Seasonal access remains a key consideration when planning camping near Wilsonville, Oregon. The Willamette Valley area features numerous campgrounds within 20-30 miles of town, open predominantly spring through fall with limited year-round options. Winter campers face muddy conditions at riverfront locations like Barton County Park and Clackamette RV Park where the Clackamas River flows into the Willamette.
What to do
Bike along scenic trails: Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground offers extensive biking opportunities on well-maintained paths. "Champoeg State Park is on the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway, and a great place to camp if you want to do a long biking getaway. Biking the loop to St. Paul is a fun countryside ride. The location is also pretty accessible to wine country," notes Stephanie Z.
Explore disc golf courses: Milo McIver State Park Campground features championship-level disc golf courses. "Milo McIver may be best known for its twin 18 hole disc golf courses, or single 27 hole layout when tournaments aren't in progress. Home of the annual Beaver State Fling, a PDGA sanctioned National Tour event," explains Steve C.
Riverfront activities: Floating, fishing and swimming options exist at multiple locations. "Great place to put into the river to float or kayak. Lots of parking. Also a campground. Perfect for a close weekend getaway," shares Caty M. about Barton County Park Campground.
What campers like
Quick access from Portland: Many campgrounds serve as convenient escapes from the city. "A quick 35 minute drive from Portland, Barton Park is an easy destination for family-friendly camping," reports Reid B., making it accessible for weekend trips without extensive travel time.
Orchard camping experience: For a distinctive setting, Tranquil Orchards and Wine Tours offers camping among fruit trees. "This orchard is shady and very relaxing, although near a small airport and highway. There are showers and flushing toilets," shares Kevin R.
Heated facilities: Some campgrounds provide off-season comfort. "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! There is a small table in each yurt," describes Lana N. about Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground.
What you should know
RV age restrictions: Some parks limit older vehicles. "They have RV age limit of 2010 but they allowed pictures before turning me down. Yay we got approved!" notes Becky S. about Roamers Rest RV Park.
Privacy varies significantly: Expect different levels of seclusion depending on location. "While some RV parks like Roamers Rest and Sun Outdoors offer relatively close quarters between sites, others provide more privacy," according to Shari G., who noted Champoeg has "a very park-like quality with manicured landscaping and very nicely laid-out sites with plenty of space in between."
Urban noise levels: Campgrounds closer to highways experience traffic noise. "Located next to I-5 is this very cramped RV park. The place is noisy from all the traffic and your neighbors are on top of you," warns Theo A. about Sun Outdoors Portland South.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playground facilities: Some parks offer extensive play areas. "The kids enjoyed the playground and biking around the loop. The river access down at the day use was lovely," reports Lanae about Barton County Park.
Consider yurt camping: Yurts provide comfortable shelter options for families new to camping. "Great for beginner campers and families! There is a couch and a bunk bed for sleeping arrangements, with the lower bunk larger than the top bunk," explains Lana N.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites add 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 Heritage Area Campground.
Tips from RVers
Find riverside sites: Clackamette RV Park offers water views despite urban surroundings. "The confluence of the Clackamas and Willamette rivers, this is a great spot with most amenities, still inside Portland metro, right off 205 but incredibly serene nonetheless," writes Pepper V.
Check site spacing: RV parks vary dramatically in density. "It's a lovely enough and if you are looking for an RV park with allll of the amenities while being very close to your neighbor, then this is it," explains Randi K. about Sun Outdoors Portland South, formerly Pheasant Ridge.
Research hookup options: Full-service sites often cost more but provide convenience. "All sites are paved to accommodate RVs and campers with electricity and water," notes Shari G. Some parks also offer sewer connections while others provide dump stations.
