Eastern Oregon's high desert terrain makes glamping in Boardman, Oregon an excellent option for travelers seeking shelter from temperature fluctuations that can reach above 90°F in summer and drop below freezing in winter. The Columbia River basin provides water recreation opportunities with several state parks positioned along riverbanks at elevations ranging from 300-600 feet. Wind farms visible from many campsites are characteristic of this region's sustainable energy landscape.
What to do
Fishing along the John Day River: Cottonwood Canyon State Park offers excellent fishing opportunities in Oregon's second-longest undammed river. According to one camper, "The John Day River is easily accessible and swimmable just down from the campsite. It's great to fish, float, or hike the trails nearby." Trout and smallmouth bass are common catches.
Kayaking the Columbia River: Crow Butte Park provides calm water conditions perfect for paddlers. One visitor noted, "The water was super calm, so kayaking was very enjoyable. The grounds were clean and green." The park sits on an island connected to the mainland by a short causeway.
Hiking desert-to-forest transitions: Brooks Memorial State Park offers unique trail systems where ecosystems change dramatically. A camper shared: "Lots of things to do and see in the area and this is a nice place to rest as its very quiet but easy to get to." The park is accessible year-round for hikers wanting to experience diverse landscapes.
Biking on loaner bicycles: Lone Tree Campground — Cottonwood Canyon State Park provides complimentary bikes for guests who didn't bring their own. As one visitor mentioned, "We brought our own bikes but if you don't bring yours, they offered loaner bikes and there were little bike workstations on the grounds." Several trails accommodate both hikers and bikers.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campers report seeing diverse species. At Crow Butte Park, there are "hiking trails over and around the butte (no rattlesnakes seen, though signs warned about them) provide great vistas of the Columbia River." Morning wildlife sightings can be memorable.
Pet-friendly accommodations: Hood Park welcomes pets and provides ample green space. A visitor noted, "Lots of options in this campground from drive through big trailer spots to back in spots to tent only areas. Tons of wide green lawns with lots of space." The park includes a connected wildlife preserve with additional walking paths.
Solar-powered tent sites: Lone Tree Campground provides practical power solutions. One camper explained, "We have a truck with camper but the tent sites each had a solar panel to provide electricity for charging the essentials." This feature allows tent campers to charge devices without generator noise.
Winery access: Wine Country RV Park positions visitors near numerous tasting rooms. According to a reviewer, "This could be a nice basecamp spot for people who love exploring wineries. The small town of Prosser has almost 30 wineries and tasting rooms in the immediate area and this park is in the midst of them all." Several tasting rooms are within walking distance.
What you should know
Desert climate considerations: Temperatures fluctuate dramatically. A Cottonwood Canyon visitor warned, "We intended to stay at DeSchutes River but they were full. Paid 10 bucks for a night... Be prepared for some wind due to topography." Summer days can exceed 90°F while nights cool significantly.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience road noise. At Brooks Memorial, "Day and night, semis speed past the state park on either a downhill straight away or an uphill straight away, regardless it sounds like a freight train or military landing pad all night/day long."
Seasonal closures: Winter affects facility availability. A Wine Country RV Park visitor noted, "There is a pool and hot tub, both of which were closed for winter, and a small playground and basketball hoop for kids." Check ahead for operating schedules.
Wildlife precautions: Expect encounters with local fauna. One camper at Brooks Memorial advised, "Note, be careful about leaving food out, zipping your tent up, leaving car doors open. The mice were pretty bad and came out at night driving my dog crazy."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Hood Park offers recreational facilities for children. A visitor mentioned, "This campground offers developed sites with hookups for campers. There is a playground and interpretive events for kids in the evenings. They even had some movies on the weekends."
Swimming areas: Multiple parks provide safe water access. At Crow Butte Park, a camper reported, "Site was easy to back into. Clean and level. Lots of shade and grass. Allows pets (on leash) fun little park for the kids and nice little beach for swimming."
Educational opportunities: Willow Creek RV Park provides tranquil settings for family learning. According to a visitor, it's "A great place to relax with friends and family," with opportunities to observe local ecology and wildlife in a less crowded environment.
Fenced dog areas: Glamping in Boardman area includes pet-friendly amenities. At Cottonwood Canyon, "Pet friendly! Including a fenced in dog area (about an acre) and doggie poo bags readily available." This helps families with pets enjoy their stay without leashing constraints.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for wind protection: At Crow Butte Park, site position matters. One RVer suggested, "As others have mentioned, the campground can be windy, although the higher numbered sites, roughly 32-50 (toward the butte, away from the mainland) tend to be calmer." These sites provide natural windbreak advantages.
Full hookup considerations: Wine Country RV Park offers different pad types. A visitor advised, "Premium sites have concrete pads while the lower cost sites are just gravel. The pads are mostly level, but slope upwards in some spots so unhitching can be just a little tricky."
Dump station locations: Hood Park provides dumping facilities. A visitor noted, "Water tank can be filled at park at dump station. We paid $12 using our lifetime senior pass." Multiple campgrounds in the area offer dumping stations for self-contained units.
Size restrictions: Some parks limit RV length or pet size. At Wine Country RV Park, "40 POUND LIMIT" applies to dogs. Check reservation systems for specific length limitations and pet policies before booking luxury glamping accommodations near Boardman.
