4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
The Columbia River Gorge has several RV-friendly campgrounds with sites that can handle different sized rigs. You'll find water, sewer, and electrical hookups at many of the campgrounds throughout the gorge. Several locations have pull-through sites that work well for larger motorhomes and fifth wheels, saving you the hassle of difficult parking. Most RV sites in the gorge have either concrete or gravel pads that stay level, with many accommodating rigs up to 45 feet long. Power options typically include both 30-amp and 50-amp service depending on which campground you choose. Dump stations are available at most camping areas in the gorge, which helps during longer stays. Some of the better-equipped campgrounds provide full hookups right at your site. The roads leading to most Columbia River Gorge campgrounds are in good shape and wide enough for big rigs without worrying about low branches. Most campgrounds have specific hours when you can run generators to keep things quiet during mornings and evenings. Many sites come with fire rings and picnic tables next to your RV pad, giving you a nice outdoor living area. Length limits differ between campgrounds, so it's worth checking ahead before you arrive with your rig. The gorge's RV sites strike a good balance between having modern hookups while still feeling like you're actually camping. If you're planning a summer trip, book well ahead since the best RV spots fill up months in advance. From most RV parks, you can easily get to hiking trails, waterfalls, and other local attractions that make the gorge worth visiting.
"Our spot was a 40ft pull through with full hookups, cable, a fire pit, and a picnic table. We were parked next to the bathroom that was in the area and the facilities were very clean."
"We decided to make this RV park our maiden voyage in our new Travel Trailer."
"Most spots were pull-though with decently wide streets to drive in. Even though it's just off a semi-major street, it's set back enough and surrounded by trees to be more quiet."
"The previous Google and Dyrt reviews made us a little nervous as well as the things we’ve heard about the location. But we were very pleasantly surprised with how nice it was."
"Come in across the bridge from Oregon is a toll bridge and uncomfortable. If meeting a big rig coming the opposite way."
"The tracks are below the level of the park, and we quite like the train rumble. The highway is at a higher elevation than the park, so that noise didn't particularly bother us either. "
from $30 - $60 / night
"Then you drive out and around the corner and you get to where the RVs and cabins are. It's mostly a long driveway/road with cabins and spots for RVs on each side."
Available this weekend
from $45 - $800 / night
"Nice quiet campground, some long term campers. Close to the Columbia River. Beautiful view nice established old timber. It is close to the train track. Enjoyed our stay here"
"Large spaces, easy to drive through, 30 and 50 amp, most sites had full hookups with fire pits and picnic tables."
"Elk Meadows is far up a well paved road just before the entrance into national forest land. "
"Nice large sites, lots of communal areas like grass areas and river access. Went during COVID so restrooms were closed, but toilet/shower rooms were there."
"Lots of shade. Enough space between sites. Easy back-ins and some pull-throughs. A lot of background noise bordering on white noise, so not bad. Spotless restrooms. Beautiful views of the river."
from $40 - $45 / night
"Nice park, dog friendly, right on the river, friendly staff. Train bridge across from the park so there is train noise."
"Concrete pads with extra parking space make for level camping. Book early to enjoy the spaces that overlook the Sandy River, otherwise you’ll just be looking at other RVs."
"Located at the northern end of Portland not too far off the 1-5 freeway."
"The biggest pros are the location and the facilities. Being right on the Columbia River is a major plus; we enjoyed a beautiful sunset walk along the waterfront after a day in the city."
from $30 - $150 / night
"Jantzen Beach RV Park feels like a real-world stop straight out of a Subway Surfers World Tour—a lively, convenient, and colorful place where travelers pause, recharge, and enjoy the surroundings before"
"This sounds like a pretty mixed experience at Jantzen Beach RV Resort."
from $40 / night
ScoutI have to admit I’m a little biased. I was the Campos there for three years so I was there all summer long matter fact I was there the year that it got burned down. Met some great people there had a lot of fun enjoyed taking care of the place. I will always remember it finally
TravelerEasy first time setting up with a RV rental on travels cross country, stayed one night. Did call number at self check in registry box to confirm proper payment method/checkin, paid with cash but card available upon request.
GuideQuiet here in November - except for the occasional train. Clean and well lit facilities. I'd stay again. Booked in for 5 nights. T-Mobile 5G 5 bars. No problem with Starlink. A bit pricey for us nonoregonians.
ScoutStayed here for elk hunting, and everything was quiet and the host even gave us some info on the area
ScoutThis was such a cool place to camp. We stayed for a week and loved it! Sauvie Island is such a beautiful place! Watching the giant oceanliner ships sale by on the Columbia River was so cool!!! I can't wait to visit again next year!!!!
ScoutThis place was difficult to find a spot this summer for more than a couple days, but I loved being next to the River!!! It was very safe and had excellent access to explore Portland!
ScoutThere airport noise is so loud all day everyday! But the price is right and the park is very clean. There is security overnight.
ScoutGreat campsite and close to the river
TravelerSeveral reservable, paid spots near the lake, but if your vehicle can make it there is free dispersed camping farther down a forest road. Took a long time to find but there was a gorgeous clearing I could back my truck into and a rock fire-ring I found that I improved upon. Beautiful woods all around the spot and very secluded.
Tent camping sites near Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area offer alternatives to the RV options throughout the region. The gorge spans 80 miles along the Columbia River with elevations ranging from near sea level to over 4,000 feet at the highest viewpoints. Weather conditions vary significantly between the western and eastern portions, with the western section receiving up to 75 inches of annual rainfall while the eastern end averages just 14 inches.
Hiking to waterfalls: Within minutes of Mt Hood Village Resort, visitors can access numerous trails. "Close to the ranger station with tons of easy trails around," notes Jessica S. about the resort, which serves as a convenient base for gorge exploration.
Columbia River activities: Peach Beach RV Park provides direct river access. "Access to the Columbia River. They greeted me without reservations but with 2 nectarines from their orchard," shares Jen F. This riverfront location is ideal for swimming and fishing during summer months.
Mountain biking: The Sandy Ridge Trail System across from Mt Hood Village Resort is considered premium terrain. Joel H. describes it as "some of the best Mountain Biking in the country at the Sandy Ridge Trail System. Using this RV park as a jumping off point, there are endless hiking trails and lakes to paddle and explore in the Mt Hood wilderness."
Fruit orchard visits: Several campsites are located near local orchards. Jamie S. mentions Peach Beach RV Park is "tucked away just across the river and close to towns if you need anything," making it convenient for visiting nearby fruit stands during harvest seasons.
River views: Many campsites offer Columbia River vantage points. Wes B. notes at Sandy Riverfront RV Resort, "River views are sweet... Book early to enjoy the spaces that overlook the Sandy River, otherwise you'll just be looking at other RVs."
Wildlife watching: At Elk Meadows RV Park, visitors can observe native animals. Richard H. reports, "Saw elk and heard elk bugling every morning in the meadow. Very quiet and relaxed."
Convenient dining options: Locations near the gorge often have quality food options nearby. "Koya Kitchen that serves sushi and ramen with plenty of outdoor seating and a full bar. Also nearby and not to miss is the Skyway Bar and Grill with amazing BBQ, full bar and live music on the weekends," recommends Joel H. about restaurants near Mt Hood Village Resort.
Clean facilities: Lewis & Clark Campground & RV Park maintains quality restrooms. Nicholas & Elizabeth H. describe it as a "Beautiful old gem of a campground, nice quiet campground, some long term campers. Close to the Columbia River. Beautiful view nice established old timber."
Train noise: Multiple campgrounds sit near active railroad tracks. Derek & Alex W. note about Portland Fairview RV Park, "The train next to the park is regular so be prepared for consistent train noise."
Bridge access challenges: Reaching some sites requires crossing narrow bridges. Jim J. warns about accessing Bridge RV Park: "First off, if you have an RV and can avoid taking the Hood River Bridge, that is highly advisable. With two 9' lanes, it's a nightmare to get across."
Water pressure variations: Some RV sites have utility limitations. Jennifer H. mentions at Jantzen Beach RV Park, "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."
Site spacing: Many rv sites near Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area pack units close together. Angela S. describes Peach Beach RV Park as having "Nicely spaced, clean sites. No sewer hookups if on the river side but the view we woke up to was well worth it."
Pool access: Facilities with swimming options provide welcome relief during hot months. Tyson C. shares about Mt Hood Village Resort: "This was a good family camping spot. Pros - there is a playground, swimming pool, small store, cafe, bathrooms with showers (and warm water) and activities during the day for kids."
Playground availability: Several gorge campgrounds offer play equipment. Jon F. says Portland Fairview RV Park has a "Nice playground for kids. Very family friendly."
Site selection strategies: Choose locations based on bathroom proximity. Tyson C. advises at Mt Hood Village: "If you're tent camping the bathrooms are quite the hike, the tent sites are crammed together, there's only one working faucet in the entire tent camping area... We were in site T4. In my opinion it's the best site in the circle. If you can get T1, that looked like the best spot."
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer nature programs. Travis B. mentions that Lewis & Clark Campground has "very clean and well maintained" facilities near interpretive areas where families can learn about local ecology.
Full hookup options: Numerous rv sites near Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area offer complete connections. Jack B. notes at Elk Meadows RV Park, "The full hook up sites are in old growth timber giving each site a feeling is seclusion."
Pull-through availability: Many locations accommodate larger vehicles without difficult backing. Steve R. shares about Mt Hood Village Resort: "Easy to access, even for larger rigs. We stayed in 39 foot 5th wheel. Plenty of pull thru spots, full hookups, regularly spaced bathroom/showers."
Reservation timing: Popular sites require advance planning. Portland Fairview RV Park fills quickly during summer months, with Mitch F. noting it's a "Great park, fantastic staff" but recommending reservations be made well in advance.
Access road quality: Most approach roads are well-maintained for large vehicles. Michell C. describes Elk Meadows RV Park as having "Large spaces, easy to drive through, 30 and 50 amp, most sites had full hookups with fire pits and picnic tables."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best RV parks in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area?
The Columbia River Gorge offers several excellent RV parks with stunning views and great amenities. Elk Meadows RV Park stands out with large spaces, easy pull-through sites, full hookups, and lakeside recreation areas. Port of Cascade Locks Campground provides water and electric hookups with level sites in a picturesque small setting. For those seeking easy access to the famous waterfalls, Ainsworth State Park Campground offers convenient highway access, though you will hear road and train noise. Other notable options include Peach Beach RV Park with its river access and Rufus RV Park with its friendly hosts and separate short-term guest areas.
What is the cost of RV camping in the Columbia River Gorge?
RV camping costs in the Columbia River Gorge vary based on location, amenities, and season. Mt Hood Village Resort is on the higher end at approximately $80+ per night for full hookup sites with cable. Maryhill State Park Campground offers more affordable options with standard state park pricing for sites with water and electricity. Public campgrounds like Ainsworth State Park typically range from $30-45 for RV sites with hookups. Private RV parks generally cost $40-70 per night for standard sites, with premium riverfront locations commanding higher rates. Most parks offer weekly and monthly rate discounts, and some state parks have extra vehicle fees. Prices typically increase during summer months and on weekends.
What amenities can I expect at Columbia River Gorge RV campgrounds?
Columbia River Gorge RV campgrounds offer varying amenities depending on the facility. Columbia River RV Park provides wide streets, clean facilities including laundry, a clubhouse, group kitchen area, free Wi-Fi, and grassy areas between sites with both back-in and pull-through options. Reeder Beach RV Park & Country Store offers full hookups and a country store, though some visitors note it lacks Wi-Fi and laundry facilities. Most RV parks in the region provide water, electric (30/50 amp), and sewer hookups, with many including picnic tables and fire pits. Bathhouses with showers, dump stations, and potable water are standard. Premium parks may include cable TV, playground areas, river access, and community gathering spaces. Cell service is generally good throughout the Gorge area.
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