Wind surfers on the Columbia River and cyclists on the Historic Columbia River Highway give Viento State Park Campground its most distinctive character. The park provides direct access to the river for water-based activities, and a paved trail connects the campground to the broader gorge trail network, making it a functional base for kiteboarders, kayakers, anglers, and cyclists exploring the eastern Columbia River Gorge. Wyeth - Columbia River Gorge Area sits a few miles to the west for campers wanting a different position along the corridor.
The campground splits into two sections. RV sites with electric, water, and sewer hookups sit on the north side, closer to the river, while tent-only sites occupy the south side across I-84. Sites are forested with good tree coverage, which provides shade and some wind protection, but the canopy does not buffer sound. The campground sits between Interstate 84 and an active Union Pacific rail line, and trains run through at all hours. Jill T. puts it plainly: "be prepared for the sound of trains." Earplugs are a practical addition to any packing list here.
Cleanliness is a consistent strength. Multiple reviewers across several years note that restrooms and showers are well maintained. Sites are compact, and a 26-foot rig can feel tight depending on neighbors, though one visitor with a longer bumper pull reported the loop was manageable. There is no dump station on site; the nearest options are at campgrounds to the east or west. Reservations are available and recommended, particularly on weekends when sites fill.
The river is not visible from camp but is reachable on foot or by bike. Picnic tables line the path to the water, and the day-use area near the river has room for vehicles and a clean restroom. Hikers can access Starvation Creek State Park on foot from camp. Hood River, roughly seven miles east, gives campers access to resupply, restaurants, and the Western Antique Aero/Auto Museum. Campers looking at campgrounds around Hood River will find additional options with different noise profiles. Dog Creek Falls Camp across the river to the north is worth considering for those who want a quieter overnight.
Description
Viento State Park has campground accommodations in the National Scenic Area of the Columbia River Gorge, less than 10 miles west of Hood River along Interstate Highway 84. The park is located in a lush, forested landscape with access to small streams, the Columbia River and trails for hiking and biking. The main campground is on the north side of I-84 and includes 56 campsites with water and electric hook-ups,5 primitive tent sites, and centralized restroom facilities with showers. Please be advised that the main campground is nestled between the Interstate and an active railroad. On the south side of I-84 there are 13 primitive tent and hiker/biker sites and a centralized restroom facility.
Day use facilities are a fine respite for road travelers, as well as trail and water sport enthusiasts. Located just before the main campground is a day-use area adjacent to Viento Creek with picnic tables, open lawn space, a playground and restroom. Just past the main campground is a second day-use area access to the Columbia River with some of the best windsurfing and paddle boarding in the Gorge. A one-mile trail from Viento to the Starvation Creek waterfall takes you along a section of the Historic Columbia River Highway that is only open to non-motorized use. All vehicles must display valid OPRD pass or permit that covers parking fees. Daily permits available for purchase on site.
**Microwave Fire Impact on Hood River to Mosier Section of State Trail: The trail is open, but there may be hazards such as rocks and fallen trees. Please stay on the trail and do not enter the burned area. Keep pets on a leash and out of the burned zone for safety.There are no sewer hook-ups or dump station at this facility. Water may remain off and restrooms closed until mid to late March depending on weather conditions.
- All sites are back-in only.
- There is a limit of two vehicles and 8 persons per site.
- Extra vehicle fee of $7 will be collected at the facility. The extra vehicle fee will increase to $10 on July 1, 2025.
- Located next to an active rail line - trains can be heard at all hours.
- Campsites South of I-84 are now the C loop. A and B loops are on the north side of I-84.
- One vehicle is included in nightly fees. For information on discount programs call the OPRD Information Center at 1-800-551-6949 or visit us online at stateparks.oregon.gov.
Prior to booking a site, please read:
Changing a Reservation
Canceling a Reservation**
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Emerald Ash Borer, a highly invasive insect, has been sighted in Oregon for the first time. Help contain this extremely damaging insect by following these firewood tips: - Buy locally harvested firewood at or near your destination. - Buy certified heat-treated firewood ahead of time, if available.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsViento State Park Campground is located in Oregon near Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Directions
**North Campground (A and B campsites) -** Eastbound on Interstate 84 take exit 56, at bottom of ramp turn left, proceed under the overpass. Westbound on Interstate 84 take exit 56, at bottom of ramp turn right. Proceed through day-use parking lot, road turns to the left, 5 tent sites (B) are on the left, and water/electric sites (A) are on the right. . **South Campground (C campsites, no trailers or motorhomes) -** Eastbound on Interstate 84 take exit 56, at bottom of ramp turn right. Westbound on Interstate 84 take exit 56, at bottom of ramp turn left, and proceed under the overpass. Roadway has a slight up-hill incline. Pass through day-use parking lot, camp loop is on the right.
Address
Exit 56, Interstate Highway 84
Hood River, OR 97031
Coordinates
45.69622952 N
121.67078555 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 7/7/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 26 usersLast on 7/7/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/7/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 7/7/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 26 usersLast on 7/7/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/7/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 49 min from Portland, OR
- 1 hr 28 min from Longview, WA
- 1 hr 35 min from Salem, OR
- 2 hrs 10 min from Yakima, WA






























