Best Campgrounds near Happy Valley, OR

The outskirts of Happy Valley, Oregon feature a diverse range of camping options within a 30-minute drive, from state parks to riverfront RV sites. Milo McIver State Park, located 20 miles southeast near Estacada, offers spacious campsites with tent areas, RV hookups, and yurts nestled among towering evergreens. Oxbow Regional Park provides year-round camping with river access and hiking trails. Barton County Park Campground along the Clackamas River accommodates both tent and RV camping with 110 sites available from May through October. Clackamette RV Park in Oregon City sits at the confluence of the Willamette and Clackamas Rivers, providing urban camping with fishing opportunities and proximity to Portland.

Most campgrounds in the area require advance reservations, particularly during the peak season from late spring through early fall. Milo McIver State Park operates from March 15 to October 31, while several RV parks remain open year-round. Cell service varies significantly, with stronger coverage at campgrounds closer to urban areas and limited or no reception at more remote sites. As one camper noted about Milo McIver: "The campground is well maintained and the hosts have been great. Estacada lake is within walking distance, and there is salmon fishing within driving distance inside of the park." Highway noise can be a factor at some locations, particularly those near major roads, though sites deeper in forested areas offer more seclusion.

Riverside camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with many campgrounds offering direct water access. The Clackamas and Willamette Rivers provide popular fishing spots and water recreation opportunities. According to one reviewer, Clackamette RV Park offers "simple RV sites with access to everything. The river is right there, bike trails, grass area, walk to town, everything." Wildlife viewing is another highlight, particularly at Milo McIver where campers report seeing "elk, water birds, and at least 5 bald eagles." Site privacy varies considerably across campgrounds, with state parks generally offering more spacious and secluded options compared to more densely arranged RV parks. Tent campers will find the most options during summer months, while RV camping remains available year-round at several facilities.

Best Camping Sites Near Happy Valley, Oregon (314)

    1. Milo McIver State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Estacada, OR
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 630-7150

    $8 - $78 / night

    "Just 45 minutes outside of Portland, and near the town of Estacada, is Milo McIver State Park, which I consider to be a quintessential Oregon State Park: lots of huge evergreen trees, large campsites,"

    "Estacada lake is within walking distance, and there is salmon fishing within driving distance inside of the park. There is also a "bat" barn that is close by."

    2. Oxbow Regional Park

    38 Reviews
    Corbett, OR
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 797-1850

    $25 / night

    "Close proximity to Multonomah Falls. Pros - bathrooms with electric outlets, free showers, deer come close and are fun to watch, quiet & fairly private stay."

    "There is distance between you and other guests but if you want to meet your neighbors you can. They have ADA sites, a lake, play grounds and a welcome center."

    3. Barton County Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Eagle Creek, OR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 742-4422

    $28 - $81 / night

    "Close to Portland so it gets a lot of day traffic. Access to river so it has summer activities. Sites for large get togethers."

    "The kids enjoyed the playground and biking around the loop. The river access down at the day use was lovely. All the park staff were friendly."

    4. Columbia River RV Park

    31 Reviews
    Vancouver, WA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 285-1515

    $30 - $150 / night

    "The location couldn’t be more convenient, right near Portland and just steps away from the beautiful Columbia River."

    "One star off for density, you’re right next to each other, and for the very bright street lighting in there. We thought it overkill, but perhaps they have their reasons. Super nice facilities."

    5. Jantzen Beach RV Park

    39 Reviews
    Vancouver, WA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 289-7626

    $40 / night

    "Arrived here late for a single night stay on the way to the Oregon Coast. This is a very convenient stopover for those needing a place to stay near Portland."

    "The park's location is very convenient, with easy access to downtown Portland and nearby attractions."

    6. Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground

    75 Reviews
    Donald, OR
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 678-1251

    $22 - $152 / night

    "As I rode up to the site, I noticed right away that it was not tucked far away from the amenities such as restrooms, and showers. It was part of one of the campground loops."

    "Champoeg State Heritage Area is a beautiful and peaceful campground located near Newberg, Oregon."

    7. Clackamette RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Oregon City, OR
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 496-1201

    "Simple RV park with access to everything. The river is right there, bike trails, grass area, walk to town, everything."

    "Right off the exit of 205, it's very easy to get to, and a beautiful spot where the Clackamas flows into the Willamette."

    8. Portland Fairview RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Fairview, OR
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Most spots were pull-though with decently wide streets to drive in. Even though it's just off a semi-major street, it's set back enough and surrounded by trees to be more quiet."

    9. Sun Outdoors Portland South

    11 Reviews
    Wilsonville, OR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 532-7829

    "There’s a fenced in dog area and lawn you can walk on leash. The only downside is that the standard sites are small and very close to neighbors."

    "It is located right of the interstate but feels secluded. They have both back in and pull through sites, a little tight with neighbors but I was told it is better than other RV resorts."

    10. Mt Hood Village Resort

    47 Reviews
    Rhododendron, OR
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "There is a playground onsite for those with children and plenty of bike paths and walking paths to keep you busy."

    "We were parked next to the bathroom that was in the area and the facilities were very clean. The river that runs along the property was very beautiful."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 314 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Happy Valley, OR

1931 Reviews of 314 Happy Valley Campgrounds


  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Trillium Lake Airstrip Dispersed

    Lots of spaces

    Came on a Sunday night so had lots of spots to choose from. Good camping for a quick stop. There are warning signs about potentially closing the campground cause people keep leaving trash. So if you come please LNT!

  • Susan M.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Phoenix RV Park

    Nope

    We stayed here for 11 months. We had a problem with our fridge overheating and the compressor being noisy when the afternoon sun hit the front side. We built an insulated box to solve the problem. Painted it. It wasn't an eyesore. We didn't have more than 5 personal items in our lot. Manager made us take it down. Said there would be a spot in September that she could move us to. Was unwilling to switch around someone who wasn't coming in for 2 months. When September hit, nothing happened. She never did move us. But she did move her RV to the prime spot, facing the way that we needed, up front when it came open. Lots of spots with so much junk under their RVs. We had a whitewater raft under ours and were told that we couldn't have it under there. Instead of paying a ridiculous price for a storage unit, we sold it. We already had one in the RV. Head management was coming through in a couple of weeks and she had to make the place look like she actually enforced the rules? Their sprinkler system quit working. The maintenance person put the sprinkler on the grass on the side of us. My window was wide open. Soaked my couch, left a water stain all across the blinds(RV was 9 months old) and the water stained a handmade quilt on the back of my couch. When I called the office the manager told me to stop yelling at her. I guess a loud voice was yelling? The guy said he didn't see that my window was open, yet I saw it was as I drove up. The manager also charged my debit card for our last couple of days/electricity without my permission. When I called to confront her about it, she hung up on me. I had to call my bank to get my card cancelled but the charge went through. Even though she sent me an email saying I was refunded. I am now trying to deal with the head office about her. Rent also going up to$830 a month. For a parking spot and water. No internet. Lots of sirens. Heard gunfire a lot. Not a great part of town. Lots of homeless people, garbage because it's near the can redemption center.

  • Emille R.
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Oxbow Regional Park

    Most Beautifil Place Oxbow Regional Park

    https://thecelebjackets.com/the-wrong-paris-movie-outfit-collection/

    Recently i visit this place such a great experience, Nestled along the wild and scenic Sandy River, Oxbow Regional Park is a natural sanctuary offering a classic Pacific Northwest escape. The park's 1,200 acres of ancient forest are crisscrossed with hiking trails and provide habitat for elk, deer, and osprey. Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, and rafting in the river, or reserve one of its rustic campsites for a truly immersive experience in nature, all just a short drive from the Portland metropolitan area.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Columbia Riverfront RV Park

    Unexpected gem

    We only stayed a couple of days, but the views, Columbia River waterfront, and open spaces were wonderful. The spaces were a little close, but not enough to make me drop my rating. It's close to home, so we will definitely be back.

  • S. Renae M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Green Canyon

    Unexpected serenity!!

    I wanted to get away for the weekend and it was close. I arrived. Perfect camp spot. Close to the river. I heard it’s lullaby at night!! True therapy in its finest !!

    The trail along the river was awesome. It’s now one of my favorite spots. Will definitely be back.

    No cell service at all but it’s worth it!!! Great camp host!! Very friendly people there. Great memories!!!

  • Anna D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Ainsworth State Park Campground

    Good location

    Location is great, road traffic is loud can hear the train as well. Most sites look good. I booked day of and it wasn’t level at all 🙂. Clean showers and bathroom!

  • Anna D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Eagle Creek Campground

    Great location and clean

    Bathrooms are clean, vaulted toilets. Water available. Site is level…camp host is really nice!

  • S. Renae M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Tucker Park Campground

    Perfect getaway!!!

    I decided last minute to go camping. Searching I found this place not far from the city . It’s so unexpected. It was a great decision!! Hear the river, which I love. Clean bathrooms, water and even showers available!!

    It’s a perfect getaway!!! 10 out of 5!!!!


Guide to Happy Valley

Camping near Happy Valley, Oregon centers largely on river access and trail connectivity. Most campsites within 30 minutes sit at elevations between 200-600 feet, providing cooler nights than Portland proper even in summer months. Winter camping options remain limited mostly to RV parks, with seasonal closures affecting tent sites from November through February.

What to do

Disc golf courses: At Milo McIver State Park, visitors can play "two competition quality disc golf courses. That's right, two." The park hosts "the annual Beaver State Fling, a PDGA sanctioned National Tour event," making it "an excellent host for the international players that come to the Pacific Northwest."

Wildlife viewing: Observation opportunities extend beyond typical forest creatures. One camper at Champoeg State Heritage Area noted the historical aspects: "What a find!!! We love it here. The campground is very well laid out and there are plenty of hiking and biking trails right from your campsite." Another visitor highlighted the area's "farmhouse fascinated my boys... they got to water the garden with a water pump and buckets!"

Water activities: The Clackamas River offers excellent paddling options. At Barton County Park, "Great place to put into the river to float or kayak. Lots of parking." Another visitor mentioned, "We love to float the river! The play area/park is one of my kids favorite. Lots of area to play. Volleyball, gagaball, playground."

What campers like

Privacy levels: Site separation varies considerably between parks. At Mt Hood Village Resort, "The full hook up sites are in old growth timber giving each site a feeling of seclusion." This contrasts with other parks where privacy is minimal. One camper noted, "It's more of an RV campground. But, it does have several yurts, and a tent camping area."

Clean facilities: Many campers prioritize well-maintained bathrooms. At Oxbow Regional Park, visitors appreciate "clean campsite with the basic amenities." One camper mentioned "The bathrooms here are great - showers, running water, and flush toilets!" Another noted "Restrooms are well maintained and have excellent showers. No coins needed."

River access: Barton County Park Campground receives praise for being "a hidden gem!" where "the river access down at the day use was lovely." One visitor called it "the gateway to our annual Float With Friends," while another pointed out it's "Close to the river and a good area to launch from for a day of rafting."

What you should know

Seasonal restrictions: Fire bans frequently affect summer camping. At Oxbow Regional Park, a visitor noted: "In my app it said camp fires allowed. And they ARE NOT allowed at this time. The park rangers are super nice and friendly and definitely efficient." Always check current fire restrictions before arrival.

Connectivity issues: Cell service varies dramatically between parks. One camper reported "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." Another noted "No wifi and we had no phone reception. There are emergency phones installed throughout the park."

Site selection tips: Choose locations strategically to avoid noise. "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." Likewise, "Avoid camping next to the porta potties - we did that one time and a truck at 6:30am came to empty them."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Many parks offer dedicated children's areas. Barton Park offers "Lots of area to play. Volleyball, gagaball, playground." Another camper noted that during their June 2025 stay, "there was a section of the playground marked off with cones and pink tape. Apparently a migratory bird was nesting on the ground so they blocked it off so people wouldn't disturb it."

Educational opportunities: Champoeg State Heritage Area provides historical learning experiences. "Along the way got to see the Champoeg Heritage site with period piece actors, wide open spaces, and the Willamette River." The park combines outdoor recreation with learning: "GREAT biking trails that are kid friendly. There lots of historical sites around the campground to enjoy as well."

Transit-friendly camping: Car-free families have options too. At Barton Park, "We were able to take a city bus there and walk the 3/4 mile into the campground - also the fact that they sell firewood and have a store 3/4 mile away was a big bonus for us." This makes it accessible for families without vehicles.

Tips from RVers

Urban access sites: Clackamette RV Park offers proximity to Portland with natural settings. "Right off the exit of 205, it's very easy to get to, and a beautiful spot where the Clackamas flows into the Willamette. There's gas and dining within walking distance, multiple boat launches, nearby rentals, and lots of wildlife." Another RVer noted it's "Simple RV park with access to everything. The river is right there, bike trails, grass area, walk to town, everything."

Hookup limitations: Some parks offer partial connections only. At Clackamette, you'll find "E/W hookups" but no sewer at individual sites. A camper reported "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." Always check specific hookup availability when booking.

Weather preparedness: Temperature variations affect comfort, especially in shoulder seasons. One visitor to Oxbow noted, "It got very cold at night so be prepared." Pack appropriate gear even for seemingly mild weather forecasts, as riverside locations often experience temperature drops after sunset.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Reid Park in Happy Valley open for overnight camping?

Reid Park in Happy Valley does not offer overnight camping facilities. The park is a day-use recreational area only. For overnight camping near Happy Valley, consider Oxbow Regional Park, which is just a short drive away and offers reservable sites with water and toilet facilities. Another option is Barton County Park Campground, which provides similar amenities and is also convenient to Happy Valley.

Where are the best campgrounds near Happy Valley, Oregon?

The best campgrounds near Happy Valley include Clackamette RV Park, located in nearby Oregon City at the confluence of the Willamette and Clackamas Rivers with great fishing access and proximity to urban amenities. For those willing to drive a bit further, Trillium Lake offers gorgeous views of Mt. Hood, shady campsites, and excellent swimming and paddleboarding opportunities. Other solid options include Mt Hood Village Resort for full amenities and Clackamas Lake Campground when other nearby sites are full.

What amenities are available at Happy Valley camping areas?

Camping areas near Happy Valley offer various amenities depending on the location. Silver Falls State Park Campground provides access to hiking trails, waterfalls, wildlife viewing, tent sites, and yurts. For RV campers, Jantzen Beach RV Park offers full hookups, water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. Most campgrounds in the area provide basic facilities like restrooms and potable water, while some offer additional amenities such as showers, picnic tables, fire rings, and nearby recreational opportunities including fishing, swimming, and hiking.