Best Campgrounds near Brightwood, OR

A few of the pull outs one where I overnited in RV and van camped - have been blocked now by large boulders im sure to slow down the masses that went last summer, leading to trash piles and a homeless look and feel to what was a nice area. Please respect nature and others when youre camping and leave the sites without a trace.

This review is for the park itself and the cabins, as the campground area was closed for upgrades when we stayed there while we were there in November.

This is a beautiful park, it's huge, of course the main attraction are the many waterfalls and the hike that takes you through all the falls, and even behind several of them. Heads up that dogs are not allowed on this hike, and it's a fairly long hike, so plan what you need to for your dogs.  There are other hikes that dogs are allowed on, however.

In the day use area: There's a big beautiful lodge with a nice roaring fire in the cold months.  A nice gift shop and store. The day use area really is beautiful and so well maintained. There is a cool open large off leash dog area, it's not fenced so be sure your dog isn't a runner. For summer months there is a swimming area too.

Cabins are nice, new-ish, comfortable but basic. They have heaters and a big porch.

Showers and flush toilets are available here too.  Ok cell reception throughout the park.

We stayed in the large open area at the top of the rock outcrop above the trailhead parking area and it was perfect. Like someone else said, you take the road on the right just before the parking lot and then there are a few spots just up the road which are all pretty private. These are walking distance to the waterfall which is awesome, but there are about 10 additional spots with existing fire pits on the road up there. Most of them sit right up against the river under tree cover which would be ideal on hot days. It was cold and rainy so we didn’t have any issues being out in the open.

Caught a nice little cutthroat trout out of the creek

Even though the campground is located between I-84 and a railroad track it is surprisingly peaceful. Although the sites were fairly close there were trees and the layout made it comfortable.

The train does run several times through the night, but it didn’t really bother me us.

Clean bathrooms and showers at the larger building, hosts available and ice and firewood to purchase.

Our site had a beautiful view of the river.

Campground is close to many hikes and wineries. We also checked out Ferment Brewing in Mount Hood, which was dog friendly and delicious.

Great if you have a family or large group and/or are newer to the camping world! They got a range of options to dip into! The lake is always cold no matter the season. Really easy fishing if you’re just learning. They have tons of rentals. Overall was way too crowded for my enjoyment. But can see the positives in a pretty spot for others.

While the river is nice, it does little to drown out the sound of the highway, or the sites and sounds of other campers. Those who don’t mind a communal camping experience, but like they have a good time. However, those seeking any sort of natural experience, an opportunity to get away and come with nature will be sorely disappointed.

As one of the closest state parks to Portland and in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, Ainsworth can get busy during the summer months, but sometimes you can get a reservation during the week. I like to come in the off season. 

There 40 full hook-up sites, 6 walk-in tent sites and a hiker/biker campground with no reservations required. The campground itself unremarkable, with a bathroom/shower house, dump station and play ground, but it is a great jumping off point for exploring all things Columbia River Gorge.

Dump station and water available

This is a rest area just off the highway. The bathrooms are open 24 hours. It is a big open parking lot. We car camped here over night and had no issues. Just in the morning it starts getting packed because people park here for the Summit ski area. There are a lot of signs about the parking here, and I’m not sure if it’s a Sno-Park. But we had no issues and don’t have a pass. The only sound you would hear is the highway with cars, and plows driving by in the lot or the road

What can I say? Silver Falls is a magical place and everyone should experience it.  You can just get lost in the beauty of it all.  The cabins are small but comfortable with heat, lights, and beds.  Covered porch is nice to sit and listen to the rain.

Such an awesome find! The first campsite is small and perfect for a couple tents. The second site could easily fit 3 or 4 tents and has plenty of additional space for parking, kitchen set-up, etc… both sites also have really nice fire pits. Also don’t let the Trillium Lake camp hosts scare you. They told us the gravel road to access the sites was “rough as hell” and were completely wrong. Nothing more than a few potholes. Any vehicle could make the trek.

The place is clean and has a rain forest feel. Trees close in. Amazingly dark and quiet at night. A bit muddy for walking the dog.

Very nice and secluded... Only critique is not stocked with much of everyday things.. Coffee ect. But loved the yurt!!!

This is a large, paved parking lot with a stream nearby.  Has a good view of Mt. Hood and vault toilets, so that's a positive.  The downside is that it's not level.  Trailers shouldn't have a problem, but even with several blocks under our tires, our 39ft Class A was still  un-level.