Glamping and cabin camping options near Vancouver, Washington range from luxury accommodations to more rustic experiences. The area sits at elevations between 200-1,000 feet, with a temperate climate that allows for year-round camping opportunities. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F while winter lows rarely drop below freezing in lowland campgrounds.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Paradise Point State Park offers a 9-hole disc golf course set on compact terrain with creative design elements. As one camper noted, "Hole one is a fun one that plays under a freeway overpass."
Mountain biking trails: Access world-class mountain biking at Mt Hood Village Resort, which serves as a gateway to nearby trail systems. A visitor explained, "Right across Hwy 26 is some of the best Mountain Biking in the country at the Sandy Ridge Trail System."
Water recreation: Try fishing, swimming or kayaking at Milo McIver State Park Campground along the Clackamas River. "The park's well-maintained facilities include potable water stations and a modern bathhouse with hot showers, ensuring comfort even on extended stays," shares one camper.
Historical exploration: Visit Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground to experience pioneer history through interactive exhibits. "We got to water the garden with a water pump and buckets!" shares one visitor whose children enjoyed the historical farmhouse.
What campers like
Private tent sites: Oxbow Regional Park provides secluded camping spots for a true wilderness feel despite proximity to Portland. A camper reported, "The outer loop sites are quiet, spacious and wooded. They are also very close to a trailhead to nice hikes and the beach."
Lakeside glamping: Lost Lake Resort And Campground offers premium glamping close to Vancouver, Washington with stunning Mt. Hood views. "The sites are large and private, lots of amenities such as trails, boat rental, well equipped store, picnic tables and much more," notes one visitor.
Walk-in camping sites: For those seeking a more remote experience, L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park offers hike-in sites away from the crowds. A camper described, "When we visited, there were at most 2-3 other groups in the area so we were very spread out and had lots of privacy."
Boat-in camping: For a unique camping adventure, Government Island State Recreation Area provides boat-access only sites. One visitor shares, "We love camping on the island, as you can only get to it via boat so it is not overly populated."
What you should know
Highway noise: Several campgrounds near interstate highways experience traffic noise. A Paradise Point camper advised, "Stay away from the freeway. Down at the day use area the sound was so loud it was hard to hear people talking just a few feet away."
Accessibility challenges: Some campgrounds have limitations for those with mobility issues. A visitor to Lost Lake noted difficulty with "handicapped parking inconveniently located nowhere near an ADA-accessible lakeside spot."
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds in the area maintain different facilities in off-seasons. A visitor to Oxbow Regional Park mentioned, "Because of COVID, the facilities (e.g. Welcome Center, restrooms, showers) were all closed, but that was okay for us given the short weekend trip."
Reservations needed: Luxury glamping accommodations near Vancouver fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "Most sites are reservable, leaving sites 1-9 'first come, first served'," notes a camper at L.L. Stub Stewart.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas for children. At Champoeg State Heritage Area, "There was a huge playground for the kids. There was also a large field area for dogs to roam around, just no fence."
Easy biking paths: Several campgrounds feature family-friendly biking trails. "Champoeg has a little everything. GREAT biking trails that are kid friendly. There lots of historical sites around the campground to enjoy as well."
Swimming options: Many local campgrounds offer water access for family swimming. At Lost Lake, one visitor described it as "Great if you have a family or large group and/or are newer to the camping world! The lake is always cold no matter the season."
Yurt accommodations: For families new to glamping, several parks offer yurt rentals as an entry-level option. A Champoeg visitor shared, "The yurts are heated, and a couple of them are pet friendly, which is great for us!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose RV sites based on size requirements and privacy needs. A Mt Hood Village Resort visitor advised, "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."
Size restrictions: Some campgrounds cannot accommodate large RVs despite online systems allowing reservations. A Paradise Point visitor warned, "We put the size of our RV in the state website and it gave us site 50. We arrived and it was IMPOSSIBLE to get our rig in that site due to the trees."
Hook-up variations: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of services. "The water and sewer hookups were in the middle of the site, with electric being at the back of the pad. The water pressure was not very good at around 35 psi," noted a visitor to L.L. Stub Stewart.
Resort-style amenities: For RVers seeking luxury glamping near Vancouver, Washington, some resorts offer additional comforts. "The full hook up sites are in old growth timber giving each site a feeling of seclusion. The lodge, pool, hot tub and saunas are in good condition," shared a Mt Hood Village visitor.
