Best RV Parks near John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla

Looking for the best John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla RV camping? Find the best information on RV camping near John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your RVing experience. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Oregon RV camping excursion.

Best RV Sites Near John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla, OR (76)

Showing results 1-10 of 76 campgrounds

Recent RV Reviews In John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla

425 Reviews of 76 John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Viento State Park Campground
    September 12, 2024

    Viento State Park Campground

    Close to trains and traffic

    This is a nice campground with lots of trees and shade but it sits between I-84 and the Columbia River which has a major train line so it's not necessarily a quiet campground (trains run all night). No dump station available but we had electric and water. Not much grass anywhere and things were really dusty due to dryness and heat of the summer. You can't see the river from the campground but you can walk to it (or drive to it) and there are several picnic tables near the river. There is a nature trail but it is not marked well at all to find the beginning of it. Convenient to Hood River though and an easy drive to Cascade Locks for ice cream at the local dairy dine.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Maupin City Park
    September 9, 2024

    Maupin City Park

    September raft trip

    Stayed 3 nights and had a great time rafting on the river. Lots of options for RV and tent camping. Group sites are available (3). Restrooms could use an update but functional. All camp staff hosts are helpful and friendly. Will come back again. This campground is popular and books up quickly.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Oklahoma Campground
    September 7, 2024

    Oklahoma Campground

    Quiet stay over Labor Day

    Quiet campground with clean vault toilets. Many of the sites are very close to each other and some do not accommodate even a small trailer. Small stream near by with limited access. Monte Carlo and Monte Cristo trails are close by but were under repair by WTA. There were some mountain lions near the camp while we were there, 2 separate sightings, probably moving because of the work on the nearby trails

  • Camper-submitted photo from Maupin City Park
    September 2, 2024

    Maupin City Park

    Lock Up Valuables and Booze

    Overall experience was great…. with a caveat. It’s a small camping park, sites are small and close to each other. However the park is clean and well maintained. Our only issue is that our first night, at about 2am, I was woken up by footsteps outside our trailer window. I looked out to see we hat appeared to be a younger adult male dressed in all black who pulled the coolers and chairs out from under our trailer and pulled two booze bottles out of the cooler and had them on the picnic table getting ready to take them. I opened the door and scared him into running by yelling at him. This is my first time, in 40+ years camping that I’ve had anything like this happen. So at 2:15 this morning, I was outside hauling all of our gear into the trailer. Joke was on him though, the bottles were filled with water to freeze and use as ice. Just beware, this is a nice little park, but don’t leave your valuables out overnight.

    We reported it to the office, who told us they’ve been having the issue recently, that they think it’s local teens, but their hands were being tied by local police on how to catch the thieves. I called local non emergency and reported the incident to them in hopes they might step up patrols or something.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Peach Beach RV Park on the Columbia
    August 27, 2024

    Peach Beach RV Park on the Columbia

    Great Spot

    Wonderful little place between a park and an orchard. Camp hosts are cool, they all live in Skoolies. Right on the river. Clean facilities. One star off for the noise. There’s a highway and railroad tracks in the backyard and the same across the river. If you’re a rail-fan, you’ll dig it. But it never really quiets down, you get used to it a bit. Campers are courteous and friendly and quiet. Sites west of the entrance seem to have a bit more shade than sites to the east. The wind can be a factor. Nice place to bring the dog. This is my second time here, I’ll keep it on the list.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Roosevelt Park
    August 27, 2024

    Roosevelt Park

    Not quite as nice as previous reviews

    This is a nice little park, it’s a little misleading when you pull in as there is an Indian reservation next to it that looks like a bunch of homeless camps, so be careful where you park your rig. Also if you’re tent camping, I found out from the camp host that you may want to check with him before you set up a tent as there are automatic sprinklers that come on certain days

  • Camper-submitted photo from Deschutes River State Recreation Area
    August 16, 2024

    Deschutes River State Recreation Area

    Nice Campground

    We had no issues finding this campground(CG). We followed the instructions on our confirmation email where we got off I-84 east of the CG where there was signage to the Recreation Area and CG. We entered the park and there was no check-in gate, so we proceeded to back-in site A-27 with water and electric(50/30/20 AMP). Our nightly rate was$0 due to the Oregon Disable Veterans Pass. You do not have to be a state resident to get this pass. The back-in was fairly easy with plenty of room to maneuver. We had enough room for our 40’ fifth wheel and parking our F450 truck at an angle. The electric worked fine and the water pressure was on the low side, but fine for our overnighter. The A loop has water and electric where the other loops are dry camping with B loop able to support RVs or tents. Our site was about 50 yards from the Deschutes River and there are tie downs along the river for boats. There are a lot of mature trees in the A loop so satellite could be iffy. We did not put out Starlink for this overnighter. We got 1 to 2 bars on Verizon. There was a shower house not too far from our site. There isn’t dump station in the CG, but there’s a COE and other options near the CG. We had a nice view of the Deschutes River. There was loud train noise as they blow the horn and the trains run all night. There's an Oregon Trail and other historical memorials within the CG area that are worth checking out. The nearest gas/diesel and minor amenities are about 15 minutes away in Rufus. All in all we enjoyed our overnighter and would not hesitate coming back.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Peach Beach RV Park on the Columbia
    August 12, 2024

    Peach Beach RV Park on the Columbia

    Well maintained plenty of space

    Day I arrived was very windy and being a first timer I thought that was normal. Spoke with many campers who had been coming to Peach Beach for years and they said it was very unusual. Next few days, glorious. Lots of trees so shade from  hot sun is plentiful. Tons of stuff to do: Maryhill Winery (ya gotta try their charcuterie board!!), Marhill Museum (better set aside at least an hour for this), Stonehenge. In July the peaches are plentiful and delicious. Camp was quiet (except for trains all day and night - bring earplugs and you'll be fine), bathrooms are extremely clean and modern. Shower did rotate from hot to cold every 30 seconds or so...not sure what that was about. Overall, had a good time with friends and will go back for sure.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hollenbeck Park
    August 3, 2024

    Hollenbeck Park

    Or favorite place to camp.

    We look forward to our annual camping trip to Trout Lake every year. The view of Mt Adams is amazing and the park is a great place to have family gatherings. We love it there!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Threemile Canyon Park
    August 3, 2024

    Threemile Canyon Park

    Great for a nite stay!

    Good parking area for us, not many here or could get a little tight depending on how people park. It does not have shade so a little warm in August! Be self contained 😀

  • Camper-submitted photo from Port of Arlington RV Park & Marina
    July 19, 2024

    Port of Arlington RV Park & Marina

    Good place for a stop over night...

    The price for FHU was very reasonable. Access to the wifi was great. The views were interesting. Once you get past the big industrial plant, the sunset in the river was nice.

    4 trains rolled by in the middle of the night. They blew their horns every time.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF
    July 15, 2024

    Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF

    Fanastic sunset views of Mount Hood

    There's a handful of dispersed campsites throughout NF44 and various side roads. I had several options to choose from and never saw another person. This was on a Thursday afternoon.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Gorge Base Camp RV Park
    July 3, 2024

    Gorge Base Camp RV Park

    Nice Campground, Terrible Host, Frightening to Get To

    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. I had to slow to a crawl and was trying my best not to rip the side of my rig open.

    Now, regarding the campground. The host, Shirlene, who runs the office,  has the poorest customer skills I've ever encountered. She never could remember what she discussed with me, and was very rude and short over email. I had a two month reservation which I actually cancelled because she scared me away with her terrible people skills.

    I'm sure the campground is well maintained, but the management sucks. Too many other places in the area who are happy to have your business. Avoid this turkey at all costs.

    P.S. Be aware that this outfit expects you to pay IN FULL for the reservation at the time you make it. This might be OK for a day or even a week, but I was planning to stay for 2 months. No damn way am I paying a grand for the place a year in advance. They should learn how to TAKE A DEPOSIT like every other campground in the United States.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Hole
    July 1, 2024

    Turkey Hole

    Beautiful area but can be busy!

    We stayed here for two nights and snagged some nice waterfront spots, it was a nice area and relaxing. They have a toilet, no shower. The vault toilet is not super gross thankfully, but there are a couple potential long term campers here beware of that. If you stick close to the entrance side then you will have some good spots and not too many neighbors.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Tucker Park Campground
    June 26, 2024

    Tucker Park Campground

    Nice an quiet campground

    We arrived in the late afternoon in a search for a campground with space available for our rental RV C-25. We were met by the staff, who were very helpfull and friendly. They drove us around to show the available sites, inspite of the fact they were very busy. Enthusiastic and customerfriendly ! We could pay at the entrance later on at a machine.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Threemile Canyon Park
    June 26, 2024

    Threemile Canyon Park

    Threemile Canyon

    This is more like a large parking lot for day tourists with a few spots right by river side. There are no designated camping spots. There is one vault toilet which is clean. There are mostly fisherman or boaters staying here. No shade. For a overnight stay fine but I would not stay longer.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF
    June 21, 2024

    Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF

    Great/Quiet Spot

    Took a while to discover this spot, but clearly seems well used for dispersed camping. I parked nearest the access road, as my van would have hit trees to go a little further in. For smaller vehicles (e.g. roof top tents), you can get in a little further and off the access road. There was actually someone else back there, and we can't hear nor see each other.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Rufus RV Park
    June 20, 2024

    Rufus RV Park

    Well run and maintained

    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. All of the facilities were clean and the ground were clear of litter and well maintained, which must be a challenge considering the lawns between the sites. Rufus itself is not a destination; we were in and out in one night, but we found the Rufus RV Park to be a peaceful and dog-friendly stopover.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Oasis BLM Campground
    June 15, 2024

    Oasis BLM Campground

    Few spots, great stop

    In the lower deschutes area, maupin is a busy spot. Oasis is straightforward, no frills, and just a few spots. They have electronic fee machine which was convenient.

  • Camper-submitted photo from NF-3511 @ Mt Hood
    June 15, 2024

    NF-3511 @ Mt Hood

    Great views on the drive up

    While you can't see the mountain from the site itself.There's a great turnaround point and views on the way up and down! Past a few vans pulled over on the way up, But no one drove past me the entire night

  • Camper-submitted photo from Deschutes River State Recreation Area
    June 12, 2024

    Deschutes River State Recreation Area

    Earwigs!!!

    I loved this campground, until I had to pack up & move on. My tent was infested with earwigs. Hundreds crawling around under my tent, & all over the inside & outside.

    Aside from that, I had a great time. The campground itself doesn’t allow for much privacy, but if you explore up & along the river, there are a few access points that you can enjoy by yourself. Great for birdwatching, & swimming.

    I didn’t mind the train sounds, I actually kinda liked them.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sherman County RV Park
    June 12, 2024

    Sherman County RV Park

    A rare find

    This is not a fancy place, but it is clean, well tended, quiet and beautiful. After 10 hours driving, I just wanted a quiet place to sleep. This was exactly that. I paid $35 for a pull through and a 30amp hookup for my teardrop. There are bathrooms which are immaculately clean. All in all, this place is a great find.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Viento State Park Campground
    May 21, 2024

    Viento State Park Campground

    Good jumping off location

    The campground is pretty nice. Clean showers and restrooms. Spaces are small and you will see your neighbors. It is a good place to establish a base if you want to do hikes in the eastern half of the gorge. You can hike / walk to Starvation Creek SP and Lindsey Creek SP. This CG also has river access for activities like wind surfing or kite boarding. No boat launch that I saw. WA side is also accessible via the bridge in Hood River. Hood River is close for resupply or a meal.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Mount Hood National Forest Rock Creek Reservoir Campground
    May 16, 2024

    Mount Hood National Forest Rock Creek Reservoir Campground

    Day use area

    New concession operator won't accept America the beautiful senior pass for the day use parking at the boat ramp area! This federal pass has always allowed me to camp for half price and park at day use areas for free. Now it will cost me 10.00 to park to fish! How can a concession operator decide which federal passes can be used? Been fishing and camping here for years, but won't be going back!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Oasis BLM Campground
    April 22, 2024

    Oasis BLM Campground

    Nice basic BLM campground right on the Deschutes River.

    Basic no frills campground. Right on the river. Good for fishing or rafting. Gravel parking. No shade. Pit toilets, garbage, picnic tables and fire pits.



Guide to John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla

Camping near John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla, Oregon, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Fishing: The area is great for fishing enthusiasts. At Lepage Park Campground, one camper mentioned, "My dog had a large area to run off-leash... We did the nearby Deschutes River Canyon trail." This makes it a perfect spot for both fishing and hiking.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the campgrounds. A visitor at Memaloose State Park Campground said, "Tons of hiking trails nearby," which is ideal for those who love to hit the trails.
  • Wildlife Watching: The area is rich in wildlife. One reviewer at Deschutes River State Recreation Area noted, "Caught 4 Small Mouth Bass out of the river," highlighting the diverse aquatic life you can encounter.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Maryhill State Park Campground remarked, "Bathrooms are very clean. Good hiking trails along the river," making it a comfortable choice for families.
  • Scenic Views: Many campers rave about the stunning views. One camper at Cottonwood Canyon State Park said, "The canyon is steep and unique with the John Day river running right through it," showcasing the natural beauty of the area.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peaceful environment. A reviewer at Threemile Canyon Park mentioned, "Stayed two nights and loved it," indicating a relaxing experience away from the hustle and bustle.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise from trains and highways. A camper at Peach Beach RV Park noted, "There’s a highway and railroad tracks in the backyard," which might be a concern for light sleepers.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds have fewer amenities. A visitor at Giles French Park Primitive Camping said, "There are no designated camping spots," so it's essential to plan accordingly.
  • Weather Conditions: The weather can be unpredictable. A reviewer at Columbia Hills Historical State Park Campground mentioned, "It can get windy, so awnings are not always safe from damage," which is something to keep in mind.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with spacious areas. A camper at Deschutes River State Recreation Area said, "There are a lot of mature trees in the A loop," providing shade and space for kids to play.
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned. A visitor at Beavertail Campground noted, "Quick access to the river," which is perfect for swimming and fishing.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. A camper at Lone Tree Campground — Cottonwood Canyon State Park mentioned, "There were several possible walks and hikes at varying levels of difficulty," so having snacks on hand can keep the energy up.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at Maryhill State Park Campground said, "Each campsite has plenty of space and full hookups for RVs," which is crucial for a comfortable stay.
  • Be Mindful of Space: Some sites can be tight. A camper at Peach Beach RV Park noted, "Packed in a little tight but overall I would stay here again," so be prepared for close quarters.
  • Plan for Wind: Wind can be a factor, especially in open areas. A visitor at Columbia Hills Historical State Park Campground mentioned, "It is very windy due to its location in the gorge," so secure your RV and belongings.

Camping near John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla, Oregon, offers a unique blend of outdoor fun and relaxation. With the right preparation, you can enjoy everything this beautiful area has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular RV campsite near John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla is Peach Beach RV Park on the Columbia with a 3.9-star rating from 24 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find RV camping near John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla?

    TheDyrt.com has all 76 RV camping locations near John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla, with real photos and reviews from campers.