J
John N.
Traveler
TravelerEagle Creek Campground
Eagle creek
Campsites are nicely spaced and mostly private. Pit toilets but very clean. Can hear I84 and railroad from the campground.
Camping near Cascade Locks, OR
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Camping near Cascade Locks, Oregon sits at the intersection of the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood National Forest, providing a strategic base for exploring both natural areas. The town serves as a gateway to multiple camping styles, from full-service RV parks to basic tent sites. Notable options include the Cascade Locks KOA with family amenities, Eagle Creek Campground with forested sites, and the Port of Cascade Locks Campground with river views. The iconic Bridge of the Gods connects to additional camping opportunities on the Washington side of the Columbia River, including Beacon Rock State Park. Most campgrounds in the area are within 45 minutes of Portland, making them popular weekend destinations.
Most campgrounds in the Cascade Locks area operate seasonally from spring through fall, typically May through October. Summer reservations are essential, particularly for weekend stays, as sites fill quickly due to proximity to Portland. Train noise is a common factor at most Columbia Gorge campgrounds, as active rail lines run parallel to the river. According to visitors, sites farther from the tracks or positioned at the back of campgrounds experience less disruption. Interstate 84 also contributes to ambient noise at many locations. Fire restrictions are common during late summer months, and campers should check current regulations before arrival.
The camping experience varies significantly between riverside and mountain locations. Riverside campgrounds like Wyeth and Viento State Park offer convenient access to Columbia Gorge attractions but tend to have less privacy between sites. As one camper noted, "The river views make up for this not being a very woodsy campground." In contrast, campgrounds toward Mount Hood provide more seclusion and cooler temperatures. Most campgrounds accommodate both tents and RVs, though hookup availability varies. For Pacific Crest Trail hikers, the Port of Cascade Locks Campground offers dedicated hiker-friendly tent areas with communal facilities. Cell service is generally reliable near town but becomes spotty in more remote forest locations.
Best Campgrounds near Cascade Locks (364)
1. Lost Lake Resort And Campground — Mt. Hood National Forest
"I have kind of a love/hate thing going on for Lost Lake Campgrounds. Pros: It is beautiful. There's a reason it's one of Oregon's most photographed sites."
"Lost Lake Resort & Campground is somewhere we go at least once each summer. It has that nostalgic summer-camp vibe. A little more spendy than your typical Oregon campsite, but serene and private."
from $45 - $125 / night
Check Availability2. Ainsworth State Park Campground
"All are very close to the highway so you will hear road noise and trains thundering past on the adjacent tracks."
"Picture a hillside with a winding road surrounded by thick green trees. Ainsworth is that place. Absolutely gorgeous."
from $29 - $53 / night
Check Availability3. Cascade Locks KOA
"The town of Cascade locks is beautiful, the bridge of God's is very cool. The park for the kids on the camp site is lacking but the pool is nice."
"We stayed at Cascade Locks KOA in June 2021. We were late booking so had to camp in a 30 amp pull-thru site."
from $27 / night
Check Availability4. Eagle Creek Campground
"But nice hiking trails near by. Close to highway so can be kinda noisy. Very close to Portland. Camp host could pick up more garbage though."
"Near the Hood River and a short distance to Mt Hood trails and surrounding"
from $15 / night
Check Availability5. Tucker Park Campground
"Excellent faculties with easy access to amenities. Sat by a campfire pit in the evenings and went to sleep with the sound of the river surrounding us. What more could you ask for."
"It's an hour drive from our house in portland and though you feel like your out in the middle of the woods your only 10 mins from hood river and most of what it has to offer."
from $25 - $60 / night
Check Availability6. Panther Creek Campground
"Some camp sots are better situated then others, so do research before making reservation."
"Located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, just north of the town of Carson. Its about a 20 minute drive to the Columbia river, and 10 minutes to the small town of Carson."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability7. Viento State Park Campground
"Viento is a nice state park along 84 right outside of hood river. It is along the columbia river and has beach access."
"Great location here in the gorge for hiking biking river access here at the park direct access to the bike trail. large sites, showers and bathrooms hiking trails in the park as well."
from $24 - $31 / night
Check Availability8. Wyeth Campground at the Gorge
"So nice to have first come/first serve campgrounds so close to Portland. I arrived around 2 on a Wednesday in August and grabbed one of 3 open sites."
"Easy access to biking along the Columbia River. Sites are well distance apart, some more private than others depending on trees and terrain.
Water, trash and toilets available."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability9. Home Valley Campground
"So unless you find a place away from the river and out of the gorge, you will just have to deal with that. So bring ear plugs if you're not a very heavy sleeper. The camp hosts were super friendly."
"Tons of boats here during spring salmon runs at Drano lake and the wind river but we would absolutely come back. "
from $20 / night
Check Availability10. Timberlake Campground & RV
"A bit of a drive to get there but worth it. Extremely well-run campground in a beautiful setting with good access to the town of Hood River."
"Important to know … it is situated on a hilly property, so it’s not an easy stroll to the restrooms and showers unless one is young/athletic."
Drive Time
- 39 min from Portland, OR
- 1 hr 18 min from Longview, WA
- 1 hr 26 min from Salem, OR
- 2 hrs 20 min from Yakima, WA
Recent Camping Photos near Cascade Locks, OR
642 Photos of 364 Cascade Locks Campgrounds
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Recent Reviews near Cascade Locks, OR
1918 Reviews of 364 Cascade Locks Campgrounds
Bekah M.
GuideBird Creek
Nice campground nut much to see
Nice quiet place with a little stream and pond. There are much nicer places to stay in the forest nearby.
- Bekah M.Guide
lava canyon, Cougar, Washington
In the woods near ape caves and mt st helens
Drove in with our camper van. Right off of forest rd. Little creek you can hear and easily walk to with a little waterfall just up a few feet. Nice rock fire pit. Secluded and flat. Soft ground.
- CChandler K.Traveler
Government Camp Safety Rest Area
Easy roadside camping
This spot was easy to pull off the road and camp near Mt. Hood. The main lot is well posted disallowing overnight parking, but the road that leads west from the lot allows overnight parking on the generously-sized shoulders.
- Bekah M.Guide
mt hood national forest dispersed camping
Mt hood view backroad safe for small van
The view of mt hood is amazing! At the top of a mountain. There is a little fire pit and area for a small van to park. We have a travago and the road was very bumpy and narrow such that branches scraped the sides.
- JJack O.Traveler
Trillium Sno-Park
Lots of garbage, but close to hiking.
This area is covered with litter and is fairly noisy by the road. However, there is some nice secluded hiking trails nearby.
Hana B.GuideSandy Riverfront RV Resort
Clean & Friendly
This is a small and tightly-packed park with all amenities. Although the spaces are close, there is a nice plot of grass and a table. There are many full-timers here, and their spaces are nicely kept/decorated.
There are many places to eat, shop, coffee, etc. in the nearby downtown area and just beyond. It was a perfect stop for stocking up on supplies and enjoying the river, and only about half hour away from Portland.
The park is full of furry friends & friendly people, but we were disappointed that our dog was not allowed at the Glenn Otto park across the road. We walked up a couple of blocks and found a nice little trail behind the Harlow House Museum for an evening hike.
We didn't make reservations, but got lucky on arrival as there were only a handful of available sites. Ours was a pull-thru, and our 25' trailer fit easily, although it was a tight fit with our truck. There were many there with much larger rigs than ours, so it's obviously doable. This park has a lot of R&Rs, which isn't our favorite way to camp, but they were so friendly and gracious, that it gets 5 stars easily! It will be our go-to when visiting the Portland area!
- MMark M.Traveler
Elk Meadows RV Park
Most private RV park I have ever been to.
I cannot say enough good things about Elk Meadows. The park is laid out very well and the sites were deep and very private. We had site 50 and had no trouble getting our 36' class A in and out of the site. The view out our window was beyond description, absolutely gorgeous. Drinking coffee in the morning, looking at that view and listening to the Sand Hill Cranes was absolute heaven.
micheal W.
ScoutClackamas River RV Park
Wonderful place to stay or extended stay
This place is amazing as a location to stay. It’s 6 miles up river from town that has anything you need. Nestled in the mountains along an amazing river and lake for boating and fishing. Close to many mountain lakes as well and winter activities. The people here are great to work with and care that you are comfortable during your stay. With mail boxes and all deliveries go to the office so they are safe and secure having stuff delivered. The staff is very helpful and the showers and laundry facilities are clean and well kept. Great value for the money. Better than many I have seen.
Guide to Cascade Locks
The Columbia River Gorge near Cascade Locks sits at approximately 150 feet elevation where dense Douglas fir forests meet the Columbia River. The area receives about 77 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush vegetation and numerous seasonal waterfalls. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F, with strong winds making the region a world-class windsurfing destination.
What to do
Hiking from camp to waterfalls: Wyeth Campground provides direct trail access to Emerald Falls via a short walk. "The hike to the little waterfall right behind the campground [is lovely]. The same trail leads to the Gorge Trail 400, which leads to the PCT," shares one camper at Wyeth Campground.
Mountain biking access: Tucker Park Campground offers easy access to nearby gravel and mountain biking routes. "This campground is where I love to camp for a day of gravel biking or hiking, as there are many forest roads to meander off from here," notes a reviewer at Panther Creek Campground.
Rock climbing: Beacon Rock State Park features a dramatic 848-foot monolith with established climbing routes. "The climb up the rock is through a well-built trail. It can get narrow at spots and not for those who fear heights. The view at the top, however, is amazing," explains a visitor to Beacon Rock.
What campers like
Large private sites: Lost Lake Resort offers spacious, secluded campsites. "D022 was very secluded. Could fit at least 2 tents," reports a camper at Lost Lake Resort. The resort features multiple camping loops with varying levels of privacy.
Fishing options: Several campgrounds provide direct river or lake access for fishing. "There are nice size trout in this lake that can be caught from the bank if you don't have a boat," mentions a camper at Lost Lake Resort. Similarly, Tucker Park offers creek fishing: "One of the locals stopped by to comment on my tent and said the salmon were biting - he even gave me a lure that he caught a fish on earlier that day."
Swimming spots: Tucker Park features riverside sites with swimming access. "So green and beautiful. Not far from downtown. Lots of space/areas for our kids to run to climb big rocks," shares a camper at Tucker Park, while another notes "The day use and river access from the camping area were lovely and the water was perfect to cool off after a hot day."
What you should know
Train noise: Almost all campgrounds along the Columbia River experience train noise. "At least every 2 hours at night. Very difficult to get a good night's sleep," explains a tent camper at Cascade Locks KOA, though some campers adjust quickly: "The first time was a big surprise, but we got used to it."
Hot summers with limited shade: During peak summer, temperatures can reach 90°F+. "HOT, HOT, HOT! Temperatures exceeded 90 degrees - so staying cool was a bit of a challenge," reports a camper at Eagle Creek Campground. Sites with shade become premium during summer months.
Limited cell coverage: Reception varies widely between campgrounds. "There is no Wi-Fi, Verizon was there but I don't know where. Not at the site. But as we walked around the phone would connect in my pocket," notes a Lost Lake camper. Timberlake Campground guests report: "We didn't have very good reception for WiFi and Verizon was a bit sketch inside the trailer, outside was better."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Viento State Park offers play structures near day-use areas. "The first day use area had a little play structure," explains a visitor. Similarly, Cascade Locks KOA features "a pool and playground for the kids" according to regular campers.
Kid-friendly water spots: Several campgrounds offer safe water access for children. "We came to lost lake with our adult kids and grandkids. The plan was to bank fish and kayak," shares an Eagle Creek Campground visitor who enjoyed the creek despite rainy weather.
Early arrival strategy: Family-friendly sites fill quickly during summer. "We were happy to stumble upon it. Mid-afternoon on a busy day, I expected to be turned away as the park was pretty crowded but instead I was impressed to find that the campground still had a few sites available," explains a Beacon Rock visitor, though this experience varies widely by season.
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Many campgrounds have tight turns or limited maneuvering space. "We have a short bed truck and a 22' trailer and had a very hard time getting into the spot we reserved. The site itself had plenty of room for us but the roads are very narrow and are lined with curbs," cautions a visitor to Wyeth Campground.
Length restrictions: Several campgrounds limit RV size. "The sign at entrance says 30 foot max length for trailers," notes a Beacon Rock State Park visitor, while another mentions that although sites are tent-friendly, they can still accommodate smaller RVs: "Every site is big enough to accommodate my 21' travel trailer."
Full hookup options: For those needing services, Timberlake Campground offers complete hookups in a forested setting. "Away from the railroad tracks. Great sites for tent camping. RV spots are a little close. Don't be scared away because there are no pull through spots. The management can coach you into the site," explains a satisfied guest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Cascade Locks, Oregon?
Where are the best campgrounds near Cascade Locks, Oregon?
The Columbia Gorge area around Cascade Locks offers several excellent camping options. Eagle Creek Campground provides a lovely forested setting on a hill by the gorge with nicely spaced sites, though there is some interstate noise. For those seeking riverside views, Viento State Park Campground offers shaded sites with electric and water hookups between I-84 and the Columbia River. Across the Bridge of the Gods in Washington, Toll Bridge Park Campground is worth the $2 bridge toll each way. For more seclusion, consider the Pacific Crest trailhead camping area on the Washington side or the nearby state park.
What RV parks and facilities are available in Cascade Locks?
What RV parks and facilities are available in Cascade Locks?
Cascade Locks KOA is the primary RV facility in town, offering pull-through sites with hookups, though some sites may not be perfectly level. The park features a pool and is conveniently located near the scenic Bridge of the Gods. For a public option with full hookups, Spring Drive RV Campground offers spacious sites with tall trees, private picnic areas and fire rings. Sites are reservable through Recreation.gov and discounts are available with a National Park Pass. Both campgrounds provide easy access to the town's amenities and the spectacular Columbia River Gorge area.
Is there a Port of Cascade Locks campground and what amenities does it offer?
Is there a Port of Cascade Locks campground and what amenities does it offer?
Yes, the Port of Cascade Locks Campground is a small but well-situated facility with about 15 sites overlooking the Columbia River. It offers both tent sites ($25/night) and RV spots with power and water hookups at higher rates. Amenities include central bathrooms, adjacent park with playground, river access, and excellent fishing opportunities. The campground is easily accessible by car or even public transit, making it convenient for various campers. While it lacks trees for hammocks and isn't particularly woodsy, the stunning river views, Sternwheeler cruises, and proximity to the Pacific Crest Trail (within a mile) more than compensate. Reservations require a non-refundable $10 fee.
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