Camping areas surround Hermiston in northeastern Oregon where the Columbia River creates a recreation corridor through the high desert plateau. Daytime temperatures can reach the upper 90s in summer months while winter nights frequently drop below freezing. Several campgrounds remain open year-round, offering access to water recreation, wine tasting, and agricultural tourism opportunities.
What to do
River activities along the Columbia: Just minutes from Umatilla Marina & RV park, visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating. "The beach/cove is very nice and good place to paddle-board or kayak," noted one camper who stayed four nights during the summer when temperatures reached the 90s.
Wine tasting tours: Wine Country RV Park in Prosser, about 45 minutes from Hermiston, serves as a central base for exploring local vineyards. "This could be a nice basecamp spot for people who love exploring wineries. The small town of Prosser has almost 30 wineries and tasting rooms in the immediate area and this park is in the midst of them all," writes one reviewer.
Dam tours and education: McNary Dam offers visitor access when open. According to a reviewer at Umatilla Marina & RV Park, "The McNary Dam and Fish window are a few miles down the road and well worth a visit (when open)."
What campers like
Convenient overnight stops: Many campgrounds cater to travelers passing through the region. At Pilot RV Park, visitors appreciate the practical amenities: "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."
Clean facilities: Horn Rapids RV Resort maintains exceptionally clean shared spaces. "The bathrooms are spotless. There's plenty of them too. The community lounge is big and clean with a kitchen and sofas, TV, and tables," notes a camper who stayed nearly two months.
Level sites: Columbia River campgrounds typically offer flat, accessible sites. "Level gravel sites with grassy area between sites. Friendly and helpful staff. Clean campground," writes a reviewer about their experience at Umatilla Marina & RV Park.
What you should know
Highway noise levels: Several rv sites near Hermiston, Oregon experience traffic noise due to proximity to major roads. At Umatilla Marina RV Park, one camper noted, "It is noisy with the bridge and Hwy right there beside the park."
Seasonal differences: Summer brings more visitors and higher temperatures. "During the night, some people camping in their truck would start the engine every hour to keep warm plus the truck traffic over the I-82 bridge was noisy. This was in late October 2020 during a cold snap," shared one Umatilla Marina visitor.
Wi-Fi quality varies: Internet connectivity can be inconsistent at many campgrounds. At Kiona West near Hermiston, campers have access to electric hookups but may find limited connectivity, so having cellular data backup is recommended.
Tips for camping with families
Movie nights: Some campgrounds offer unexpected entertainment options. A camper at Umatilla Marina RV Park shared: "Fun experience: the field next to the campground set up an outdoor movie night with free popcorn. The kids loved it and it was a great memory maker."
Swimming options: Columbia Sun RV Resort provides recreational facilities beyond standard campground offerings. "Has all the amenities and activities you want in a semi-urban RC resort / glamping get away. Heated pool and hot tub, game room and more," noted one visitor.
Safe water play areas: Look for protected swimming spots when camping with children. "The drive here was a great drive. Great places to sit and eat a picnic at. Had a spot to use the bathroom. The hiking was really good easy kid friendly," shared a reviewer about Umatilla Marina RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Sprinkler schedules: At many rv sites near Hermiston, Oregon, irrigation systems may disrupt outdoor activities. "The only complaint I have is that the sprinklers go on in the middle of the day. So if you are doing anything outside there is a good hour break to avoid the irrigation water," noted a camper at Horn Rapids RV Resort.
Accessible fuel: Several campgrounds are positioned near fuel stations that accommodate large vehicles. "It is also close to Safeway and right outside the gate is a camper trailer friendly gas station with diesel," mentioned a reviewer at Horn Rapids RV Resort.
Size restrictions: Wildhorse Resort Casino RV Park can accommodate larger rigs. "Fairly level site 95 fit our trailer & truck totaling 55 feet," noted one camper, adding useful details about local services: "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."
