Dispersed camping near Boring, Oregon is primarily concentrated within Mount Hood National Forest, located approximately 20 miles east of the town. The region sits at elevations ranging from 700 feet in Boring to over 4,000 feet in the surrounding forest areas. Winter camping conditions often include significant rainfall with temperatures hovering between 35-45°F, while summer brings drier weather with daytime highs averaging 75-85°F.
What to do
Riverside recreation: At Oxbow Regional Park, visitors can enjoy swimming and fishing in the Sandy River. "This is a huge park (like 1,000 acres) with several camping options. Plenty of hiking, swimming, and fishing through the park," notes one camper.
Mountain biking: The area near Mt Hood Village Resort offers exceptional trails. "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."
Disc golf: Competitive disc golf courses are available at several locations. "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."
River floating: The Clackamas River provides popular floating opportunities during summer months. "We sometimes start at Barton Park after lunch. It's lovely all around! Clean and lots of space."
What campers like
Proximity to Portland: Many campers appreciate locations that feel remote while being close to the city. "Oxbow feels like it is in the middle of nowhere but it's easy to get to and practically within the city limits of Portland. Accessibility and quiet is why I chose it for a weekday beginning of the season camping adventure."
Winter camping options: Unlike seasonal campgrounds, Columbia River RV Park operates year-round. "Located at the northern end of Portland not too far off the 1-5 freeway. RV campground with wide streets, nice office staff, and clean facilities including laundry, clubhouse, group kitchen area and free wi-fi."
Waterfront sites: Many of the best places to camp near Boring, Oregon feature water access. "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."
Group accommodations: Several parks offer specific group sites. "Two parties (all family) stayed the night Friday night. Additional family visited Saturday night (and were able to easily get into the campgrounds to park in our sites)."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most forest camping areas have limited connectivity. At Oxbow Regional Park, one reviewer noted: "No wifi and we had no phone reception. There are emergency phones installed throughout the park."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "The campground is pretty full service for a state park. You can buy ice and firewood onsite, and there is a small store that is a short walk away."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby roads or railways. "Road noise can be loud here. Try to get a site as close to the river as you can so you can avoid the highway noise at night."
Campfire restrictions: Fire bans often occur during summer months. "The one change that stinks is the firewood. The price went up from $5 to $7 for a smaller bundle that burns faster. In our most recent stay we burned through three bundles in one day/night."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Barton County Park Campground offers excellent play facilities. "The play area/park is one of my kids favorite. Lots of area to play. Volleyball, gagaball, playground."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds feature historical or nature programs. "Champoeg has a little everything. GREAT biking trails that are kid friendly. There lots of historical sites around the campground to enjoy as well."
Swimming areas: Safe water access points are available at multiple locations. "The river is refreshing on warm days to swim in. We like this because it's an easy day trip from Portland."
Budget considerations: Several campgrounds offer affordable options. "We didn't stay even 24 hours. We only stayed for a place to sleep overnight, but I'm eager to return and stay longer. I was super impressed with the size and location of the tent sites."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Milo McIver State Park Campground offers various hookup options. "I have stayed here many times both in an RV and in tent sites. The campground is well maintained and the hosts have been great each time I have been there."
Size limitations: Some campgrounds have restrictions on larger rigs. "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."
Winter operations: Not all campgrounds offer winter services. "Office hours 9-5p. Simple straight forward after hours process. Clean bathrooms and great pools. Make sure you read and understand the pool rules very well."
Dump station access: Not all parks provide on-site dump stations. "The hose at the dump station wasn't working..." reported one camper about a temporary issue at a local park.
