Campgrounds near Heppner, Oregon sit at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 3,500 feet in the rugged terrain of Morrow County. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during daytime hours with cooler 50-60°F nights. Most camping facilities remain open from April through October, with limited winter availability due to seasonal closures and weather conditions.
What to do
Fishing at Columbia River access points: Near Umatilla Marina & RV Park, visitors can fish directly from the marina. "There is a nice park and swimming area for kids. The marina has a large parking lot and spots to clean fish," notes one camper who rated the experience 4 stars.
Visit McNary Dam: Located 3 miles from Umatilla Marina & RV Park, the dam offers educational exhibits about river management. According to a visitor, "The McNary Dam and Fish window are a few miles down the road and well worth a visit (when open)."
Evening entertainment: Wildhorse Resort Casino RV Park & Tipi Villiage offers activities beyond gambling. A recent reviewer mentioned, "The casino has added many family activities, including an arcade, a cinema, a food court, and recently a bowling alley with multiple lanes. Plus restaurants and a sports bar."
Explore Fossil: The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument sits within driving distance of several campgrounds. When staying at Wheeler County Fairgrounds RV Park, one camper recommended, "Fossil is an awesome little town near the Clarno Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds... There's a wonderful little trail right nearby that takes you up to the city water tank and 360 view of the town and area."
What campers like
Quiet locations: Many campers appreciate the peaceful settings of certain RV parks. At Port of Arlington RV Park & Marina, a visitor noted, "Not necessarily a campground, but great rest stop with clean bathrooms, grassy area to lay, and docks for leisure, swimming, etc. This site is well manacured. Playground available."
River views: Columbia River views rank high among camper preferences. A reviewer at Port of Arlington mentioned, "The views were interesting. Once you get past the big industrial plant, the sunset in the river was nice."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers are consistently mentioned in positive reviews. At Pilot RV Park, a camper stated, "To say clean doesn't do them justice; the facilities were immaculate. The staff are friendly and helpful. Had no problems watching a movie with their free WiFi."
Spacious layouts: Some rv campgrounds near Heppner offer larger sites. At Wildhorse Resort, a visitor reported, "Fairly level site 95 fit our trailer & truck totaling 55". Full hookups, check in is 3pm out is 11am."
What you should know
Seasonal occupancy fluctuations: Several Heppner area campgrounds experience significant changes in availability depending on the time of year, with hunting season being particularly busy from September through November.
Highway noise levels: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise due to proximity to main roads. A camper at Driftwood RV Park noted it was "Cute, and Clean" but mentioned highway noise, stating it was "Small and very green Campground with just what you need as you're passing through."
Wind conditions: The Columbia River Gorge creates significant wind that can affect camping. A visitor to Port of Arlington advised, "We would advise getting your leveling jacks down without using Legos so as to have extra firm footing. Also, be careful not to leave your awnings out unattended."
Connectivity challenges: Cell service varies considerably throughout the region. At Wheeler County Fairgrounds RV Park, a camper warned, "Only downside is that there's no connectivity in town. No phone, no wifi, no cable, no nothing. Bring lots of books or have your iTunes downloads ready to go....or just enjoy the peace and quiet."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access options: Several RV parks near Heppner offer swimming facilities. At Wildhorse Resort, "Both the hotel and the RV park have separate swimming pools," making it suitable for families with children looking to cool off during summer months.
Entertainment planning: When staying at Umatilla Marina RV Park, one family found unexpected entertainment: "The field next to the campground set up a outdoor movie night with free popcorn. The kids loved it and it was a great memory maker."
Water activities: Columbia River access points offer swimming opportunities. At Umatilla Marina & RV Park, a camper mentioned, "Beach/cove is very nice and good place to paddle-board or kayak. Didn't use restrooms but the rest of the campground was clean and tidy."
Stock up on supplies: Limited shopping options exist in smaller towns. A visitor to Wheeler County Fairgrounds RV Park advised, "Fossil also has the best grocery store in the area so stock up on fresh produce. Movie rentals too!!!"
Tips from RVers
Overnight convenience: For those traveling through the Heppner area, several parks offer easy pull-through access. At Pilot RV Park, a reviewer mentioned, "They took our reservation from the road so we could drive right into our pull-through space. Since we were stopping for a weather delay, we just hooked up electric and used their restroom and shower."
Site selection strategy: Level spots can be challenging to find at some campgrounds in the rugged terrain surrounding Heppner. At Umatilla Marina & RV Park, "Level gravel sites with grassy area between sites" were noted by a satisfied camper.
Weather preparation: Temperature variations require planning. One RVer at Wildhorse Resort Casino RV Park mentioned, "About 10 miles outside of Pendleton, OR (post office for mail and packages, Walmart Supercenter and Safeway. Arrowhead travel center for gas or munchies that has easy RV access."
Utility connections: Most RV campgrounds in Heppner and surrounding areas offer varied hookup options. At Wildhorse Resort Casino, a visitor confirmed, "Park is nice and adequate for a quick stop over. Sites have sewer. There is a shuttle that will pick you up and take you to the casino."
