Best Campgrounds near The Dalles, OR

The Dalles, OR is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near The Dalles, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Discover great camping spots near The Dalles, reviewed by campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near The Dalles, Oregon (266)

    1. Memaloose State Park Campground

    38 Reviews
    Mosier, OR
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 478-3008

    $24 - $38 / night

    "Easy drive to the Dalles to get anything you might need. Bathrooms are very clean, showers are hot and long. This last week its mostly empty with campers."

    "Great campground between Hood River and the Dalles. The spots closest to the water have great views and trees for shade during the summer."

    2. Deschutes River State Recreation Area

    33 Reviews
    Wishram, OR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 739-2322

    $13 - $74 / night

    "It's the perfect spot if you are traveling across Oregon and need a nice place to stop before continuing to another state, or eastern Oregon. 

    The campground is relatively small."

    "Found this place on the map while searching for a place to camp at the Washington/Oregon border."

    3. Columbia Hills Historical State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Dallesport, OR
    4 miles
    Website

    "This was a great location for loads of hikes in the area."

    "Cute little campsite just off the highway tucked away next to Horse-thief lake. It is very windy due to its location in the gorge. The lake access and surrounding land is beautiful."

    4. Tucker Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Hood River, OR
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 386-4477

    $25 - $60 / night

    "Excellent faculties with easy access to amenities. Sat by a campfire pit in the evenings and went to sleep with the sound of the river surrounding us. What more could you ask for."

    "It's an hour drive from our house in portland and though you feel like your out in the middle of the woods your only 10 mins from hood river and most of what it has to offer."

    5. Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge

    10 Reviews
    Wishram, WA
    8 miles
    Website

    "Great little swimming spot steps from our spot. Trains will come every hour and tracks are close to sites. A few wineries within a mile and one about .5 miles from spot."

    "Parking next to water seemed like a dream, until your are awaked by the sound of a screaming train in your ear. For last minute locations, I would stop here again."

    6. Peach Beach RV Park on the Columbia

    25 Reviews
    Cheatham Lock and Dam, WA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 773-4927

    $40 - $45 / night

    "It was during the major fires in Oregon so most of the time it was socked in by thick/heavy smoke.  Like brown fog.  Not at all the fault of Peach Beach. "

    "Tucked away just across the river and close to towns if you need anything."

    7. Toll Bridge Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Hood River, OR
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 387-6889

    $35 - $80 / night

    "The campground itself is quite small, with some sites closer together and not enjoying that much privacy, and others tucked further back with more privacy."

    "That’s what led us to Tollbridge, a lightly used campsite 15 miles south of Ukiah on Highway 325."

    8. Maryhill State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Wishram, WA
    17 miles
    Website

    "Just a brief stop overnight en route to the Oregon Coast."

    "If you aren't paying attention, you could miss the park entrance, so be careful about that. We are in a nice pull through site on the river side."

    9. Roots Rise Family Farm

    2 Reviews
    Lyle, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 856-0146

    $45 / night

    "The land was situated right out of Lyle which made it very convenient to run into town to grab essentials we forgot (first camping trip of the season!)."

    "It was such a beautiful drive out the gorge to Lyle, and then up the hill to this great spot."

    10. Turkey Hole

    4 Reviews
    Lyle, WA
    9 miles
    Website

    $20 - $49 / night

    "If you stick close to the entrance side then you will have some good spots and not too many neighbors."

    "Located on the Klickatat river. Only downfall are the sqauters."

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Recent Reviews near The Dalles, OR

1318 Reviews of 266 The Dalles Campgrounds



Guide to The Dalles

Camping near The Dalles, Oregon, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. One camper mentioned, "Great 2-mile hiking loop around the lake. Beautiful view of Mt. Hood" at Trillium Lake.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Lost Lake Resort And Campground, offer fishing opportunities. A visitor shared, "The lake is fun for fishing and renting a little boat or canoe to get onto the water."
  • Wildflower Viewing: If you visit in spring, check out the wildflowers. One camper at Memaloose State Park Campground said, "Great spot to set up camp and hit the trails for wildflower season."

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites. A review for Panther Creek Campground noted, "A nice, woodsy campground, with lots of privacy between camp sites."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Deschutes River State Recreation Area, are praised for their cleanliness. One camper remarked, "Bathrooms are very clean. Good hiking trails along the river."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the views. A visitor at Maryhill State Park Campground mentioned, "Beautiful park on the river. We could watch the geese, the trains, the barges."

What you should know:

  • Train Noise: Some campgrounds are near train tracks, which can be loud. A camper at Cascade Locks KOA said, "The train was very loud (especially at night)."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A review for Cottonwood Canyon State Park noted, "There are provided wind breaks and covered picnic tables as well as dedicated fire pits."
  • Busy Seasons: Campgrounds can fill up quickly during peak times. One camper at Tucker Park Campground advised, "Book early if able."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. A parent at Lost Lake Resort And Campground mentioned, "There’s a store, rental boats, etc."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. One camper shared a cautionary tale about a creepy experience at Trillium Lake, emphasizing the importance of safety.
  • Plan for Quiet Time: After a busy day, make sure to have some downtime. A visitor at Memaloose State Park Campground noted, "This location is usually the last camping site of the year."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your campground has the right hookups for your RV. A camper at Deschutes River State Recreation Area mentioned, "The electric worked fine and the water pressure was on the low side."
  • Space for Maneuvering: Look for campgrounds with ample space for parking. One RV owner at Peach Beach RV Park said, "Easy back-ins and some pull-throughs."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Trains and traffic can be noisy. A visitor at Maryhill State Park Campground noted, "If you don't mind the sound of trains every few hours, this is a great campsite."

Camping near The Dalles, Oregon, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds in The Dalles, Oregon?

Memaloose State Park Campground is one of the top options near The Dalles, offering stunning Columbia River views and well-maintained facilities. It's conveniently located between Hood River and The Dalles with easy access to both towns. Another excellent choice is Cottonwood Canyon State Park, which provides a more primitive camping experience about 30 miles from The Dalles. This remote desert setting features scenic canyon views and the John Day River. Both parks offer distinct experiences - Memaloose provides more amenities while Cottonwood Canyon offers solitude in a dramatic landscape.

What camping options are available near The Dalles?

The Dalles area offers diverse camping options to suit different preferences. Columbia Hills Historical State Park Campground provides an excellent base for hikers with easy access to petroglyph tours and beautiful lake views. For RV travelers, Sherman County RV Park in nearby Moro offers full hookups in a quiet fairgrounds setting with an off-leash dog area. Additionally, dispersed camping opportunities exist in the surrounding national forests and BLM lands. Options range from developed state parks with full amenities to primitive sites for those seeking more solitude and natural surroundings.

Can you camp along the river in The Dalles area?

Yes, several excellent river camping options exist near The Dalles. Panther Creek Creekside Camp offers beautiful dispersed camping along a creek between The Dalles and Camas. This hidden gem provides a peaceful riverside experience with natural surroundings. For those seeking Columbia River views, Maryhill State Park Campground on the Washington side offers waterfront camping with stunning gorge scenery. Additional river camping can be found along the Deschutes and John Day Rivers. Most riverside campgrounds in the area fill quickly during summer months, so early arrival or reservations are recommended.

Are there campgrounds with bathroom facilities in The Dalles?

Macks Canyon Recreation Site offers bathroom facilities in a beautiful setting at the end of the Lower Deschutes Access Road. This campground provides a more remote experience while still maintaining essential amenities. For those wanting more developed facilities, Bonney Crossing campground south of The Dalles features restrooms alongside a peaceful stream. The campground sits at the transition between Mt. Hood's forested landscape and Oregon's drier eastern terrain. Most established campgrounds in the area provide at least vault toilets, while state parks typically offer shower facilities as well.