Cabins and yurts near Bingen, Washington offer campers shelter in an area that receives about 30 inches of precipitation annually. The Columbia River Gorge creates a unique microclimate where temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between seasons, with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter lows dropping below freezing. Most cabin accommodations sit between 100-300 feet elevation along the river corridor.
What to do
River access for water sports: The Columbia River provides extensive recreation opportunities at Tucker Park Campground. "Both day use and river access from the camping area were lovely and the water was perfect to cool off after a hot day," notes Cerise D. Many sites have direct water access for swimming.
Hiking to petroglyphs: Take guided tours of ancient rock art at Columbia Hills Historical State Park Campground. "One of the best aspects was the petroglyphs that were along trails near the campground. This was a great spot and I highly recommend it!" shares Mary C. Tours depart regularly from within the park.
Winter activities: For those seeking yurt camping near Bingen during colder months, cabins at Mt Hood Village Resort provide winter access to nearby recreation. "Using this RV park as a jumping off point, there are endless hiking trails and lakes to paddle and explore in the Mt Hood wilderness," explains Joel H. The resort remains open year-round with heated accommodations.
What campers like
Private, secluded sites: At Lost Lake Resort And Campground, cabins and yurts provide privacy that tent campers appreciate. "The sites are large and private, lots of amenities such as trails, boat rental, well equipped store, picnic tables and much more," reports Katie B. Each accommodation is strategically positioned to maximize privacy.
Clean facilities: Many campers highlight bathroom cleanliness as a priority. At Tucker Park Campground, "Bathrooms and showers were clean. Hosts were helpful," according to Cerise D. This attention to maintenance creates a more comfortable experience, especially for families staying in cabins or yurts.
Off-season tranquility: Shoulder season visitors find fewer crowds at popular destinations. "We picked this campground at the last minute as we were returning from a Christmas stay in central Washington. The park owner came out and met us as we were arriving after dark, he just wanted to make sure we got settled," shares David & Sue C. about Gorge Base Camp RV Park.
What you should know
Train noise impacts sleep: Several campgrounds sit near active rail lines. At Columbia Hills State Park, "This was a great location for loads of hikes in the area. Close enough to The Dalles and Maryhill if your dinner went south, but far enough away where it wasn't an issue of feeling like you were in a city. It was SUPER windy, the bathrooms seemed pretty far from the tent camping sites, and there was a train track super close," warns Erin P.
Wind conditions can be intense: The Columbia Gorge creates a wind tunnel effect. "Watch out for the incredible amount of goose poop. There was an area roped off so as not to disturb a nesting Eagle that could be viewed with the naked eye," notes Magnus S. about Columbia Hills State Park. Wind speeds regularly reach 20+ mph.
Highway noise at some locations: Sites near I-84 experience traffic noise. At Eagle Creek Campground, "Easily accessible from the interstate, but you will hear a fair bit of road noise. No showers/running water that I saw," reports John B. Cabins provide better sound insulation than tent sites.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families appreciate dedicated play areas at some locations. At Port of Cascade Locks Campground, "The river views make up for this not being a very woodsy campground. So does the adjacent park with a playground and plenty of room for kids to run loose," explains Meghan O.
Swimming options: Look for yurts and cabins with swimming access nearby. At Trillium Lake, "The lake is warm enough to swim in the summer. The sites are huge and comfy," notes Gayle K. Swimming areas without strong currents work best for younger children.
Kid-friendly fishing spots: Several locations offer accessible fishing for beginners. At Lost Lake Resort, "Great if you have a family or large group and/or are newer to the camping world! They got a range of options to dip into! The lake is always cold no matter the season. Really easy fishing if you're just learning," shares ChiAnn M.
Tips from RVers
Bridge crossing challenges: RVers heading to Bingen face a narrow bridge crossing. "First off, if you have an RV and can avoid taking the Hood River Bridge, that is highly advisable. With two 9' lanes, it's a nightmare to get across," cautions Jim J. about accessing Gorge Base Camp RV Park. Consider alternate routes if driving larger rigs.
Site spacing varies: Some campgrounds offer more separation between sites. Mt Hood Village Resort provides "Full service hook ups including sewer. Great segregated tent camp area with available water. Bathrooms are very clean and well maintained," according to Travis B. Request sites along outer loops for more privacy.
Winter accessibility: Year-round yurt camping options near Bingen require planning for winter conditions. Mt Hood Village Resort offers "easy access, even for larger rigs. We stayed in 39 foot 5th wheel. Plenty of pull thru spots, full hookups, regularly spaced bathroom/showers," notes Steve R. Heated cabins and yurts remain accessible when tent camping isn't practical.
