Looking to go glamping near Cheatham Lock and Dam and enjoy a rustic retreat into nature? The Dyrt lets you enjoy a unique, rustic Cheatham Lock and Dam experience while glamping. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the woods or a site closer to all the action, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect glamping spot.
$10 / night
This recreation area is part of The Dalles Lock and Dam, Lake Celilo
$25 - $60 / night
The Macks Canyon archaeological site is a large, prehistoric village locale overlooking the Deschutes River in north-central Oregon. The site is characterized by shallow, circular, semi-subterranean house depressions, surface artifacts, and riverine shell deposits. Limited excavations conducted in the late 1960's indicate that the site was the location of a winter village occupied by Sahaptin-speaking people of the Columbia Plateau. Although the main period of occupation appears to have occurred within the last 2,000 years, the site may have been occupied as early as 5,000 BC. A campground and boat ramp are situated at the end of the Access Road along the east bank of the Lower Deschutes River. The area is popular with boaters and fishermen. The route to Macks Canyon is also a National Back Country Byway. ADA Access: The archaeological site itself does not have accessible facilities. However, the nearby campground has an accessible campsite, vault toilets and parking.
$8 - $35 / night
RV Camping Looking to park your RV close to everything there is to see and do in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and the Hood River Valley? Enjoy the comfort of our well-maintained RV park just 60 minutes East of Portland on the Washington side of the river. RV Sites range from 40′ to 80′ in length with a nice mix of pull-thru and back-in. Multiple slide-outs are no problem. Paved Roads & Sites 30 & 50 Amp Power City Water & Sewer Cable TV (HD) Wireless Internet Cell Phone and Satellite Reception Picnic Table at Each Site Clean Restrooms Showers (Coin-Op) Laundry Room (Coin-Op) Friendly Dogs Welcome No Tents in RV Sites Sorry, No River Access Tent Camping April – October Finding a spot for tent camping close to Hood River can be a challenge. Bridge RV Park & Campground is just 60 minutes East of Portland on the Washington side of the river. Close to everything there is to see and do in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and the Hood River Valley. Our tent area is an open grassy field with shade trees. Reservations are accepted, but tent campers choose their spot on a first-come basis. Tents must be moved every three days to allow the grass to breathe. Tent sizes 12’x10′ or smaller please. Charcoal Grills (Shared) Picnic Tables Potable Drinking Water Wireless Internet Good Cell Reception Clean Restrooms Showers (Coin-Op) Laundry Room (Coin-Op) Sorry, No River Access NO ANIMALS ALLOWED IN TENT AREA FOR SAFETY AND SANITARY REASONS Check-In 1 PM • Check-Out 12 Noon
$30 - $60 / night
This recreation area is part of John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla
Pebble Ford is located along a creek and shaded by large, old trees. This small campground is well designed and near the popular biking trails off of Forest Road 44. Located between Eightmile Creek and Ramsey Creek.
Scout
Very quiet, nice river nearby, friendly camp host, and great facilities! I've stayed at a "glamping" campground that had the same shower/bathroom facilities as this one. I'd happily stay here again.
Legend
We were so glad we kept driving down this road until the very end. Along this road (Lower Deschutes Access Road- which is pretty bumpy but we did fine with our camper) you will pass several other campgrounds- Twin Springs, Jones Canyon, Beavertail Recreation Site, Rattlesnake Canyon- and then at the very end of the road, you will find Macks Canyon Recreation Site.
It was fairly empty when we arrived and we got an awesome site along the river, site 11. The view of the river was amazing and we watched lots of fishing boats and rafting boats go by. There is also a railroad track across the river and it was fun to watch the trains go by. No AT&T phone service here.
The only negative is that it can get super windy. At one point we were frantically trying to get our awning down from the Cricket and things were flying everywhere. The wind lasted about an hour and then things calmed down again.
From the end of the Lower Deschutes Access Road just above the campground, you can hike along the old railway line. Again, amazing views of the Deschutes and the canyon. We did about 5 miles road trip but you could go further.
One of my new favorite places to camp in Oregon!
Ranger
Wow!!!! That seemed to be a word I used constantly during my 3 day stay at this wonderful new park. I wasn't sure what to expect at this high desert park, but situated deep in a canyon on a once working cattle ranch, this park is poised to become one of Oregon's top state parks. Whoever has done the design and development of this location should be praised. They're working with the natural features and old ranch buildings to give campers a feeling of history while they enjoy the remote locations typical of Eastern Oregon. Loads of wonderful trails, free use of mountain bikes, an information center, wonderful, huge sites......all added up to an amazing stay. Yes, it's dry camping so plan ahead. There is potable water on site. The bathrooms are super clean. I stayed there during a full moon and the night lighting of the surrounding hills and rocks was outstanding....not to mention star gazing as there's no peripheral lighting.
GuideWonderful overnight experience in Lonetree campground in Cottonwood Canyon State Park. Campground is relatively new and has scenic canyon views. Provides a nice change from other parts of Oregon. We camped in site 6 with the pergola that provided much needed shade during the 100° weather each day. Camp site was just a short walk to the John Day River that provided the kids with wading, floating and cooling opportunities. Love to come back again in fall and spring. Some nice amenities include solar USB charging stations, potable water, free bikes to use and free fishing poles to borrow.
TravelerCcottonwood Canyon State Park Campground is a lovely, remote primitive camp experience. For the uninitiated, this means no electric sites, no running water, no flush toilets. Its also a rattlesnake habitat in Eastern Oregon's high desert biome, within 30 miles or so of The Dalles, a city marking the change in the Columbia River Gorge from high desert to wooded mountainsides. This camp ground us located deep in a canyon 15 miles from Wasco, Oregon. Before descending into the canyon, you'll see Eastern Oregon's classic golden wheatfields, then a wind farm, with scores of white windmills. The evening I arrived was the night before a full moon, so the setting sun over the canyon and the waxing moon gave a lovely glow to the sights. Unfortunately, my camera phone and photographer skills are lacking; sorry. If you love truly getting away from it all, as I do, you'll appreciate the absolute peace at Cottonwood Canyon. We arrived at dusk, late in July, and as is typical for the region, it was still 90 degrees. Fortunately, my summer tent is mostly screen, allowing the cool canyon breeze in, and it erects quickly and easily. It was full dark by the time I'd pitched it, and outfitted it with my airbed. Because of all the rattlesnake warning signs, I kept my dog leashed or tied out on a campsite-length cable. We parked across the campground from the pit toilets, which were not lighted, so bring a flashlight, cell phone, or lantern for inside the biffy. If this kind of camping appeals to you, you'll be rewarded with a quiet night of no traffic noise, only the sound of the nearby murmuring creek and the breeze in the trees. The other campers here were very quiet and respectful of the rules. The beautiful moonlight set one side of the canyon aglow and the clear sky was filled with stars. I didn't need my rain fly, so could enjoy finding the constellations as I lay in my tent. In the morning, I awoke just before dawn when my dog sat bolt upright and intently watched with me as an elk cow walked through our campsite. The fee here is $10 a.night, and worth every penny!
Here is the one caveat: as of this writing, (late July 2018) the loud diesel pickup truck that came through to empty trash bins at 6am was jarring. It was followed by the back-up beeping of heavy machinery by 6:30am, as work on a new building commenced near the campground. This was so unfortunate, and I pity the folks that had hoped to sleep in.
Traveler
Viento is a nice state park along 84 right outside of hood river. It is along the columbia river and has beach access. The campground is split in two with the tent sites on one side and the rv sites on the other. The highway and a railroad track run right through the campground. There are mulitple trails perfect for day hikes. The sites and bathrooms are clean. Oregon State Parks offer free showers.
ScoutWe rented a camper van to do our trip around Oregon. We stayed here the first day of our circle. It was quiet and easy so we came back again. However this time around we went in and chose a campsite and went back to the kiosk and paid and put our ticket on the camp post as stated in the registration instructions. Now we rented a camper van so no other car, no tent, no sleeping bag, really nothing on the “occupied list” we could leave other than our ticket that said we paid for this site until 9am the next day. We went into downtown hood river for 2hr max. While we were gone someone else wanted our spot (even though our ticket was there) and the camp host allowed these people to park their rv in our spot and remove our ticket. So when we got back there was someone else in our site. The camp host felt this was totally and completely the right thing to do because we didn’t leave anything behind BUT OUR TICKET ON OUR CAMPSITE POST. He was very rude and condescending when we tried to express that we were upset with how it was handled. There was literally an empty site next to ours that the rv could have taken. Yes, we found another site. But after expressing our unhappiness they thought we should just leave. On a Friday. With no other place to go. We did end up staying but they drove away after taking a picture of our rented van and saying “you’re going to decide what kind of stay you have” after driving up to our site to cause an issue after we’d already left their camp host cabin. All in all if they would have admitted what they did was wrong and they shouldn’t have done that to another person because they wouldn’t have appreciated it happening to them it all could have gone a whole lot smoother.
We were very frustrated in being treated like we were less than the other people who decided they needed our spot more than we did and the camp host just rolled over and basically said yeah, let’s just totally screw these people out of their spot even though they paid for it less than two hours ago.
Overall, very disappointed.
Legend
This review is for the main campground, there is another group/horse campground across the highway that I did not stay in. The small campground is right off Highway 97. The first part of the campground is where the hook ups, large RV's, small trailers and tent campers are located. The spaces are very close together with very few trees separating spaces. Some spots looked barely big enough for a 2 person tent. In this same area is the only flush toilets/showers (Coin operated). Continuing past this main area and over a small hill is where the tent camping/sheep herders tents are located. Since it was located away from the main camping area it was quiet with regards to hearing fellow campers, the downside is the spaces are closer to the Highway. 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. The space I was in was so small my 3 person tent only fit if one side was touching the fire ring. Luckily there was a fire ban so no fire to melt my tent. The space also had full view of the pit toilet, since it was the only toilet on that side, I saw everyone come and go. It was also super close to one of the sheep herders tent site. There were 2 sheep herder tents sites. The spots looked large and the tents looked like they would sleep at least 4-5 people. The other tent sites where much larger, but still all the sites could hear the highway. Note, be careful about leaving food out, zipping your tent up, leaving car doors open. The mice were pretty bad and came out at night driving my dog crazy. There were a bunch of trails that ran through out the park that provided a nice alternative to get to the other side of the park or climb to the top of the hill near the power lines. The camp host was also a very nice gentleman who suggested activities in the near by area. I was exploring the area cause it's new to me, but I wont return cause it's not my type of camping.
GuideStayed here a couple of nights. Our site was a tenting site, but we were in our mini Meerkat camper and we fit (our choice). Almost abandoned, probably because of huge hail storm. Friendly host “Dutch” and a few walk about simple hiking paths. Bathrooms and showers very nice (coin op on the showers). Road noise was pretty loud, especially for the campsites further into the campground. But, tall pines all around us, and very uncrowded. Wouldn’t want to come here if it were full, the sites are very close together. We were at the end of a very long trip, and we were happy to find any easy place to stay just inside WA. There are no stores nearby, so get your groceries in Goldendale!
GuideLots of things to do and see in the area and this is a nice place to rest as its very quiet but easy to get to.
Guide
This was a great location for loads of hikes in the area. Close enough to the Dalles and Maryhill if your dinner went south, but far enough away where it wasn't an issue of feeling like you were in a city. Beautiful Lake and super close to the Petraglyphs (do the tour that leaves a 3 minute walk from the campsite!!) It was SUPER windy, the bathrooms seemed pretty far from the tent camping sites, (they were all walk in) and there was a train track super close, but overall a good experience.
TravelerThe campsites here are nothing amazing. Each has a tent pad, fire ring, and picnic table. Some are definitely more private than others. The views here are what makes it awesome. Right on the Columbia River and it was GORGEOUS! There’s also a lake for swimming which is awesome because it gets super hot here in the summertime.
LegendThis small state park is tucked alongside the Columbia River and Horsethief Lake. The campground is not large with only 4 regular campsites, 4 walk in sites, 8 partial hookups, a Teepee and 2 platform tents. The grounds surrounding the campground and alongside the lake are large, green grass areas with picnic tables everywhere. There are also archaeological sites with artifacts and pictographs within walking distance of the campground. There was a small kayak/canoe rental place that is run by the super friendly camp host.
I reserved the Teepee. I arrived a dusk during what would be a very strong wind storm that would last all night and all the next day. When I first went into the Teepee I noticed the canvas at the bottom was so rotten and the inside flap was secured to nothing so every time the wind blew the inside flap would fill up over half the inside and dirt would swirl everywhere. The front door flap was also very rotten and would not secure, so every time the wind blew, the door would fly open and let in more dirt. Needless to say my dog and I lasted about 5 minutes.
After talking to camp host I was able to get into one of the platform "tents". I later learned from the Park Ranger that stopped by that the canvas on the tents had rotted out in May so he had built what I would call plywood cabins with canvas roofs. There were 2 cabins, each one had 2 windows, 2 sets of bunk beds, a weak light, and a latch secured door. The cabin let in not one bit of wind which was nice, but also got very hot even though it was a cool evening and I had the window open all night. The next day the wind continued, not a big fan of strong sustained wind, but I figured out that when the door was open it created an arc of no wind right in front of the cabin which was nice to sit, watch, and relax. Please note, the cabin is not sealed to the creatures, on the second morning my dog woke me up to a bat that got stuck inside the cabin and was trying to get out, I was able to get the door open and it flew out.
The downside to the platform cabin is the lack of air flow, which in the summer could be rough. Also the only bathroom was a bit of a walk, but was kept clean and had showers. Also the parking was far away, so again a lot of walking. I was also informed by the Park Ranger that the Teepee would be taken down at the end of the 2018 season with no plans to bring it back.
Overall it as a good state park if you don't mind the wind and just want to relax. I'm not sure if I would go back but would recommend it to others.
LegendWhen we are in the area we normally stay near Maryhill State Park. This campground was a delightful change to our routine. The site is small but it offers quite a few different ways to camp: tents, RV, cabins even a teepee!! This site is on Horsethief Lake and offers some great summer fun.
One of the best aspects was the petroglyphs that were along trails near the campground. This was a great spot and I highly recommend it!
TravelerThis campground was small but well kept. There is not a lot of privacy and the campsites are really close together. Our site and the one next to it were basically in the parking lot.
It was well kept and overlooking a beautiful field and hills. The unrelenting Gorge wind is something to be prepared for! The lake was closed due to an algae bloom so we weren't able to swim or kayak. I knew what were getting into when we booked the campsite so I was happy with staying there.
RangerThis is an absolutely gorgeous place on Horsethief Lake, there’s really cool petroglyphs down the road as well and close lake access. Lovely green grass and what appeared to be outdoor showers and lots of water spigots around. The sites are pretty close together and at our time was $50 for hookups and $42 for walk in tent site, so definitely expensive, boat launch fee included is what the sign said. Honestly it was gorgeous, the weather was beautiful but it was just expensive for very close sites.
Scout**The Good: **This is an absolutely beautiful park surrounded by a lake with lots of nearby opportunities for short hikes with amazing views of the mountains and water. The lake is great for canoeing or paddle boarding. The campsite hosts were welcoming and provided local firewood for a small fee. (There were no fire bans in effect at the time we camped.) It felt very safe.
I typically prefer roughing-it on a dispersed camping site. This is definitely not that. For camping at a site with bathrooms, this is the way to do it! The facilities were some of the best I've seen - super clean with running water and flushing toilets. There were even indoor and outdoor showers and 2 single occupant bathrooms which is great for privacy, and for folks who may not feel comfortable using a gender-specific bathroom.
The Bad: The site had said it was good for an RV or 2 tents. It is basically a large parking spot on gravel and our tent space was sandwiched in between 2 RVs in a long line of RVs. The camp area is also on the most open and least scenic part of the site. _So - not really good for a tent. We actually drove past our site twice because we were convinced it couldn't possibly be the correct camp site. _Really- it is like camping in a parking lot at a rest stop or maybe like a tailgate party at a college football game.
The RV campers told us they were also super disappointed in the site as there is no privacy whatsoever. I don't usually chat with other campers, but it was a bit like a big family as we were practically sharing one campsite. And happily, we had good neighbors.
We moved our tent slightly off our spot next to a bush so we could have a bit more privacy. There appeared to be a few tent only sites that were on the grass - I would only stay here again if I could reserve one of those sites. I found the site arrangement strange as the park area is huge and there is ample opportunity to have the sites distanced apart and bordering the lake rather than a dusty open field.
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW: It is windy! I love the wind so I found it invigorating - but it was even a bit too much for me at times. Winds hit 29 MPH at some points of our stay. Make sure you plan accordingly and have a tent that can withstand winds and look for heavy rocks to weigh down your ground stakes. I'd recommend loading up your tent with packs etc to keep it from blowing away. If you have a canvas tent, that would probably fair better in the wind and dust. There are not trees near the camp sites so there is no shelter from the wind.
Bonus - with all that wind, I didn't hear, see, or feel one mosquito or no-see-um!
There is a train nearby and you can hear the horn. Personally, I found it haunting and a bit romantic - I enjoyed hearing the train as it went by. If you're sensitive to noise or a light sleeper, it may be something to consider.
At night it is incredibly dark. This was the best part! You can almost forget that there is an RV 5' away. Open sky and the stars are beautiful!
Final Thoughts: I like to visit the gorge and might consider staying here again only if the tent site at the far end of the campsite is available. I would definitely come here for a day trip.
GuideHad a great time watching trains, fishing etc.
Very nice place to camp.
ScoutCute little campsite just off the highway tucked away next to Horse-thief lake. It is very windy due to its location in the gorge. The lake access and surrounding land is beautiful.
ScoutCamped at site 5 with an E-Pro 19FD. Sites are back in and have well maintained level sites of crushed gravel. The first time I haven't had to level the trailer side to side. Water and Electrical hookups well maintained. Site is all gravel.
Walking to the Columbia River and viewing the petroglyphs is an enjoyable stroll. Restrooms and Showers are well maintained and clean.
Watch out for the incredible amount of goose poop. There was an area roped off so as not to disturb a nesting Eagle that could be viewed with the naked eye.
If your a fan of trains you are right next to the BNSF tracks.
Best Park Hosts that I have ever meet. Very knowledgeable on local sites and and things to do/visit. They are constantly busy keeping the park in order.
ScoutCottonwood Canyon is a beautiful, well-maintained state park. We have not camped here because it is not our camp vibe (too developed), but I just want to clarify that there is NO dispersed camping here. This page incorrectly states there is dispersed camping in Cottonwood Canyon SP. There are a handful of what the park has called “hiker” spots, which are about 25 feet from a parking lot. Campsites on literally on top of each other. Camping is prohibited essentially everywhere else on park land, which is frustrating because it’s over 800 acres and there’s plenty of room to accommodate the handful of adventure seekers to disperse. Piggybacking what others have said: canyons get very windy and tent camping can be tricky in these conditions.
Overall, a lovely campground for families and campers who prefer less primitive amenities.
ScoutThe park is extremely well maintained. We used what was labeled a “primitive” campsite. Each site is huge and well maintained. There are provided wind breaks and covered picnic tables as well as dedicated fire pits and firewood ready for sale. Be aware of fire season as there are no open flames allowed during certain times of the year. The river was beautiful and flush full of fish and crayfish! We will be making this a regular visit for our outings!
TravelerThis State Park is absolutely a beautiful part of the country. The canyon is steep and unique with the John Day river running right through it. The campground is nestled right near the water and has gorgeous 360 views. The campsites are well kept and have all the amenities for a nice pull in site to camp with either a trailer, van, or tent. The only downside is how windy this canyon can get. The state park definitely took this into consideration and provided each campsite with a wooden wind break for tents. So they make it manageable but be prepared! Heads up, there's no cell service at this campground.
TravelerThis beautiful campground was loaded with amenities. The gorgeous John Day River, was perfect for fishing, swimming, floating. There was several trails within the campground as well as trailheads around the perimeter. We brought our own bikes but if you don’t bring yours, they offered loaner bikes and there were little bike workstations on the grounds. Pet friendly! Including a fenced in dog area (about an acre) and doggie poo bags readily available. We have a truck with camper but the tent sites each had a solar panel to provide electricity for charging the essentials. The grounds must have been a farm originally and the campground designers did an awesome job of using the existing structures to add to the rustic nature and maintain the land’s historic relevance. Cottonwood Canyon surpassed our expectations, especially considering the very low price tag. I cannot recommend highly enough.
TravelerThis campground in along the John Day River with access to the river from the campground but no water views. Most sites have a pergola over the picnic table for shade and a sturdy wooden fence, I assume for wind protection. The sites are nicely spaced but the wind, blowing dust and heat made it pretty uncomfortable to be outside. The river here is broad and shallow so not deep enough for watercraft. The water was pretty warm. There are several hiking trails along the river.
TravelerVery nice place to camp with the family. Exceptionally clean facilities for bathrooms and showers. Great bike trails too.
GuideJuly 2020 - We stayed one night on our way to another campground. We were pleasantly surprised. All the campsites with drive up parking were taken so we stayed in the hiker's/backpacking area. There is a parking lot with wagons to haul your stuff to and from the campsite. There was also a small bathroom and trash can. These sites did not have their own campfire but it looked like there were shared areas for the fires. It is a great spot for star gazing and overall beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Cheatham Lock and Dam?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Cheatham Lock and Dam is Lone Tree Campground — Cottonwood Canyon State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 28 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 12 glamping camping locations near Cheatham Lock and Dam, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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