Best RV Parks & Resorts near Dufur, OR

Good weekend getaway from Portland. I had a decent-sized back-in site with fire ring and picnic table and room enough for my hammock. The pull-through sites run along the water’s edge, offering water views but smaller pads and tragically, blocking my view. There’s no shade but the breeze kept things cool enough. Site hookups include 50 amp and water. Dump station was in good shape. The park is well-maintained. My dog had a large area to run off-leash (not sure if this is technically permitted but no one complained), splash around and chase birds. We did the nearby Deschutes River Canyon trail. You can easily put in a kayak or SUP for paddling at the campground.

For what it is, it’s the best it can be. 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. Trees at every site for shade and picnic tables as well. No fire pits, but all of eastern Washington is doing that these days. Nice little lagoon on the river for kids to swim. Boat launch, lots of wind surfers. Of course that means a fair amount of wind, but it’s the Columbia and that’s kind of its thing. Waving Tree winery within walking distance, Maryhill and a few others is you’re up for a drive. Kids loved Stonehenge replica on the way out. Fruit stand walkable, too. Hosts were awesome super cordial. If you want full hookups, space is limited, but there’s a dump station with two spots.

For a large busy park it has everything you need: showers, garbage, water, electricity...however, this geared more towards travelers with RVs and travel trailers that are passing through the area. It is quite noisy (interstate meets highway meets railroad at Biggs Junction). Not somewhere I’d recommend for extended stay unless you enjoy hanging out at camp or like wine (Maryhill and Waving Tree are a stones throw away). The river access is a bit awkward as you had to basically walk through other camper’s campsites to access the beach. The swim beach was very small with shallow pools of seaweed/algae. The campsites were decently sized though giving enough room to be somewhat private from your neighbors even though everyone can see each other clearly. There were lots of dumpsters available and bathrooms are conveniently located in the center of the camping loops so walking from all camp sites are about the same distance to the restrooms.

While staying here in August 2024: -Dog friendly -No hookups -2 bars on Verizon -No shade -Madras, OR only 10 minutes away. -1 acres fenced in dog park in Madras OR (15 min. drive) -Used my credit card at the automated self pay station (super convenient). -fairly clean bathroom (toilet only). -From travel trailers to Teslas, they all have made down the road and plenty of room.

Situated on the banks of the Deschutes Wild and Scenic River, Mecca Flat Campground is located just a mile and a half from Oregon State HIghway 26 near Warm Springs. The site features 13 individual campsites and one group use area. The southern terminus of the 7-mile long Trout Creek Trail can be accessed directly from the campground.

Know Before You Go:

All campsites, including the group use area are open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis; no potable water is available. The 1.6 mile Mecca Flat Road is narrow with few pullouts; use caution particularly when pulling a trailer. Access the nearby non-motorized Trout Creek Trail which fronts the Deschutes Wild and Scenic River for 7 miles where it terminates at Trout Creek Campground. Cell phone service is not available in the campground. Goathead, also known as puncturevine, is present in the area; protect your pets and bicycle tires Point of Interest:

The Deschutes Railroad ran on portions of the nearby Trout Creek trail and Mecca Flat Road for several decades, competing with the Oregon Trunk Railroad before abandonment in the early 20th century. Look for the historic, now-abandoned tunnel near Highway 26 - but stay clear of this degrading and unstable structure.

A very small campground with water and electric only. Level sites with bathrooms and showers close. There is a dump station on site. A beautiful setting along the Columbia River. Sites back up to parking lot below for Thunder Island and native american fishing platforms. The Columbia paddle wheeler is walking distance nearby for a dinner or sightseeing cruise. Thunder Island Brewing is a couple of blocks away. I think there are only ten camp sites and a camp host that we never met. This is a hidden treasure for smaller campers and travel trailers.

This place is incredible. First to cover the basics.

The internet is super fast - I was getting 75mbps up/down when I was in my tent.

They have power/water hookups at each parking spot. The glamping tents have heaters, lights etc. There are heated indoor bathrooms with nice free hot water showers just a short walk away.

This place is at a year round camp/school that has multiple skate parks, trampolines, mountain biking courses, all season ski jumps etc. it’s an action sports camp.

They provide things like firewood and ice which they put in your cooler.

The people are super nice and accommodating. Ask for Jim - he handles all the camping stuff.