Columbia Gorge campgrounds near Mosier cater to various camping preferences at elevations between 100-3,000 feet. Summer temperatures often reach 90°F with cooling evening breezes, while spring and fall offer milder conditions for outdoor exploration. Winter travelers should prepare for occasional snow at higher elevations, particularly in mountain RV parks that remain open year-round.
What to do
Riverside activities: At Peach Beach RV Park, campers can enjoy the Columbia River from their sites. "Peaceful and quiet. Beautiful shaded campsites along the Columbia River. Some train traffic but generally not bad. Close to some fantastic wineries and Maryhill museum," notes one visitor. The adjacent state park provides swimming and boating access.
Mountain biking: The Mt Hood Village Resort serves as an excellent base for mountain biking enthusiasts. "Right across Hwy 26 is some of the best Mountain Biking in the country at the Sandy Ridge Trail System," shares one reviewer who stayed at the resort. The area offers access to endless hiking trails and lakes for paddling in the Mt Hood wilderness.
Fruit farm visits: Several RV parks near Mosier are located near orchards where seasonal fruit picking is available. "They greeted me without reservations but with 2 nectarines from their orchard," reported one camper about their welcome at Peach Beach RV Park. The region's renowned Fruit Loop offers numerous farm stands and U-pick opportunities during summer and fall months.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Elk Meadows RV Park receives high marks for site spacing. "Very private RV spots with thick trees around," writes one reviewer who visited in August. Another notes, "I don't believe that Cory from Colorado was at this resort as his description does not reflect what I saw when there. We'll be back!!"
Mountain views: Many campers specifically seek out sites with views of Mt. Adams. "Awesome locations for Adams recreation," writes one visitor to Elk Meadows RV Park. Another adds, "The spots at the northern edge of the park look out over a beautiful meadow backed up by astonishingly huge and beautiful Mt Adams, snow covered now and towering over the green mountains around it."
Clean facilities: Sherman County RV Park consistently receives praise for maintenance. "While old, the restrooms and showers were very well maintained and absolutely immaculate. And I'm an admitted and unabashed germaphobe," comments one visitor. Another adds, "The restrooms and laundry are spotless. The host is very nice."
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds along the Columbia River have nearby train tracks. At Lewis & Clark Campground & RV Park, "Easy and relaxed. Only downside is frequent freight trains throughout the night," notes one camper. Another review mentions, "Nice quiet campground, some long term campers. Close to the Columbia River. Beautiful view nice established old timber. It is close to the train track."
Bridge crossings: RVers should be aware of narrow bridges in the area. One camper warns about Gorge Base Camp RV Park: "First off, if you have an RV and can avoid taking the Hood River Bridge, that is highly advisable. With two 9' lanes, it's a nightmare to get across." Another notes, "It is right across the bridge from Hood River, Or (Note that this is a very NARROW bridge with a $2.00 toll)."
Water quality: Some campgrounds have water supply issues. At Spring Drive RV Campground, "Electrical has been good so far, but the water is dirty and filled with what appears to be iron. It has gone through my filter. So carry some portable water," advises one camper. Another reported, "There was a boil your drinking water notice on each campsite when I visited."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Mt Hood Village Resort offers family-friendly amenities. "This was a good 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," writes one family camper. Another adds, "Nice indoor pool and hot tub. Good playground for kids. Very family friendly."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids enjoy animal sightings near Timberlake Campground & RV. "Magical, large grassy lawn that our Bernedoodle loved. We will be back!" reports one visitor. The area offers opportunities to view elk, deer, and various bird species, with one camper noting they "saw elk splashing through the meadow at night while we watched stars and satellites."
Swimming locations: Several RV sites near Mosier offer water access for cooling off during summer months. "We kayaked Fish Lake & Timothy lake Eagles at both lakes," shares one visitor who used their campground as a base. Another mentions, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking rv sites near Mosier, Oregon, consider specific site features. "We stayed in site 31 in early Sept 2020. Friendly campground staff, very quiet place. Convenient to Hood River," shares a Timberlake Campground visitor. Another advises, "The spot is long, however #31 slopes at the back of the spot so it isn't as long as we'd like it to have been."
Hookup positions: At some older campgrounds, utility connections may be in unusual locations. One camper at Spring Drive RV Campground notes, "Campground was once a single/double-wide trailer park for govt employees so the hook-ups are located in odd spots for RV. We used 20 ft. of septic drain hoses." Another mentions, "Water hookups are at odd angles inside water meter boxes, so hooking up can be challenging."
Cell service and connectivity: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. "Poor cell service but good WiFi," reports one camper at Timberlake Campground. At Spring Drive RV Campground, a visitor warns, "No cell service at all. Also could not get Starlink to work due to the very tall pines."
