Oregon City camping areas border the Willamette, Clackamas, and Sandy Rivers, with elevations ranging from 50 to 450 feet above sea level. The region experiences mild summers with average highs of 80°F in July and August, though overnight temperatures can drop to the 50s even during peak season. Most campgrounds near Oregon City remain accessible from late spring through early fall, with seasonal closures typically occurring between November and April.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Milo McIver State Park Campground features two competition-quality disc golf courses that attract players from around the region. "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. Home of the annual Beaver State Fling, a PDGA sanctioned National Tour event," notes one visitor. The courses are separated from the camping area, so non-players won't be disturbed.
River activities: Oregon City's rivers provide multiple recreational options within minutes of most campsites. "I love to float the river! The play area/park is one of my kids favorite," shares one camper about Barton County Park. The Clackamas River runs cooler than the Willamette, making it popular for summer cooling. Many local campers bring tubes or rent them from nearby outfitters in Estacada or Oregon City.
Historical exploration: The region offers significant historical sites dating to Oregon's territorial period. "Old little pioneer town. Has yurts and lots of hiking," reports one camper about Champoeg State Heritage Area. The park contains preserved buildings and interpretive displays about Oregon's early statehood. "The farmhouse fascinated my boys... they got to water the garden with a water pump and buckets!"
Hiking trails: Multiple campgrounds connect to trail networks suitable for day hikes. "There are private feeling hiking trails around the large park," mentions a camper about Milo McIver. Trails range from flat riverfront paths to more challenging forest routes. Most trails are under 5 miles round-trip and rated easy to moderate in difficulty.
What campers like
River confluences: The meeting points of major rivers create unique camping locations in the Oregon City area. "The river and park around it, however, where the Willamette and Clackamas Rivers meet, is pretty cool. Great for looking for rocks," reports a visitor to Clackamette RV Park. These areas offer scenic views and fishing opportunities, with bank access available to campers without boats.
Year-round availability: Several campgrounds operate throughout winter months when most other facilities close. "Love to stay here when all the other campgrounds close. Nice hiking trails. The rangers are very nice," shares one camper about Champoeg State Heritage Area. Winter campers often find significantly lower occupancy and quieter camping experiences.
Heated accommodations: For campers seeking more comfort during cooler months, several parks offer alternatives to tent camping. "We've been here 3 times, once for tent camping and twice in a yurt. The yurts are heated, and a couple of them are pet friendly, which is great for us!" notes a Champoeg visitor. These structures typically cost $45-65 per night and require advance reservations.
Proximity to Portland: The short driving distance from Oregon City campgrounds to Portland makes them convenient for urban access. "If you want to stay near the big city this would be a good RV camp area with a big park near by," mentions one camper about Clackamette. Most campgrounds sit within 30-45 minutes of downtown Portland, allowing for day trips to urban attractions.
What you should know
Campground noise levels: Many camping areas near Oregon City experience traffic or industrial noise due to their proximity to urban areas. "Road noise can be loud here. Try to get a site as close to the river as you can so you can avoid the highway noise at night," advises a camper about Oxbow Regional Park. Sites deeper within parks or those shielded by terrain typically offer better sound buffering.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill completely during summer weekends and require advance planning. "Avoid camping next to the porta potties - we did that one time and a truck at 6:30am came to empty them," warns an Oxbow camper. The most desirable sites often book 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Alcohol restrictions: Several parks near Oregon City prohibit alcohol consumption. "NO alcohol-allowed" appears in the features list for multiple parks including Oxbow, Barton County Park, and Clackamette. This rule is actively enforced through regular ranger patrols, particularly on summer weekends and holidays.
Hiker/biker site limitations: While budget-friendly, these shared camping areas require flexibility. "The hiker/biker sites are first come first serve, which was a little nerve wrecking... Though the way the site is set up... there's only one table and one firepit. So you have to be willing to talk to people," explains a Milo McIver visitor. These sites typically cost $7-10 per person compared to $22-30 for standard sites.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. "Champoeg has a little everything. GREAT biking trails that are kid friendly. There lots of historical sites around the campground to enjoy as well. Loop B is highly our favorite because it is smaller and more private and close to the river. We'll go back year after year. Our kids had a blast!" shares one parent about Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground.
Swimming spots: Safe water play areas exist at specific parks, though supervision remains essential. "We all made s'mores and sang campfire songs together in the evening after our day of hiking to the horse camp and up to the bat haven (a nice long nature walk for the kids). This park would have been even better later in the year (we went in May), as it sits along the Clackamas river," notes one Milo McIver visitor.
Bug preparation: Insect activity increases during warmer months at riverside campgrounds. "Spring and summer can be a bug challenge so bring lots of insect repellant!" advises a Champoeg camper. Mosquitoes become particularly active at dawn and dusk near standing water, making screened shelters valuable additions to family camping setups.
Camp loops with bathroom proximity: Family-friendly site selection should consider facilities. "The tent sites were also secluded and flat. (But a far walk to the bathrooms/showers)," mentions an Oxbow Park reviewer. Sites numbered 15-30 at Barton Park and 45-60 at Milo McIver offer the best balance of privacy and bathroom access.
Tips from RVers
Electrical capacity limitations: RV campers should verify amperage availability when booking sites. "We had power and water hook ups. The bathrooms in our loop were nice and clean," reports a visitor to Barton County Park Campground, but notes not all loops offer the same amenities. Most local campgrounds provide 30-amp service, with limited 50-amp sites available at an additional $5-10 fee.
City vs. rural options: RV parks within city boundaries offer different experiences than those in outlying areas. "This is one of those interesting RV parks/campgrounds that's attached to a city park and to boat ramps/fishing, so you have a lot of day use activity going on, which can be nice or not, depending on what you're looking for," explains one Clackamette visitor. Urban locations provide better shopping access but typically offer less privacy.
Site size variations: RV campers should check site dimensions when booking. "The sites are very close together but they have tried to make some more secluded," notes a Barton Park camper. Most full-hookup sites accommodate rigs up to 40 feet, while sites for larger rigs are limited and should be reserved well in advance.
Dump station availability: Not all parks offer on-site dumping facilities. "There's a dump station at the entrance that's $10 (pay with credit card), but it's supposed to be free if you're camping here," shares a Columbia River RV Park guest. Dump stations at Barton and Milo McIver operate seasonally and may close during winter months.
