The Columbia River Gorge near John Day Lock and Dam features a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas along Lake Umatilla. Giles French Park offers free primitive camping with vault toilets and trash receptacles, while nearby LePage Park Campground provides more developed facilities including electrical hookups, showers, and a dump station. Rufus Landing offers dispersed camping opportunities with minimal amenities. The camping landscape includes options for tent campers, RV users seeking hookups, and those looking for primitive experiences along the river's edge. Most campgrounds in this area provide scenic views of the Columbia River, basalt cliffs, and in some locations, distant views of Mt. Hood.
Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences along Lake Umatilla, with high winds being common, especially in spring and summer. The region experiences hot, dry summers and cold winters, with some facilities closing between November and March. Many campgrounds remain open year-round, though services may be limited during off-seasons. The Columbia River Gorge area can experience significant temperature fluctuations, with summer days often exceeding 90°F and nights cooling considerably. Most camping areas near the John Day Dam have 7-day stay limits. Highway noise from I-84 and train traffic along both sides of the river are notable at many sites. As one visitor noted, "This is a gorgeous camping spot along the confluence of the Columbia River and the John Day River, but the winds can be high (22MPH during our stay)."
Waterfront access represents the primary draw for most campers in the area, with fishing opportunities at the confluence of the John Day and Columbia Rivers. Several visitors mentioned the quality of swimming areas, particularly at LePage Park which features a roped-off swimming area and nearby playground. Boating access is available at multiple locations, with boat ramps at several parks. Wildlife viewing opportunities include eagles, hawks, and white pelicans, especially near the dam. According to one camper, "Watching river activity was fun," while others appreciated the stargazing opportunities away from city lights. The campgrounds closer to the dam offer views of barges and boats passing through the locks, adding interest to the riverside camping experience. Train noise and highway sounds are commonly mentioned in reviews but generally described as manageable.
$40 - $45 / night
"It was during the major fires in Oregon so most of the time it was socked in by thick/heavy smoke. Like brown fog. Not at all the fault of Peach Beach. "
"peaceful. close to several wineries and farm stands. especially recommend gunnels fruit and waving tree winery - both within walking distance of campground. other must sees are maryhill museum and stonehenge"
$15 - $75 / night
"It's the perfect spot if you are traveling across Oregon and need a nice place to stop before continuing to another state, or eastern Oregon. The campground is relatively small."
"Found this place on the map while searching for a place to camp at the Washington/Oregon border."
$12 - $68 / night
"Just a brief stop overnight en route to the Oregon Coast."
"If you aren't paying attention, you could miss the park entrance, so be careful about that. We are in a nice pull through site on the river side."
$15 - $35 / night
"The pull-through sites run along the water’s edge, offering water views but smaller pads and tragically, blocking my view. There’s no shade but the breeze kept things cool enough."
"The edge of the pull-through RV spots follows the river and most spots have easy access to the 10-foot rock access to the water. We visited during the last weekend of July and it was HOT!"
"Very easy to find and if the highway and train noise off in the distance don’t bother you, you’ll love it. Very spacious so you don’t have to be right next to anyone."
"Camped right next to the river with other travelling campers, visible to wide area and fwy, so safe feeling. Gravel, close to fwy access."
"Easy access to river and gorgeous views. A few "longggg" term campers but still nice."
"Less than two miles off the highway right on the river. You can camp for free up to 7 nights."
$15 - $92 / night
"I wasn't sure what to expect at this high desert park, but situated deep in a canyon on a once working cattle ranch, this park is poised to become one of Oregon's top state parks."
"Its also a rattlesnake habitat in Eastern Oregon's high desert biome, within 30 miles or so of The Dalles, a city marking the change in the Columbia River Gorge from high desert to wooded mountainsides"
"Dog-walking area. Distant traffic noise from I-84. I would stay there again in a heartbeat."
"We turned right and drove to the very end next to a picnic table. There was no one else nearby. There is a bathroom and a boat launch."
"Great little swimming spot steps from our spot. Trains will come every hour and tracks are close to sites. A few wineries within a mile and one about .5 miles from spot."
"There is a train track close by and the 84 is also close by. You can stay for free for up to 14 days. We have a generator and a 40’ fifth wheel. We had plenty of parking."
"Located right next to both."
TravelerOpen gravel pit along the Columbia River great windsurfing, tug and paddle wheel watching. Between railroads on both sides of the river and I84 alongside too it's pretty noisy. Luckily I like trains and the jakebreaks on semi's, so....Max 1 week stay, run by the BOR
ScoutMy husband and I have stayed here 5x now for a total of 27 days... We love this little park, but this stay was disappointing as there are 3+ sites occupied by someone's junk left here without people... Hope someone can haul it off soon! Oh! The frequent trains running 24/7 might startle you awake as the tracks are 100ft away and they are required to blow their horn 2x before reaching the crossing 300ft away. But camping is an adventure 👍🤗
ScoutA remote campground right on the Deschutes river. Solitude.
TravelerBeautiful park. The bathrooms are heated, with space to hang your jacket or backpack. Flushers with a sink to wash up. The RV space was large, with shade and a beautiful view of Mt Adams. Showers and laundry available- bring some quarters along.
ScoutPretty cool little campground. Multiple sites right on the river, but some might be a bit precarious for some to navigate. Facilities were clean and you can tell the camp hosts care. Recommend for an easy getaway for a couple days.
ScoutTrains keep coming through 😭. Tent sites are small.
RangerReviewed by: The Crew at Hitched4fun.com
If you are navigating the Pacific Northwest corridor or routing toward Glacier National Park along Interstate 84, Boardman Marina& RV Campground is an absolute breath of fresh air. Situated right along the shores of the Columbia River (Lake Umatilla), this park provides an exceptionally scenic, vibrant oasis in Eastern Oregon. During our recent cross-country trek, we booked Site Circle B-24, and it instantly became one of the prettiest waterside stops of our trip.
Campground Setting& Site Quality (Circle B-24)
The immediate standout feature when pulling into this park is just how remarkably lush and green everything is.
The Columbia River Experience
The campground sits directly on the banks of Lake Umatilla, turning a routine overnight stay into a true waterfront retreat.
The Hitched4fun Verdict
Boardman Marina& RV Campground combines pristine green park grounds with unbeatable river views. Whether you are boating, letting kids run free on the grass, or just looking for a calm, scenic rest stop right off the highway, Site Circle B-24 delivers everything a camper could want. We will definitely keep this on our preferred list for future Northwest runs.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars— Highly Recommended by the entire Hitched4fun.com crew!
LegendWe had a great day and one night stay here in late September. The site was right on the hood river that runs thru the campground. Many hiking trails and also an awesome campground overall. Clean restrooms. Awesome camp hosts. This is our second Time in the campground but first on the river. Will return for sure!
TravelerIt’s a little noisy from the train but I didn’t mind my Campspot A21 had a perfect view of the deschutes river. And trails nearby
Riverside camping opportunities at Lake Umatilla near John Day Lock and Dam stretch across both Oregon and Washington shores of the Columbia River. The area sits at approximately 250-300 feet elevation in a semi-arid climate zone that receives less than 15 inches of annual rainfall. Several campgrounds feature distinct seasonal patterns with April to October representing peak usage period when water activities become popular.
Hiking trails near river access: At Deschutes River State Recreation Area, multiple trail options exist including a multi-use path. "The Deschutes River Trail leaves from the campground, and it's a nice 16-mile-long bike ride, though it can get a bit rough," notes Mark A., highlighting accessible outdoor activities beyond fishing.
Biking opportunities: Cottonwood Canyon State Park provides loaner bikes for visitors without their own equipment. "If you don't bring yours, they offered loaner bikes and there were little bike workstations on the grounds," explains Caitlin S., who also mentioned the park maintains a fenced dog area approximately an acre in size.
Cultural attractions: The Maryhill State Park Campground area offers several educational destinations within short driving distance. "There is a great winery nearby for the adults and a museum and the Stonehenge construction for the little ones," describes Mary C., referencing the full-scale Stonehenge replica that serves as a WWI monument.
Swimming areas: The established swimming area at LePage Park Campground receives consistent positive mentions. "There is a really large beach and roped off swimming area, as well as a boat ramp, dock for fishing, and trails for hiking," explains Jill T., emphasizing the multiple water-based recreation options at this location.
Quiet spots for stargazing: Despite proximity to highways, several locations offer good night sky viewing. "Beautiful night sky. 10/10 recommend. Adorable tiny town. Maybe our favorite campground of our whole trip," writes Emma R. about Sherman County RV Park, highlighting the dark sky experiences available at locations further from the highways.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple animal species inhabit the riverside areas. "We saw lizards, red ants, dragon flies, butterflies, birds, geese and a friend saw 2 rattlesnakes," reports Terésa M. about their camping experience at Deschutes River State Recreation Area, noting the snake sighting occurred during an early morning hilltop hike.
Train noise levels: Railroad traffic affects multiple camping locations along Lake Umatilla. At Avery Rec Area, trains pass frequently with significant noise impacts. "You don't just have trains passing, you have them blowing their horn multiple times a night, and they are close enough you can feel their vibration," explains Tavi C., providing a realistic assessment of noise conditions.
Wind patterns: Strong sustained winds represent a common feature at numerous riverside camping areas. "This is not for everyone. It literally is every half hour with the train blaring his horn," notes Bruce S. about Avery Rec Area, where wind combines with train noise to create challenging sleeping conditions for light sleepers.
Site selection strategies: Campground layouts vary considerably, affecting privacy and noise exposure. "We stayed in the T loop in our truck camper, no hookups in this loop. But they have them in the A loop," shares lauren C. about Deschutes River State Recreation Area, noting that loops further from highways generally experience less traffic noise.
Playground access: Several locations offer dedicated play equipment for children. "There is a fabulous roped off swimming area and plenty of space for grass games and a nice play structure for kids," notes Jill T. about LePage Park, highlighting features that appeal specifically to families with younger children.
Educational opportunities: The region contains multiple historic sites within short drives. "An interesting spot just up the hill is Stonehenge. The first WWI monument built in America. The views were lovely," explains Christina F. about attractions near Maryhill State Park, pointing out options for combining camping with educational experiences.
Heat management: Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F, requiring preparation. "This is a new park so the amenities were still in great shape. However, because it was so new the trees were still saplings and provide no shade from the hot sun or protection from the wind," advises Fay M. about Cottonwood Canyon State Park, suggesting summer visitors prepare for limited natural shade.
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer complete services for self-contained units. "We are in a nice pull through site on the river side. About as close to being on the water as you can be from the campground. There are full hook-ups," notes Christina F. about Maryhill State Park, detailing the amenities available for larger rigs.
Dump stations and water access: Services vary significantly between locations. At Giles French Park, "The water is unsafe to drink unless it is boiled first for five minutes," reports Drew, explaining unique water treatment requirements at this free campground.
Late arrival procedures: Several parks accommodate after-hours check-ins. "Arrived late and found an envelope with all my check in details posted in front of the office, including park map with highlighted route to my site," explains Glen C. about Rufus RV Park, describing the self-service options for travelers arriving outside standard hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla?
According to TheDyrt.com, John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla offers a wide range of camping options, with 123 campgrounds and RV parks near John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla and 14 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla is Peach Beach RV Park on the Columbia with a 4.1-star rating from 32 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla.
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