Glamping and camping options span numerous state parks and private campgrounds within 30 miles of Brush Prairie, Washington. This area sits at the western edge of the Cascade Range, with elevations ranging from 200-500 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds remain accessible year-round, though winter months bring increased rainfall averaging 42 inches annually.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Milo McIver State Park Campground features tournament-quality disc golf courses that draw enthusiasts from across the region. "Milo McIver may be best known for its twin 18 hole disc golf courses, or single 27 hole layout when tournaments aren't in progress. Home of the annual Beaver State Fling, a PDGA sanctioned National Tour event," notes one reviewer.
Cycling excursions: Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground offers extensive biking opportunities on maintained paths. "Champoeg State Park is on the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway, and a great place to camp if you want to do a long biking getaway," writes a camper. Another visitor adds, "The bike paths through the campground/park were great and lots of people were using them all day."
Boating access: For water-based activities, some sites require boat transportation. "We love camping on the island, as you can only get to it via boat so it is not overly populated," explains a visitor to Government Island State Recreation Area. Similarly, Lake Merwin offers boat-in sites where campers can access more remote areas.
What campers like
Private sites: Oxbow Regional Park provides spacious, secluded sites for campers seeking more distance between neighbors. "The outer loop sites are quiet, spacious and wooded. They are also very close to a trailhead to nice hikes and the beach," reports one visitor. Another adds that despite being only "30-minute drive from Portland," it "doesn't feel like you're near the city at all when you're there."
Hiking trails: Dairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park contains multiple trail networks for day hikes. According to a visitor, "The park has many hiking trails of varying length, access to the Banks-Vernonia State Trail, several disc golf courses, cabins, a horse camp, a day use picnic/event area and a hike-in camp area."
Water activities: Most campgrounds near Brush Prairie offer water recreation options. At Milo McIver State Park, "Two boat launches allow access to the Clackamas river for fishing, floating or just getting out on the water." During summer months, swimming spots provide relief from heat.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many popular sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. "Check in time is 2pm and sites are $22 (There are 67 sites). There are toilets in each loop and one block of showers for the whole campground," notes an Oxbow Regional Park visitor.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. At Paradise Point State Park Campground, some sites experience traffic noise. "There's the sites more out in the open that are closer to the freeway. Then there's a bunch further away in both a meadow and the woods. Obviously if possible, stay away from the freeway."
Site limitations: RV sites have varying size restrictions. "What makes this CG so special is the multitude of hiking, biking, and horse trails. They even have a disc golf course within the park," reports a visitor to L.L. Stub Stewart, though they caution about size limitations for larger vehicles.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Mt Hood Village Resort provides dedicated play areas for children. "There is a playground, swimming pool, small store, cafe, bathrooms with showers (and warm water) and activities during the day for kids," writes one visitor. This makes the resort particularly suitable for families with younger children.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer interpretive programs and historical elements. At Champoeg, "The farmhouse fascinated my boys... they got to water the garden with a water pump and buckets!" Another visitor noted they "got to see the Champoeg Heritage site with period piece actors."
Swimming spots: Look for designated swimming areas with gradual entry points. "The river was shallow and dropped to the deep end. It was ideal for children because the shallow end stretched a bit," describes a camper at Paradise Point State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full-service sites with water, electric, and sewer connections aren't available at all locations. At Lake Merwin Camper's Hideaway, "There is lake access and a boat ramp, camp office, seasonal restaurant, indoor pool (extra fee), bathhouses with showers, laundry facilities, and a dump station for RV's."
Site selection: Choose sites based on privacy needs and shade coverage. "The full hook up sites are in old growth timber giving each site a feeling of seclusion," shares a Mt Hood Village Resort visitor. For optimal experience, research site maps before booking.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have narrow roads or tight turns. "It's easy to access, even for larger rigs. We stayed in 39 foot 5th wheel. Plenty of pull thru spots, full hookups, regularly spaced bathroom/showers," reports an RVer at Mt Hood Village Resort.
