Aimee H.
Guide
GuideOxbow Regional Park
Wooded escape
Great place to have a peaceful evening or longer. Showers are hot, facilities are well maintained and provided the sites aren’t all booked, there is a decent amount of space between visitors.
Camping near Donald, OR
263 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds in the vicinity of Donald, Oregon provide several established facilities within a short drive. Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground, located approximately 20 minutes south of Donald, serves as a major camping hub in the region with accommodations for tents, RVs, cabins, and yurts. Silver Falls State Park Campground, situated to the southeast, offers similar options with higher elevation terrain. Most campground options in this area focus on developed sites rather than dispersed camping, with amenities ranging from basic to full-service hookups for recreational vehicles.
Many campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though seasonal considerations apply. Milo McIver State Park Campground operates from March through October, while several RV parks maintain all-season access. The region experiences moderate rainfall during winter months, with summer offering the most reliable camping conditions. Electric hookups are common at established sites, particularly beneficial during colder seasons. Facilities like showers and flush toilets are standard at most developed campgrounds in the area. Water access varies by location, with several campgrounds positioned near the Willamette River. A camper noted that Champoeg State Park has "hiking trails, bike trails, a small stage to do performances, and much more," highlighting the recreational opportunities beyond just camping.
Families and recreational enthusiasts find particular value in the region's campgrounds. The developed sites near Donald typically offer amenities suitable for extended stays, including electrical hookups, showers, and drinking water. According to one visitor, Champoeg State Park features "great facilities and a short walk to hiking, biking, fishing and more," making it popular for quick weekend getaways from Portland. Several reviews mention the quality of maintained bike paths and trail systems connecting various camping areas. Water recreation opportunities exist at campgrounds near rivers, though reviews indicate limited riverside views at some locations. Campers seeking more secluded experiences may find the area's developed campgrounds somewhat lacking in privacy, with multiple reviews mentioning the open layout and proximity between sites at places like Champoeg State Park.
Best Campgrounds near Donald (263)
1. Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground
"As I rode up to the site, I noticed right away that it was not tucked far away from the amenities such as restrooms, and showers. It was part of one of the campground loops."
"Champoeg State Heritage Area is a great place to visit for camping, biking, and especially if you're excited about Oregon history."
from $29 - $254 / night
Check Availability2. Silver Falls State Park Campground
"If you want to camp in Oregon this is the place to go. There are several waterfalls and hiking trails. You can see wildlife and you can't beat the beauty. You can tent camp and they also have yurts."
"Probably the easiest accessibility to the most awesome waterfalls per few square miles in Oregon. Ample Parking and many different falls and trails to choose from"
from $28 - $92 / night
Check Availability3. Sun Outdoors Portland South
"There’s a fenced in dog area and lawn you can walk on leash. The only downside is that the standard sites are small and very close to neighbors."
"It is located right of the interstate but feels secluded. They have both back in and pull through sites, a little tight with neighbors but I was told it is better than other RV resorts."
4. Portland-Woodburn RV Park
"Park sits right behind the Woodburn Outlet Mall with own private entrance. Off I-5 and convenient shopping for groceries or gas nearby. Close to Portland and Salem. We will miss this park!9"
"Super close to the outlet mall. Would stay here again!"
5. Milo McIver State Park Campground
"Just 45 minutes outside of Portland, and near the town of Estacada, is Milo McIver State Park, which I consider to be a quintessential Oregon State Park: lots of huge evergreen trees, large campsites,"
"Estacada lake is within walking distance, and there is salmon fishing within driving distance inside of the park. There is also a "bat" barn that is close by."
from $26 - $126 / night
Check Availability6. Clackamette RV Park
"Clackamette RV Park is well located in the heart of Oregon City, offering easy access to the river, nearby bike paths, and the town itself."
"Simple RV park with access to everything. The river is right there, bike trails, grass area, walk to town, everything."
7. Tranquil Orchard and Wine Tours
"We have spent the past week driving from campsite to campsite each night trying to find something free, available, safe, and beautiful."
"This orchard is shady and very relaxing, although near a small airport and highway. There are showers and flushing toilets."
from $25 - $87 / night
Check Availability8. Dundee Hills Resort
"Lovely park tucked away just far enough it's like you're miles away but you're just a turn away from town and a stones throw from the highway quiet clean and just big enough to never get lost."
"It was a solid place to stay, surrounded by vineyards and walking distance to a few wineries and a couple of restaurants."
9. Roamers Rest RV Park
"A well cared for location. I think we got the last space! It’s a busy place. A bit of a head scratcher on what brings people here. Certainly located in and around a number of destinations."
10. Olde Stone Village
"The positives outweigh the couple of minor things, so we gave it 5/5. Positives:
- Walkway to Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum."
"It was hot outside and the pool was fantastic. Highly recommend."
Drive Time
- 23 min from Portland, OR
- 24 min from Salem, OR
- 42 min from Albany, OR
- 59 min from Corvallis, OR
Recent Camping Photos near Donald, OR
355 Photos of 263 Donald Campgrounds
Josh H.
Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground
Santino S.
Tranquil Orchard and Wine Tours
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BLM Molalla River Recreation Area
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Cedar Grove Recreation Site
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Recent Reviews near Donald, OR
1483 Reviews of 263 Donald Campgrounds
- RRose A.
TravelerCliff Swimming & Fishing Bridge
Absolutely Beautiful Location
This area use to be a paid campground and is now shut down & open to public. There is a restroom area, however it is unkempt & the cleanliness of that area is the downside of the camp spot. Otherwise it’s glorious. Pack in, pack out! Help out too :) In this bridge & river area, you’ll find crystal clear cool crisp waters to ease into. Beach is mostly sand and the camp sites have soft dirt. Fireplaces are at these camp zones but weren’t allowed when I was there. If you swim across the river, you’ll find a fun cliff jumping area! I may of jumped it maybe 30 times lol. We also rafted the river around the bank just for fun. You’re able to peacefully float at this location too if wanted! Sorta near a busy road, but high enough & away from real civilization that traffic is minimal. Wildlife is abundant! Majority of campers are kind, not ever too crowded but definitely a fun spot people know of. Highly recommend, this is a gem!!!
Nick J.GuideSouthshore At Detroit Lake
Large Campsites, Beautiful Views
Southshore is one of those hidden gems on Detroit lake. While lakeside campsites don’t have easy access to the water, the views make up for it. The sites are large and welcoming and there is a lot of space between sites.
The pit toilets were clean and the camp host warm and welcoming. While walking with my daughter and our dogs he chatted with us for a bit and offered stickers to my 11 year old who was very excited. Overall great experience and will be visiting again.
Kent R.GuidePromontory Park
Close to Portland, Yet Far Enough to Get Away
As other people have said, sometimes there is little separation between sites. Plus, sometimes the sites, other than were you park your trailer, are rocky and not at all level. There was a level spot near the back for a tent. The terrain is offset by the VERY tall trees throwing a lot of shade. The sun sets behind the hill across the lake, so it gets completely shady in the late afternoon. Note that the sites next to the river have chain-link fences to keep you from falling off a bluff and into the river, which, when we stayed there near the end of June, was still almost ice cold.
We chose to stay in a non-electric site, and were only able to get a little sunshine for our solar panels to help recharge.
As a product of the 1950s, the sites have a maximum RV/trailer length of 20 feet. Our 18-foot trailer and mid-size SUV fit easily. Navigation can be tricky.
My only complaint about the showers is that the non-adjustable water temperature was near-scalding hot. The showers and bathrooms were clean.
The cooking station near us was very handy for boiling water to cook pasta.
The store at the marina next door has an amazing variety of stuff for campers, including ice.
DahliaGuideSouth Lake
Nice site!
We only stayed here one night, but had a wonderful experience! The main campsite by the lake only has a few sites, and some are right next to each other, so there might not be too much privacy. However, the area feels very safe and it is nicely maintained. Tables and fire pits are present in some sites and there is a bathroom close to the entrance. No trash cans from what I saw. The "lake" is more of a pond. Do not swim in it, it looks pretty foggy. There is plenty of room for cars and tents, and while we did not bring a trailer I think one could have made it down the road fine. Some areas are narrow though, so be careful. Otherwise, the road is gravely, but not too rough. Campfires are allowed in the designated pits, but not otherwise, and grills were also not allowed when we went. Propane stoves are okay! There weren't too many mosquitoes, but these other insects were rampant! I'm not sure what they were, but they are super attracted to cooking food. Every time we would cook something on the stove they would swarm and dive into the food, being boiled alive. So just be aware of that! 😆 There are some trails to explore in the area, and cell service was pretty good!
- Aimee H.Guide
Dispersed Camping Near Pioneer-Indian Trail in Siuslaw National Forest
Only a lucky few
It seems there are 2 main sites - the one in the comments below where you follow the logging road, and the one at the top or the logging roads. Someone was occupying the lower site (I walked down to check it out) so I set up camp up top. Far enough away from the road that it was peaceful but passed by enough cars that I noticed. I drove up the road to see if there were any more options and turned around at the area that said no camping for next 3 miles.
- PPatti C.Guide
Silver Falls State Park Campground
Finally Made It to Silver Falls’
My husband and I have tried to reserve a spot at Silver Falls SP in Oregon the last few years. This year we were very proactive in making a reservation as soon as the window opened. This is a beautiful park. Wonderful access to several water falls in the area. Sites are large. We stayed in a non hookup site with our 22 foot trailer. Things to consider - only a few trails are open to dogs so if you want to go close to the falls, visit the park at a time of the year that is cool enough for your furry friend to stay in your car. We visited in July. Skunks and raccoons came out to visit when it got dark. Just be aware that we are all sharing their home. Finally, there’s a little spot in the campground that you can access wi-fi but we weren’t able to sign on to it. If heading towards Salem, there’s a Willamette Valley overlook that can get a phone signal.
Bree G.GuideBritenbush River Dispersed
Secluded and beautiful
Lots of beautiful spots down this road along the river. The spot we found felt secluded. There was some trash, but not too bad. Loooooottttsss of poison ivy.
Morgan R.GuideDetroit Lake State Recreation Area Campground
Traffic noise yikes
We had a big group come to this spot. The showers and bathrooms were nice and cleaned daily. The water was nice, but lake is always busy with boats. This place was PACKED, so lots of activity. Even though it was decent and pretty, the noise is really what made this hard to give it more stars. You are literally right off the highway. So you will hear logging trucks and traffic all night long. It was so loud that you couldn’t hear the person next to you in camp. We ended up paying for overpriced ear plugs from the store just to get some sleep the rest of the nights we were there.
Guide to Donald
Camping sites near Donald, Oregon range from riverside locations to wine country resorts within a 30-minute drive. The region sits at elevations between 150-400 feet with moderate temperature variations throughout the year. Winter camping requires preparation for rain, while summer months typically see drier conditions with temperatures ranging from 50°F at night to 85°F during peak daytime hours.
What to do
Disc golf courses: At Milo McIver State Park Campground, visitors find competition-quality disc golf facilities. "Milo McIver may be best known for it's twin 18 hole disc golf courses, or single 27 hole layout when tournaments aren't in progress," explains one camper. The park hosts the annual Beaver State Fling, a professional disc golf tournament.
Biking trails: Extensive paved pathways connect many camping areas in the region. One visitor to Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground noted, "The bike paths through the campground/park were great and lots of people were using them all day." Another mentioned, "Champoeg has a little everything. GREAT biking trails that are kid friendly."
Wine tasting: Several campgrounds provide access to local wineries. At Dundee Hills Resort, campers can walk to nearby vineyards. "Perfect home base for wine country and only 30 minutes from Portland," reports one visitor. The resort's location makes it convenient for exploring multiple vineyards in a single day.
What campers like
Historical experiences: Camping areas near Donald feature historical sites that campers appreciate. One visitor described Champoeg State Heritage Area as an "Old little pioneer town. Has yurts and lots of hiking. Pet-friendly." Another mentioned, "Along the way got to see the Champoeg Heritage site with period piece actors, wide open spaces, and the Willamette River."
River access: The confluence of major rivers creates popular recreation spots. A reviewer of Clackamette RV Park explains it's "a beautiful spot where the Clackamas flows into the Willamette. There's gas and dining within walking distance, multiple boat launches, nearby rentals, and lots of wildlife."
Indoor facilities: During wet weather, certain campgrounds offer welcome indoor amenities. One camper at Portland-Woodburn RV Park mentioned, "There are several specials during the month to include meals for a very inexpensive price as well as ice cream socials in nicer months." The park's location behind Woodburn Outlet Mall provides shopping options during inclement weather.
What you should know
Site privacy varies: Campground layouts differ significantly throughout the area. At Silver Falls State Park Campground, "Site spacing is good with lots of privacy between camps," according to a recent visitor. However, other campgrounds offer less separation between sites.
Seasonal limitations: Not all facilities remain open year-round. While some parks operate continuously, others have restricted seasons. Milo McIver State Park Campground operates from March 15 to October 31, requiring campers to plan accordingly during shoulder seasons.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Donald require advance bookings, especially during summer. At Tranquil Orchards and Wine Tours, one visitor noted, "Booking before arrival is necessary (we just booked on Airbnb 2 hours before)." This requirement extends to most established campgrounds in the area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When camping with children, look for sites near play areas. A camper at Silver Falls State Park mentioned, "Kids' play area inside Loop B, showers, and nature trails around the campground." This provides entertainment options without leaving the campground.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer learning experiences for children. At Olde Stone Village, families appreciate the "Walkway to Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum. Clearly marked and paved for easy stroll over to the museum." This connection makes the campground particularly valuable for families with science-interested children.
River safety: When camping near water, maintain appropriate supervision. The Willamette and Clackamas Rivers provide recreation opportunities but require caution. As one Clackamette RV Park visitor noted, there are "boat landings for a canoe along the Willamette River," making water safety knowledge essential.
Tips from RVers
RV site selection: Choose sites based on specific needs rather than general availability. At Milo McIver State Park, "The campground area is a standard State Park area, mostly private sites tucked into the trees." Understanding the campground layout helps select appropriate sites.
Hookup availability: RV parks near Donald offer varying levels of service. At Champoeg State Heritage Area, "Each site is paved to accommodate RV's and campers with electricity and water." For those requiring full hookups, research specific campgrounds before arrival.
Access considerations: RV entrances can present challenges at some campgrounds. One visitor to Olde Stone Village cautioned, "The entrance to the concrete pads was a little steep and might result in bottoming out. It was not a gentle slope, but a sharp incline." Such details prove valuable for larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Donald, OR?
What camping is available near Donald, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Donald, OR offers a wide range of camping options, with 263 campgrounds and RV parks near Donald, OR and 25 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Donald, OR?
Which is the most popular campground near Donald, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Donald, OR is Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 69 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Donald, OR?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Donald, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 free dispersed camping spots near Donald, OR.
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