Glamping accommodations near John Day Lock and Dam range from tent-only sites to full hookup options with rates typically $20-40 per night. The Columbia River Gorge area experiences strong winds during summer afternoons, with gusts reaching 29 mph at campgrounds along the river. Most locations offer basic facilities with pit toilets rather than full-service bathrooms, reflecting the remote high desert environment.
What to do
Hike the Pinnacles Trail: At Cottonwood Canyon State Park, trails follow the John Day River offering views of canyon landscapes. "Some really great hikes you can do nearby. We did the Pinnacles Trail and Lost Corral Trail. Both of these hikes were 'moderate/difficult.' They were both a little over 8 miles roundtrip. The scenery is gorgeous on both hikes- you follow along the river," notes Julie P.
Kayak on Horsethief Lake: Water activities provide relief from summer heat at Columbia Hills Historical State Park. "There was a small kayak/canoe rental place that is run by the super friendly camp host," shares Ashley B. The calm waters create ideal paddling conditions for beginners and families.
Explore ancient petroglyphs: Historical sites within walking distance of campgrounds offer cultural experiences. "One of the best aspects was the petroglyphs that were along trails near the campground. This was a great spot and I highly recommend it!" reports Mary C. Tours leave from campgrounds and require no additional fees.
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: The clear desert skies create perfect conditions for astronomy enthusiasts. "At night it is incredibly dark. This was the best part! You can almost forget that there is an RV 5' away. Open sky and the stars are beautiful!" shares Adalia C. at Columbia Hills.
Fishing access: Multiple sites offer direct river access for anglers. At Macks Canyon Recreation Site, "The view of the river was amazing and we watched lots of fishing boats and rafting boats go by," reports Sarah S. Most river access points have gentle slopes for easy entry.
Wildlife viewing: The canyon environments support diverse wildlife populations. "We saw some interesting birds and lizards around the campsite," mentions Irene L. Early mornings provide the best viewing opportunities, particularly for deer and elk that frequent campground areas.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds sit near active rail lines. At Maupin City Park, "Tracks are very close and trains pass every couple hours throughout the night." Rebecca L. warns. Other campers find the sounds atmospheric: "I personally love it. The train runs once or twice a night. Sometimes it wakes me, most of the time I sleep through it," notes JoRox E.
Extreme winds: Wind conditions can become severe with little warning. At Viento State Park, "The winds hit 29 MPH at some points of our stay. Make sure you plan accordingly and have a tent that can withstand winds and look for heavy rocks to weigh down your ground stakes," advises Adalia C.
Limited shade: Many glamping sites near John Day Lock and Dam lack mature trees. "This is a newer campground 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," explains Fay M. about Cottonwood Canyon.
Tips for camping with families
Water play areas: Shallow river entry points provide safe swimming for children. At Tucker Park, "Both day use and river access from the camping area were lovely and the water was perfect to cool off after a hot day," notes Cerise D. Most water access areas have gradual entries rather than steep drops.
Playground options: Some campgrounds include play structures for children. "The site had said it was good for an RV or 2 tents. The first day use area had a little play structure," reports Amanda M. Many campgrounds separate play areas from camping zones to minimize noise issues.
Wildlife education: Animal sightings create learning opportunities. "My dog woke me up to a bat that got stuck inside the cabin and was trying to get out," shares Ashley B. about her experience at Columbia Hills. Morning wildlife walks often yield deer, bird, and small mammal sightings.
Tips from RVers
Bridge access challenges: RVers should research routes carefully when planning glamping close to John Day Lock and Dam. "If you're in an RV, be prepared for some SERIOUS white knuckle driving if you cross the Hood River bridge. It's two lane, NINE FEET WIDE. Most RVs will have inches to spare," cautions Robert R. about accessing Bridge RV Park.
Access road conditions: Unpaved roads can challenge larger rigs. At Macks Canyon, "About 20 miles of gravel road will take you here and some small Rockwall to semi-worry about," warns Logan K. The washboard surfaces require slow speeds: "I have never experienced a washboard road as bad as this was for 6-7 miles."
Site leveling: Some campgrounds offer better prepared surfaces than others. "The first time I haven't had to level the trailer side to side. Water and Electrical hookups well maintained," notes Magnus S. about Columbia Hills. This reduces setup time and minimizes stabilizer needs.
