The landscape surrounding Milwaukie, Oregon features diverse terrain ranging from river valleys at 40 feet elevation to nearby foothills reaching 1,200 feet. Winter temperatures average 34-45°F with summer averages of 58-81°F, creating distinct camping seasons. Most glamping locations close to Milwaukie remain open year-round, though winter visitors should prepare for muddy conditions on trails.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Milo McIver State Park Campground offers two competition-quality 18-hole disc golf courses that attract international players. "Milo McIver may be best known for it's 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 camper.
Horseback riding trails: At Dairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park, equestrian facilities connect to extensive trail systems. The park includes dedicated horse camping areas and multi-use trails. One visitor mentions, "There are lots of hiking, biking, and horse trails. They even have a disc golf course within the park."
Fishing for beginners: Multiple parks offer stocked fishing opportunities perfect for teaching kids. Promontory Park provides a dedicated "Small Fry Lake" with special regulations. As one camper explains, "One of the main reasons our friend booked this campground was to teach their daughters to fish in the stocked 'kids only' pond."
What campers like
Secluded boat-in options: For a completely different glamping experience near Milwaukie, Government Island State Recreation Area offers boat-access-only camping. "We love camping on the island, as you can only get to it via boat so it is not overly populated. There are no fire pits but you can burn. No potable water, so bring your own," shares a regular visitor.
Ranger-led activities: Several parks offer structured activities for families. At Promontory Park, campers appreciate the scheduled programs. One reviewer noted, "The campground did have awesome park staff who put on two great activities for kids every day. We stayed in a 'Yome,' which is a cross between a yurt and a dome."
Riverside campsites: Oxbow Regional Park provides camping close to the Sandy River with excellent swimming spots. "Road noise can be loud here. Try to get a site as close to the river as you can so you can avoid the highway noise at night. The bathrooms here are great - showers, running water, and flush toilets! The river is refreshing on warm days to swim in."
What you should know
Site selection impacts privacy: At Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground, location within the park greatly affects your experience. "Loop B is highly our favorite because it is smaller and more private and close to the river. We'll go back year after year," notes one reviewer. Other campers mention, "Some were very apparent that it was smaller than other sites, but I loved that each site came with picnic table."
Alcohol policies vary: Regulations differ between parks. Some state parks allow alcohol while others prohibit it completely. Oxbow Regional Park and Metzler Park prohibit alcohol, while Paradise Point, Champoeg, and Milo McIver permit it. Check official rules before packing beverages.
Accessibility considerations: Hike-in options require planning. At L.L. Stub Stewart's Brooke Creek area, "The tent only hike in camp isn't a long haul from the parking area at the welcome center – it's about ¼ mile and the trail into the campground is mostly gravel. There are carts available for hike in campers to use at the campground trailhead if needed."
Tips for camping with families
Junior Ranger programs: Several parks offer educational activities specifically designed for children. "The campground has electric cooking stations and picnic areas spread throughout. Kids programming (give Ranger Matthew a raise!)," shares an enthusiastic family.
Playground proximity: At Silver Falls State Park, site selection affects convenience for families. "I'd try to reserve spots 9 or 12 (next to the playground and sunny spots) or 72 (next to the creek in the shade) next time!" suggests a frequent visitor.
Yurt options with kids: Mt Hood Village Resort offers yurts as an alternative to tent camping for families. "Great family camping spot. Pros - there is a playground, swimming pool, small store, cafe, bathrooms with showers (and warm water) and activities during the day for kids," explains one visitor who stayed with children.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility challenges: RV campers should research site specifics before booking. At Paradise Point, one camper noted, "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."
Off-season availability: Winter camping offers more solitude but with fewer amenities. "Showed up in the dark & rain, no reservations in February. Lots of room at each site, very clean, nice bathrooms, quiet. Easy onsite reservation/payment," reports a winter visitor to L.L. Stub Stewart.
Hookup placement variation: RVers should note that utilities aren't standardized across parks. "The water and sewer hookups were in the middle of the site, with electric being at the back of the pad. The water pressure was not very good at around 35 psi," explains an experienced RVer at L.L. Stub Stewart.
