RV parks in Rhododendron, Oregon sit at approximately 1,700 feet elevation at the base of Mt. Hood, offering year-round camping options with seasonal weather variations. Winter temperatures can drop into the teens, requiring proper RV insulation and preparation for mountain road conditions. The area serves as a gateway to Mt. Hood National Forest with access to the Salmon River and nearby trails.
What to Do
Salmon River access: At Mt Hood Village Resort, you can reach the Salmon River directly from the property. "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," notes Joel H.
Mountain biking: Some of the region's best mountain biking trails are just minutes away from Rhododendron campgrounds. "Right across Hwy 26 is some of the best Mountain Biking in the country at the Sandy Ridge Trail System," according to visitors who use Mt Hood Village Resort as their base camp.
Wildwood Recreation Site: This natural area adjacent to camping options features unique wildlife viewing opportunities. "Wildwood recreation site is right next door and boasts an underwater salmon viewing area as well naturalist inspired boardwalks and walking paths," explains Amy H.
What Campers Like
Indoor amenities: During colder months or inclement weather, Mt Hood Village Resort provides indoor recreation options. "Used the indoor swimming pool and the restaurant for some breakfasts & lunches. Food was adequate," reports Amy H. The resort also features "a lodge, an exercise room, pool, hot tub, hot showers, bathrooms with indoor plumbing."
Local dining options: Several restaurants near Rhododendron RV parks provide alternatives to campsite cooking. "Some great places to eat in the area are Koya Kitchen, that serves sushi and ramen with plenty of outdoor seating and a full bar. Also nearby and not to miss is the Skyway Bar and Grill with amazing BBQ, full bar and live music on the weekends," recommends Joel H.
Quiet forested sites: Lewis & Clark Campground & RV Park offers more secluded sites under mature trees. "Beautiful view nice established old timber," notes Nicholas & Elizabeth H. Another camper appreciated the "beautiful old growth timber giving each site a feeling of seclusion" at nearby RV parks.
What You Should Know
Site selection for tents: If you're tent camping rather than in an RV, investigate site locations before booking. "If you're tent camping the bathrooms are quite the hike, the tent sites are crammed together, there's only one working faucet in the entire tent camping area," reports Tyson C. about Mt Hood Village Resort.
Train noise: Some Rhododendron area campgrounds experience railway disruptions. "Only downside is frequent freight trains throughout the night," warns Wes B. about Lewis & Clark Campground, a factor worth considering when selecting sites.
Connectivity limitations: Cell service and wifi vary significantly throughout Rhododendron RV parks. "The Lodge has wifi, the rest of the park does not," notes a visitor about Mt Hood Village. Another adds that the "Lodge area has a small store with plenty of RV parts and snacks if you happened to forget something."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground accessibility: Mt Hood Village Resort offers dedicated play spaces for children. "There is a playground, swimming pool, small store, cafe, bathrooms with showers (and warm water) and activities during the day for kids," explains Tyson C. Another camper confirms it's "very family friendly" with "a nice playground for kids."
Site recommendations: When booking family campsites, specific locations may offer advantages. "We were in site T4. In my opinion it's the best site in the circle. If you can get T1, that looked like the best spot," advises Tyson C. based on his family camping experience at Mt Hood Village Resort.
Nearby activities: The region offers family-friendly recreation within short driving distances. "Very close to summer (and I'm assuming winter) attractions with Ski Bowl nearby," notes Jon F. Another camper mentions it's just "5 min from the ranger station with tons of easy trails around."
Tips from RVers
Site configurations: Clackamas River RV Park provides spacious sites suitable for larger rigs. "Easy and relaxed," notes Wes B., though he cautions about train noise. For bigger RVs, several Rhododendron area parks feature pull-through sites with full hookups.
Supply options: RVers staying near Rhododendron have convenient shopping options. "If you need actual supplies, head up the road a bit to the local Thriftway, a local grocery store," advises one RVer staying at Mt Hood Village Resort. Several parks also maintain small stores with essential RV parts and camping supplies.
Winter preparations: RVers camping during winter months need to prepare for mountain conditions. "The mountain roads leading to some RV parks require careful navigation, particularly during winter months when snow and ice may affect access," note experienced RVers who recommend carrying chains and checking road conditions before travel.
