Columbia Hills Historical State Park Campground and Lost Lake Resort and Campground feature upscale glamping accommodations near The Dalles with canvas tent options and yurts. These locations offer climate-controlled retreats with comfortable bedding, electrical outlets, and rustic charm without sacrificing modern comforts. "The glamping tents have heaters, lights etc. There are heated indoor bathrooms with nice free hot water showers just a short walk away," noted one guest about their experience. Lost Lake's glamping sites include A-frame cabins and yurts surrounded by old-growth forest with views of Mt. Hood across the pristine lake. The platform tent sites at Columbia Hills provide a solid foundation with canvas roofs, creating a semi-permanent structure that protects from wind while maintaining the boutique camping atmosphere that draws visitors to this scenic Columbia River location.
Hiking trails directly behind the glamping areas connect visitors to scenic vistas and natural attractions throughout the region. A visitor described their experience: "We stayed in a Bell tent and I have never slept so soundly as I did for this cozy glamping weekend." Several properties provide unique amenities like trampoline access, skate parks, and fast WiFi connectivity even within the canvas accommodations. Mt. Hood Village Resort's glamping yurts serve as an ideal base camp for winter sports, with proximity to Timberline Lodge and the Palmer Glacier for summer skiing adventures. The properties near Hood River provide easy access to windsurfing opportunities on the Columbia River, with rentals available seasonally. Most glamping sites require reservations with availability limited during peak summer months when temperatures and conditions are optimal for outdoor exploration.
"This was a great location for loads of hikes in the area."
"This small state park is tucked alongside the Columbia River and Horsethief Lake."
$25 - $60 / night
"The location is on a tucked away bend of the Hood River and feels rather secluded."
"It’s first come first serve so I would get there early, especially in the heat of the summer. Open May-November I believe. Bring cash for payment."
$30 - $60 / night
"The reservation staff was very professional and helpful. The park owner came out and met us as we were arriving after dark, he just wanted to make sure we got settled, I was impressed!!"
"Came through with a lucky grab over the holiday weekend when someone didn't arrive for their reservation. It's not a bad spot if you're in the back of the park. There is some road and train noise."
$45 - $125 / night
"The only thing missing from this amazing camping spot is electricity and running water. Otherwise, it’s perfect! Absolutely gorgeous view of Mt."
"Tent sites are large and spaced out so your not right next to your neighbors. It’s a little bit of a walk to the lake but enjoyable."
$20 - $29 / night
"The sites here are walk in and it is not necessary to make a reservation. Came in on a weekday and a local told me that if you were to camp here on the weekend the sites would be full."
"Viento is a nice state park along 84 right outside of hood river. It is along the columbia river and has beach access."
$30 - $120 / night
"Hood across Trillium Lake. The campground is nestled deep in old growth forest with spacious sites and running water."
"Trillium Lake campground has the best location for Mt Hood views, hands down. The campground is quiet, not too many amenities(pit toilets, picnic table, fire pit)."
"Not too far from Meadows and Parkdale ... and even not to far for an overnight or weekend away from Portland. The first come sites are just off of Forest Road 44 >> Dufur Valley Road."
"Very quiet and even has a few dispersed camp spots outside the main area. Had some deer walk right through our camp spot while we sat by the fire."
$8 - $35 / night
"We were so glad we kept driving down this road until the very end."
"A slight bit of small trash around. Plenty of trash cans. $8 weekdays $12 weekends. None of the other campgrounds had anyone. Next time I think we’ll stay at Rattlesnake Campground."
$13 - $74 / night
"For the uninitiated, this means no electric sites, no running water, no flush toilets."
"All the campsites with drive up parking were taken so we stayed in the hiker's/backpacking area. There is a parking lot with wagons to haul your stuff to and from the campsite."
"We had an RV on site. Used the indoor swimming pool and the restaurant for some breakfasts & lunches. Food was adequate."
"friendly options available) which is cool, laundry facility, cafe/bakery on site, nice store with good variety of food and drink options, DVD rental."
LegendThe only thing missing from this amazing camping spot is electricity and running water. Otherwise, it’s perfect! Absolutely gorgeous view of Mt. Hood, tons of hiking, a beautiful lake and camping spots for everyone. They have walk-in spots, yurts, a-frames, RV spots, a horse camp and even a few rooms at the lodge. Make sure to spend at least 3-4 days!
TravelerTent sites are large and spaced out so your not right next to your neighbors. It’s a little bit of a walk to the lake but enjoyable. We stayed in the A-frame cabin which is right off the parking lot so can be busy but is a generous size lot and has some shrubbery and trees for privacy. there’s a trail out right out the back of the lot. The cabin is small and rustic. Non motorized lake. Canoe, paddle board and boat rentals available and I highly recommend.
TravelerCcottonwood Canyon State Park Campground is a lovely, remote primitive camp experience. For the uninitiated, this means no electric sites, no running water, no flush toilets. Its also a rattlesnake habitat in Eastern Oregon's high desert biome, within 30 miles or so of The Dalles, a city marking the change in the Columbia River Gorge from high desert to wooded mountainsides. This camp ground us located deep in a canyon 15 miles from Wasco, Oregon. Before descending into the canyon, you'll see Eastern Oregon's classic golden wheatfields, then a wind farm, with scores of white windmills. The evening I arrived was the night before a full moon, so the setting sun over the canyon and the waxing moon gave a lovely glow to the sights. Unfortunately, my camera phone and photographer skills are lacking; sorry. If you love truly getting away from it all, as I do, you'll appreciate the absolute peace at Cottonwood Canyon. We arrived at dusk, late in July, and as is typical for the region, it was still 90 degrees. Fortunately, my summer tent is mostly screen, allowing the cool canyon breeze in, and it erects quickly and easily. It was full dark by the time I'd pitched it, and outfitted it with my airbed. Because of all the rattlesnake warning signs, I kept my dog leashed or tied out on a campsite-length cable. We parked across the campground from the pit toilets, which were not lighted, so bring a flashlight, cell phone, or lantern for inside the biffy. If this kind of camping appeals to you, you'll be rewarded with a quiet night of no traffic noise, only the sound of the nearby murmuring creek and the breeze in the trees. The other campers here were very quiet and respectful of the rules. The beautiful moonlight set one side of the canyon aglow and the clear sky was filled with stars. I didn't need my rain fly, so could enjoy finding the constellations as I lay in my tent. In the morning, I awoke just before dawn when my dog sat bolt upright and intently watched with me as an elk cow walked through our campsite. The fee here is $10 a.night, and worth every penny!
Here is the one caveat: as of this writing, (late July 2018) the loud diesel pickup truck that came through to empty trash bins at 6am was jarring. It was followed by the back-up beeping of heavy machinery by 6:30am, as work on a new building commenced near the campground. This was so unfortunate, and I pity the folks that had hoped to sleep in.
ScoutThis place is incredible. First to cover the basics.
The internet is super fast - I was getting 75mbps up/down when I was in my tent.
They have power/water hookups at each parking spot. The glamping tents have heaters, lights etc. There are heated indoor bathrooms with nice free hot water showers just a short walk away.
This place is at a year round camp/school that has multiple skate parks, trampolines, mountain biking courses, all season ski jumps etc. it’s an action sports camp.
They provide things like firewood and ice which they put in your cooler.
The people are super nice and accommodating. Ask for Jim - he handles all the camping stuff.
GuideDay 5/6 - Pacific North Quest (Mt. Hood)
A classic camping spot with an amazing view of Mt. Hood across Trillium Lake. The campground is nestled deep in old growth forest with spacious sites and running water. The best feature though, is the easy access to the trails and fishing at Trillium Lake, and proximity to Mt. Hood.
From Trillium Lake we made the short drive up to Timberline Lodge where you can access the Palmer Glacier and the zones on the south side of Mt. Hood. On the first day we skinned up to Illumination Rock for some sunset turns and on second day we explored the natural terrain and build a jump at the top of Big Zigzag canyon.
Check out the three other campgrounds we visited on our Pacific North Quest summer ski touring trip (Smith Rock State Park, Trillium Lake, and Prairie Campground), and download the Snowledge App to see some incredible photos, along with touring stats and maps from each mission.
GuideOn our way to Alaska for the SF Bay Area we stopped at several different camping locations along lakes and mountains. The only one we went out of our way to stay at when coming back was Lost Lake Campground. The sites are plenty big, have tables and fire pits. The entire area is amply wooded to provide privacy and the sense of seclusion. The bathrooms were clean and always had TP. There is running water spigots dispersed throughout the camping areas. If I'm ever in the area it will be the 1st place I go.
ScoutOur family has had the privilege of enjoying Columbia Gorge Getaways on three separate occasions and each time was a joyous and exceptional experience. Our first time staying was for a friend's wedding. Everything was perfect from start to finish and hands down one of the best weddings we have been to from the stunning Ceremony site overlooking the luscious forest to the fun event space perfect for any gathering. We stayed in a Bell tent and I have never slept so soundly as I did for this cozy glamping weekend. The bathrooms have everything you need and being amongst friends and family in such a gorgeous space was pure bliss.
We gathered again for a lovely baby shower on a perfect Spring day! Again, the event space was such a great spot and our kids loved play area and fun lawn games!
The last time we stayed we brought our tent and loved it. We were amazed at how comfortable and spacious our site was along with a lovely picnic table to enjoy our meals. The kids loved running around the safe and friendly campsite and playing in the play space. They have been hounding us to return and we cannot wait! We will be recommending Columbia Gorge Getaways to everyone as the perfect gathering spot! Thank you for the wonderful experiences each and every time.
GuideJuly 2020 - We stayed one night on our way to another campground. We were pleasantly surprised. All the campsites with drive up parking were taken so we stayed in the hiker's/backpacking area. There is a parking lot with wagons to haul your stuff to and from the campsite. There was also a small bathroom and trash can. These sites did not have their own campfire but it looked like there were shared areas for the fires. It is a great spot for star gazing and overall beautiful.
GuideThis was a great location for loads of hikes in the area. Close enough to the Dalles and Maryhill if your dinner went south, but far enough away where it wasn't an issue of feeling like you were in a city. Beautiful Lake and super close to the Petraglyphs (do the tour that leaves a 3 minute walk from the campsite!!) It was SUPER windy, the bathrooms seemed pretty far from the tent camping sites, (they were all walk in) and there was a train track super close, but overall a good experience.
The Columbia Gorge region around The Dalles experiences extreme temperature variations throughout the year, with summer highs reaching 100°F and winter lows dropping below freezing. The area sits at approximately 85 feet above sea level where the Columbia River cuts through the Cascade Mountain Range, creating unique wind patterns that affect camping conditions. Sites on the northern shore tend to experience stronger gusts than the more sheltered southern locations.
Hiking behind campsites: Access trails directly from Columbia Hills Historical State Park Campground for views of Mt. Hood and the Columbia River. "The park host was very accommodating... we also hiked horsethief butte it was easy and a chill hike scenic views of Mt. hood, the butte, the water, and overlook of the campground," reports Stephanie F.
Fishing opportunities: The John Day River at Macks Canyon Recreation Site offers excellent fishing spots for trout. "The view of the river was amazing and we watched lots of fishing boats and rafting boats go by," notes Sarah S., who considers it "one of my new favorite places to camp in Oregon."
Winter activities: Use Mt Hood Village Resort as a base for year-round recreation. "The main attraction of this place is the nearby recreation... Using this RV park as a jumping off point, there are endless hiking trails and lakes to paddle and explore in the Mt Hood wilderness," explains Joel H., who also notes the proximity to mountain biking at Sandy Ridge Trail System.
Swimming holes: Tucker Park Campground offers river access within walking distance of campsites. "We had a blast! So green and beautiful. Not far from downtown. Lots of space/areas for our kids to run to climb big rocks," writes Ketra I., while another camper mentions that "the water was excellent" with "white noise from the water helped hide the proximity of our fellow campers."
Petroglyphs and archaeology: Lost Lake Resort And Campground provides educational opportunities alongside glamping close to The Dalles, Oregon. "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!" shares Mary C. about the archaeological features.
Stargazing: The clear skies at Lone Tree Campground — Cottonwood Canyon State Park offer exceptional night sky viewing. "The beautiful moonlight set one side of the canyon aglow and the clear sky was filled with stars. I didn't need my rain fly, so could enjoy finding the constellations as I lay in my tent," describes Shawn M., who experienced the serene night atmosphere.
Wind conditions: Most glamping sites near The Dalles experience strong winds, especially in canyon areas. "It can get super windy. At one point we were frantically trying to get our awning down from the Cricket and things were flying everywhere," warns Sarah S. about Macks Canyon, while another camper notes, "Winds hit 29 MPH at some points of our stay."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near The Dalles, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near The Dalles, OR is Columbia Hills Historical State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 12 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 32 glamping camping locations near The Dalles, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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