Best Campgrounds near St. Helens, OR
The Columbia River waterfront shapes the camping landscape around St. Helens, Oregon, with several river-oriented camping options. Bayport RV Park and Campground offers water and electric hookups with boat launch access on Scappoose Bay, while Sand Island Marine Park provides tent camping on a river island accessible only by boat or kayak. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate RVs, with several also offering tent sites. Camp Wilkerson, located inland, provides cabin options alongside traditional camping in a more forested setting.
Access to many sites requires advance planning, particularly for boat-accessible locations like Sand Island Marine Park. "This is on the Columbia River water kayak trail," notes one visitor about Sand Island, highlighting the unique water access requirements. Road quality varies throughout the region, with paved access to developed sites like Bayport RV Park but more limited access to remote locations. Seasonal considerations include Columbia River water levels and potential flooding in spring months. Summer brings busy periods at waterfront campgrounds, while winter camping options remain limited to year-round facilities. Cell service is generally reliable near established campgrounds but may be spotty in more remote areas.
Columbia River views distinguish many camping experiences in the St. Helens area. Several visitors mention spotting river traffic, with one camper noting, "The host told us about app vessel finder to track boats coming by the camp area." Water recreation access represents a significant draw, with opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and boating at multiple locations. Bathroom and shower facilities receive mixed reviews across campgrounds, with some visitors praising cleanliness while others report maintenance issues. Camping experiences vary widely between the more developed RV parks with electrical hookups and the primitive, boat-in only experiences on Sand Island. Noise levels depend heavily on proximity to main roads, with several reviewers mentioning road noise at Scappoose Bay Marine Park but praising the quieter waterfront settings at other locations.
