RV camping near Oregon City, Oregon provides convenient access to multiple waterways including the Clackamas, Willamette, and Sandy Rivers. The area sits at the edge of the Cascades with campgrounds ranging from 250 feet to 1,600 feet in elevation. Winter temperatures typically range from 34°F to 45°F with frequent rainfall, while summer averages 52°F to 81°F with drier conditions.
What to do
River activities at Glenn Otto Park: Located near Sandy Riverfront RV Resort, the park offers swimming access and riverside trails. One camper noted, "Right on the Sandy River where you can enjoy the beautiful views and swim (very carefully...bring life-vests to be safe) and next to Glenn Otto Park (just across the street)."
Mountain biking trails: The Sandy Ridge Trail System sits across Highway 26 from Mt Hood Village Resort and features some of Oregon's premier mountain biking. According to a visitor, "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. You will never get bored in the Mt Hood area."
Shopping convenience: Multiple parks offer easy access to retail areas. At Portland-Woodburn RV Park, "Park sits right behind the Woodburn Outlet Mall with own private entrance. Off I-5 and convenient shopping for groceries or gas nearby."
Salmon viewing opportunities: The Wildwood Recreation Site adjacent to Mt Hood Village Resort features underwater salmon viewing areas along boardwalk paths. A reviewer highlighted this unique attraction: "Wildwood recreation site is right next door and boasts an underwater salmon viewing area as well naturalist inspired boardwalks and walking paths."
What campers like
Location benefits: Riverside camping spots provide scenic views and recreation access. At Clackamette RV Park, campers appreciate being "at the confluence of the Clackamas and Willamette river's, this is a great spot with most amenities, still inside Portland metro, right off 205 but incredibly serene nonetheless."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept shower buildings and common areas. A visitor to Portland Fairview RV Park observed, "The park is beautiful the bathrooms and showers are clean."
Accessible urban amenities: Several parks offer city conveniences without sacrificing natural surroundings. As one camper described Sandy Riverfront RV Resort: "All RVs, full hook-ups, nice grounds, well maintained with nicely kept landscaping. Bike into cute town of Troutdale very close."
Convenient dining options: Some campgrounds provide on-site food services or are located near restaurants. At Mt Hood Village Resort, campers mentioned "the restaurant for some breakfasts & lunches" and noted nearby dining options like "Koya Kitchen, that serves sushi and ramen with plenty of outdoor seating and a full bar."
What you should know
Site spacing considerations: RV parks in the area often feature sites in close proximity to one another. At Columbia River RV Park, one reviewer observed, "One star off for density, you're right next to each other, and for the very bright street lighting in there."
Transportation logistics: Public transit access varies between parks. Columbia River RV Park offers city access but requires planning: "We don't have a tow car so we relied on public transportation to get to downtown, which was great (though it is a 1 mile walk to the bus stop)."
Noise factors: Several parks experience noise from transportation corridors. At Sandy Riverfront RV Resort, "You do hear noises from the distant freeway and airport. There is a train bridge visible from the park, which is both entertaining and a bit noisy at times."
Reservation timing: Summer months require advance planning at most parks. Portland-Woodburn RV Park visitors noted higher occupancy during warmer seasons: "We have been staying here full time since October 2021... Park sits right behind the Woodburn Outlet Mall with own private entrance."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access options: Some parks offer swimming facilities for children. At Jantzen Beach RV Park, "my kiddos absolutely loved the three pools, playground, and basketball hoops. Plenty to check out and explore for them."
Playground availability: Multiple parks provide play equipment for younger campers. Mt Hood Village Resort offers "a playground, swimming pool, small store, cafe, bathrooms with showers (and warm water) and activities during the day for kids."
Indoor recreation during rain: The region's frequent rainfall makes indoor options valuable. Jantzen Beach RV Park provides "a workout room" and recreation facilities that remain accessible during inclement weather.
Pet-friendly areas: Many parks accommodate family pets with designated spaces. Columbia River RV Park features "two off-leash dog areas" and "a designated pet washer and dryer, which I always love, so we washed all of our dog bedding here."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Electric service levels differ between parks. Portland Fairview RV Park offers "full hook-ups, and that's after a AAA discount," according to one visitor.
Long-term stay options: Several parks accommodate extended stays with monthly rates. At Portland-Woodburn RV Park, "Many full timers live here but it's a convenient spot to park for a few days at a time or full time."
RV age restrictions: Some parks maintain vehicle condition standards. One camper noted about Columbia River RV Park: "There are many long-termers here, but due to their 10 or 15 year RV rule, all the RVs here were really nice and fancy."
Parking configurations: Site layouts and access vary significantly. At Portland-Woodburn RV Park, a visitor cautioned: "Very cramped, I'll need to disconnect the toad and perform multiple back and forths to exit."
Water pressure considerations: System capacity affects usage patterns. At Jantzen Beach RV Park, campers reported that "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."
