Columbia Gorge camping near Cheatham Lock and Dam sits at elevations ranging from 150-300 feet along the river with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 95°F during July and August. Wind conditions can be extreme, with gusts regularly exceeding 40 mph along this section of the Columbia River. Most campgrounds in this region stay open year-round but experience significant seasonal variation in visitor numbers.
What to do
Vineyard visits: 2-mile radius. Several Peach Beach RV Park on the Columbia visitors mention nearby wine options. "Peaceful. Close to several wineries and farm stands. Especially recommend gunnels fruit and waving tree winery - both within walking distance of campground," notes one camper.
Maryhill attractions: Under 10 miles. Cultural sites near campgrounds provide options for non-river activities. "Other must sees are maryhill museum and stonehenge replica," reports a Peach Beach guest, referencing the unique full-scale replica of Stonehenge built as a World War I memorial.
Stargazing: Best after 10pm. The clear desert air creates optimal night sky viewing conditions. At Sherman County RV Park, campers find "amazing little place with the nicest people... Beautiful night sky. 10/10 recommend. Adorable tiny town. Maybe our favorite campground of our whole trip."
What campers like
Clean bathrooms: Regular maintenance. Cleanliness consistently appears in positive reviews about rv parks around Cheatham Lock and Dam. A visitor at Sherman County notes: "The restrooms and showers were very well maintained and absolutely immaculate. And I'm an admitted and unabashed germaphobe."
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk. Elk Meadows RV Park provides regular animal sightings according to campers. "Saw elk and heard elk bugling every morning in the meadow. Very quiet and relaxed," writes one visitor about their experience in Trout Lake.
River access: Available at multiple parks. Water activities rank high for campers. A Port of Arlington RV Park & Marina visitor reports: "There is a dump, a boat dock, super-clean bathrooms and outdoor showers. Great fishing and star gazing and a cute little town a walk away."
What you should know
Bridge crossing challenges: Hood River bridge. Travelers approaching from Oregon should prepare for narrow bridge conditions. "If you're in an RV, be prepared for some SERIOUS white knuckle driving if you cross the Hood River bridge. It's two lane, NINE FEET WIDE. Most RVs will have inches to spare," warns a Gorge Base Camp RV Park visitor.
Train noise: Multiple locations. Railroad tracks run near several campgrounds, creating noise issues. "This camp ground is fantastic... The campground is very close to the main railroad tracks and trains come by every hour or so at all times of the day," explains a camper at Gorge Base Camp.
Seasonal closures: Check before traveling. Winter access varies by location. A Rufus RV Park visitor notes: "Big sign says closed right now," when attempting to visit during the November through March closure period.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Child-friendly amenities. Port of Arlington offers family-oriented facilities according to reviews. "Great rest stop with clean bathrooms, grassy area to lay, and docks for leisure, swimming, etc. This site is well manacures. Playground available."
Museum visits: Educational stop. Imperial River Co. provides access to regional history exhibits. While primarily noting the river amenities, visitors mention the short drives to local museums make this location practical for families seeking educational components to their camping trip.
Wind protection: Essential for tents. The Columbia River Gorge experiences significant wind. Sherman County RV Park visitors emphasize preparation: "The wind seems to never stop, though. Little shade." This requires secure tent setups and careful planning for outdoor cooking.
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Well-maintained throughout region. RV parks near Cheatham Lock and Dam typically feature level parking areas. At Rufus RV Park, visitors appreciate the "level pull-through sites with gravel and well-kept grassy areas in between."
Hookup details: Variable by park. Electrical systems differ between locations. A reviewer notes at Peach Beach: "No sewer hookups if on the river side but the view we woke up to was well worth it." Understanding these tradeoffs helps RVers select appropriate sites.
Weather considerations: Summer heat management. With temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F in summer months, air conditioning becomes important. "If your inside your RV with the AC on you can hear faint noise," notes one camper about train sounds at Gorge Base Camp, highlighting how climate control can mitigate noise issues.
