Camping options near Vernonia, Oregon extend beyond traditional RV parks to include campgrounds situated along the Columbia River, oceanfront locations, and spots in Portland's suburbs. The area has a mild marine climate with cool summer temperatures typically in the 60-70°F range and rainy winters. Tent camping is available at several parks alongside RV facilities, with many sites requiring advance booking during summer months.
What to do
Kayaking the Columbia River: Access boat launches near Bayport RV Park and Campground for kayaking along Scappoose Bay. "Located right next to a public boat ramp and Next Adventure where you can rent boats... or bring your own for kayaking on Scappoose Bay," notes one Bayport RV Park visitor.
Clamming on minus tides: From October to mid-July, the Clatsop County beaches offer exceptional razor clamming. "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," reports a camper at Thousand Trails Seaside.
Salmon fishing the Columbia: From August through October, the Columbia River estuary provides access to world-class salmon fishing. "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," shares a Seaside camper.
Exploring coastal towns: Cannon Beach is accessible within a 1-2 hour drive from Vernonia. "Walking distance to the beach and Cannon Beach downtown," reports a visitor at Cannon Beach RV Resort, noting its proximity to restaurants and shops.
What campers like
Waterfront views: Several parks offer direct river or ocean frontage for scenic camping. "We only stayed a couple of days, but the views, Columbia River waterfront, and open spaces were wonderful," writes a visitor at Columbia Riverfront RV Park.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and showers. "The bathrooms were the cleanest I've ever experienced. Beautiful flowers everywhere," notes a Columbia Riverfront visitor.
Proximity to shopping: Campsites near urban areas provide convenient access to supplies. "It's close to town which is very convenient and has great access to the water as compared to many other places where you have to drive a ways," explains a Bayport camper.
Indoor recreational amenities: Several parks offer amenities for rainy days common in the region. "The park has all the normal facilities and amenities... Clubhouse on one side, laundry on the other side. A nice place to park the RV while exploring the area," shares a Thousand Trails Seaside visitor.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Traffic and transportation noise affects some parks more than others. "We encountered 2 free roaming shepherds shortly after arriving, followed by animal control looking for two shepherds who attacked an alpaca across the street. Interesting place," reports a Scappoose RV Park visitor.
Varying RV age restrictions: Some parks limit older RVs. "They also have RV age limit of 2010 but they allowed pictures before turning me down. Yay we got approved!" notes a camper at Roamers Rest RV Park.
Water pressure variability: Several parks have reported issues with water systems. "Water pressure is the lowest we've ever experienced. Not sure what's going on but all of the folks we've talked to are experiencing the same," reports a camper at Jantzen Beach RV Park.
Tent camping limitations: Not all RV parks permit tent camping. "Beautiful RV park, but NO CAR camping! Must have a tent pitched, if traveling and staying with your vehicle," warns a Bayport RV camper.
Tips for camping with families
Pool and recreation facilities: Multiple parks offer family-friendly amenities. "We took a trip north to Fort Stevens for the day, geocached and hiked around the fort. Seaside was a fun town," shares a visitor to Thousand Trails Seaside.
Playground conditions vary: Check recent reviews for playground status before booking. "The playground was rusted over and had pieces that were missing to it, the swings were broken as well," notes a Thousand Trails Seaside camper from a previous season.
Beach access options: Many coastal campgrounds offer convenient beach access. "A sidewalk underpass under 101 and a path through a small city park makes it a family-friendly, dog-friendly walk to the outstanding beach sunsets," reports a Cannon Beach RV Resort visitor.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Columbia River area offers various wildlife encounters. "In the winter months you will likely see the local elk herd around town," notes a Cannon Beach RV Resort camper.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: Some parks have notably tight spaces. "The spaces are a bit close together, but not enough to make me drop my rating," notes a Columbia Riverfront RV Park visitor.
Drainage issues: During rainy periods, standing water can be problematic. "It was raining the day we arrived, and we noticed a lot of the sites had standing water," reports a visitor at Thousand Trails Seaside.
Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven sites at some parks. "The gravel site was not level, and we had to use blocks," notes a Thousand Trails Seaside visitor.
Hook-up variations: Check specific hook-up details before booking. "They do have waste disposal for a fee but they offer drinking water and full Electric and water but no sewage hookup you pay at the dump station," explains a Bayport RV camper.
