Portland RV sites primarily concentrate around city edges and nearby towns with improved access to outdoor attractions. Most operate year-round with varying levels of urban proximity depending on visitor preferences. RV parks near Portland typically maintain paved sites that accommodate larger vehicles while providing essential hookups and proximity to metropolitan amenities.
What to do
River activities: Access the Sandy River at Sandy Riverfront RV Resort where visitors can enjoy swimming with proper safety precautions. "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," notes one reviewer.
Downtown exploration: Visit historic Troutdale within biking distance from Sandy Riverfront. "Bike into cute town of Troutdale very close," mentions a camper who appreciated the convenience. The location serves as an excellent starting point for exploring smaller communities around Portland.
Outdoor adventures: Explore nearby hiking trails from Mt Hood Village Resort, which positions visitors near numerous outdoor activities. "The main attraction of this place is the nearby recreation. There is a path that leads to the Wildwood recreation area and within the RV park itself there is access to the Salmon River for fishing/swimming," explains a reviewer.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Consistently maintained grounds make camping more comfortable at Portland area RV parks. A visitor to Columbia River RV Park noted: "Columbia River RV Park has daily, weekly, and monthly rates, which vary with the size of the space. The park has two off-leash dog areas, two shower facilities, a community kitchen, a rec room that you can use for gatherings."
Riverfront locations: Multiple parks offer water views as a primary appeal. "Nice RV park, dog friendly, right on the river, friendly staff. Train bridge across from the park so there is train noise," mentions one camper about Columbia River RV Park, highlighting both benefits and potential drawbacks.
Convenient amenities: Many sites provide practical services for extended stays. "The park is beautiful the bathrooms and showers are clean," states a reviewer about Portland Fairview RV Park, reflecting the priority many travelers place on basic facilities.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Traffic and transportation sounds affect multiple RV sites near Portland. "Location is literally right on the freeway (back wall shares a wall with I-5). Plenty of noise, but not as bad as it could have been," notes a camper at 99 RV Park in Vancouver, providing context for noise expectations.
Spacing between sites: Most Portland-area parks feature compact layouts with limited privacy between spots. "The spaces are pre-assigned but very tight. We unfortunately didn't get a pull-through site even though quite a few were available," shares a reviewer about Portland Fairview RV Park.
Airport flight paths: Several parks experience airplane noise due to proximity to Portland International Airport. A Scappoose RV Park visitor noted: "Close to the airport. Several people stopped in to use the showers," highlighting this location factor that affects multiple parks in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Recreational facilities: Look for parks with dedicated play areas to keep children entertained. A visitor to Mt Hood Village Resort shared: "Nice shady sites available, indoor pool and activities! 5 min from the ranger station with tons of easy trails around."
Swimming options: Several parks offer pool access as alternatives to river swimming. "While I thought the odd location in such an commercial area as well as the combination of trailer park and RV park was a little strange, my kiddos absolutely loved the three pools, playground, and basketball hoops," explained a reviewer about Jantzen Beach RV Park.
Nature exploration: Consider parks with wildlife viewing opportunities within their boundaries. One camper at Clackamette RV Park appreciated: "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."
Tips from RVers
Price expectations: Budget accordingly for Portland-area rates which run higher than rural locations. "To me, the price is a bit much: $57.67 for full hook-ups, and that's after a AAA discount," notes a Portland Fairview RV Park visitor, reflecting the premium pricing throughout the region.
Site selection: Request river-facing spots when possible for improved views and experience. A reviewer at Clackamette RV Park advises: "RV sites closer to the river/front row cost more ($25 vs $20). This is one of the closest RV sites to Portland, and not too expensive for a full RV site."
Water pressure variations: Be prepared for inconsistent utility service at some locations. "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," cautions a Jantzen Beach RV Park camper, suggesting that travelers bring water pressure regulators.
