Campgrounds near Hillsboro, Oregon lie within easy access to both the Cascade mountain range and the Pacific coast, at elevations ranging from 160 to 1,800 feet. The area experiences mild winters and warm summers, with most precipitation falling between November and March. Many local campgrounds remain accessible year-round, though trail conditions vary significantly with seasonal rainfall.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park offers extensive mountain biking options for all skill levels. "Lots of hiking and mountain biking trails within the park and a regional rail to trail runs through it," notes Annie B., who appreciated the variety of terrain available. The paved Banks-Vernonia Trail runs through the park, providing an accessible option for cyclists of all abilities.
Fishing opportunities: Gales Creek Campground provides creek-side camping with easy water access. "There's lots of trails and a couple bathrooms. The spots are nice especially on the B loop but too close together for my liking," says Breanna, who found the campground's proximity to Portland convenient. The small creek is perfect for casual fishing or splashing around during summer months.
Waterfall viewing: Silver Falls State Park Campground offers one of Oregon's most accessible waterfall viewing experiences, about 90 minutes from Hillsboro. "THE most beautiful park in Oregon that we've seen! Hiked for 5 hours! BEWARE: It's WET, so bring your wet weather gear, and good, sturdy hiking shoes for slippery terrain," advises Melissa L. The park's famous Trail of Ten Falls extends 7.2 miles and takes most hikers around 3 hours to complete.
Disc golf courses: Multiple parks near Hillsboro feature disc golf layouts. "Home of the annual Beaver State Fling, a PDGA sanctioned National Tour event, Milo McIver is an excellent host for the international players that come to the Pacific Northwest," explains Steve C. The course at Milo McIver is competition-quality, while several other parks offer more casual layouts.
What campers like
Walk-in camping experience: Dairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park provides a short quarter-mile hike-in camping area. "The hike in is pretty easy—about a quarter mile down the up. They have carts to help you get all your stuff to your spot in one trip which is very helpful," shares Jenny R., noting the convenience despite being a walk-in site. The campground offers numbered sites with varying privacy levels.
Yurt camping Hillsboro, Oregon options: Several nearby parks offer yurt accommodations as alternatives to traditional tent camping. "We've been here 3 times, once for tent camping and twice in a yurt. The yurts are heated, and a couple of them are pet friendly, which is great for us!" reports Lana N. about Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground. The heated yurts make three-season camping more comfortable for families and those new to outdoor experiences.
Riverfront sites: Milo McIver State Park Campground features sites along the Clackamas River. "Big sites, great river access," notes WE B., highlighting what many visitors appreciate about this park. A visitor named Hahns R. adds, "Estacada lake is within walking distance, and there is salmon fishing within driving distance inside of the park. There is also a 'bat' barn that is close by."
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds near Hillsboro offer wildlife viewing opportunities. "We love it here. The campground is very well laid out and there are plenty of hiking and biking trails right from your campsite. The hosts are super friendly and helpful," says Thamar D. about Champoeg State Park. Deer, small mammals, and a variety of bird species are commonly spotted throughout the area campgrounds.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Hillsboro require advance planning, especially during summer months. "Would recommend this place, just make reservations early," advises Ashley B. about Champoeg. For yurt camping near Hillsboro, Oregon, reservations should be made 6-9 months in advance for summer weekends.
Weather considerations: Pacific Northwest camping often means preparing for rain. "My husband and I have stayed here twice and both times it has rained. Which is fine but we find it very humorous (and actually really enjoy camping in the rain)," shares Jenny R. about L.L. Stub Stewart. Waterproof gear is essential even during summer months.
Campfire restrictions: Fire regulations vary by season and location. "Sites are always clean and hosts we've interacted with were always helpful and friendly," notes Shane B., who also appreciated the diverse recreational options at L.L. Stub Stewart. During dry summer months, fire restrictions may be implemented with little notice.
Noise levels: Paradise Point State Park Campground experiences highway noise that affects some campsites. "Freeway is really really close to the whole camp site. You can hear vehicles at night. If you're a light sleeper or need nature noises when camping - this is not the site for you," warns Susan P. Request sites further from I-5 when making reservations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "Great family getaway. Champoeg has a little everything. GREAT biking trails that are kid friendly. There lots of historical sites around the campground to enjoy as well," says Scott W., highlighting the family-friendly amenities at Champoeg State Heritage Area.
Beach proximity: Nehalem Bay State Park Campground provides easy beach access for families seeking coastal camping. "Great campground. Close to the beach, nice amenities. Love being able to walk to the beach from the campsite. Good paved loop for kids to ride bikes," reports C M. The park offers both yurts and traditional campsites approximately 90 minutes from Hillsboro.
Educational opportunities: Several parks provide historical and natural learning experiences. "The farmhouse fascinated my boys... they got to water the garden with a water pump and buckets!" shares Leslie C. about Champoeg State Park, which features a historical site and interpretive center open during summer months.
Accommodation variety: Families new to camping should consider the variety of accommodation options beyond tent sites. "The yurts are heated, and a couple of them are pet friendly. There is a small table in each yurt. Theres a couch and a bunk bed for sleeping arrangements, with the lower bunk larger than the top bunk," explains Lana N. about the yurt camping options at Champoeg.
Tips from RVers
Site specifications: Oxbow Regional Park offers RV sites with specific layouts. "The pad starts with asphalt and then goes to gravel, where you actually park the rig. The water and sewer hookups were in the middle of the site, with electric being at the back of the pad," details MickandKarla W. about their stay at another nearby state park. Knowing exact hookup locations helps with RV positioning.
Loop selection: Different campground loops offer varying experiences. "The Dairy Creek West loop has more shaded and privacy for most of the sites if thats what you are seeking, while the East loop is more open and affords a more social experience for those who like the chance to interact with their neighbors a bit more," explains Shane B. about L.L. Stub Stewart State Park.
Utility performance: Water pressure and electrical service can vary between campgrounds. "The water pressure was not very good at around 35 psi," notes MickandKarla W. about their stay. Most RV campgrounds near Hillsboro provide 30-amp service, with 50-amp available at select locations.
Connectivity issues: Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds. "Barely got 1 bar of 4g at the welcome center. There's a guest wifi in the parking lot there too but it's 2 miles further to the camp ground and texts hardly go through," reports Zach S. about Oxbow Regional Park. Some campgrounds offer WiFi at central locations, but connectivity should not be assumed throughout camping areas.
