Moorage Camp and Boat Launch — Beacon Rock State Park

Only two camping spots and they’re $32 a night. They're also right beside each other and by the dock. When I pulled in there was one spot open, it didn't have any shade so I headed down the road to another site. The other spot was occupied by Van camper. Unsure on water/electric.

Right near the boat dock/moorings. Beautiful view from the water of the Columbia River, beacon rock and surrounding area. Two overnight camping spots. Near the train tracks but not noisy. Hot and humid. Nice bathrooms with coin operated showers. Water fountains and spickets. Power outlets at bathrooms

This small campground has just 2 tent sites and 5 rv sites. We stayed at the biggest of the two tent sites and enjoyed complete privacy and easy access to water, toilet and shower. While the train track is very close and trains are frequent, they do not usually use their horns or break at night, so they are not really a bother, even at night (and I'm a light sleeper). Overall a pleasant experience.

We were aiming for Beacon Rock State Park but found this little gem instead. 2 camping spots nestled in the forrest in front of the lake. Price was $32 a night but it had bathrooms and showers. Also picnic tables and fire pit rings. Would definitely stay here again.

Primarily a day use area with a boat launch on the Columbia River and part of Beacon Rock state park, this site also has a handful of campsites that are perfect if you are looking to get on your boat and fish. The sites themselves are nothing special, though you are very close to the river shore.

Nice bathrooms and full showers on site. Picnic spaces available as well. A handful of RV spots are also available further away from the water.

Campground Review:

There are at least four different campgrounds within Beacon Rock State Park in Washington. This review is for the Boat Launch "Moorage Camp" at the base of Beacon Rock, which has a small 2-tent area and 5-RV space down by the boat launch.

From Camas/Vancouver, you'll come to the sign for Beacon Rock Boat Launch on your right hand side, just before passing the actual Beacon Rock. There's a large day-use area on your right, an RV area that can hold up to 5 RVs (we never actually went to this since we were more interested in tent camping), and just two tent sites right next to the parking lot and boat launch. I've also heard that if everything is full, you can spend the $10 "unattended vehicle overnight" fee and car/RV camp in the parking lot, though I'd check with one of the many rangers who come through frequently first.

There's another day-use area right at the boat launch with grass and picnic tables, and on the lovely Spring weekend we were there many people were picnicking, kayaking, laying in the sun and fishing. The Columbia River, while protected here, is still quite fast going under (and over) the dock, so we never let the boys go in the water since we didn't bring life vests, and we didn't see anyone else swimming either. The two tent sites right at the dock are large, though not super private, and they would be great if you wanted to get up super early with your boat and go fishing. Otherwise, I wouldn't consider this a "destination" campground since, in addition to it being so small, there's a train that passes by loud and frequently enough to be annoying. That said, the flush toilets, showers and bathrooms were some of the cleanest I've visited while camping, so that's a definite plus. And the view of Beacon Rock from this spot is pretty spectacular.

Pros: Great views, perfect for launching a boat or early-morning fishing.

Cons: Loud annoying train and only two tent spots, though when we came only one was in-use.

Gear Review:

Last year we won a Leatherman gift certificate in The Dyrt camping contest, so this year we decided to try out some of our new purchases: two Leatherman Leaps (in blue and green) for my two kiddos, ages 6 and 11:

https://www.leatherman.com/leap-358.html

Summary/Pros: I have to admit we are biased toward Leathermans. The company is based in Oregon (where we live), completely stands behind their products, and make quality multi-tools. We even gave engraved Leathermans as bridesmaid/groomsmen gifts at our wedding 17 years ago. That said, there's some that I use more frequently than others, and for the most part we've limited the boys' Leathermans to smaller multitools with scissors and such, so this is their first larger tool. I love the fact that we can have the large blade put in or taken out depending on how comfortable we are with having them have the blade. And the boys have had a surprisingly easy time opening and closing the different attachments.

Cons: The only downside I've found with the Leap so far is that there's no nail file, but that's my personal preference and not one that's bothered the boys so far.

Video Review: The boys decided they wanted to create their own review, so be sure to watch the attached video to see what they think.