283 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near The Dalles spans the Oregon and Washington sides of the Columbia River Gorge, from campgrounds with full hookups to free primitive sites directly on the river. Columbia Hills Historical State Park Campground provides tent, RV, and cabin sites overlooking Horsethief Lake, while Avery Recreation Area offers primitive camping directly on the Columbia River. The region includes both family-friendly state parks with full hookups and rustic dispersed camping areas with minimal facilities. Campgrounds range from riverside locations with mountain views to small family farms offering unique camping experiences.
Camping in The Dalles area typically runs from April through October, with most state parks closing for winter. Wind conditions significantly impact camping comfort in this section of the Columbia River Gorge, particularly at exposed riverfront sites. Several campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, though availability varies by location. Campground amenities generally include picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, with some sites offering showers and dump stations. Cell service is reliable at most locations, though primitive areas may have limited coverage. A camper noted, "It is very windy due to its location in the gorge. The lake access and surrounding land is beautiful."
Waterfront locations with views of Mount Hood receive consistently high ratings despite sometimes challenging conditions. The proximity to the Columbia River offers swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities, though wind can make water activities difficult for beginners. Train noise represents a significant concern at some sites, especially at Avery Recreation Area where tracks run adjacent to camping areas. One reviewer cautioned, "This place is free for a reason. The trains are seriously loud, do not underestimate this. This is literally every half hour with the train blaring his horn." Sites at Columbia Hills and Memaloose State Parks provide more protected camping with established facilities, making them popular with families. Cultural attractions including petroglyphs add educational value to camping trips in this region, with several reviewers mentioning guided tours available at Columbia Hills.
"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."
from $23 - $36 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $15 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $12 - $35 / night
Check Availability"We turned right and drove to the very end next to a picnic table. There was no one else nearby. There is a bathroom and a boat launch."
"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."
"The campsites are relatively close but not so much that you’re walking over each other we camped in our RV and secured a second spot so we could have the space between the campground is very close to the"
"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."
from $25 - $60 / night
Check Availability"This is a wonderful park with great spots, access to the river and is close to Biggs Junction and The Dalles."
"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. "
from $40 - $45 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $35 - $80 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $12 - $68 / night
Check Availability"There is a train track close by and the 84 is also close by. You can stay for free for up to 14 days. We have a generator and a 40’ fifth wheel. We had plenty of parking."
"Located right next to both."
"Train tracks right behind us, which is great if you are a train enthusiast. We will have to see if any trains come through in the middle of the night."
GuideCame back to this gem for a day trip and to help clean up via last comment. No trash found. Please do not allow kids or yourself to build dams that block water flow, it creates festering pools of stagnant bacteria infested water that other kids and animals could get sick from. Spent the day removing hand built dams. See previous comment for other details of this beautiful camping area.
LegendWe had a great day and one night stay here in late September. The site was right on the hood river that runs thru the campground. Many hiking trails and also an awesome campground overall. Clean restrooms. Awesome camp hosts. This is our second Time in the campground but first on the river. Will return for sure!
TravelerIt’s a little noisy from the train but I didn’t mind my Campspot A21 had a perfect view of the deschutes river. And trails nearby
TravelerGreat lil spot had absolutely no issues finding a spot there are a lot in the area free dispersed. You can hike to trillium lake from this area as well…
Not quite apot and not super private but cool
RangerAbout 2 miles back so bring what you need. Off the loop around the lake. Amazing views and a cell signal.
RangerRight off main road, with a few to choose from. Roads good, decent cell coverage. Decent place to stop over.
LegendNice little campground, although the spaces are pretty close together and the downside is, it’s right next to the freeway and a bridge so there’s quite a bit of traffic noise. It is right on the John Day river which is very pretty. Campsites had water and electric and there is a dump station. several pull through, but the back ends were a little difficult to get into as they weren’t angled very much.
GuideWe got in about 6 pm .Only 2 vans and a truck were here. Great view of mount Hood. We are in that top right hand corner. Looking forward to 2 or three days here.
GuideConvenient but loud place to stay near mt hood. Park along the road, not in the lot
Camping options near The Dalles, Oregon span both sides of the Columbia River with elevations ranging from 100 feet along the riverfront to 1,200 feet at higher campgrounds. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F between June and August, with persistent winds creating challenging tent conditions. Camping facilities range from free dispersed sites with vault toilets to full-service state parks with showers and hookups, though several close seasonally from November through March.
Explore petroglyphs: Columbia Hills Historical State Park Campground offers access to ancient rock art sites. "This campground was a delightful change to our routine... One of the best aspects was the petroglyphs that were along trails near the campground," notes Mary C., who recommends taking the guided tour that leaves just minutes from the campsite.
Visit local wineries: Multiple campgrounds provide easy access to nearby vineyards. At Peach Beach RV Park, campers receive a special welcome: "The host greets you with a bag of a couple peaches from the fruit farm next door," according to Marty S. The park sits adjacent to several tasting rooms.
Swim in Horsethief Lake: The small lake at Columbia Hills provides a welcome alternative to the often windy Columbia River. "There's a lake for swimming which is awesome because it gets super hot here in the summertime," writes Natalie G., noting the controlled environment makes it ideal for families.
Mountain biking access: Tucker Park Campground serves as a convenient base for cyclists. Located near popular mountain biking trails, one reviewer notes: "Toll Bridge is close to everything. Mountain biking, hiking, fishing, boardsailing, kite boarding... This area is a maca for all season sports."
Riverfront tent sites: Tucker Park Campground offers premium waterfront locations. "We spent two nights at one of the river sites with easy access to the river. The campsite was scattered with smooth rocks perfect for tanning and nice sandy beaches along the river for your fur companions to cool off," writes Mackenzie H.
Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate no-cost sites. At Avery Rec Area, Sally L. notes, "This is Army Corps of Engineers recreation site with dispersed camping, vault toilets and a boat ramp. First come first served, $0 and you can stay up to seven days."
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites offer bird watching opportunities. Emma A. reports from Deschutes River State Recreation Area: "Lots of birds, gooses and goslings and great access to the river for a refreshing swim."
Unique accommodations: Beyond standard camping, some parks offer alternative options. Ashley B. tried the platform accommodations at Columbia Hills: "I later learned from the Park Ranger that the canvas on the tents had rotted out in May so he had built what I would call plywood cabins with canvas roofs. There were 2 cabins, each one had 2 windows, 2 sets of bunk beds, a weak light, and a latch secured door."
Wind conditions: The gorge creates persistently strong winds that affect camping comfort. At Memaloose State Park Campground, Heather H. warns, "Do not fall prey to a river view spot! There are no trees to provide shade or protection from the wind! There are burn marks on my tent from the polls rubbing together."
Train noise: Railway tracks run alongside several campgrounds. At Avery Recreation Area, a reviewer cautions: "This is not for everyone. It literally is every half hour with the train blaring his horn."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. Quinn Z. notes about Toll Bridge Park: "Alas, there isn't any Verizon service here, which I need to do work on the road, so I couldn't stay. Bummer too, because the area is gorgeous."
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds operate limited schedules. Ryan L. advises for Deschutes River State Recreation Area: "If you like the desert and a little more solitude, come check out this site. The amenities are simple, be sure to bring plenty of water."
Look for playground access: Toll Bridge Park Campground offers dedicated children's facilities. "We've camped here twice... The park, bathrooms and picnic areas all kept in tip top shape. The camp sites all had picnic tables and firepits," writes Christi C., who appreciated the playground during a heat wave.
Consider private farm options: Smaller, family-operated sites provide unique experiences. John H. found a great alternative at Roots Rise Family Farm: "There's a big field with play equipment for kids, and pine trees below, where we found a nice spot with half shade, picnic table, and fire ring."
Choose protected swimming spots: Finding safe water access matters for families. Marielle M. recommends Maryhill State Park: "This campground is wide and spacious, especially the group site. It has Columbia River access... There is a roped off swim area at the day use park."
Visit educational sites: The region offers learning opportunities for children. At Columbia Hills, Mary C. shares: "One of the best aspects was the petroglyphs that were along trails near the campground. This was a great spot and I highly recommend it!"
Select upper campground locations: Deschutes River State Recreation Area offers multiple camping areas with varying RV suitability. Mark A. advises: "We've only stayed in the 'T' loop, at the back of the campground... A loops has more trees, so I would suggest staying there when possible as it gets hot in the summer."
Check campground entry points: Some parks have challenging access roads. Melissa N. notes about Memaloose State Park: "Also, the entry to the campground is through a rest area and can be confusing when you're exiting the highway. Just go through the rest area but don't get back on the highway, the entry to camp is just passed through rest stop."
Consider site orientation: Positioning matters for comfort in hot weather. At Maryhill State Park Campground, Christina F. reports: "We are in a nice pull through site on the river side. About as close to being on the water as you can be from the campground. There are full hook-ups. Our site has no shade."
Book early for river views: Premium waterfront sites fill quickly. Donald R. shares about Memaloose State Park: "They had firewood on site and fire pits at every site. We had a site with full hookups, it seemed the lower ones only had water, check the map and make sure you get what you need."
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.
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