Best Cabin Camping near Astoria, OR

Loved this State Park! The trails around it were fun and led from the camp right up to the beach by the old ship wreck. My kids ages 2-14 always had something to do and we brought our bikes. The camping sites and RV sites are cheap compared to Utah, Washington and Idaho rates, but they were also very nice! A little close together but nice. You have to book your site months in advance at this place because it fills up fast. So much to do in this area! Close to seaside, the fort Stevens retired military site was free and interesting-with a scavenger hunt and prize at the end for the kids who complete it. Also, close to Astoria which also has many things to do! Loved that it was close enough to drive over the Columbia River to get to Washington to see the light houses!

Campground info

174 full-hookup sites (36 pull-through) 302 electrical sites with water (11 pull-through) Six tent sites with water nearby 15 yurts (7 pet-friendly) 11 deluxe cabins (5 pet-friendly) Hiker/biker camp Flush toilets and hot showers RV dump station Adult and Youth Bike Rentals 9-hole Columbia Shore Disc Golf Course

CAMPGROUND REVIEW

The Rose Creek Retreat is located about 2 hours northwest of Portland in Washington across from Astoria. This private campground resides on the rocky shores of the mouth of the mighty Columbia River. Nestled into the lush hillside between 2 river ghost towns, Altoona and Cottardi Station, the campground features 3 separate campsites that each offer privacy with their own unique features.

The owner, Sol, and his wife have been rehabilitating the forest on the property for several years. They have have worked tirelessly to repair the impact of logging and dumping. The couple is on a mission to create the premier boutique-style camping experience in a wilderness sanctuary and agro-forestry project. The property features lush greenery, native edible vegetation, and beautiful rose gardens all designed with permaculture in mind.

I arrived prior to the guests staying in the Rose Garden campsite and was able to get a full tour of the property. On the edge of the Columbia River, the Rose Garden site has a large mowed grassy area tucked into the hillside bordered by beautiful flower gardens with roses, fuchsias, and hellebore. The Rose Garden also features a beautiful small rustic cabin that sits next to the small babbling creek. The cabin has a phone charger, binoculars, identification books for bird watching, a full size memory foam mattress on frame, and is decorated with amazing photographs taken by Sol. As the only site that allows wood campfires, sit around the fire pit overlooking the Columbia and watch eagles dive for fish,ships sail inland, and the sun set over the mouth of the mighty river. This site also includes a picnic table and THE CLEANEST porta potty I have ever seen!

After touring the Rose Garden, we head up the road to the parking area for the Creekside Gardens and the Orchid Garden. A second very clean porta potty can be found here as well. From the parking area, head down into an enchanting forest soaking up the ambiance of sun rays peeking through the trees, the soothing chatter of the creek, and fragrance of the berry bushes and roses. Set your tent up on a bed of moss next to the creek or head up a small hill to a grassy area and picnic table that overlook the Columbia. When in season you’ll find no shortage of wild berries to forage for in the Creekside Gardens.

From the Creekside Gardens, keep heading up the hillside for a moderately steep 5-minute climb to access the most secluded campsite -- the Orchid Garden. This campsite is hidden in a forest of alders, maples, and massive ferns. Here you will find a hand-built wickiup tucked in the hillside. The wickiup even has solar lights to add to the enchanting ambiance of the forest.

The Orchid Garden is a true forest sanctuary. I enjoyed the solitude and the silence other than the leaves rustling in the light breeze. I loved being able to sit and just soak up Mother Nature’s good tidings.

In the morning, I took a short walk down the hill to sit and journal on the shores of the mouth of the Columbia River. It was the perfect nature retreat that I was looking for.

RANGER REVIEW

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I am fortunate enough to try out new gear from time to time. On this trip, I tried out a pair of Midland X-Talker T61VP3 walkie talkies. Although I was heading out on a solo camping trip, I thought the NOAA weather alert feature would come in handy.

I was planning on sleeping in the wickiup but the mosquitoes in the lush forest in June were insane and very hungry! I quickly realized I would not be able to sleep in the wickiup without being eaten alive. Thankfully I had brought my tent and set it up as a makeshift mosquito net. Since the wickiup is tucked into the hillside there wasn’t a spot for my tent except partially shoved in the wickiup which in turn prevented me from putting my rainfly on. This is when my Midland radio came in handy.

I used the NOAA weather feature to check the forecast. I was relieved to hear there was a clear night without rain in the forecast. I was able to avoid being feasted on by skeeters and slept without my rainfly and without worry inclement weather.

I was very impressed with the ease of use of the radio. The weather broadcast came in crisp and clear even in the dense forest. I have used these radios on every camping and backpacking trip since. I love having access to NOAA weather broadcasts while in the backcountry. These radios also came in handy when backpacking with friends and trying to find a campsite around a crowded alpine lake. I will never go into the wilderness without these radios - whether I’m by myself or with a group these radios come in handy.

These small but mighty walkie talkies are packed with powerful features. Check out their website for all the specs and features - they have lots of radios to choose from. I know you’ll find one that fits your needs and you’ll love having these walkie talkies in your gear kit as I love mine!

The campground is split up into two sides. The north side and the south side. The north side has the getaway cabins, and cottages. It also has the pool/hot tub, cafe, group fire pit, kids play ground, and overflow parking. Pickleball/tennis courts. The north side is also the only side that has 50A power. The south side is all 30A. The tent sites are also on the north side. It gives access to all the amenities here. They took out the propane site, cause they didn’t have anyone to take care of it. We come down here to get away from the heat, inland, area. It’s usually 20-30 degrees cooler, than inland. So when the heat hits the valley, everyone runs to the coastline. So it can get crowded. You have to be careful with your kids. People don’t drive the speed limit. It’s 5mph. They drive like they are in the raceway. The Clatsop county beaches, have the best razor clam digging, in Oregon. On every minus tide, in the winter and spring, you have some of the best razor clams, this far south of Alaska. Usually from he first of October, to July 15th, all minus tides will expose the clam beds enough to walk out and get a delicious meal. Plus the Columbia River estuary is just 10 miles away. Which is the place of the world class Buoy #10 Salmon fishery, every August - October. Both Large Chinook Salmon, and the feisty smaller, Coho (silver) salmon. You also have fresh crabbing available in town, and behind the old high school, or drop a few pots while out salmon fishing, for a great fresh seafood meal.

Fort Stevens is arguably the busiest campground in Oregon. If you go in the middle of the week in January you pretty much have the place to yourself. The deluxe cabins are the place to be in the middle of a windstorm, with four heaters to keep you warm, and a large dry front porch to take your boots off on. Our cabin faced the trees, so it was like a private cabin in the woods near the beach. The fridge was almost full sized, and easily held our meals for the week. Bring lots of pillows and cuddly bedding and snuggle down after a long day of beach combing and storm watching.

My visit here was unplanned. I'm very glad I camped here. The main trails are paved and perferect for biking down to the beach! There is a very old shup wreck on the beach and the sunsets seen through it are perfect.

At the camp sites there are places to park your rv, camp tent, yerts, small cabins, and many more camping options! The staff is very friendly! There is running water for a nice shower and clean bathrooms! They even deliver wood to your camping spot for a small fee! Beautifully forested area makes this place an ideal camp ground. If you forgot something don't worry they have a convenient shoping spot in the center of the camp grounds.

The Peter Iredale Shipwreck was the main selling point for deciding to stay at Fort Stevens State Park in northern Oregon. I am a photographer, and as part of our road trip from Southern California to Vancouver Island, BC, I wanted to make a pit stop to see the shipwreck. Given our route and timeline, it worked out to spend the night at Fort Stevens State Park.

The campsites were small, but nice. I always look at campsite photos before choosing a site, and I found one that was pretty secluded with shrubbery and trees, for privacy. We arrived so late we didn’t bother cooking, and just at chips and salsa with some margaritas - however, there was a fire ring and a picnic table.

The campground had wonderful hot PRIVATE showers, all in their own little individual, lockable space. The showers were nice and clean, and no coins were needed!!!

The Peter Iredale shipwreck is certainly a tourist magnet, but still very cool to see. The fort itself was very interesting to roam around and explore - great for adventures and history lovers alike!

There were a lot of mosquitos, but that’s just mother nature doing her thing.

Overall - good experience!

CAMPSITE SPECS

Fees: $22/night

Plumbed Toilets: Yes

Water: Yes

Showers: Yes (no coins needed)

Picnic Table: Yes

Firepit: Yes

Cooking Grates: Yes

Shade: Yes

Cell Service: Limited

Animal Bins: No