Camping options near Boardman, Oregon range from riverside sites to forest settings in the Blue Mountains. The area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and cold winters that can drop below freezing. Several campgrounds accommodate horse riders, with specific areas for securing horses and access to trails suitable for day rides.
What to do
Hiking from campsites: At Coalmine Hill, a 2.5-mile round-trip trail leads to Gibson Caves with scenic viewpoints throughout the journey. "There was even a short hike (2.5 round trip) up to Gibson Caves with great views along the way," notes Ashley B., who camped at Coalmine Hill.
Water recreation: The Columbia River provides opportunities for kayaking and swimming at Crow Butte Park. "The water was super calm, so kayaking was very enjoyable," reports Denise B., who appreciated the Crow Butte Park amenities.
Wildlife viewing: Morning explorations at Crow Butte Park reveal small wildlife. "There are really cute baby frogs hopping all around in the mornings though which was very cute. Just watch your step," advises Taleah U., who camped at Crow Butte.
What campers like
Shaded sites: Many campsites offer protection from summer heat. "Great for weekend getaways from Tri Cities. River access and plenty of shade. Discounts for vets and seniors," reports Fred F. about Crow Butte Park.
Helpful camp hosts: Attentive hosts enhance the camping experience. "A big shout out to Wayne, the camp host. He was such a life saver... He let us borrow his spare water filter for the duration of our stay, which saved us a 2-hour round-trip drive," shares Denise B. about her stay at Crow Butte Park.
Trail access from campsites: Convenient hiking paths connect directly to camping areas. "There is a hiking trail directly from camp into the forest. We loved the serenity of being away from town in the woods where all we could hear were the birds and the creek nearby," notes Hallie about Cutsforth Park Campground.
What you should know
Highway noise impacts: Traffic sounds affect some campgrounds more than others. "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. It was so loud you had to stop talking until the semi passed," cautions Ashley B. about Brooks Memorial State Park.
Pest considerations: Insects and wildlife vary by location and season. "So… many… spiders! I've never seen so many spiders in one place. In the morning, I had spiders in each of my door handles, my mirrors, when I turned on my car they started crawling out of the hood," warns Taleah U. about Crow Butte Park.
Site spacing and privacy: Campgrounds offer varying levels of separation between sites. "The spaces are very close together with very few trees separating spaces. Some spots looked barely big enough for a 2 person tent," reports Ashley B. about Brooks Memorial State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly amenities: Some parks provide dedicated play areas. "Fun little park for the kids and nice little beach for swimming," notes Ben B. about Crow Butte Park, while Benjamin B. confirms it's "a really nice place for the kids to play."
Site safety considerations: Natural hazards require awareness with children. "There's also little tree trunk scattered out throughout the whole place so it is kinda dangerous for kids to run around and play," cautions Ashton B. about Coalmine Hill.
Equestrian camping with families: When bringing horses and children to campgrounds near Boardman, Oregon, select sites with adequate space. "This site has an amazing parking area that is large enough for RVs and horse trailers to be able to turn around without any issues. There's a wooden pin to be able to keep horses safe and secure overnight," explains Ashton B. about Coalmine Hill.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for parking: Choose locations based on vehicle size and leveling needs. "Our site was easy to back into. Clean and level. Lots of shade and grass," shares Ben B. about his RV experience at Crow Butte Park.
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections vary by campground. "This campground has full and partial hookup sites. The roads are gravel and wind their way up a steep hill, but the sites provide decent privacy," explains Hallie about her stay at Cutsforth Park Campground.
Generator use etiquette: Be considerate with noise-producing equipment. "Aside from the horse trailer/RV that ran its generator most of the night and morning, it was a great spot to camp," notes Ashley B. about her otherwise positive experience at Coalmine Hill.
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