Campgrounds near Cheatham Lock and Dam, Oregon range from developed RV sites with electrical hookups to free dispersed camping along the Columbia River, set against a scenic desert landscape. Deschutes River State Recreation Area and Maryhill State Park offer campgrounds with electrical hookups, while free dispersed camping can be found at Rufus Landing and Giles French Park. Tent camping, RV sites, and some cabin accommodations are available throughout the region, with many campgrounds situated directly on the Columbia River providing views of the gorge's dramatic basalt cliffs and opportunities for water recreation.
Road access varies significantly between developed and primitive sites, with most campgrounds accessible via paved roads near Interstate 84. The region experiences hot, dry summers and cold winters with occasional snow, making spring and fall ideal camping seasons. Many primitive sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with stay limits (typically 7-14 days), while established campgrounds like Peach Beach RV Park require reservations. Several campgrounds close seasonally, with Rufus RV Park notably closed from November through March. Cell service is generally good throughout the area. A visitor noted, "Free camping on the edge of the Columbia River. Basically pull-outs or a large dispersed area on the west side. Pit toilets on the west end and trash bins scattered throughout."
The Columbia River shoreline represents the primary attraction for most campers, though constant wind and transportation noise impact the experience at many sites. Campers mention enjoying activities like fishing, boating, and wildlife watching, with one review noting "The white pelicans are our favorite!" Noise from nearby highways and railroads is frequently mentioned in reviews, with one camper describing their stay: "Between the trains and the surrounding highways, it was easily one of the worse night's sleep we have ever encountered camping." More developed campgrounds provide amenities like showers, flush toilets, and hookups, while primitive areas typically offer vault toilets and sometimes trash service. Several camping areas provide access to nearby attractions including wineries, Maryhill Museum, and the Stonehenge Memorial replica.
$40 - $45 / night
"It was during the major fires in Oregon so most of the time it was socked in by thick/heavy smoke. Like brown fog. Not at all the fault of Peach Beach. "
"peaceful. close to several wineries and farm stands. especially recommend gunnels fruit and waving tree winery - both within walking distance of campground. other must sees are maryhill museum and stonehenge"
$15 - $119 / night
"It's the perfect spot if you are traveling across Oregon and need a nice place to stop before continuing to another state, or eastern Oregon. The campground is relatively small."
"Found this place on the map while searching for a place to camp at the Washington/Oregon border."
$12 - $68 / night
"Just a brief stop overnight en route to the Oregon Coast."
"This is along the river bordering WA & OR. There are some nice parks, museums, etc. to explore in the immediate area. The campsite itself is just ok...a little too urban for our tastes."
$15 - $35 / night
"The pull-through sites run along the water’s edge, offering water views but smaller pads and tragically, blocking my view. There’s no shade but the breeze kept things cool enough."
"The edge of the pull-through RV spots follows the river and most spots have easy access to the 10-foot rock access to the water. We visited during the last weekend of July and it was HOT!"
"Camped right next to the river with other travelling campers, visible to wide area and fwy, so safe feeling. Gravel, close to fwy access."
"I ran the generator in my class c rv all night without a problem but made sure I was away from other campers. There is a rule that it cannot annoy other people."
"Easy access to river and gorgeous views. A few "longggg" term campers but still nice."
$15 - $92 / night
"I wasn't sure what to expect at this high desert park, but situated deep in a canyon on a once working cattle ranch, this park is poised to become one of Oregon's top state parks."
"Its also a rattlesnake habitat in Eastern Oregon's high desert biome, within 30 miles or so of The Dalles, a city marking the change in the Columbia River Gorge from high desert to wooded mountainsides"
"We turned right and drove to the very end next to a picnic table. There was no one else nearby. There is a bathroom and a boat launch."
"Great little swimming spot steps from our spot. Trains will come every hour and tracks are close to sites. A few wineries within a mile and one about .5 miles from spot."
"Dog-walking area. Distant traffic noise from I-84. I would stay there again in a heartbeat."
"There is a train track close by and the 84 is also close by. You can stay for free for up to 14 days. We have a generator and a 40’ fifth wheel. We had plenty of parking."
"Located right next to both."
TravelerBeautful park along the Columbia River. Interesting history. Day use, tent camping Friday through Sunday, or seven days in the designated parking area. Restrooms, garbage dumpsters, veiws of barges or cruise paddle boats on the river. Cell service works great. The only drawback is if the interstate noise or traffic from trains bothers you. Located right next to both.
GuideI mainly wanted to camp at this spot because of the view, and let me tell you, it does not disappoint. However, the best spot to see Mount Hood is at the top/end of the road which doesn't have much room for many people. When we got there, we saw a group of 10 people already camped out, and there was not enough space for us. They had 3 trucks, and probably 7 tents. There are a couple spots down the road which is where we ended up. Not a bad spot. Lots of room for tents and 1-2 cars. You can kinda see the mountain, but there are lots of trees blocking the view. Unfortunately, the first night we were supposed to stay, we got informed of a fire evacuation warning and ended up leaving. I would love to come back and stay in this beautiful place though. The only other downside is a VERY rocky and rough road.
ScoutGreat spot to take in the view of the Columbia Gorge area. Site B37 FHU paved with the use of 1” level board on the driver side. Nice spacing with other sites . B27, B29, B31, B33 and B35 are the best sites for the views. All nice amenities. One hour drive to PDX. The only downside is the odd way to enter the state park via rest area ramp on I84.
GuideThis campground is fairly primitive. It’s also fairly inexpensive. I Boondock in a tent site and it was very lovely. It is obviously an older campground from the days when Highway 30 was the main road through the gorge.
This campground is not patrolled by Rangers every day they come through probably twice a day. It is not clean or kept up and the only reason I left four stars instead of five is because the flesh toilets are not working. And I do believe they could fix that problem even though I don’t even know what the problem is. It’s hard to say.
I like the fact that it’s not properly maintained and the roads all swept and the pinecones all gone. I appreciate the rustic and even though it’s relatively close to I 84 the noise becomes background and you can convince yourself. It’s a creek.
The other reason, I only left four stars is because the hiking trails are not marked and that would be very helpful
If you want a quiet out-of-the-way spot, this is a good one.
GuideThis camp is right between I84 and the train tracks. Noise from 84 is a lot… the spaces are small and at night it is pitch black. It seems to have a lot of availability because it’s not very popular. No Ranger presence… lots of mosquitoes.
ScoutAs of July 27th the road is closed due to wildfire! Take care of yourselves
TravelerAnother great little campground soon to taken back by Mother Nature. Highly suggest 4x4 rig to access the site down a narrow single track road. Only three spots.
TravelerGood weekend getaway. Sites are spaced nicely. Is an older campground that got washed out years ago. Was reopened fewer sites. Good place for kids to play in the creek and adults to chill.
GuideVery nice free camping for 7 days. There's vault toilets and trash dumpsters. Looks like it was a paid campground years ago. Easy access to river and gorgeous views. A few "longggg" term campers but still nice.
The Columbia River near Cheatham Lock and Dam transitions from forested mountains to arid high desert with average summer temperatures reaching 90°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. The campgrounds sit at elevations ranging from 200-400 feet above sea level, creating wind patterns that campers often note in reviews. Most camping areas remain open from April through October, with some year-round options available during milder weather periods.
Visit wineries nearby: Several campgrounds provide convenient access to local wineries in the area. A visitor at Peach Beach RV Park recommends "Gunnels fruit and waving tree winery - both within walking distance of campground." The wineries offer tastings and scenic views of the Columbia River gorge.
Take advantage of river swimming: The John Day River offers swimming opportunities with slower currents than the main Columbia. At LePage Park Campground, one camper notes "There is a really large beach and roped off swimming area, as well as a boat ramp, dock for fishing, and trails for hiking." The swimming areas are typically maintained between May and September.
Explore historical sites: The area contains several historical attractions within short driving distance from most campgrounds. A visitor at Peach Beach RV Park suggests "other must sees are maryhill museum and stonehenge replica," both unique cultural attractions specific to this region that offer insight into local history.
Waterfront locations: Direct river access ranks high among camper priorities. At Avery Rec Area, a reviewer appreciated that "over half the 'sites' are right on the water, while the others are less than 50 feet away." This proximity to water provides cooling effects during hot summer months.
Wildlife viewing: The Columbia River corridor supports diverse bird populations that campers frequently mention. At Deschutes River State Recreation Area, one camper observed "Lots of birds, gooses and goslings and great access to the river for a refreshing swim." Early morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Desert climate advantage: When coastal areas experience rain, this region often remains dry. A camper at Maryhill State Park noted "We went here when another camping trip was rained out in spring. We looked on the map and it was the only dry spot we could find within a few hours of Portland." The rain shadow effect creates this microclimate, making it a reliable alternative during wet western Oregon weather.
Train noise impacts sleep: Railroad tracks run along both sides of the Columbia River, affecting most camping areas. A reviewer at Avery Rec Area warned that trains "are seriously loud do not underestimate this. This is not for everyone. It literally is every half hour with the train blaring his horn." Consider bringing earplugs if staying at riverside campgrounds.
Seasonal closure information: Operating seasons vary significantly between campgrounds. For Rufus RV Park, a visitor found "Big sign says closed right now" during the winter months, as it operates April through October. Many public campgrounds have similar seasonal limitations due to staffing and weather conditions.
Wind conditions: The gorge topography creates consistent wind patterns that affect camping comfort. At Cottonwood Canyon State Park, a visitor advised "Be prepared for some wind due to topography." Wind speeds typically increase in afternoon hours and can impact tent stability and comfort.
Swimming areas with safety features: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming areas appropriate for children. At LePage Park, one visitor mentioned "There is a really large beach and roped off swimming area" which provides a controlled environment for younger swimmers with supervision.
Insect considerations: Some locations experience seasonal insect issues. At Deschutes River State Recreation Area, a camper reported "our camp was infested with flies and earwigs which did not provide a good experience." Bringing insect repellent and screened shelters can improve comfort, particularly during June-August.
Educational opportunities: The area offers learning experiences for children beyond typical outdoor recreation. At Sherman County RV Park, a visitor mentioned "Moro also has a must see museum" that provides regional history context. Most historical attractions in the area offer reduced admission for children under 12.
Early reservation recommendations: Popular RV campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. A Peach Beach RV Park visitor noted "Arrived late and found an envelope with all my check in details posted in front of the office, including park map with highlighted route to my site." Making reservations at least 2-3 weeks in advance is advised for summer weekends.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds provide full hookups or dump stations. At LePage Park Campground, a reviewer appreciated that it includes a "Dump station, potable water fill area" which allows for extended stays without leaving to find facilities elsewhere. This information helps RVers plan appropriate length of stay.
Level site considerations: RV campers emphasize the importance of level sites. A Sherman County RV Park visitor found "the sites are level with full amenities - pull-throughs and easy back-ins" making setup easier. Many campgrounds in the area feature gravel pads that may require additional leveling equipment during longer stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Cheatham Lock and Dam?
According to TheDyrt.com, Cheatham Lock and Dam offers a wide range of camping options, with 136 campgrounds and RV parks near Cheatham Lock and Dam and 15 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Cheatham Lock and Dam?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cheatham Lock and Dam is Peach Beach RV Park on the Columbia with a 4.1-star rating from 31 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cheatham Lock and Dam?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Cheatham Lock and Dam.
What parks are near Cheatham Lock and Dam?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Cheatham Lock and Dam that allow camping, notably John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla and Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
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