Oxbow Regional Park spans 1,200 acres along the Sandy River, located just 30 minutes east of Portland. The park's 67 sites sit at an elevation of approximately 300 feet, where campers experience typical Pacific Northwest climate with warm summers and mild, wet winters. The campground's location near the confluence of the Sandy and Columbia Rivers creates opportunities for both riverside recreation and forest exploration through old-growth ecosystems.
What to do
Explore hiking trails: Milo McIver State Park offers numerous trails for nature enthusiasts. "There seemed to be a lot of hiking trails. I couldn't check them out because of our schedule, but I would 100% return," writes Lindsey T. The park's trail system includes routes suitable for various skill levels.
Enjoy water recreation: The Sandy River provides perfect opportunities for cooling off. At Oxbow Regional Park, "You can enjoy fishing, swimming, and rafting in the river, or reserve one of its rustic campsites for a truly immersive experience in nature," notes Emille R. The river's gentle sections are ideal for wading.
Attend star parties: During clear nights, local astronomy clubs often host star-gazing events at L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park. "Local astronomy groups often host star gazing events when the night sky is clear for various meteor showers or other astronomical events of interest," mentions Shane B. The park's relative darkness makes for excellent night sky viewing.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many equestrian camping areas near Damascus offer good separation between campsites. At Battle Ground Lake State Park, "Good spacing between sites, but not a ton of privacy. Saw lots of birds," shares Jeff K. The campground maintains a balance between community and solitude.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance of bathroom facilities. "Restroom is clean and there's free hot shower," reports Wood M. about Beacon Rock State Park. This attention to cleanliness enhances the camping experience, especially for extended stays.
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local fauna. At Silver Falls State Park, "Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of wildlife—herons and kingfishers are frequent visitors," according to a review. Deer sightings are common throughout the area's campgrounds.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The Damascus area experiences seasonal extremes that affect camping conditions. "We love it for a day of gravel biking or hiking, as there are many forest roads to meander off from here. So close to Panther Creek for swimming on a hot day," notes Candace about Panther Creek Campground. Summer temperatures can reach the 90s.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer months. "You can book sites online up to 24 hours in advance, or you can show up to camp one night at one of the few non-reservable first come sites," explains Stephanie Z. about Oxbow. Weekends often book weeks in advance.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly across 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," warns Zach S. Prepare for limited communication options.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. At Battle Ground Lake, "There's a swim area roped off, and a small sand area for the kids to play," notes Wendy C. These facilities provide entertainment between hiking adventures.
Short hiking options: Silver Falls State Park offers family-friendly trails. "There are two hikes around the lake; an upper, and a lower one. Both are easy hikes, and are dog and kid friendly," Wendy C. explains about Battle Ground Lake. These shorter loops work well for younger hikers.
Safety considerations: Most equestrian campgrounds implement security measures. "Security personnel are on-site overnight with gates closing at 8pm," mentions a reviewer. This provides peace of mind for families with young children or those traveling with horses.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: For equestrian camping near Damascus, choosing the right site matters. At Riley Horse Campground, "The spot I had (Spot 4) was huge, plenty of room for a larger party, felt like a quarter of an acre," shares Ashley B. Sites with more distance from facilities often provide more space.
Hookup availability: RV campers should note varying hookup situations. "There are 5 sites with hook ups. Sites 1-3 are very close together with 4 & 5 slightly more spread out," explains Becky S. about Beacon Rock. Not all equestrian campgrounds offer full hookups.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approaches. "The road starts with asphalt and then goes to gravel, where you actually park the rig," notes MickandKarla W. about L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park. RVs with lower clearance should proceed cautiously on forest service roads.
