Best Tent Camping near Tygh Valley, OR

Out of the way, a bit, but that was part of what we enjoyed.  Felt far removed from "The City" and the drive was scenic.  

Very popular campground.  We tent camped at this one.  Good tent sites shared in our site.

Clean shower facilities.  Boat rentals, Great walk around the lake.  

Our site seemed very private in amongst the trees, even though the resort was busy.  Would recommend!

Campground Review:

There are at least four different campgrounds within Beacon Rock State Park in Washington. This review is for the Boat Launch "Moorage Camp" at the base of Beacon Rock, which has a small 2-tent area and 5-RV space down by the boat launch.

From Camas/Vancouver, you'll come to the sign for Beacon Rock Boat Launch on your right hand side, just before passing the actual Beacon Rock. There's a large day-use area on your right, an RV area that can hold up to 5 RVs (we never actually went to this since we were more interested in tent camping), and just two tent sites right next to the parking lot and boat launch. I've also heard that if everything is full, you can spend the $10 "unattended vehicle overnight" fee and car/RV camp in the parking lot, though I'd check with one of the many rangers who come through frequently first.

There's another day-use area right at the boat launch with grass and picnic tables, and on the lovely Spring weekend we were there many people were picnicking, kayaking, laying in the sun and fishing. The Columbia River, while protected here, is still quite fast going under (and over) the dock, so we never let the boys go in the water since we didn't bring life vests, and we didn't see anyone else swimming either. The two tent sites right at the dock are large, though not super private, and they would be great if you wanted to get up super early with your boat and go fishing. Otherwise, I wouldn't consider this a "destination" campground since, in addition to it being so small, there's a train that passes by loud and frequently enough to be annoying. That said, the flush toilets, showers and bathrooms were some of the cleanest I've visited while camping, so that's a definite plus. And the view of Beacon Rock from this spot is pretty spectacular.

Pros: Great views, perfect for launching a boat or early-morning fishing.

Cons: Loud annoying train and only two tent spots, though when we came only one was in-use.

Gear Review:

Last year we won a Leatherman gift certificate in The Dyrt camping contest, so this year we decided to try out some of our new purchases: two Leatherman Leaps (in blue and green) for my two kiddos, ages 6 and 11:

https://www.leatherman.com/leap-358.html

Summary/Pros: I have to admit we are biased toward Leathermans. The company is based in Oregon (where we live), completely stands behind their products, and make quality multi-tools. We even gave engraved Leathermans as bridesmaid/groomsmen gifts at our wedding 17 years ago. That said, there's some that I use more frequently than others, and for the most part we've limited the boys' Leathermans to smaller multitools with scissors and such, so this is their first larger tool. I love the fact that we can have the large blade put in or taken out depending on how comfortable we are with having them have the blade. And the boys have had a surprisingly easy time opening and closing the different attachments.

Cons: The only downside I've found with the Leap so far is that there's no nail file, but that's my personal preference and not one that's bothered the boys so far.

Video Review: The boys decided they wanted to create their own review, so be sure to watch the attached video to see what they think.

The campground at Ainsworth State park feels more like an RV parking lot than an exotic Columbia Gorge camping experience. The majority of the camground it rv hookups with just a few walk in tent sites. Yet, while the campground isn't impressive in itself, it is in an amazing location for exploring neighboring Eagle Creek and the rest of the gorge just steps away!

The parking for the tent sites is close to the walk in trail. There are only 6 tent sites and they can be reserved online so it is not easy to roll up to a free spot in hiking season.

The sites themselves are basic and offer much more privacy than your neighbors in the RV section of the park are getting. There is water near the tent site entrance. Toilets are a bit of a walk from the tent sites.

This site does take credit cards for campground registration.

You never see any stinking trailers at this campground. It's perfect for tent camping.

This small campground has just 2 tent sites and 5 rv sites. We stayed at the biggest of the two tent sites and enjoyed complete privacy and easy access to water, toilet and shower. While the train track is very close and trains are frequent, they do not usually use their horns or break at night, so they are not really a bother, even at night (and I'm a light sleeper). Overall a pleasant experience.

Beautiful camp right along the Deschutes River. Very peaceful except for trains that go by and blow horn. Full hook ups and tent camping areas. Bathrooms are very clean. Good hiking trails along river.

Great location for exploring Columbia River waterfall area. Clean and nicely laid out bathrooms and showers. Tent camping experience not great and we were in the tent only section. Road and railway noise. Our site smelled like urine. Lights from the info board and neighboring sites shining into our tent all night long.

What an incredible campground. Nice shaded, private spots. Enough distance between campers that it feels secluded. Though we were in our RV the tent camping looked spectacular! Kind front desk team. Magical, large grassy lawn that our Bernedoodle loved. We will be back!

Viento is a nice state park along 84 right outside of hood river. It is along the columbia river and has beach access. The campground is split in two with the tent sites on one side and the rv sites on the other. The highway and a railroad track run right through the campground. There are mulitple trails perfect for day hikes. The sites and bathrooms are clean. Oregon State Parks offer free showers.

Stunning view of the mountain backdrop- crystal clear waters-access to a small shop and water activity rentals which is fun. There is a resort , and cabins as well as tent camping which I prefer. The lake itself is “busy”with families and kids during the day but nice clean camping otherwise -some might even call it glamping but it’s worth it for the view and having access to the activities the next morning.

I camped there in my RV several times and always tried to get slot A13. It’s all the way at the end and has a nice amount of space and only a potential neighbor on one side. I also tent camped and, after scouting the sites, chose C6. That site is a bit small but is away from the rest and above them on the slope so you don’t need your rain fly for privacy.