Tent and RV camping options around Boardman, Oregon offer riverside experiences along the Columbia River at elevations ranging from 250-400 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Southeastern Washington wineries and recreation areas are within 30-45 minutes of most camping locations.
What to do
River activities: Swimming and fishing: At Umatilla Marina & RV Park, the water access appeals to many visitors. "The beach/cove is very nice and good place to paddle-board or kayak," notes Kevin H., who stayed for four nights during late June when temperatures reached the 90s.
Wine tasting: Local vineyards: Wine Country RV Park in nearby Prosser serves as a base for exploring nearly 30 wineries and tasting rooms. "This could be a nice basecamp spot for people who love exploring wineries," writes kristin S., adding that "Vintner's Village with a series of tasting rooms" is within walking distance.
Outdoor recreation: Parks and trails: Port of Arlington RV Park & Marina provides access to "a very beautiful area here to walk and enjoy the river and city park," according to Jeff & Steff's Excellent Adventure. The park charges only $10 for dry camping with "level area for my van to park and sleep," reports JulieJay M.
What campers like
Overnight convenience: Travel stop amenities: Pilot RV Park gets praise for its strategic location. "The rv park is next to a Pilot truck stop which creates some noise and traffic but the plusses far out weight any issues they create," explains Tom C., who appreciated that "they took our reservation from the road so we could drive right into our pull-through space."
Clean facilities: Immaculate bathrooms: "To say clean doesn't do them justice; the facilities were immaculate," writes Tom C. about Pilot RV Park. Similarly, at Umatilla Marina & RV Park, Matthew S. notes, "The bathrooms have showers and are well kept."
Resort-style amenities: Swimming and community spaces: Columbia Sun RV Resort offers "a heated pool and hot tub, game room and more," according to Jeff M., who describes it as having "all the amenities and activities you want in a semi-urban RC resort." Joe C. adds that "grounds keepers make this place top notch visually."
What you should know
Highway and train noise: Sound considerations: Several rv campgrounds near Boardman, Oregon experience noise from nearby transportation. At Port of Arlington, Shane T. reports, "4 trains rolled by in the middle of the night. They blew their horns every time." Umatilla Marina campers mention "some interstate noise but not bad," according to Kevin H.
Wi-Fi limitations: Connection challenges: "Had no problems watching a movie with their free WiFi," reports Tom C. about Pilot RV Park. However, at Umatilla Marina RV Park, Agnes B. experienced "poor internet service: I needed to download more kid shows for the next stretch of our drive and the signal kept dropping."
Weather variations: Seasonal preparation: Horn Rapids RV Resort visitor Tina M. notes proximity to outdoor recreation: "It's a quick five to ten minute drive to the river!" However, the region's sprinkler systems can interrupt outdoor activities: "The only complaint I have is that the sprinklers go on in the middle of the day. So if you are doing anything outside there is a good hour break to avoid the irrigation water."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Kid-friendly areas: Port of Arlington offers a "playground available," according to Kelly N., making it suitable for families needing play space. Columbia Sun RV Resort maintains grounds that Rachel A. describes as "really well kept" and "plush."
Swimming options: Cooling off: Driftwood RV Park in Boardman provides a "small and very green Campground with just what you need as you're passing through," according to Alicia F. For families seeking water recreation, Umatilla Marina camper Michelle M. mentions, "It's nice down by the water you can swim or fish."
Entertainment amenities: Evening activities: Agnes B. reports a surprising benefit at Umatilla Marina: "The field next to the campground set up a outdoor movie night with free popcorn. The kids loved it and it was a great memory maker."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Level parking: Eric B. observed at Umatilla Marina that "it's all gravel. However the sites are all flat and easy to pull into." Wine Country RV Park visitor kristin S. notes "Premium sites have concrete pads while the lower cost sites are just gravel."
Hookup considerations: Seasonal availability: Horn Rapids RV Resort offers "water at your site and power for 50/30/20 amp cords," according to Matthew S. David T. recommends adaptability: "No firepits but we knew that before going - brought a propane fire pit with us."
Site spacing: Privacy concerns: While Columbia Sun has many amenities, David T. notes "ALOT of full timers which doesn't bother me - not sure if we bothered them." At Horn Rapids RV Resort, Jim J. observes "the lots are not real big, but the landscaping is pristine (think golf course)."
