Best Tent Camping near Hood River, OR

We stayed at the Base Camp for 2 nights and used it as a base for exploring the Mount Hood Fruit Loop area.  First, note that the name has changed to Gorge Base Camp RV Park.  It is right across the bridge from Hood River, Or (Note that this is a very NARROW bridge with a $2.00 toll).  The park is paved in asphalt, and each site has grass that is well maintained.  Some reviewers complain about the noise of the train tracks, but they didn't bother us.  The tracks are below the level of the park, and we quite like the train rumble.  The highway is at a higher elevation than the park, so that noise didn't particularly bother us either.  Perhaps it is just that our van is well sound insulated or we're not light sleepers!  The restrooms and shower were quite large and immaculate.  There is a gas and go next door within walking distance for incidental purchases.  A bit pricey, but the full hook ups were worth it to us on 100 degree days!

The tent sites are very large however they have minimal grass or shade. RV sites are very close to each other. There are two bathrooms of one toilet, shower area combined. The shower is coin operated so unless you plan ahead with quarters you are out of luck. It has a card option but does not work. The bathrooms are also not clean. There are 2 portable toilets that were very clean. They advertise quiet hours after 10 pm but it is not in-forced. There was a group partying until 1am next to us. Neighboring property was also blasting music into the morning. There are many other options in the area I would look into one of those.

This review is for the main campground, there is another group/horse campground across the highway that I did not stay in. The small campground is right off Highway 97. The first part of the campground is where the hook ups, large RV's, small trailers and tent campers are located. The spaces are very close together with very few trees separating spaces. Some spots looked barely big enough for a 2 person tent. In this same area is the only flush toilets/showers (Coin operated). Continuing past this main area and over a small hill is where the tent camping/sheep herders tents are located. Since it was located away from the main camping area it was quiet with regards to hearing fellow campers, the downside is the spaces are closer to the Highway. Day and night, semis speed past the state park on either a downhill straight away or an uphill straight away, regardless it sounds like a freight train or military landing pad all night/day long. It was so loud you had to stop talking until the semi passed. The space I was in was so small my 3 person tent only fit if one side was touching the fire ring. Luckily there was a fire ban so no fire to melt my tent. The space also had full view of the pit toilet, since it was the only toilet on that side, I saw everyone come and go. It was also super close to one of the sheep herders tent site. There were 2 sheep herder tents sites. The spots looked large and the tents looked like they would sleep at least 4-5 people. The other tent sites where much larger, but still all the sites could hear the highway. Note, be careful about leaving food out, zipping your tent up, leaving car doors open. The mice were pretty bad and came out at night driving my dog crazy. There were a bunch of trails that ran through out the park that provided a nice alternative to get to the other side of the park or climb to the top of the hill near the power lines. The camp host was also a very nice gentleman who suggested activities in the near by area. I was exploring the area cause it's new to me, but I wont return cause it's not my type of camping.

My family and I have stayed at this campground a few times, not because there's really anything special about the campground itself, but because of it's proximity to Tamawanas falls. The campground is primitive with a couple vault toilets, trash cans and sites with no amenities besides a fire ring and table. 

If the campground isn't too crowded and you get to choose, pick a spot right on the East Fork Hood River. The river noise will drown out most of highway noise, plus it's nice to have somewhere to dip your feet, or body, after the hike to and from Tamawanas falls. The falls trailhead can be reached via the campground and the hike is moderate and well worth the work in my opinion.

Also nearby is the hike to Lookout Mtn, which we really liked. It was a bit more of a strenuous hike with lots of elevation gains, but the views at the top were well worth it. You won't be able to see Mt Hood and surrounding lakes like that from anywhere else.

If you're looking for a quick weekend spot to stay for a couple nights (max), that is close to some good hiking, but close to a main road, this place might be worth checking out.