Camping near Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area offers camping options across several developed campgrounds on both the Oregon and Washington sides of the river. Established campgrounds like Lost Lake Resort, Ainsworth State Park, and Cascade Locks KOA provide facilities for tent and RV camping, with some offering cabins or yurt accommodations. Most sites feature picnic tables, fire rings, and restroom facilities, with varying levels of hookups depending on the campground. The area includes both forest service and state park operations, with several campgrounds positioned along the river offering scenic views of the Columbia Gorge.
Seasonal availability limits most camping between April and October, with many campgrounds closing during winter months. Tucker Park operates from April through October, while Cascade Locks KOA welcomes visitors from February to mid-October. Road access remains generally good throughout the camping season, with most developed sites accessible by standard vehicles. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak summer months when sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. "Wyeth is a very nice national campground. It's well maintained, has flushing toilets, and has great access to hiking and biking trails," noted one camper about Wyeth Campground.
Visitors frequently mention the tall trees and natural shade found in campgrounds throughout the region. The proximity to hiking trails and biking paths represents a significant draw, with many campgrounds serving as convenient baselines for exploring the area's waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. Several campgrounds provide direct river access or fishing opportunities. Train noise affects campgrounds situated near the tracks on both sides of the river, which multiple reviewers have mentioned. As one visitor reported about Home Valley Campground, "The train passes right next to this campsite day and night (with horn) so keep in mind the noise from that." Despite this, most campers rate their experiences positively, citing the beautiful forest settings and convenient access to Gorge activities.
