Camping sites near Donald, Oregon range from riverside locations to wine country resorts within a 30-minute drive. The region sits at elevations between 150-400 feet with moderate temperature variations throughout the year. Winter camping requires preparation for rain, while summer months typically see drier conditions with temperatures ranging from 50°F at night to 85°F during peak daytime hours.
What to do
Disc golf courses: At Milo McIver State Park Campground, visitors find competition-quality disc golf facilities. "Milo McIver may be best known for it's twin 18 hole disc golf courses, or single 27 hole layout when tournaments aren't in progress," explains one camper. The park hosts the annual Beaver State Fling, a professional disc golf tournament.
Biking trails: Extensive paved pathways connect many camping areas in the region. One visitor to Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground noted, "The bike paths through the campground/park were great and lots of people were using them all day." Another mentioned, "Champoeg has a little everything. GREAT biking trails that are kid friendly."
Wine tasting: Several campgrounds provide access to local wineries. At Dundee Hills Resort, campers can walk to nearby vineyards. "Perfect home base for wine country and only 30 minutes from Portland," reports one visitor. The resort's location makes it convenient for exploring multiple vineyards in a single day.
What campers like
Historical experiences: Camping areas near Donald feature historical sites that campers appreciate. One visitor described Champoeg State Heritage Area as an "Old little pioneer town. Has yurts and lots of hiking. Pet-friendly." Another mentioned, "Along the way got to see the Champoeg Heritage site with period piece actors, wide open spaces, and the Willamette River."
River access: The confluence of major rivers creates popular recreation spots. A reviewer of Clackamette RV Park explains it's "a beautiful spot where the Clackamas flows into the Willamette. There's gas and dining within walking distance, multiple boat launches, nearby rentals, and lots of wildlife."
Indoor facilities: During wet weather, certain campgrounds offer welcome indoor amenities. One camper at Portland-Woodburn RV Park mentioned, "There are several specials during the month to include meals for a very inexpensive price as well as ice cream socials in nicer months." The park's location behind Woodburn Outlet Mall provides shopping options during inclement weather.
What you should know
Site privacy varies: Campground layouts differ significantly throughout the area. At Silver Falls State Park Campground, "Site spacing is good with lots of privacy between camps," according to a recent visitor. However, other campgrounds offer less separation between sites.
Seasonal limitations: Not all facilities remain open year-round. While some parks operate continuously, others have restricted seasons. Milo McIver State Park Campground operates from March 15 to October 31, requiring campers to plan accordingly during shoulder seasons.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Donald require advance bookings, especially during summer. At Tranquil Orchards and Wine Tours, one visitor noted, "Booking before arrival is necessary (we just booked on Airbnb 2 hours before)." This requirement extends to most established campgrounds in the area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When camping with children, look for sites near play areas. A camper at Silver Falls State Park mentioned, "Kids' play area inside Loop B, showers, and nature trails around the campground." This provides entertainment options without leaving the campground.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer learning experiences for children. At Olde Stone Village, families appreciate the "Walkway to Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum. Clearly marked and paved for easy stroll over to the museum." This connection makes the campground particularly valuable for families with science-interested children.
River safety: When camping near water, maintain appropriate supervision. The Willamette and Clackamas Rivers provide recreation opportunities but require caution. As one Clackamette RV Park visitor noted, there are "boat landings for a canoe along the Willamette River," making water safety knowledge essential.
Tips from RVers
RV site selection: Choose sites based on specific needs rather than general availability. At Milo McIver State Park, "The campground area is a standard State Park area, mostly private sites tucked into the trees." Understanding the campground layout helps select appropriate sites.
Hookup availability: RV parks near Donald offer varying levels of service. At Champoeg State Heritage Area, "Each site is paved to accommodate RV's and campers with electricity and water." For those requiring full hookups, research specific campgrounds before arrival.
Access considerations: RV entrances can present challenges at some campgrounds. One visitor to Olde Stone Village cautioned, "The entrance to the concrete pads was a little steep and might result in bottoming out. It was not a gentle slope, but a sharp incline." Such details prove valuable for larger vehicles.
