Best RV Parks & Resorts near The Dalles, OR

Good weekend getaway from Portland. I had a decent-sized back-in site with fire ring and picnic table and room enough for my hammock. The pull-through sites run along the water’s edge, offering water views but smaller pads and tragically, blocking my view. There’s no shade but the breeze kept things cool enough. Site hookups include 50 amp and water. Dump station was in good shape. The park is well-maintained. My dog had a large area to run off-leash (not sure if this is technically permitted but no one complained), splash around and chase birds. We did the nearby Deschutes River Canyon trail. You can easily put in a kayak or SUP for paddling at the campground.

For what it is, it’s the best it can be. Nice large sites, lots of communal areas like grass areas and river access. Went during COVID so restrooms were closed, but toilet/shower rooms were there. Trees at every site for shade and picnic tables as well. No fire pits, but all of eastern Washington is doing that these days. Nice little lagoon on the river for kids to swim. Boat launch, lots of wind surfers. Of course that means a fair amount of wind, but it’s the Columbia and that’s kind of its thing. Waving Tree winery within walking distance, Maryhill and a few others is you’re up for a drive. Kids loved Stonehenge replica on the way out. Fruit stand walkable, too. Hosts were awesome super cordial. If you want full hookups, space is limited, but there’s a dump station with two spots.

For a large busy park it has everything you need: showers, garbage, water, electricity...however, this geared more towards travelers with RVs and travel trailers that are passing through the area. It is quite noisy (interstate meets highway meets railroad at Biggs Junction). Not somewhere I’d recommend for extended stay unless you enjoy hanging out at camp or like wine (Maryhill and Waving Tree are a stones throw away). The river access is a bit awkward as you had to basically walk through other camper’s campsites to access the beach. The swim beach was very small with shallow pools of seaweed/algae. The campsites were decently sized though giving enough room to be somewhat private from your neighbors even though everyone can see each other clearly. There were lots of dumpsters available and bathrooms are conveniently located in the center of the camping loops so walking from all camp sites are about the same distance to the restrooms.

A very small campground with water and electric only. Level sites with bathrooms and showers close. There is a dump station on site. A beautiful setting along the Columbia River. Sites back up to parking lot below for Thunder Island and native american fishing platforms. The Columbia paddle wheeler is walking distance nearby for a dinner or sightseeing cruise. Thunder Island Brewing is a couple of blocks away. I think there are only ten camp sites and a camp host that we never met. This is a hidden treasure for smaller campers and travel trailers.

This 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.

Ainsworth is one of three state parks with camping along the Columbia River Gorge. All are very close to the highway so you will hear road noise and trains thundering past on the adjacent tracks. But, if you are looking to camp with easy access to the Gorge, especially the waterfalls, this is a reasonable option. Many sites in the RV section were pull-through, with very generous sized driveways. Each RV site is full hookup with a picnic table, fire ring, and dish water disposal drain. Bathrooms are spacious and clean with HOT water. Showers are clean with a hook, and a stool. Six walk-in sites. Camp host was friendly and helpful. Unfortunately, all trails from the campground are still closed due to the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire but it was nice to see the reforestation that has occurred so far.