Camping near Portland offers convenient access to natural settings without long drives. The Willamette Valley's mild climate creates ideal camping conditions with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and spring/fall temperatures in the 60s. Portland's surrounding campgrounds range from riverside locations to forested retreats with varying seasonal availability.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Milo McIver State Park Campground offers competition-quality disc golf with twin 18-hole courses or a single 27-hole layout for tournaments. "What other campground has a bat trail? There are private feeling hiking trails around the large park...It is also far from the extensive pair of disc golf courses. That's right, two competition quality disc golf courses," notes Nancy H.
River sports access: Barton County Park Campground serves as a popular launch point for water activities. "Great place to put into the river to float or kayak. lots of parking. also a campground. perfect for a close weekend getaway," says Caty M. The park remains open from May through October with 110 campsites available.
Heritage exploration: Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground combines camping with historical sites. "Along the way got to see the Champoeg Heritage site with period piece actors, wide open spaces, and the Willamette River," explains Ashley B. The location features pioneer history exhibits where visitors can participate in historical activities.
Urban river watching: Clackamette RV Park offers unique water views at the confluence of two major rivers. "It's a beautiful spot where the Clackamas flows into the Willamette. There's gas and dining within walking distance, multiple boat launches, nearby rentals, and lots of wildlife," describes Pepper V.
What campers like
Quick nature access: Oxbow Regional Park provides natural surroundings surprisingly 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," writes Stephanie Z. The park encompasses 1,200 acres of land with numerous hiking trails.
Proximity to wine country: Champoeg State Heritage Area offers convenient access to nearby vineyards. "The location is also pretty accessible to wine country," notes Stephanie Z. Travelers can combine camping with day trips to local wineries within a short driving distance.
Island camping experience: Reeder Beach RV Park provides a unique island setting. "Great location, quiet, affordable. We'll definitely be back," says one reviewer. Another camper adds, "You pass through farmlands to get here where during harvest you can pick up fresh veggies and fruit. Perfect for dogs with a nice trail. You can get into the city within 10 minutes."
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming areas, with Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground offering a volcanic lake setting. "They have a cool volcanic lake with a swimming area and great fishing. Its like a mini crater lake. I mean mini like pond size," explains Ashley Y.
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have reported water issues. At Reeder Beach, campers should be prepared: "Flat gravel for most part, steps away from the Columbia River, decent space between sites with good shade depending on your site. Only reason for 4 starts is because the water is dirty. It's brownish and smells like metal. Make sure to bring your own fresh water," warns C.W.
Seasonal availability: Several campgrounds have limited seasonal operations. Barton County Park is only open May through October, while Milo McIver operates from March 15 to October 31.
Noise factors: Jantzen Beach RV Park has transportation noise that may affect light sleepers. "On Hayden Island in Portland, so nearby to an outdoor mall that includes Target as well as several restaurants...One drawback is that one side is on a busy road and you can hear traffic from nearby I-5 as well as airplanes flying overhead," reports Brian C.
Cell service limitations: Some campgrounds have limited connectivity. One camper at Oxbow Regional Park notes: "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."
Tips for camping with families
All-ages activities: Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground offers varied recreation for different family interests. "As far as the camping, while it's open, for the most part you do have a limited amount of privacy in the campground...It's a small lake but big lake, meaning they do not allow motors on the lake, even electric motors, so it's all floats, kayakers, etc. A lot of people grab the big inter-tubes and go with that," explains Richard B.
Playground options: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "Husband and I spent this past weekend camping in Oxbow Regional Park and thoroughly enjoyed it! 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.
Educational opportunities: Champoeg offers learning experiences. "The farmhouse fascinated my boys... they got to water the garden with a water pump and buckets!" says Leslie C., highlighting interactive historical features that engage children.
Biking-friendly settings: Multiple campgrounds feature family-friendly biking trails. "Champoeg has a little everything. GREAT biking trails that are kid friendly. There lots of historical sites around the campground to enjoy as well. Loop B is highly our favorite because it is smaller and more private and close to the river," notes Scott W.
Tips from RVers
Urban convenience: Columbia River RV Park offers full amenities with city proximity. "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," reports Brian C.
Pet accommodations: Columbia River RV Park provides specific pet facilities. "The park has two off-leash dog areas, two shower facilities, a community kitchen, a rec room that you can use for gatherings, a free table for giving away things that you don't need or taking things you want, a laundry facility, and a workout room," describes C.H., adding that "the laundry room had a designated pet washer and dryer."
RV age restrictions: Some parks have vehicle age policies. At Roamers Rest RV Park, one camper notes: "They also have RV age limit of 2010 but they allowed pictures before turning me down. Yay we got approved!"
Site selection tips: For pet-friendly camping near Portland, Oregon, position matters. "Oxbow feels like it is in the middle of nowhere...Try to get a site as close to the river as you can so you can avoid the highway noise at night," recommends one camper, highlighting the importance of strategic site selection with pets.
