Best Campgrounds near Portland, OR

Relaxing Getaway at Champoeg State Heritage Area Champoeg State Heritage Area near Newberg, Oregon, is a great spot for campers seeking peace and nature. With tent sites, RV spots, yurts, and cabins, it offers something for everyone. The clean facilities and quiet atmosphere stand out—many visitors are pleasantly surprised. There are plenty of trails for hiking and biking, picnic areas, and even a disc golf course. The nearby Willamette River is ideal for canoeing, and the Columbia River Gorge is within day-trip distance. Some RV sites are a bit close together, but overall the campground feels friendly and relaxing—perfect for a short escape or a longer stay. https://www.vaporspirit.ch/

A few of the pull outs one where I overnited in RV and van camped - have been blocked now by large boulders im sure to slow down the masses that went last summer, leading to trash piles and a homeless look and feel to what was a nice area. Please respect nature and others when youre camping and leave the sites without a trace.

This review is for the park itself and the cabins, as the campground area was closed for upgrades when we stayed there while we were there in November.

This is a beautiful park, it's huge, of course the main attraction are the many waterfalls and the hike that takes you through all the falls, and even behind several of them. Heads up that dogs are not allowed on this hike, and it's a fairly long hike, so plan what you need to for your dogs.  There are other hikes that dogs are allowed on, however.

In the day use area: There's a big beautiful lodge with a nice roaring fire in the cold months.  A nice gift shop and store. The day use area really is beautiful and so well maintained. There is a cool open large off leash dog area, it's not fenced so be sure your dog isn't a runner. For summer months there is a swimming area too.

Cabins are nice, new-ish, comfortable but basic. They have heaters and a big porch.

Showers and flush toilets are available here too.  Ok cell reception throughout the park.

We stayed in the large open area at the top of the rock outcrop above the trailhead parking area and it was perfect. Like someone else said, you take the road on the right just before the parking lot and then there are a few spots just up the road which are all pretty private. These are walking distance to the waterfall which is awesome, but there are about 10 additional spots with existing fire pits on the road up there. Most of them sit right up against the river under tree cover which would be ideal on hot days. It was cold and rainy so we didn’t have any issues being out in the open.

Caught a nice little cutthroat trout out of the creek

Super clean, nice place. Trails are awesome. Showers and bathrooms if u don’t want to use yours. Lots of R.V. sites.

Great if you have a family or large group and/or are newer to the camping world! They got a range of options to dip into! The lake is always cold no matter the season. Really easy fishing if you’re just learning. They have tons of rentals. Overall was way too crowded for my enjoyment. But can see the positives in a pretty spot for others.

While the river is nice, it does little to drown out the sound of the highway, or the sites and sounds of other campers. Those who don’t mind a communal camping experience, but like they have a good time. However, those seeking any sort of natural experience, an opportunity to get away and come with nature will be sorely disappointed.

As one of the closest state parks to Portland and in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, Ainsworth can get busy during the summer months, but sometimes you can get a reservation during the week. I like to come in the off season. 

There 40 full hook-up sites, 6 walk-in tent sites and a hiker/biker campground with no reservations required. The campground itself unremarkable, with a bathroom/shower house, dump station and play ground, but it is a great jumping off point for exploring all things Columbia River Gorge.

Dump station and water available

Elk Creek Campground in Oregon is a real paradise for those looking for peace and unity with nature. I stumbled upon this place quite by accident when I was vacationing on the LuckyTrunk website. I saw a photo of this campsite in the ad block, and something inside me made me immediately add it to the list of places worth visiting. And I was right- this place left an unforgettable impression. Elk Creek is located near Highway 6, which makes it easily accessible even for those who are not used to long-distance travel. The campsite is located in the heart of the Tillamook State Forest, surrounded by majestic Douglas firs that create an atmosphere of comfort and harmony. There is no city noise or bustle here- only nature, fresh air and tranquility. The peculiarity of this campsite is its simplicity and convenience. All tent sites are pedestrianized, which adds to the sense of privacy. Each campsite is well screened by trees, has its own parking, a fire pit with a grill for cooking, and a special platform for a tent. Although there are no RV hookups, many sites are suitable for small trailers or campers.

Complete view of the majestic mountain. Lots of room and even some flat spots. Idea for any rig, tent camper, hammock camper it vehicle. Road is rough in some spots but any vehicle can drive it.

The area around mount Saint Helens is beautiful, tons of space to park any rig, tent, or vehicle. The forest has majestic trees and when it rains, it resembles a rainforest. During August and September, you can find tons of edible mushrooms.

This is what the title says. It's a large pull out on a quiet road in the woods.

There were other campers when we arrived. Very nice for a late night pull in. Not somewhere I would settle in for a few days, just a stop over.

The hike to the falls is to the far left of the pullout. Do NOT go down the super steep trails to the right. Beautiful waterfall after a short hike.

This is a rest area just off the highway. The bathrooms are open 24 hours. It is a big open parking lot. We car camped here over night and had no issues. Just in the morning it starts getting packed because people park here for the Summit ski area. There are a lot of signs about the parking here, and I’m not sure if it’s a Sno-Park. But we had no issues and don’t have a pass. The only sound you would hear is the highway with cars, and plows driving by in the lot or the road

Great little spot. Watch your GPS and use some dead reckoning with the topographic map. There is a little side road that gets a bit narrow and then opens into a beautiful spot.

Picked up a small bag of someone else’s trash. Don’t leave trash in the woods — pick up after yourself

Road is fine and easy. AWD is nice but isn’t necessary if the road is fairly dry.

What can I say? Silver Falls is a magical place and everyone should experience it.  You can just get lost in the beauty of it all.  The cabins are small but comfortable with heat, lights, and beds.  Covered porch is nice to sit and listen to the rain.