The Columbia River watershed provides camping options within 45 minutes of Lake Oswego, Oregon. Seasonal weather shifts dramatically from wet winters to dry summers, with campgrounds often experiencing nighttime temperatures 15-20 degrees cooler than daytime highs. Most glamping accommodations near Lake Oswego require advance reservations, especially for weekend visits during peak season.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: At Milo McIver State Park Campground, campers access two competition-quality 18-hole 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," notes a visitor.
Mountain biking trails: The campground at Mt Hood Village Resort serves as a launchpad for mountain biking. "Right across Hwy 26 is some of the best Mountain Biking in the country at the Sandy Ridge Trail System," shares one camper. These professionally designed trails accommodate various skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders.
Fishing access: Promontory Park provides year-round fishing opportunities with a designated children's pond. "Youth up the 17 can catch a limit of two fish per day," explains a reviewer. The North Fork Reservoir adjacent to the campground spans 350 acres for larger fishing excursions, with trout fishing season running May through October.
What campers like
Private camping experience: Government Island State Recreation Area offers a unique boat-in camping experience that limits crowds. "We love camping on the island, as you can only get to it via boat so it is not overly populated," notes one camper. The island has no designated sites, allowing freedom to choose your camping location.
Quiet forest settings: Campers at Dairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park appreciate the secluded walk-in tent sites. "The tent pads are a typical woodsy mix of pine straw, leaves, and loose gravel," writes a reviewer. The hike-in section requires only a quarter-mile walk from parking, with carts available to transport gear.
Proximity to Portland: Despite feeling remote, most Lake Oswego glamping options remain close to urban amenities. A camper at Oxbow Regional Park notes, "Oxbow feels like it is in the middle of nowhere but it's easy to get to and practically within the city limits of Portland." This accessibility makes these locations ideal for weekend getaways without extensive travel time.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Many glamping facilities near Lake Oswego operate on limited schedules. Promontory Park's glamping yomes are available only from Memorial Day to September 30, unlike year-round options elsewhere. "The yomes are great, I heard they might be getting rid of them, but I do not know if they have or if it was just a proposal," shares one visitor.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. At Paradise Point State Park Campground, a camper warns, "Freeway is really really close to the whole camp site. You can hear vehicles at night. If you're a light sleeper or need nature noises when camping - this is not the site for you."
Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites require advance booking. "The sites are typically close together, but some have more separation than others," notes a Mt Hood Village Resort visitor. Weekends at Silver Falls State Park often book months in advance, especially for their popular cabins and glamping options.
Tips for camping with families
Look for ranger programs: Many parks offer structured activities for children. At Promontory Park, a visitor shares, "The campground did have awesome park staff who put on two great activities for kids every day." These ranger-led programs typically run during summer months and provide educational entertainment at no additional cost.
Consider site locations carefully: At L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, site selection impacts your experience. "I chose Site 1 because it had a good place for my hammock. If the campground had been full, I'd have picked a site a lot further in since the first few sites are right along the single trail that all campers/hikers would be using," advises a camper.
Find swim-friendly locations: Metzler Park offers creek access perfect for children. "Metzler Park offered beautiful, shaded campsites along Clear Creek. My site was just above the creek and I fell asleep to its calming sound. There were huge playing fields in the sunshine, trails to explore with the kids and the creek has a swimming hole!" shares an enthusiastic visitor.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: Paradise Point presents challenges for larger rigs. "We arrived and it was IMPOSSIBLE to get our rig in that site due to the trees. We couldn't even continue out the secondary loop because it was so narrow and had trees on the inside of turns," warns one RVer.
Look for full hookup options: Several campgrounds near Lake Oswego offer electric, water and sewer connections. At Mt Hood Village Resort, a visitor notes, "Easy to access, even for larger rigs. We stayed in 39 foot 5th wheel. Plenty of pull thru spots, full hookups, regularly spaced bathroom/showers."
Site privacy varies widely: Glamping in Lake Oswego area campgrounds offers varying levels of seclusion. "The Dairy Creek West loop has more shaded and privacy for most of the sites if that's what you are seeking, while the East loop is more open and affords a more social experience," explains a camper at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park.
