Best Campgrounds near Washougal, WA

The Columbia River Gorge area surrounding Washougal, Washington provides diverse camping experiences within a 30-mile radius, from primitive forest sites to full-hookup RV parks. Dougan Creek Campground, located directly in Washougal, offers a free primitive camping experience with basic amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Nearby Beacon Rock State Park Campground in Skamania features boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access with tent and RV sites available year-round. Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground, situated north of Washougal, combines lakeside camping with hiking trails and fishing opportunities. The region straddles both Washington and Oregon sides of the Columbia River, with additional options like Ainsworth State Park on the Oregon side offering seasonal camping from March through October.

A Washington State Discover Pass is required for parking at many public recreation areas, as noted by campers visiting Dougan Falls. According to one visitor, "There are many public and private spots along the Washougal. I suggest buying an annual Discover Pass and parking in the clearly marked areas." Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with spotty coverage in forested areas and near waterfall sites. Campers report that AT&T coverage is particularly unreliable at Beacon Rock, where offline maps are recommended. Weather conditions remain mild from late spring through early fall, though the Columbia Gorge is famous for its winds, which can affect camping comfort and fire safety. Seasonal closures affect many campgrounds, with most state park facilities operating from March through October, while some remain open year-round with reduced services during winter.

Waterfall proximity is a significant draw for campers in the Washougal area. Lower Falls Campground receives high ratings for its location near "possibly the best waterfalls in Washington state," according to one reviewer. Highway noise affects some campgrounds along the Columbia River corridor, particularly those near I-84 and SR-14. As one camper at Ainsworth State Park noted, "All are very close to the highway so you will hear road noise and trains thundering past on the adjacent tracks. But if you are looking to camp with easy access to the Gorge, especially the waterfalls, this is a reasonable option." Sunset Falls Campground, located on the East Fork of the Lewis River near Yacolt, offers a quieter alternative with small, forested sites that accommodate tents and RVs up to 35 feet. Wildlife viewing opportunities include bald eagles at Battle Ground Lake and various waterfowl throughout the region's waterways.

Best Camping Sites Near Washougal, Washington (341)

    1. Oxbow Regional Park

    33 Reviews
    Corbett, OR
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 797-1850

    $25 / night

    "Close proximity to Multonomah Falls. Pros - bathrooms with electric outlets, free showers, deer come close and are fun to watch, quiet & fairly private stay."

    "There is distance between you and other guests but if you want to meet your neighbors you can. They have ADA sites, a lake, play grounds and a welcome center."

    2. Ainsworth State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    North Bonneville, OR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 695-2261

    $22 - $33 / night

    "All are very close to the highway so you will hear road noise and trains thundering past on the adjacent tracks."

    "Picture a hillside with a winding road surrounded by thick green trees. Ainsworth is that place. Absolutely gorgeous."

    3. Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Heisson, WA
    17 miles
    Website

    "The lake is small but awesome. Bald eagles flying overhead. Close to Battleground Washington."

    "Battleground is a nice and well loved state park not far from Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington."

    4. Milo McIver State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Estacada, OR
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 630-7150

    $8 - $78 / night

    "Estacada lake is within walking distance, and there is salmon fishing within driving distance inside of the park. There is also a "bat" barn that is close by."

    "Amazing spot— gorgeous, full of wildlife, and lots of wonderful trails close by. There’s a wildlife viewing area are close by."

    5. Barton County Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Eagle Creek, OR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 742-4422

    $28 - $81 / night

    "Close to Portland so it gets a lot of day traffic. Access to river so it has summer activities. Sites for large get togethers."

    "The kids enjoyed the playground and biking around the loop. The river access down at the day use was lovely. All the park staff were friendly."

    6. Portland Fairview RV Park

    9 Reviews
    Fairview, OR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Most spots were pull-though with decently wide streets to drive in. Even though it's just off a semi-major street, it's set back enough and surrounded by trees to be more quiet."

    7. Beacon Rock State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    North Bonneville, WA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 427-8265

    "Beacon Rock is an incredible, tall hill in the Columbia River Gorge and a Washington State Park. The climb up the rock is through a well-built trail."

    "We didn’t have any issues at the site, but noticed that spots RV4 and RV5 were relatively distanced from each other, while spots RV1-RV3 were pretty close to each other."

    8. Mt Hood Village Resort

    43 Reviews
    Rhododendron, OR
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "There is a playground onsite for those with children and plenty of bike paths and walking paths to keep you busy."

    "Gas station (72) and great grocery store (thrift away) nearby )1.5 mi away)."

    9. Dougan Creek Campground

    10 Reviews
    Bridal Veil, WA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 577-2025

    "In the morning we walked to the semi private beach spot, a tired swimming hole that is great for kids."

    "We got lucky and scooped a very secluded camp spot close to the bathrooms. The firepit was scooped free of ashes and well kept. The site was pretty much completely debris free."

    10. Sunset Falls Campground

    20 Reviews
    Yacolt, WA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 338-7869

    $20 / night

    "Tucked right on the banks of the East Fork of the Lewis River and on the edge of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, this is a great get away for anyone in the Vancouver / Portland area."

    "11 is a walk I’m site that offers the most seclusion in the campground. You are away from all other campers and surrounded by river and trees."

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Recent Reviews near Washougal, WA

1881 Reviews of 341 Washougal Campgrounds



Guide to Washougal

Camping near Washougal, Washington, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Campers have enjoyed the hiking loops, with one reviewer noting, "Great 2 mile hiking loop around the lake. Beautiful view of Mt Hood." This is a great way to soak in the natural beauty.
  • Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Lost Lake Resort And Campground — Mt. Hood National Forest, offer opportunities for fishing and renting boats. One visitor shared, "The lake is fun for fishing and renting a little boat or canoe to get onto the water."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Oxbow Regional Park mentioned, "I watched a woodpecker breaking open a log for over an hour. It was such a peaceful getaway."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Ainsworth State Park Campground said, "Restrooms were incredibly clean and there are hot showers."
  • Privacy: Many campgrounds provide enough space between sites for a sense of privacy. One reviewer at Milo McIver State Park Campground noted, "There’s distance between you and other guests but if you want to meet your neighbors you can."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Mt Hood Village Resort remarked, "Staff was very nice and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Train Noise: Some campgrounds, like Cascade Locks KOA, are near train tracks. One camper mentioned, "The train was very loud (especially at night)."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A reviewer at Paradise Point State Park Campground noted, "Showers are hir or mostly miss. Worst shower at a state park I've ever had."
  • Accessibility Issues: Some areas may not be fully accessible. A visitor at Lost Lake Resort And Campground expressed frustration about accessibility, stating, "The handicapped parking is inconveniently located nowhere near an ADA-accessible lakeside spot."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities for kids. One camper at Milo McIver State Park Campground mentioned, "There’s a wildlife viewing area close by. We saw so many elk, water birds, and at least 5 bald eagles."
  • Plan for Noise: Be prepared for potential noise from other campers or nearby roads. A visitor at Ainsworth State Park Campground said, "It’s where I went to do the mystery trail. A bit hard to find but very rewarding."
  • Pack Activities: Bring games or outdoor equipment to keep kids entertained. A camper at Trillium Lake suggested, "The lake is lovely and easy to paddle board on."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Paradise Point State Park Campground warned, "We put the size of our RV in the state website and it gave us site 50. It was IMPOSSIBLE to get our rig in that site due to the trees."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A visitor at Mt Hood Village Resort mentioned, "Nice sized area for our trailer with full hook-ups."
  • Be Ready for Crowds: Some popular spots can get busy, especially during peak season. A camper at Lost Lake Resort And Campground noted, "It can be super crowded, but this place is a gem."

Camping near Washougal, Washington, has something for everyone. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin, you'll find plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Washougal, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Washougal, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 341 campgrounds and RV parks near Washougal, WA and 49 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Washougal, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Washougal, WA is Oxbow Regional Park with a 4.4-star rating from 33 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Washougal, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 49 free dispersed camping spots near Washougal, WA.

What parks are near Washougal, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Washougal, WA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.