangements, with the lower bunk larger than the top bunk."
Accessible locations: Barton County Park stands out for its proximity to Portland. Rachel K. notes, "We were able to take a city bus there and walk the 3/4 mile into the campground," making it ideal for car-free camping. The convenience factor extends to amenities as "they sell firewood and have a store 3/4 mile away."
Pet washing facilities: Columbia River RV Park offers a standout pet amenity. Laura M. appreciates that "The laundry room had a designated pet washer and dryer, which I always love, so we washed all of our dog bedding here." This specialized equipment helps maintain cleanliness for pet owners.
What you should know
Alcohol restrictions: Barton Park and Oxbow Regional Park prohibit alcohol consumption. These restrictions apply to all visitors regardless of accommodation type.
Age restrictions for RVs: Sun Outdoors Portland South (formerly Pheasant Ridge) and Columbia River RV Park maintain policies regarding RV age. Becky S. mentions, "They also have RV age limit of 2010 but they allowed pictures before turning me down. Yay we got approved!"
Airport noise: Jantzen Beach RV Park experiences overhead flight patterns. Paula notes, "Lots of airport noise overhead. Train goes through but didn't blow horn." This noise factor might impact light sleepers.
No fires allowed: Several RV parks including Sun Outdoors Portland South prohibit campfires. Randi K. observes it's "a bummer no fires" despite otherwise enjoying the amenities. This restriction applies regardless of weather conditions or fire danger levels.
Water pressure variations: Jantzen Beach RV Park sometimes experiences plumbing issues. Jennifer H. reports, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Barton County Park offers excellent recreation facilities. "The kids enjoyed the playground and biking around the loop," notes one camper. Bekki M. adds, "The play area/park is one of my kids favorite. Lots of area to play. Volleyball, gagaball, playground."
Multiple swimming options: Jantzen Beach RV Park features aquatic amenities. Corinna B. shares, "My kiddos absolutely loved the three pools, playground, and basketball hoops. Plenty to check out and explore for them even if this was not your typical 'campground' experience."
Kid-friendly bike trails: Champoeg State Heritage Area provides safe cycling opportunities. Scott W. recommends the park for its "GREAT biking trails that are kid friendly" and adds "We'll go back year after year. Our kids had a blast!"
Field spaces for games: Barton Park includes open areas for active play. Reid B. notes, "The park also offers horseshoe pits, volleyball courts and a boat ramp" and "There was a large field for playing in right in the middle of the campground which was nice."
Tips from RVers
Electric and water hookups: Barton Park provides partial hookups at reasonable rates. Derek S. notes "Sites are very close together but they have tried to make some more secluded. Close to the river and a good area to launch from for a day of rafting."
Tight spacing: Sun Outdoors Portland South has limited site separation. Theo A. describes it as "very cramped RV park" where "your neighbors are on top of you," explaining "there is absolutely no privacy." However, the park does maintain high cleanliness standards to offset the close quarters.
Resort-style amenities: Sun Outdoors Portland South offers upscale facilities. "Has a store, pool, laundry, enclosed pet area. It's very nice," reports Randi K., who appreciates these conveniences despite the limited space between sites.
Proximity to shopping: Roamers Rest RV Park provides convenient access to urban amenities. A reviewer notes it's "convenient and picturesque" when "you need or want to stay in town," making it practical for RVers requiring easy access to supplies and services.
Legend
