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Nature

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Water

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Established Camping

Celilo Park Recreation Area

5 Reviews

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Celilo Park Recreation Area, near The Dalles, Oregon, is a unique spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without the frills. This area is dog and kid-friendly, featuring lush green lawns that stretch down to the beach, making it a nice place for families to relax and play.

The campground offers a simple setup with picnic tables and clean restrooms, though you won't find showers or drinking water here. Visitors have noted that it’s a great place to park your RV or pitch a tent, especially if you’re just passing through. One camper mentioned, “We had plenty of parking,” which is a plus for those with larger rigs.

If you’re into trains, you’ll appreciate the nearby tracks that add a bit of character to the area. While some folks found the sound of trains a bit disruptive, others enjoyed the lively atmosphere. The rocky beach provides a decent spot for some exploration, though keep an eye out for the occasional dead fish along the shore.

For those who want to stretch their legs, the grassy park is perfect for picnics or just soaking up the sun. While it’s not the place for a long stay, it serves its purpose well for a quick stop or a night under the stars.

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Location

Celilo Park Recreation Area is located in Oregon

Coordinates

45.64982459 N
120.96127297 W

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Connectivity

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T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BY

Roots Rise Family Farm

18 min away

Hike in from Lower Deschutes State Rec Area

1 hr 49 min away

Drive Time

Presented by

1 hr 25 min from Portland
1 hr 35 min from Yakima
1 hr 37 min from Kennewick
2 hrs 4 min from Longview

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Drinking Water
Toilets
Pets

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

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Ben P.

Traveler

Reviewed Feb. 26, 2025

Train

It's a beautiful place next to the Columbia River. However, there are so many trains passing by. It is very noisy.

SiteParking lot

Month of VisitFebruary

Jenna M.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 16, 2021

A River dream! Trains for kids

So we love water. This place is dog and kid friendly. It has beautiful green lawns that run from the parking lot to the beach. There is a train track close by and the 84 is also close by. You can stay for free for up to 14 days. We have a generator and a 40’ fifth wheel. We had plenty of parking. Restrooms are very clean, but no showers.

We also have a four year old son and a dog.

Sitewe parked parallel to the fence on the south side of the parking lot

Month of VisitSeptember

Jill T.

Legend

Reviewed Nov. 7, 2020

Day use only

Pulled in to find a sign that read “Now Day Use Only.” A large and long parking lot with grassy areas and beachfront. An active train runs on the highway side of the parking lot. Restrooms are closed.

There were a A LOT of dead fish along the beach.

(11) View All

Alex P.

Ranger

Reviewed Aug. 22, 2020

Pretty, but just parking lot camping

This place was a little unclear about the day use/camping areas. However, there were signs inside that said “no camping between signs and so we assumed that the further end was ok for camping, which it is. There is easy ever access which is nice and the grassy park is quite pretty with lots of tables. There were portable bathrooms near the camping end that had notices they they were full and to not use, not sure if they were just for covid or what, but we didn’t need to use. Trains nearby weren’t terrible for us, but maybe we just got lucky. Wouldn’t stay for more than a night, but it serves a purpose!

Sahale M.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 15, 2017

Meh

Half the parking lot is Day use, half overnight. Right next to railroad tracks- trains blow whistle as they role through. Directly on the other side of tracks is I84. Across the Columbia you can clearly hear the other railroad. Big grassy park that is clean, poorly maintained bathrooms. Very windy. Decent rocky beach. We stopped in transit for a place to crash- ended up sleeping on the concrete next to our boat trailer to guard our gear. But it was free.

SiteNo sites. Open parking and BIG grassy area.

Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

What do visitor reviews say about camping at Celilo Park?

Campers highlight Celilo Park's beautiful waterfront setting and spacious green lawns that run from the parking lot to the beach. The park is described as dog and kid-friendly with easy water access. However, noise is frequently mentioned as a significant drawback, with trains regularly passing on nearby tracks and I-84 contributing to the sound levels. Bathroom maintenance is noted as subpar, and some confusion exists about which areas are designated for camping versus day use.

What camping facilities are available at Celilo Park?

Celilo Park Recreation Area offers free camping for up to 14 days in a designated section of the parking lot. The park features grassy areas extending from the parking lot to the beach, making it ideal for both tent and RV camping. While the park can accommodate larger rigs like 40' fifth wheels, amenities are limited. Bathroom facilities are available but may have maintenance issues or seasonal closures. The park also has day-use areas with beach access along the Columbia River.

Are there photos available of Celilo Park camping areas?

Photos of Celilo Park typically showcase its extensive grassy areas, Columbia River waterfront, and parking areas where camping is permitted. Images often highlight the park's open layout with views of the river, beach areas, and surrounding landscape. To find current photos, check The Dyrt website, official U.S. Army Corps of Engineers pages (who manage the recreation area), or Oregon state tourism resources. These visual resources can help you better understand the camping layout and waterfront setting before your visit.

Where is Celilo Park located and how do I get there?

Celilo Park Recreation Area is located along the Columbia River in northern Oregon, adjacent to Interstate 84. The park sits between The Dalles and Biggs Junction. To reach the park, take I-84 and look for the Celilo Park exit. The recreation area is positioned between the highway and the Columbia River, with railroad tracks running alongside the property. The location offers easy highway access but also means you'll experience both road and rail noise during your stay.

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