Milwaukie, Oregon camping options sit at 43 feet above sea level in the Willamette Valley, where mild temperatures range from 34°F in winter to 81°F in summer. The area offers significant camping variety within a 30-mile radius, with most campgrounds staying open year-round despite the region's 42 inches of annual rainfall. Local camping spots provide varying levels of tree cover and riverside recreation opportunities.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Milo McIver State Park Campground features two competition-quality 18-hole disc golf courses that attract serious players. "Home of the annual Beaver State Fling, a PDGA sanctioned National Tour event, Milo McIver is an excellent host for the international players that come to the Pacific Northwest for a chance to win the tournament," notes one visitor. The park's twin courses can be combined into a single 27-hole layout during non-tournament times.
River activities: Summer months bring excellent floating opportunities on the Clackamas River. "Great place to put into the river to float or kayak. Lots of parking," reports a visitor about Barton County Park Campground, which serves as a popular starting point for river trips. The park offers convenient river access for day-use visitors and campers alike.
Heritage exploration: At Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground, visitors can explore Oregon's pioneer history. "Old little pioneer town. Has yurts and lots of hiking," mentions one camper. Another adds, "There's a small table in each yurt. There is a couch and a bunk bed for sleeping arrangements, with the lower bunk larger than the top bunk." The historical farmhouse particularly appeals to children, offering hands-on activities.
What campers like
Biking trails: Champoeg State Heritage Area features extensive biking opportunities that connect directly to campsites. "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," explains one reviewer. Families appreciate the kid-friendly cycling options with "GREAT biking trails that are kid friendly."
Wildlife viewing: Oxbow Regional Park provides excellent wildlife spotting opportunities in its 1,200-acre ancient forest habitat. The park's natural setting supports diverse wildlife including "elk, deer, and osprey," with many campers enjoying bird watching from riverside sites. One visitor noted the interesting conservation efforts, mentioning "a section of the playground marked off with cones and pink tape. Apparently a migratory bird was nesting on the ground so they blocked it off."
Tent camping comfort: Many campgrounds offer spacious, private tent sites for weekend getaways. "The tent sites were also secluded and flat. (But a far walk to the bathrooms/showers)," reports one camper at Milo McIver. Another visitor appreciated Oxbow's layout: "Outer loop sites are quiet, spacious and wooded. They are also very close to a trailhead to nice hikes and the beach."
What you should know
Tent site limitations: At many campgrounds, tent sites have specific constraints. "The tent spaces are a little small if you need to set up multiple tents," notes a Barton Park visitor. Similarly, at Roamers Rest RV Park, "spaces are quite tight! Considering the location and appreciating the fact that they are one of very few RV parks in the Portland area, I can understand why."
Seasonal crowding: Many campgrounds near Milwaukie experience heavy use during peak months. "Milo McIver has large sites w great river access, close to Portland so it gets real busy," warns one camper. Similarly, at Barton Park, a visitor noted it's "very busy in the summer months. Close to Portland so it gets a lot of day traffic."
Pet restrictions: Some parks enforce strict pet policies. Oxbow Regional Park maintains a "no dogs" policy throughout the premises. Conversely, Columbia River RV Park provides dedicated pet amenities: "The laundry room had a designated pet washer and dryer, which I always love, so we washed all of our dog bedding here. There's a small neighborhood dog park right across the street."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Columbia River RV Park offers family-friendly facilities including "a little area with a free table, a book exchange, some workout equipment, a kitchen, laundry, and showers." For those seeking more traditional playground experiences, Barton Park provides "GREAT biking trails that are kid friendly" along with "a huge picnic area and a disc golf course, in addition to boat landings for a canoe along the Willamette River."
Swimming access: Several campgrounds offer safe swimming spots during summer months. At Barton Park, "the kids enjoyed the playground and biking around the loop. The river access down at the day use was lovely." Oxbow Regional Park provides "access to the river to keep cool in summer. Nice sandy beaches."
Educational opportunities: Champoeg State Heritage Area offers hands-on historical activities. "The farmhouse fascinated my boys... they got to water the garden with a water pump and buckets!" shares one parent. Another notes, "Along the way got to see the Champoeg Heritage site with period piece actors, wide open spaces, and the Willamette River."
Tips from RVers
Urban convenience: Jantzen Beach RV Park provides city amenities while camping. "The park's location is very convenient, with easy access to downtown Portland and nearby attractions," reports one RVer. Another mentions it's "on Hayden Island in Portland, so nearby to an outdoor mall that includes Target as well as several restaurants."
Water pressure concerns: Several RV parks have reported water system issues. At Jantzen Beach RV Park, "Water pressure is the lowest we've ever experienced. Not sure what's going on but all of the folks we've talked to are experiencing the same." Similar comments appear for other nearby parks, suggesting checking with management before arrival.
Reservation requirements: RV sites fill quickly at campgrounds near Milwaukie. "I think we got the last space! It's a busy place," reports a visitor at Roamers Rest RV Park. Many parks also have age restrictions for vehicles, with one camper noting, "They also have RV age limit of 2010 but they allowed pictures before turning me down. Yay we got approved!"
