RV campgrounds near Mikkalo, Oregon sit in the high desert region of north-central Oregon at elevations around 1,200-1,800 feet. The area experiences strong seasonal temperature swings with summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F and winter lows dropping below freezing. Wind conditions in this section of the Columbia River Gorge can create challenging camping situations year-round, particularly for RVers with high-profile vehicles.
What to do
Fishing access: Columbia River docks provide convenient spots for anglers at Port of Arlington RV Park & Marina. According to Kelly N., the park offers "docks for leisure, swimming, etc." The location allows for both shore fishing and boat launch options.
Visit local museums: 8 miles from campgrounds. The Sherman County Historical Museum in Moro showcases regional history and sits just minutes from local RV parks. As Jill R. notes about nearby Wheeler County Fairgrounds RV Park, "Fossil also has the best grocery store in the area so stock up on fresh produce. Movie rentals too!"
Stargazing: Dark sky viewing. Limited light pollution makes the area ideal for astronomy. "The stars are absolutely amazing at night," writes Sheryl H. about camping at Antelope. Evening temperatures typically drop 30-40 degrees from daytime highs even in summer months.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Regularly maintained restrooms. Campers consistently mention cleanliness as a standout feature. "Bathhouse is new and seems clean," reports George L. about Rufus RV Park. The park also features "well-kept grassy areas in between" sites.
River views: Columbia River access points. Waterfront camping provides scenic vistas and cooling breezes during hot summer months. One reviewer at Peach Beach RV Park on the Columbia writes, "Beautiful shaded campsites along the Columbia River. Some train traffic but generally not bad."
Budget-friendly dry camping: $10 nightly options. Several parks offer lower-cost alternatives to full hookup sites. JulieJay M. notes about Port of Arlington: "Beautiful river view. Some tent pads, level area for my van to park and sleep. Great breezes today."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: November-March shutdowns. While some facilities operate year-round, others close completely during winter. A reviewer explicitly states about Rufus RV Park: "Big sign says closed right now," referring to their November 1st-March 31st closure period.
Wind management: Columbia Gorge gusts. Consistent strong winds affect camping comfort and equipment stability. Jeff & Steff's Excellent Adventure advises at Port of Arlington: "Be forewarned that it is very windy here on the gorge and we would advise getting your leveling jacks down without using Legos so as to have extra firm footing. Also, be careful not to leave your awnings out unattended."
Limited services in small towns: Stock up beforehand. Most camping areas have minimal nearby shopping options. Ken W. mentions about Wheeler County Fairgrounds RV Park, "We hiked the short trail, wandered the streets and found the town oddly intriguing on a quiet Sunday."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Built-in entertainment for kids. Some facilities offer recreation areas specifically designed for children. Kelly N. points out that Port of Arlington has a "playground available," making it suitable for families with younger children.
Swimming spots: River access during summer months. The Columbia River provides cooling opportunities during hot weather. Jamie S. notes about Peach Beach that it's "next door to a park where you could swim, launch a boat or fish."
Noise considerations: Train and highway proximity. Many RV campgrounds in the area experience periodic noise from nearby transportation routes. Shane T. reports about Port of Arlington: "4 trains rolled by in the middle of the night. They blew their horns every time."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Room for slides and awnings. Park layouts vary significantly in the region. At Sherman County RV Park, Marty S. found "the sites are level with full amenities - pull-throughs and easy back-ins" and notes there are "plenty of sites" with "plenty of last-minute spaces available."
WiFi connectivity: Variable service quality. Internet access can be crucial for travelers. About Sherman County RV Park, Angela comments they have "decent WiFi (free!)," while a camper at Wheeler County notes: "There's no connectivity in town. No phone, no wifi, no cable, no nothing."
Level sites: Gravel pad quality. Many parks feature gravel parking areas requiring minimal leveling. "The sites are level but a bit tight. We did get our fifth wheel in with careful maneuvering," explains Jeff & Steff about the Port of Arlington RV Park.
