Portland-area RV parks offer a variety of options for campers seeking proximity to urban amenities while still enjoying natural surroundings near Milwaukie, Oregon. Many campgrounds provide concrete pads with full hookup capabilities within 30 minutes of downtown Portland. The elevation ranges from 40-400 feet across the region, with rain common from October through April and relatively dry summers.
What to do
Riverside activities: At Clackamette RV Park, visitors can enjoy where the Clackamas and Willamette Rivers meet. "Right off the exit of 205, it's very easy to get to, and a beautiful spot where the Clackamas flows into the Willamette. There's gas and dining within walking distance, multiple boat launches, nearby rentals, and lots of wildlife," notes a reviewer.
Shopping excursions: Portland-Woodburn RV Park offers convenient access to outlet shopping. "Definitely not the worst RV Park out there. Decent size patches of grass between RVs, conveniently located by numerous shops and restaurants, right off I-5," mentions a camper who appreciated the location.
Mountain recreation: Mt Hood Village Resort serves as a base camp for mountain activities. "The main attraction of this place is the nearby recreation. There is a path that leads to the Wildwood recreation area and within the RV park itself there is access to the Salmon River for fishing/swimming," explains a visitor who used the park as a jumping-off point for wilderness exploration.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many travelers appreciate well-maintained RV parks like Portland Fairview RV Park. "The front office was clean and the manager nice. While there's definitely some long-term and month-to-month spots, most RVs aren't spilling over with 'extras' like some places," notes one reviewer.
Convenient location: Columbia River RV Park gets high marks for its proximity to Portland attractions. "Nice RV park with wide streets, easy to navigate. The sites are straightforward and provide everything you need for a comfortable stay. The location couldn't be more convenient, right near Portland and just steps away from the beautiful Columbia River," says a recent visitor.
Social amenities: Some parks offer community events. One long-term resident at Portland-Woodburn RV Park shared, "There are several specials during the month to include meals for a very inexpensive price as well as ice cream socials in nicer months."
What you should know
Age restrictions: Many RV parks in the area enforce vehicle age limits. Roamers Rest RV Park has an "RV age limit of 2010 but they allowed pictures before turning me down," according to one camper who was eventually approved.
Traffic noise: Some sites experience urban noise. At Jantzen Beach RV Park, a visitor noted, "Train goes through but didn't blow horn. Lots of airport noise overhead."
Space limitations: Sandy Riverfront RV Resort and other parks can have tight spaces. "Book early to enjoy the spaces that overlook the Sandy River, otherwise you'll just be looking at other RVs," advises one camper who visited the resort.
Utility variations: Water pressure can be inconsistent at some parks. "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," reported a visitor at Jantzen Beach RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Several parks offer swimming facilities. At Mt Hood Village Resort, families have access to "a playground, swimming pool, small store, cafe, bathrooms with showers (and warm water) and activities during the day for kids," making it "a good family camping spot."
Pet-friendly areas: Many RV parks accommodate pets. Columbia River RV Park features "two off-leash dog areas" and even has "a designated pet washer and dryer," which one visitor "always loved" for washing all their dog bedding.
Playground access: Jantzen Beach RV Park provides recreational facilities for children. "My kiddos absolutely loved the three pools, playground, and basketball hoops. Plenty to check out and explore for them even if this was not your typical 'campground' experience," shared a family after their stay.
Tips from RVers
Arrival timing: For late arrivals, some parks have after-hours check-in systems. "We rolled in after hours, office closed but they are so organized, available spots are clearly indicated with specific instructions," mentioned an RVer at Sandy Riverfront RV Resort.
Site selection: Choose spots based on your priorities. At Clackamette RV Park, "The sites are mostly pull through, some back in sites along the back, and come with E/W hookups," with some parks developing premium waterfront locations.
Maintenance expectations: Most Milwaukie area RV campgrounds maintain paved sites, but conditions vary. Rolling Hills RV Park has "many RV pads are cracked and uneven," according to a visitor, while others like Portland Fairview RV Park are noted for being "nice and clean" with "plenty of green space, trees."
