Best Cabin Camping near Vernonia, OR

The park just added two nature playgrounds that are pretty fantastic. One of the new playgrounds, right before the boat launch, features a trail with a mud kitchen, two a-frame tents and a big area where you can use fallen logs and branches to build shelters.

The other nature playground is right across from the old playground (still in use) and has a wooden water course with a hand pump and an elevated wooden plank course.

Camping can be a little loud since it's a popular spot and there are no pets allowed, but it's barely 30 minutes away from Portland and right on the Sandy River.

Loved this State Park! The trails around it were fun and led from the camp right up to the beach by the old ship wreck. My kids ages 2-14 always had something to do and we brought our bikes. The camping sites and RV sites are cheap compared to Utah, Washington and Idaho rates, but they were also very nice! A little close together but nice. You have to book your site months in advance at this place because it fills up fast. So much to do in this area! Close to seaside, the fort Stevens retired military site was free and interesting-with a scavenger hunt and prize at the end for the kids who complete it. Also, close to Astoria which also has many things to do! Loved that it was close enough to drive over the Columbia River to get to Washington to see the light houses!

Campground info

174 full-hookup sites (36 pull-through) 302 electrical sites with water (11 pull-through) Six tent sites with water nearby 15 yurts (7 pet-friendly) 11 deluxe cabins (5 pet-friendly) Hiker/biker camp Flush toilets and hot showers RV dump station Adult and Youth Bike Rentals 9-hole Columbia Shore Disc Golf Course

BGLSP is a really lovely park not too far from Portland with camping and rustin cabins. Most of the campsites are large enough for 2 tents, and there were many RVs and popups - good size driveways/parking areas. Cabins C17 and C21 were the most private, though C13 and C15 had a partial view of the lake. Campsites 19 and 20 were really tucked back and adjoined such that two groups could spread out. There is only one bathroom for the entire camping/cabin area, and it got pretty dirty/crowded at times, so that wasn't ideal. I would also recommend checking out the water quality information before going if you plan to do water sports or swimming. There was a high bacteria advisory when we went, so swimming was discouraged. We ended up going to nearby Klineline Pond to swim instead. There is a nice little concession stand, though, and they offer SUP and kayak rentals that looked nice.

The campground is split up into two sides. The north side and the south side. The north side has the getaway cabins, and cottages. It also has the pool/hot tub, cafe, group fire pit, kids play ground, and overflow parking. Pickleball/tennis courts. The north side is also the only side that has 50A power. The south side is all 30A. The tent sites are also on the north side. It gives access to all the amenities here. They took out the propane site, cause they didn’t have anyone to take care of it. We come down here to get away from the heat, inland, area. It’s usually 20-30 degrees cooler, than inland. So when the heat hits the valley, everyone runs to the coastline. So it can get crowded. You have to be careful with your kids. People don’t drive the speed limit. It’s 5mph. They drive like they are in the raceway. The Clatsop county beaches, have the best razor clam digging, in Oregon. On every minus tide, in the winter and spring, you have some of the best razor clams, this far south of Alaska. Usually from he first of October, to July 15th, all minus tides will expose the clam beds enough to walk out and get a delicious meal. Plus the Columbia River estuary is just 10 miles away. Which is the place of the world class Buoy #10 Salmon fishery, every August - October. Both Large Chinook Salmon, and the feisty smaller, Coho (silver) salmon. You also have fresh crabbing available in town, and behind the old high school, or drop a few pots while out salmon fishing, for a great fresh seafood meal.

The Peter Iredale Shipwreck was the main selling point for deciding to stay at Fort Stevens State Park in northern Oregon. I am a photographer, and as part of our road trip from Southern California to Vancouver Island, BC, I wanted to make a pit stop to see the shipwreck. Given our route and timeline, it worked out to spend the night at Fort Stevens State Park.

The campsites were small, but nice. I always look at campsite photos before choosing a site, and I found one that was pretty secluded with shrubbery and trees, for privacy. We arrived so late we didn’t bother cooking, and just at chips and salsa with some margaritas - however, there was a fire ring and a picnic table.

The campground had wonderful hot PRIVATE showers, all in their own little individual, lockable space. The showers were nice and clean, and no coins were needed!!!

The Peter Iredale shipwreck is certainly a tourist magnet, but still very cool to see. The fort itself was very interesting to roam around and explore - great for adventures and history lovers alike!

There were a lot of mosquitos, but that’s just mother nature doing her thing.

Overall - good experience!

CAMPSITE SPECS

Fees: $22/night

Plumbed Toilets: Yes

Water: Yes

Showers: Yes (no coins needed)

Picnic Table: Yes

Firepit: Yes

Cooking Grates: Yes

Shade: Yes

Cell Service: Limited

Animal Bins: No