Best Campgrounds near Vancouver, WA

Camping near Vancouver, WA, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy everything from hiking to fishing while soaking up the stunning scenery.

What to do:

• Hiking and biking: Many campgrounds, like L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, have excellent trails. One visitor mentioned, "Lots of hiking and mountain biking trails within the park," making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Fishing and kayaking: At Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A camper shared, "Fishing, hiking, sup or kayaking if you’re interested in it. The lake is small but awesome."
• Exploring local attractions: The Champoeg State Heritage Area is close to Portland and offers historical sites and trails. One reviewer noted, "A nice spot nearby to Portland," making it a great day trip option.

What campers like:

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Milo McIver State Park Campground said, "Great ranger super clean calm beautiful very well situated campgrounds."
• Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites for tents and RVs. A reviewer at Mt Hood Village Resort mentioned, "We enjoyed quiet comfortable stays even with the park mostly full."
• Friendly staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. At Cascade Locks KOA, one guest said, "The staff were incredibly welcoming and went out of their way to ensure we had everything we needed."

What you should know:

• Noise levels: Some campgrounds, like Paradise Point State Park, are near busy roads. A camper warned, "It's not the river. It's I-5 which is right in your back yard."
• Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have markets or stores nearby. A visitor at Ainsworth State Park Campground noted, "There's a registry on the trail also. Not many trails have one."
• Reservations recommended: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Barton County Park Campground mentioned, "The CG varied from nearly empty mid-week to completely full over the holiday weekend."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for family gatherings. A family at Milo McIver State Park Campground enjoyed the wildlife and trails, saying, "There’s a wildlife viewing area close by."
• Plan for activities: Bring bikes or outdoor games to keep kids entertained. A parent at Mt Hood Village Resort noted, "Our kids love cruising the loops on their bikes."
• Check for playgrounds: Some campgrounds have play areas for kids. A visitor at Champoeg State Heritage Area mentioned, "There’s also stuff for frisbee golf and some other outdoor activities."

Tips from RVers:

• Look for big rig-friendly sites: Many campgrounds cater to larger RVs. A reviewer at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park Campground appreciated the "large, clean sites."
• Check for hookups: Ensure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups for your RV. A camper at Mt Hood Village Resort mentioned, "The property overall was really nice, lots of amenities."
• Be prepared for noise: Some campgrounds near highways or railroads can be noisy. A visitor at Cascade Locks KOA noted, "The train was very loud (especially at night)."

Camping near Vancouver, WA, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed adventure.