The Nehalem River Valley and surrounding area offer camping destinations with elevations ranging from 200 to 1,000 feet across Columbia County. Campgrounds near Warren feature dense forest cover dominated by Douglas fir and western hemlock. Late summer brings minimal rainfall with average temperatures in the 70s, while spring campers should prepare for increased precipitation.
What to do
Mountain biking at L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park: This 1,800-acre park offers multiple trail systems for various skill levels. A local rider mentioned, "The hike in is pretty easy--about a quarter mile down the up. They have carts to help you get all your stuff to your spot in one trip which is very helpful." The park connects to the Banks-Vernonia Trail for additional riding options.
Disc golf courses: Paradise Point State Park Campground has a 9-hole course on compact terrain. As one reviewer noted, "The selling point for this camp ground was the disc golf course." The course features a unique first hole that plays under a freeway overpass.
Water access for kayaking: The Nehalem River provides paddling opportunities at several campgrounds. A visitor to Big Eddy Park commented, "This campsite is very pretty and the hosts are lovely. They have fire wood for sale for 5 dollars a bundle... There is a spot to load a very small boat into the water."
What campers like
Historical features: Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground offers a unique connection to Oregon's past. A camper shared: "Along the way got to see the Champoeg Heritage site with period piece actors, wide open spaces, and the Willamette River." Children particularly enjoy the authentic farmhouse experience.
Woodland seclusion: Despite their proximity to population centers, many campsites retain a forest setting. At Dairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park, one visitor noted: "When we visited, there were at most 2-3 other groups in the area so we were very spread out and had lots of privacy. The atmosphere is very green and lush."
Wildlife viewing: The forest and riparian corridors support diverse wildlife. A Camp Wilkerson visitor reported: "Stayed the night in one of their small cabins, very nice sat outside by the fire and just watched the stars, this is a primary horse camp and is surrounded by trails, seen a heard of elk on one of my hikes."
What you should know
Availability patterns: Reserve well ahead for peak season. For glamping close to Warren, Oregon, summer weekends book up fastest. A reviewer at Seaquest State Park noted: "We were able to get site 12 the day we arrived at Seaquest without an advance reservation. It's near a water spigot and not too far from the bathhouse."
Highway noise concerns: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise. A Paradise Point reviewer warned: "Freeway is really really close to the whole camp site. You can hear vehicles at night. If you're a light sleeper or need nature noises when camping - this is not the site for you."
Transaction fees: Unreserved sites may carry additional charges. At Camp Wilkerson, "If you do not reserve your spots you can only stay one night and there is an additional $5 transaction fee to pay on site."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds include play areas for children. A reviewer at Nehalem River Park shared: "This is a great campground for young kids. Lots of trees to tie up a hammock and a great shallow river for wading and playing."
Junior Ranger programs: Seaquest State Park offers educational activities. A visitor observed: "At night the campground had a great Junior Ranger program with a very enthusiastic park ranger that kept the almost 50 people/kids entertained. She was great at engaging all the kids and teaching them about the park."
Glamping options near Warren: For families seeking more comfort while camping, choose yurts or cabins. A Stub Stewart camper shared: "We've been here 3 times, once for tent camping and twice in a yurt. The yurts are heated, and a couple of them are pet friendly, which is great for us!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Look carefully at site dimensions when booking. At Seaquest State Park Campground, "This campground is split into three loops; an RV loop, Mixed loop, and a predominantly tent loop. As with other Washington State Parks, the loop and camp spots each have a different cost ranging from $20-$30+ a night."
Internet connectivity: Cell service varies widely between campgrounds. A Camp Kalama RV Park visitor noted: "Campground was clean, access to the river. Great fishing very chill quiet campground right off I-5 and close to shopping. I will stay again. Has power, water didn't hook to cable picked up plenty of stations."
Hookup positioning: Pay attention to utility locations at sites. A camper at L.L. Stub Stewart noted: "The water and sewer hookups were in the middle of the site, with electric being at the back of the pad. The water pressure was not very good at around 35 psi."
