Campsites near Gladstone, Oregon offer year-round opportunities for outdoor recreation along the area's major waterways. The region sits at the confluence of the Willamette and Clackamas Rivers, creating diverse camping environments within a 30-mile radius of the city. Most campgrounds in the area are situated between 200-500 feet elevation, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows rarely dropping below freezing.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Milo McIver State Park provides two competition-quality disc golf courses that attract both casual players and professionals. "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 Steve C.
River activities: The Clackamas River offers prime access points for rafting, tubing and kayaking at multiple campgrounds. Barton Park is particularly popular for river recreation. "One of my favorite things to do when the weather warms up is to float. I enjoy the Clackamas River. We sometimes start at Barton Park after lunch. It's lovely all around!" writes Rebekah H.
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds feature developed trail systems suitable for various activity levels. Oxbow Regional Park provides extensive nature trails rather than challenging hikes. "I was able to hike the area and enjoy a serene weekend in nature. Clean campsite with the basic amenities, conveniently only a 30-minute drive from Portland (but doesn't feel like you're near the city at all when you're there)," shares Krupa at Oxbow.
What campers like
Historic exploration: At Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground, visitors appreciate the area's pioneer history. "Old little pioneer town. Has yurts and lots of hiking. Pet-friendly," says Derek B. The park offers opportunities to connect with Oregon's early settlement days through preserved structures and interpretive areas.
Family-friendly amenities: Multiple camping options near Gladstone feature playgrounds and recreational facilities. One visitor at Oxbow Regional Park notes, "The recent upgrades to playgrounds are awesome for the kids and the new welcome center makes check in a breeze." Finn M. also mentions that the outer loop sites are "quiet, spacious and wooded."
Cycling opportunities: The flat terrain around several campgrounds provides excellent biking opportunities. "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," reports Stephanie Z. at Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal camping limitations: Several campgrounds only operate during specific months. Milo McIver State Park is open from "March 15 to October 31" according to its listing, while Barton Park operates from "May 1 to October 31." Winter camping options are more limited but include Oxbow Regional Park and Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground.
No alcohol policies: Several county parks prohibit alcohol consumption. "Barton Campground has everything you need for a good trip. We stayed in site 91. We had power and water hook ups. The bathrooms in our loop were nice and clean," notes Lanae, but campers should be aware that alcohol is not permitted at this location.
Variable campsite spacing: Site privacy varies significantly between locations. At Sun Outdoors Portland South, "the spaces are very tight. A deluxe parking lot with trees, level spots but very busy. There is absolutely no privacy," according to Theo A. Contrast this with Milo McIver, where "the tent sites were also secluded and flat" according to Lindsey T.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature recently upgraded playground facilities. At Barton Park, one camper reports, "We love to float the river! The play area/park is one of my kids favorite. Lots of area to play. Volleyball, gagaball, playground." The recreational amenities make this park particularly appealing for families with children of various ages.
Multi-generational activities: Barton County Park Campground offers diverse recreation options that appeal across age ranges. "We camped here the first weekend in June with two other families, all with toddlers around the same age. The kids enjoyed the two playgrounds, wading in the river, and walking some nature trails. The park also offers horseshoe pits, volleyball courts and a boat ramp," notes Reid B.
Yurt options: For families new to camping or traveling with young children, several campgrounds offer yurt accommodations. "We've been here 3 times, once for tent camping and twice in a yurt. The yurts are heated, and a couple of them are pet friendly, which is great for us! There is a small table in each yurt," reports Lana N., making this an excellent option for families wanting more protection from the elements.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: RV sites near Gladstone feature varying levels of hookups and services. At Columbia River RV Park, "There is free Wi-Fi, cable, trash service, and water. The park has two off-leash dog areas, two shower facilities, a community kitchen, a rec room that you can use for gatherings," notes C H., making it suitable for extended stays.
Urban accessibility: Several RV parks offer convenient access to Portland metropolitan amenities. "About as close-in Portland as you can get for an RV (not trailer) park, this place is on the North side of town right next to the river," notes Corinna B. about Columbia River RV Park, providing an urban camping option with river access.
Age restrictions: Some RV parks enforce restrictions on older vehicles. "They also have RV age limit of 2010 but they allowed pictures before turning me down. Yay we got approved!" reports Becky S. at Roamers Rest RV Park. This policy helps maintain the overall appearance of the park but may limit options for those with older RVs.
