Multnomah Falls camping options range from primitive tent sites to full-service yurt accommodations within a 30-mile radius of the falls. The Columbia River Gorge area sits at elevations between 100-4,000 feet with temperature fluctuations of 20-30 degrees between day and night. Most camping areas near the falls maintain seasonal closures from November through April due to wet conditions with average winter rainfall exceeding 50 inches.
What to do
River swimming: 30 minutes from the falls at Oxbow Regional Park, where trails lead to sandy beaches along the Sandy River. "Plenty of hiking, swimming, and fishing through the park. It's truly a great oasis just outside of Portland," notes Blaine B. about Oxbow Regional Park.
Mountain biking: Easy access to premier trails from Mt Hood Village Resort. "Right across Hwy 26 is some of the best Mountain Biking in the country at the Sandy Ridge Trail System. Using this RV park as a jumping off point, there are endless hiking trails and lakes to paddle and explore in the Mt Hood wilderness," explains Joel H. about Mt Hood Village Resort.
Disc golf: Professional-level courses at Milo McIver State Park. "Milo McIver may be best known for its 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," shares Steve C. who camped at the park.
Kayak rentals: Available at Trillium Lake with stunning Mt. Hood views. "Good lake for beginner kayakers as it is small, still, and doesn't allow motor traffic," explains Raphaela H., highlighting the accessible water activities available for less experienced paddlers.
What campers like
Proximity to Columbia River: Port of Cascade Locks Campground offers riverfront sites minutes from Multnomah Falls. "Right on the Columbia River. The sites are level with water and electric and a dump station. A nice Island to walk around on. There was even wifi that worked!" says Kathy B., who stayed at Port of Cascade Locks Campground.
Secluded yurt camping: Lost Lake Resort provides premium yurts with privacy even during busy periods. "The sites are large and private, lots of amenities such as trails, boat rental, well equipped store, picnic tables and much more. Beautiful views of Mt Hood and the lake is breathtaking," shares Katie B., who enjoyed the Lost Lake Resort experience.
Year-round accessibility: Unlike seasonal sites, some campgrounds remain open through winter. "Great location, which is what you're really paying for, but not somewhere we'd stay longer term due to the cost, noise and size of the place," notes Joel H. about Mt Hood Village Resort's year-round availability.
Clean facilities: Eagle Creek Campground maintains high standards despite high usage. "Bathrooms are clean, vaulted toilets. Water available. Site is level…camp host is really nice!" according to Anna D. at Eagle Creek Campground, which is among the closest camping options to Multnomah Falls.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have spotty connectivity. "Barely got 1 bar of 4g at the welcome center. There's a guest wifi in the parking lot there too but it's 2 miles further to the camp ground and texts hardly go through," warns Zach S. about Oxbow Regional Park.
Train noise: Campgrounds along the Columbia River corridor experience rail traffic. "Road Noise and TRAINS. Clean, cheap $15, Location, all good," notes Rachel K. about Eagle Creek Campground, highlighting the trade-off between convenience and noise.
Summer crowds: Reserve well in advance for peak season. "Reservations are hard to get we booked at 6am, six months out and felt very lucky to get three spots for our family Campout," advises Molly H. about Trillium Lake.
Seasonal closures: Most primitive campgrounds close during winter months. "We only spent one night at the campground, and it was rather random, plan was to stay in a hotel in town, but once we got down to the Trillium Lake, we decided to get a spot and rough it in our rental car," shares Meg S., describing the spontaneity sometimes possible during shoulder seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Nature playgrounds: Oxbow Park features multiple play areas for children. "There is a playground, swimming pool, small store, cafe, bathrooms with showers (and warm water) and activities during the day for kids," writes Tyson C. about Mt Hood Village Resort's family amenities.
Youth camp facilities: Unique shared resources available at certain sites. "This place is at a year round camp/school that has multiple skate parks, trampolines, mountain biking courses, all season ski jumps etc. it's an action sports camp," explains Colin B. about Roamer Sites, a distinctive yurt camping option near Multnomah Falls.
River access safety: Consider site location with children. "Get there early and snag a spot down by the river," suggests Matthew F. about Tucker Park Campground, though parents should note that riverside sites require close supervision for young children.
Off-season advantages: Less crowded experiences during weekdays. "Given it's late October and a bit chilly out, the campground was pretty quiet with only a few other campers around. We were able to hike the area and enjoy a serene weekend in nature," shares Krupa about their fall experience at Oxbow Regional Park.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many campgrounds have limited space for large rigs. "You can book sites online up to 24 hours in advance, or you can show up to camp one night at one of the few non-reservable first come sites," notes Stephanie Z. about Oxbow Regional Park, which accommodates smaller RVs despite space limitations.
Hookup availability: Electric and water options vary widely. "The full hook up sites are in old growth timber giving each site a feeling of seclusion. The lodge, pool, hot tub and saunas are in good condition," explains Jack B. about Mt Hood Village Resort.
Alternative options: Some areas offer partial hookups with good amenities. "Easy to access, even for larger rigs. We stayed in 39 foot 5th wheel. Plenty of pull thru spots, full hookups, regularly spaced bathroom/showers. Nice store for basic needs, nice laundry room," shares Steve R. about their experience at Mt Hood Village Resort.
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for waste disposal. "A very small campground with water and electric only. Level sites with bathrooms and showers close. There is a dump station on site," reports Dave H. about Port of Cascade Locks Campground.
