The Clackamas River runs through several campgrounds near Happy Valley, Oregon, which sits at approximately 400 feet elevation. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during peak camping season, while spring and fall bring cooler temperatures and more precipitation. Many glamping sites in this region remain open from late May through September, with a few offering year-round accommodations.
What to do
Hiking trail access: Milo McIver State Park Campground offers multiple trails for all skill levels. According to Nancy H., "There are private feeling hiking trails around the large park. The campground area is a standard State Park area, mostly private sites tucked into the trees." The park features a unique bat trail among its recreational options.
Disc golf courses: For disc golf enthusiasts, Milo McIver provides competition-quality courses. Steve C. notes, "Milo McIver may be best known for its 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."
Fishing spots: Promontory Park offers dedicated fishing areas including a stocked pond for younger anglers. One reviewer mentioned, "There is trout fishing starting May 22 and continues through October. Cheap way to get out of the city." The park provides pier access for fishing and proximity to North Fork Reservoir.
River swimming: Oxbow Regional Park provides river swimming areas with sandy beaches. Blaine B. describes it as "a huge park (like 1,000 acres) with several camping options. Plenty of hiking, swimming, and fishing through the park. It's truly a great oasis just outside of Portland."
What campers like
Yome accommodations: At Promontory Park, these unique structures blend yurt and dome designs. Brad and Jamie L. shared, "The yomes have electricity and bunk beds this has one of our favorite spots." They add that the campground has "electric hot plate stations for community cooktops" which enhances the glamping in Happy Valley experience.
Privacy between sites: Silver Falls State Park Campground offers well-designed site separation. Richard H. notes, "Site spacing is good with lots of privacy between camps. Bathrooms and showers are super nice and clean. Roads and campsites are paved and level."
Year-round availability: Some locations provide winter glamping options near Happy Valley. Mt Hood Village Resort stands out with facilities that remain open regardless of season. Jack B. explains, "The full hook up sites are in old growth timber giving each site a feeling of seclusion. The lodge, pool, hot tub and saunas are in good condition."
Proximity to Portland: Many campers appreciate being close enough to the city while feeling remote. Ben W. comments about Oxbow Regional Park, "Easy distance from Portland on the Sandy River. Down a steep hill (important if you're biking). Nothing that incredible, but nice enough for one night or a weekend away."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites book quickly, especially during summer months. For Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground, Ashley B. advises, "I would recommend this place, just make reservations early." The campground offers yurts and tent spaces but limited availability.
Seasonal limitations: Some facilities and activities are restricted during certain times of the year. At Promontory Park, the kids' fishing pond operates under specific conditions. One reviewer explained, "Unfortunately, the website doesn't say the fish can't survive in the pond during the hot summer months."
Bathroom access: Consider proximity to facilities when choosing sites. Tyson C. noted at Mt Hood Village Resort, "If you're tent camping the bathrooms are quite the hike, the tent sites are crammed together, there's only one working faucet in the entire tent camping area."
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs dramatically between locations. Zach S. reports at Oxbow Regional Park, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly programming: Promontory Park offers organized activities for children. Tyson C. shared, "Great place for a family. We tent camped here with a 3 year old. Great facilities, great hosts, and great activities for the toddler." The hosts provide scavenger hunts with stickers for young campers.
Playground access: Several sites feature dedicated play areas. Scott W. notes about Champoeg, "Champoeg has a little everything. GREAT biking trails that are kid friendly. There lots of historical sites around the campground to enjoy as well." The park includes a large playground and family-friendly biking paths.
Swimming options: Lost Lake Resort And Campground provides safe water activities for families. ChiAnn M. explains, "Great if you have a family or large group and/or are newer to the camping world! They got a range of options to dip into! The lake is always cold no matter the season. Really easy fishing if you're just learning."
Historical activities: Some locations offer educational opportunities. Melissa L. noted about Milo McIver State Park, "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)."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Mt Hood Village Resort, some RV spots offer more seclusion than others. Destiny T. recommends, "The campground is well taken care of, the staffing are friendly, awesome amenities, perfect home base for dropping off camper and taking off for hiking and mushroom hunting adventures."
Hook-up variations: Not all sites provide the same utility connections. Joel H. advises, "Full hookups worked well for us. There was a group of tent campers across from us, so it seems they do allow tents in RV spots as well. The Lodge has wifi, the rest of the park does not."
Maintenance considerations: Facilities undergo regular updates at different times. Jessica S. noted about Mt Hood Village, "Bathrooms need some attention—ours was scheduled to be remodeled in Oct!" Always check with the specific glamping location near Happy Valley for current amenity status.
