Glamping options near Gresham, Oregon offer a unique mix of riverside settings and forested hideaways. At 700-1,000 feet elevation, the region's weather ranges from mild summer temperatures in the 70s to cold winters, with fall being an ideal season for luxury camping experiences. Rain showers are common even in summer months, requiring appropriate shelter for comfortable outdoor stays.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Milo McIver State Park Campground features exceptional disc golf facilities that attract national tournaments. "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 Steve C.
Fishing at kids-only ponds: Promontory Park provides specialized fishing areas designed for young anglers. "There is trout fishing starting May 22 and continues through October. Cheap way to get out of the city," explains Jaymz G. Another visitor added, "Our middle son caught not only his first fish but he caught 4 in total."
River swimming access: Oxbow Regional Park offers safe swimming spots along the Sandy River. "The river is refreshing on warm days to swim in. We like this because it's an easy day trip from Portland," shares J W. The park provides natural river beaches with gradual entry points suitable for families.
What campers like
Accessible wilderness experience: Lost Lake Resort And Campground provides secluded camping without extensive hiking. "The sites are large and private, lots of amenities such as trails, boat rental, well equipped store, picnic tables and much more," says Katie B. The lake setting creates a wilderness feel despite being relatively accessible.
Privacy between sites: Metzler Park campsites offer substantial separation from neighbors. "Very woodsy, private, awesome creek, wonderful staff," reports Holli G. The creek provides natural white noise that further enhances the private atmosphere.
Heated yurt accommodations: Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground offers year-round heated yurts for comfort in all seasons. "The yurts are heated, and a couple of them are pet friendly, which is great for us! There is a small table in each yurt," explains Lana N. These structured accommodations provide a more comfortable alternative to tent camping during cooler months.
What you should know
Road and train noise: Eagle Creek Campground experiences considerable highway and railway sounds. "Eagle Creek Campground is situated above I-84, so there is a lot of road noise and noise from the occasional train," explains Mary G. Visitors sensitive to noise should select sites farther from these transportation corridors.
Cell service limitations: Several campgrounds have minimal or no connectivity. At Oxbow Regional Park, one camper noted, "Barely got 1 bar of 4g at the welcome center. There's a guest wifi in the parking lot there too but it's 2 miles further to the camp ground and texts hardly go through."
Boat-only access requirements: Government Island State Recreation Area requires watercraft to reach campsites. "We love camping on the island, as you can only get to it via boat so it is not overly populated," shares a visitor. Plan transportation logistics before attempting to camp at this location.
Tips for camping with families
Ranger programs: Promontory Park offers structured activities for children throughout the day. "Great facilities, great hosts, and great activities for the toddler... We also got a scavenger hunt with stickers for our toddler," reports Tyson C. These programs provide educational entertainment during downtime at camp.
Biking trail access: Champoeg State Heritage Area features safe, interconnected cycling paths. "GREAT biking trails that are kid friendly. There lots of historical sites around the campground to enjoy as well," explains Scott W. The paved routes allow younger riders to navigate safely while exploring the area.
Bathroom proximity considerations: When camping with small children, note bathroom locations relative to sites. "The tent sites were also secluded and flat. (But a far walk to the bathrooms/showers)," mentions Lindsey T. about Milo McIver State Park. Select sites closer to facilities when camping with young family members.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing accuracy: Paradise Point State Park's online information may not reflect actual conditions. "We put the size of our RV in the state website and it gave us site 50. We arrived and it was IMPOSSIBLE to get our rig in that site due to the trees," warns Alex W. Call campgrounds directly to verify site dimensions.
Full hookup locations: Mt Hood Village Resort offers premium RV accommodations with complete services. "The full hook up sites are in old growth timber giving each site a feeling is seclusion," notes Jack B. The resort provides optimal utility connections while maintaining natural surroundings.
Pull-through availability: RVers should identify which campgrounds offer easier access options. "Easy to access, even for larger rigs. We stayed in 39 foot 5th wheel. Plenty of pull thru spots, full hookups, regularly spaced bathroom/showers," reports Steve R. about Mt Hood Village Resort. These sites eliminate the need for challenging backing maneuvers.
