Hermiston camping options extend into the Blue Mountains with elevations ranging from 640 to 5,800 feet across nearby sites. The Columbia Plateau's dry climate results in minimal rainfall from June through September, with summer temperatures averaging 85-95°F. Local campgrounds frequently experience strong winds, particularly along riverside locations.
What to do
Fishing access: Hood Park on the Snake River provides excellent fishing opportunities with direct water access. "I was there for a day, nice place for car camping, easy snake river access," notes one visitor who appreciated the convenience.
Hiking trails: Crow Butte Park features trails over sandy buttes with Columbia River vistas. "There are hiking trails around the camp grounds," mentions one camper who enjoyed exploring the area's natural terrain.
Wildlife viewing: The area near Fishhook Park includes significant bird habitat. "There is a connected wildlife preserve that you can walk around in and also fish in that is a separate area. Lots of birds to watch," reports a visitor who appreciated the natural surroundings.
Swimming spots: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming areas during summer months. "There is a small swimming area but no beach to speak of (grassy and pebbly area)," explains one Fishhook Park visitor describing water access.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Hood Park campsites feature generous spacing between neighbors. "Lots of options in this campground from drive through big trailer spots to back-in spots to tent only areas. Tons of wide green lawns with lots of space, camp sites end up pretty well spaced apart," notes one reviewer.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and common areas. "Clean, quiet, and lots to do! Golf, museum, movies, walking trails, nature and special events! Clean pool and hot tub. Showers and bathrooms very clean and a laundry room, too!" writes a visitor to Wildhorse Resort.
River views: Many sites offer direct water views for scenic camping. "Our site, along with several others, had a nice view of Lake Sacajawea," reports a Fishhook Park visitor describing the waterfront setting.
Shade coverage: Fishhook Park provides tree cover to mitigate summer heat. "There are quite a few trees for shade," explains a camper who stayed during hot weather.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds experience intermittent railroad noise. "Be aware there are train tracks nearby and you will hear an occasional loud train," warns a Fishhook Park visitor.
Highway sounds: Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area sites can hear interstate traffic. "The road noise is extreme; very loud. If you can get past that the place is really sweet," notes one camper about the proximity to I-84.
Wind conditions: Columbia River sites frequently experience strong gusts. "Site 27 was in the direct sunlight, no shade, all day. Also had strong side winds coming off of the lake," reports a Fishhook Park visitor.
Wildlife hazards: Some areas have snake concerns during warm months. "There's a trail to the lake but we were warned not to use it due to the high likelihood of encountering rattlesnakes," cautions a Fishhook Park visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming safety: Penland Lake has water quality issues to consider. "We found a nice place to wade our feet in the water and play fetch with the puppers. It smelled awful and wasn't really the ideal wading water... Unfortunately, when we got out of the water we found leeches attached to our feet," warns one visitor.
Playground options: Several campgrounds include play equipment for children. "There is a playground and horseshoe pits but no hiking trails that I could see," notes a Fishhook Park visitor about recreation options.
Educational programs: Ranger-led activities enhance family experiences. "The Jr rangers program for the children was wonderful and hands on," shares a visitor to Emigrant Springs who participated with family members.
Camping alternatives: Wine Country RV Park offers luxurious glamping near Hermiston with additional amenities. "There is a pool and hot tub, both of which were closed for winter, and a small playground and basketball hoop for kids," explains a reviewer describing the family-friendly features.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Back-in sites at many campgrounds require planning. "Be aware of what campsite you get as we picked spot 27 and were not made aware before hand that you need an escort to your site due to the site facing the opposite way of traffic," advises a Fishhook Park RVer.
Hookup options: Regional glamping accommodations vary in utility connections. "The back-in sites are wide enough to comfortably fit a TT, 5th wheel or RV and your toad or other vehicle side-by-side. The pull-through sites are very large," notes a Fishhook Park visitor.
Weather considerations: Seasonal temperature variations affect comfort levels. "We stayed over on the Thursday night, which is a little less than on the weekend. The site was level, power checked out good and sewer and water were also provided," reports a visitor to Wildhorse Resort who found the utilities reliable despite temperature fluctuations.
