RV camping near Happy Valley, Oregon offers year-round access to both urban amenities and outdoor recreation. The area sits at the eastern edge of the Portland metro region with elevations ranging from 400 to 800 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures typically remain above freezing while summer days rarely exceed 90°F, creating favorable camping conditions throughout most of the year.
What to do
River access points: The Sandy River provides swimming opportunities near Sandy Riverfront RV Resort, where campers can enjoy riverfront views. "Right on the Sandy River where 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)."
Hiking trails: Multiple campgrounds serve as gateways to Mount Hood trails. At Mt Hood Village Resort, campers find direct trail connections. "There is a path that leads to the Wildwood recreation area and within the RV park itself there is access to the Salmon River for fishing/swimming."
Salmon viewing: The Clackamas River area offers underwater salmon viewing opportunities. "Wildwood recreation site is right next door and boasts an underwater salmon viewing area as well naturalist inspired boardwalks and walking paths. Go salmon!"
What campers like
Clean facilities: Most RV sites near Happy Valley maintain well-kept restrooms and shower buildings. At Portland Fairview RV Park, guests appreciate the maintenance standards. "Nice, clean park. The bathrooms and showers are clean."
Swimming pools: Several parks offer indoor or outdoor pools for recreation. Jantzen Beach RV Park provides multiple swimming options. "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."
Convenient location: RV sites position campers between Portland urban areas and natural attractions. Columbia River RV Park offers strategic positioning. "The location couldn't be more convenient, right near Portland and just steps away from the beautiful Columbia River. It was so nice to take walks along the waterfront and enjoy the peaceful views while still being close to everything the city has to offer."
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds experience railroad noise due to proximity to tracks. Sandy Riverfront RV Resort sits near active rail lines. "There is a train bridge visible from the park, which is both entertaining and a bit noisy at times."
Site spacing varies: Some parks feature tightly packed sites while others provide more separation. "The spots are typically close together, but some have more separation than others. Most sites are pull through."
Water pressure considerations: Water systems in some parks operate at lower pressure than travelers might expect. Jantzen Beach RV Park occasionally experiences this issue. "Water pressure is the lowest we've ever experienced. Not sure what's going on but all of the folks we've talked to are experiencing the same. Maybe because we're on an island?"
Long-term residents: Many parks accommodate both overnight visitors and permanent residents. "While there's definitely some long-term and month-to-month spots, most RVs aren't spilling over with 'extras' like some places."
Tips for camping with families
Pool facilities: Several RV parks near Happy Valley include swimming pools suitable for children. Mt Hood Village Resort provides indoor swimming options. "We had an RV on site. Used the indoor swimming pool and the restaurant for some breakfasts & lunches. Food was adequate."
Playground access: Dedicated play areas exist at multiple campgrounds. Clackamette RV Park offers riverside recreation. "The confluence of the Clackamas and Willamette river's, this is a great spot with most amenities, still inside Portland metro, right off 205 but incredibly serene nonetheless."
Walking paths: Paved trails connect many campgrounds to surrounding attractions. "There is plenty of bike riding in the RV park, and right across Hwy 26 is some of the best Mountain Biking in the country at the Sandy Ridge Trail System."
Tips from RVers
Laundry facilities: Dedicated pet washing machines exist in some parks for cleaning dog bedding and gear. "The laundry room had a designated pet washer and dryer, which I always love, so we washed all of our dog bedding here."
RV age restrictions: Some parks maintain policies about minimum RV model years. "They also have RV age limit of 2010 but they allowed pictures before turning me down. Yay we got approved!"
After-hours check-in: Late arrivals should check for self-service registration options. Roamers Rest RV Park maintains clear procedures. "If the office is closed there is a cabinet around the corner that may contain the map with your name and directions to your spot."
Pull-through availability: Larger rigs benefit from accessing pull-through sites when available. "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."
