The Columbia River corridor near Hermiston spans elevations from 300 to 400 feet with a high desert climate. Summers reach 90-100°F with very low humidity, while winters bring occasional freezing temperatures. The area receives under 10 inches of precipitation annually, creating dry camping conditions where dust management becomes important at unimproved sites.
What to do
Fishing access points: Umatilla Marina & RV Park provides direct river access for fishing enthusiasts. "The marina has a large parking lot and spots to clean fish. There is a nice park and swimming area for kids," notes Jill T. about the facilities.
River swimming: Boardman Marina Park offers designated swimming areas perfect for cooling off during summer heat. "There is walking distance to swim and/or fish," mentions Shamra P., who stayed in the overflow parking area.
Walking trails: The Columbia River corridor features paved paths suitable for all abilities. "Boardman Marina Park has a great 2.8 mile trail for biking and/or walking along the river. The trail has a great little microbrewery that serves pizza so bring your wallet!" shares Lisa in her review.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Plymouth Park Campground across the river in Washington maintains well-kept restrooms and grounds. "Clean area with grass and playground. Dumpster and restroom available. Sights are on paved roadway with firepits and picnic tables," reports Katherine K.
Level sites: Many campgrounds in the area feature flat, accessible camping spots. "The sites are level and paved, easy for any size rig. Lawns are irrigated and green so that is a nice touch," describes Jessie L. about Plymouth Park Campground.
River views: Umatilla Marina & RV Park provides waterfront camping with Columbia River vistas. "Just a half mile from I-84, you'll get a little truck noise but was worth the $34 for an overnight stay," says Ray V., who appreciated the convenient location and riverside setting.
What you should know
Highway noise: Most campgrounds in the Hermiston area experience some traffic noise. "If you need an easy place to pull in for the night, this works. If you think you're camping on the Columbia River, you're not. It's close, but you can't get there from here—walking anyways," notes C S. about Plymouth Park.
Seasonal insect concerns: Yellow jackets can become problematic during summer months. "When you arrive a sweet lady warns you about the snakes. But what she failed to warn us about is the swarming yellow jackets," reports Courtney Z., who experienced insect issues during her stay.
Limited privacy: Many sites offer convenience but minimal seclusion. "It's a cute spot if you don't mind sharing right spaces and zero privacy. The spots are basically pull outs off the camp roadway," explains Nicole L. about the setup at Plymouth Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Hood Park offers dedicated play areas for children. "This campground offers developed sites with hookups for campers. There is a playground and interpretive events for kids in the evenings. They even had some movies on the weekends," shares Chris A.
Movie nights: Some campgrounds host outdoor films during summer months. "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," reports Agnes B. about her experience at Umatilla Marina RV Park.
Swimming safety: When camping with children, check water conditions before swimming. "We were here on a hot day, lots of families with kids using the beach and swimming area," observes a reviewer at Sand Station Recreation Area, noting the popularity of the swimming beach during summer.
Tips from RVers
Dump station logistics: Consider the location of sanitary facilities when selecting a site. "In site 45, I think the dump ended up being almost uphill from my trailer, so it was an interesting challenge to get my tanks emptied," advises Jay K. about his experience at Boardman Marina Park.
Seasonal hookup changes: Winter campers should confirm available services. "Be advised that if you go in the off-season the spots are first come first served. We were disappointed to find there was no water hookup as they had already winterized," warns Lisa about Boardman Marina Park.
Payment options: Pioneer RV Park in Hermiston offers different payment arrangements. "Pay in cash and get a good deal. Nice RV park with amenities close by," suggests Bradee A., highlighting potential savings for budget-conscious travelers.
