The greater Portland area offers quality camping options between 30-60 minutes from Beaverton, Oregon. The region typically sees summer temperatures ranging from 75-85°F with minimal rainfall between June and September, creating ideal camping conditions. Many Beaverton-area campgrounds remain accessible year-round, though facilities may be limited during winter months.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Milo McIver State Park features twin 18-hole disc golf courses that attract both casual players and professionals. "Home of the annual Beaver State Fling, a PDGA sanctioned National Tour event, Milo McIver is an excellent host for the international players that come to the Pacific Northwest for a chance to win the tournament," notes one visitor to Milo McIver State Park Campground.
River activities: The Sandy River at Oxbow Regional Park offers swimming, fishing and rafting opportunities. "Plenty of hiking, swimming, and fishing through the park. It's truly a great oasis just outside of Portland," explains a camper who visited the 1,000-acre natural area.
Historical exploration: Champoeg State Heritage Area allows visitors to experience Oregon's pioneer history. "The farmhouse fascinated my boys... they got to water the garden with a water pump and buckets!" shares one parent who camped at the park with children.
What campers like
Easy access to nature: Many campgrounds near Beaverton provide natural experiences despite their proximity to urban areas. "Located at the northern end of Portland not too far off the 1-5 freeway. RV campground with wide streets, nice office staff, and clean facilities including laundry, clubhouse, group kitchen area and free wi-fi," writes a visitor to Columbia River RV Park.
Biking opportunities: Several parks feature dedicated cycling paths. "Champoeg State Park is on the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway, and a great place to camp if you want to do a long biking getaway. The campground is pretty full service for a state park. You can buy ice and firewood onsite, and there is a small store that is a short walk away."
Wildlife viewing: The Columbia River area provides opportunities to observe birds and other wildlife. "Great area for birding (osprey nests). Or park your chair on the bank and watch the occasional ship putter by just a stone's throw from shore," notes a visitor to Reeder Beach RV Park & Country Store.
What you should know
Age restrictions: Some RV parks limit the age of vehicles they accept. "They also have RV age limit of 2010 but they allowed pictures before turning us down. Yay we got approved!" explains a camper at Roamers Rest RV Park.
Water quality concerns: Not all campgrounds offer potable water. "The water is dirty. It's brownish and smells like metal. Make sure to bring your own fresh water," warns one Reeder Beach visitor about the drinking water situation.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds. "Barely got 1 bar of 4g at the welcome center. There's a guest wifi in the parking lot there too but it's 2 miles further to the camp ground and texts hardly go through," reports a camper at Oxbow Regional Park.
Fire restrictions: Some RV parks prohibit open fires entirely. "It's a busy place... I'd definitely stay again if in the area," writes a reviewer at Roamers Rest, one of several facilities that doesn't permit campfires.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer facilities specifically designed for children. "My kiddos absolutely loved the three pools, playground, and basketball hoops. Plenty to check out and explore for them even if this was not your typical 'campground' experience," shares a visitor to Jantzen Beach RV Park.
Consider historical learning opportunities: Some parks provide educational experiences. "We walked the path around the entire park, which took me about 3 hours. Along the way got to see the Champoeg Heritage site with period piece actors, wide open spaces, and the Willamette River. There was a huge playground for the kids."
Choose parks with beach access: Water features keep children entertained. "Great biking trails that are kid friendly. There lots of historical sites around the campground to enjoy as well. Loop B is highly our favorite because it is smaller and more private and close to the river. We'll go back year after year. Our kids had a blast!"
Tips from RVers
Site spacing varies significantly: RV parks range from spacious to compact. "It has a very park-like quality with manicured landscaping and very nicely laid-out sites with plenty of space in between. Each site is paved to accommodate RV's and campers with electricity and water," notes a visitor to Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground.
Consider your parking needs: Some locations offer better accessibility than others. "The sites are straightforward and provide everything you need for a comfortable stay, whether you're in a big rig or just stopping by with a smaller setup," explains a Columbia River RV Park visitor.
Look for pull-through options: Many RVers prefer the convenience of pull-through sites. "We're in an end to end site. Site 837. Water pressure is the lowest we've ever experienced. Not sure what's going on but all of the folks we've talked to are experiencing the same."
