RV camping near Gladstone, Oregon offers accessible options within a 40-mile radius. The area sits at the confluence of the Willamette and Clackamas Rivers, with elevations ranging from 50 to 1,200 feet across nearby camping destinations. Most RV parks remain open year-round despite the region's 40 inches of annual rainfall, primarily occurring from November through March.
What to do
River activities: Explore the Sandy River for swimming and fishing at Sandy Riverfront RV Resort. "You can enjoy the beautiful views and swim (very carefully...bring life-vests to be safe) and next to Glenn Otto Park (just across the street)," notes one camper.
Mountain biking: Access Sandy Ridge Trail System from Mt Hood Village Resort. "Right across Hwy 26 is some of the best Mountain Biking in the country at the Sandy Ridge Trail System. Using this RV park as a jumping off point, there are endless hiking trails and lakes to paddle and explore in the Mt Hood wilderness."
Downtown exploration: Visit historic Troutdale near Sandy Riverfront RV Resort. "Bike into cute town of Troutdale very close. Right on the river," shares a reviewer who gave the park four stars.
What campers like
Cleanliness: Well-maintained facilities at Jantzen Beach RV Park. "The facilities were mostly clean, and I appreciated the free Wi-Fi and cable TV. The heated pool and walking paths along the Columbia River were nice touches that relaxed my stay."
Salmon viewing: Underwater observation area near Mt Hood Village Resort. "Wildwood recreation site is right next door and boasts an underwater salmon viewing area as well naturalist inspired boardwalks and walking paths. Go salmon!"
Convenient shopping: Easy access to outlets at 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."
What you should know
Campground density varies significantly: Sites at Sandy Riverfront RV Resort are "concrete pads with extra parking space make for level camping. Book early to enjoy the spaces that overlook the Sandy River, otherwise you'll just be looking at other RVs."
Train noise affects several locations: At Clackamette RV Park, you'll be "right off the exit of 205, it's very easy to get to, and a beautiful spot where the Clackamas flows into the Willamette... incredibly serene nonetheless" despite nearby transportation routes.
Water pressure issues: At Jantzen Beach RV Park, "the water pressure was lower than expected, which seemed to be a common issue among other guests as well."
Age restrictions exist: Some parks enforce RV age limits. One camper noted about Roamers Rest RV Park: "They also have RV age limit of 2010 but they allowed pictures before turning me down. Yay we got approved!"
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Choose parks with swimming options for kids. At Jantzen Beach RV Park, "my kiddos absolutely loved the three pools, playground, and basketball hoops. Plenty to check out and explore for them even if this was not your typical 'campground' experience."
Playground options: Columbia River RV Park features "a small neighborhood dog park right across the street" that kids can enjoy along with pets.
Indoor activities for rainy days: Mt Hood Village Resort offers "a lodge, an exercise room, pool, hot tub, hot showers, bathrooms with indoor plumbing, and outlets for the ladies hair dryers (or charging the battery on your smart phone)."
Tips from RVers
Laundry amenities: Columbia River RV Park provides specialized facilities. "The laundry room had a designated pet washer and dryer, which I always love, so we washed all of our dog bedding here."
Shower facilities vary: Columbia River RV Park offers "showers were really really nice, super hot, good pressure, clean, free."
Late arrival procedures: Some parks have systems in place. "We rolled in after hours, office closed but they are so organized, available spots are clearly indicated with specific instructions," notes a camper about Sandy Riverfront RV Resort.
RV size considerations: Clackamette RV Park offers sites for larger vehicles. "The sites are mostly pull through, some back in sites along the back, and come with E/W hookups."