Roosevelt Park

This free Corps of Engineers campground sits along Lake Umatilla within the John Day Lock and Dam recreation area, accessible by paved roads with no reservation requirements. The facility operates as drive-in camping with basic amenities including restrooms, trash service, and reliable cell coverage, though pets are not permitted on the grounds.

The lakeside location draws wind sports enthusiasts who appreciate the consistent breezes off the water. One kite surfer notes the site "is a great campground for kite surfers and for the same reason non-kiters may find the location too windy." The Corps maintains the grounds well, with automatic sprinkler systems watering designated areas on scheduled days. Campers should check with the host before setting up tents to avoid these irrigation zones.

The layout resembles a day-use area more than traditional camping, creating an open atmosphere along the shoreline. Hot weather becomes manageable thanks to lake breezes that provide natural cooling. "It was a very well maintained campground and all the surrounding campers were so nice," reports one repeat visitor who enjoyed a week-long stay by the water.

For extended exploration of the Columbia River region, campers can access campsites near John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla or venture to nearby Arlington Port Campground less than a mile southeast for additional overnight options.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Location

Public Campground

Roosevelt Park is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

45.73166068 N
120.22308083 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 6 users
    Last on 4/30/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 12 users
    Last on 4/30/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 6 users
    Last on 4/30/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 12 users
    Last on 4/30/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Roosevelt Park needs a permit.

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

60%
40%
0%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the well-maintained grounds and helpful camp host at this lakeside location. Many campers appreciated the windy conditions for activities and friendly atmosphere, though wind may not suit all visitors.

Reviewed Jul. 17, 2025

Pretty but no privacy

Seems more like a day use area than dispersed camping. But it's really nice and even though it was hot the breeze is great!

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Roosevelt Park by goose10091203 , July 17, 2025
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2024

Not quite as nice as previous reviews

This is a nice little park, it’s a little misleading when you pull in as there is an Indian reservation next to it that looks like a bunch of homeless camps, so be careful where you park your rig. Also if you’re tent camping, I found out from the camp host that you may want to check with him before you set up a tent as there are automatic sprinklers that come on certain days

Siteparking lot
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2023

First Campsite Trip!

It was awesome! It was my second time camping and with my same group of friends, and so different from our dispersed camping in Wenatchee (complete different season too haha). It was a very well maintained campground and all the surrounding campers were so nice (: was a really fun week outdoors by the lake!

Site4
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Roosevelt Park by Thomas  K., August 5, 2023
  • Review photo of Roosevelt Park by Thomas  K., August 5, 2023
  • Review photo of Roosevelt Park by Thomas  K., August 5, 2023
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jun. 1, 2018

kite & camp

This is a great campground for kite surfers and for the same reason non-kiters may find the location too windy.

  • Play button icon

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Roosevelt Park Recreation Area located in Washington?

Roosevelt Park Recreation Area is located in Washington state, situated near an Indian reservation. The park is positioned in an area known for consistent breezes and wind conditions that make it particularly attractive to kite surfers. Its proximity to Wenatchee suggests it's in the central Washington region, though the exact location coordinates aren't specified. Visitors should note that the nearby reservation area might initially appear confusing when first arriving at the park.

What is the best time of year to visit Roosevelt Park Recreation Area?

Summer appears to be an excellent time to visit Roosevelt Park Recreation Area, with visitors reporting enjoyable camping experiences during the warmer months. The park's consistent breeze provides welcome relief during hot weather. While the windy conditions are ideal for kite surfers year-round, they might be less desirable for general campers during colder seasons. The campground seems to offer a different experience from dispersed camping in other seasons, suggesting seasonal variations in atmosphere and activities. For the most pleasant general camping experience, late spring through early fall likely offers the best combination of comfortable temperatures and accessible conditions.

What amenities are available at Roosevelt Park Recreation Area?

Roosevelt Park Recreation Area offers well-maintained facilities in a compact setting. The campground provides camping spots suitable for both tents and RVs, though tent campers should check with the camp host for the best locations. The area includes day-use facilities, making it popular for both overnight stays and day visitors. While specific amenities aren't extensively detailed, the park is known for its cleanliness and good maintenance standards. The layout is conducive to outdoor recreation, particularly for water activities, given its popularity among kite surfers.

Are there hiking trails at Roosevelt Park Recreation Area?

While Roosevelt Park Recreation Area is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, specific information about hiking trails is limited. The park is more prominently featured as a destination for water sports, particularly kite surfing, due to its consistently windy conditions. The surrounding area does offer outdoor exploration possibilities, though visitors primarily seeking extensive hiking opportunities might want to contact the park directly for trail information or consider combining their visit with nearby natural areas that have established trail systems.