Camping near Dufur, Oregon offers numerous options for outdoor recreation in the Columbia River Gorge region. Located at 1,315 feet elevation in Wasco County, Dufur experiences hot, dry summers and cold winters with average annual precipitation of just 14 inches. The surrounding area features a mix of high desert terrain and forested mountains that transition between the lush Mount Hood wilderness and the drier eastern Oregon landscape.
What to do
Hiking to mountain views: The area around Mt Hood Village Resort provides access to numerous trails. "There are wonderful hiking trails nearby that my family and I took advantage of. My dad enjoyed playing golf at one of the golf resorts nearby, while my mom and siblings went for a hike," reports Julie P.
Water activities on the Deschutes: During summer months, Imperial River Co. offers direct river access. "We went rafting with Imperial Rafting and had a great time! There is a restaurant and bar at their resort next door," shares Kimberly M. The Deschutes River is popular for fishing, rafting, and kayaking from May through September.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear skies make the Dufur area ideal for night sky viewing. "This place is so beautiful. Right on the river, clean and cell service is great. WiFi works great. Full hook up's and showers. Great fishing and star gazing and a cute little town a walk away," notes Nicole S. about Imperial River Co.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacious layout at Elk Meadows RV Park near Trout Lake. "All sites are very large, flat and most have bonus room for hanging out or visiting. The views of Mt Adams are just awesome," writes Eric P. The park offers sites with natural separation between neighbors.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high among visitor priorities. "Very clean bathrooms. Large dumpsters and a dump station. We also saw a propane fill station as well," reports Michell C. about Elk Meadows RV Park.
Proximity to attractions: Campers appreciate locations that serve as good bases for regional exploration. At Sherman County RV Park, visitors note its strategic position. "This is a safe, clean, quiet overnight stopover. We found the same-day after hours check-in to be easy and clearly explained, prices reasonable, and restroom facilities exceptionally clean," Angela shares.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Some campgrounds along the Columbia River experience railroad disruptions. At Peach Beach RV Park, "There is some train noise. As with any campground near the Columbia, there are train tracks and highways on both sides of the river so there is some train and truck noise," explains Russ H.
Cell service availability: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. "This is not a fancy place, but it is clean, well tended, quiet and beautiful. After 10 hours driving, I just wanted a quiet place to sleep. This was exactly that," reports Leland about Sherman County RV Park, which offers WiFi access.
Water conditions: Water quality can vary by location and season. At Spring Drive RV Campground, one camper noted: "Electrical has been good so far, but the water is dirty and filled with what appears to be iron. It has gone through my filter. So carry some portable water."
