Best Campgrounds near Carson, WA

Carson, Washington provides a variety of camping options throughout the Columbia River Gorge region, with campgrounds offering access to both forested hillsides and riverfront settings. Timberlake Campground & RV and Home Valley Campground serve as popular established sites for visitors, with accommodations ranging from tent sites to full-hookup RV spaces and cabins. Several campgrounds in the area feature shaded sites within walking distance of the Columbia River, while others are tucked into the surrounding forested landscape of the Cascade Mountains.

Seasonal considerations affect campground availability, with most facilities operating from April through October. The region experiences warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters typical of the Columbia River Gorge. Facilities like Panther Creek Campground near Carson are generally open from May to September, while some campgrounds closer to the river may have longer seasons. Reservations are recommended, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. A visitor noted, "This campground is in Stevenson WA right on the Columbia River, has shower and bathroom, great clean quiet site."

Campers consistently mention the quiet, wooded settings as highlights of their stays near Carson. The proximity to outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking trails in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and water activities on the Columbia River, adds to the appeal. While some campgrounds offer amenities like showers, drinking water, and picnic tables, others provide more primitive experiences. Train noise affects some riverside campgrounds, as mentioned in one review: "The train passes right next to this campsite day and night (with horn) so keep in mind the noise from that." Most mixed-use campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping with varying levels of hookups and amenities, providing options for different camping preferences and budgets.

Best Camping Sites Near Carson, Washington (355)

    1. Cascade Locks KOA

    22 Reviews
    Cascade Locks, OR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 374-8668

    $27 / night

    "This camp has RV sites, tent sites and beautiful cabins with porch swings and is located close to the Columbia River waterfalls."

    "There is a train that runs along the back of the campground which can be loud if your site is close by. The train noise did not bother us in the center of the park where we were."

    2. Lost Lake Resort And Campground — Mt. Hood National Forest

    53 Reviews
    Rhododendron, OR
    17 miles
    +1 (541) 386-6366

    $45 - $125 / night

    "I have kind of a love/hate thing going on for Lost Lake Campgrounds.

    Pros: It is beautiful. There's a reason it's one of Oregon's most photographed sites."

    "This campground is located on the shores of Lost Lake, with amazing views of Mt. Hood. "

    3. Panther Creek Campground

    20 Reviews
    Carson, WA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 338-7869

    $25 - $45 / night

    "Located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, just north of the town of Carson. Its about a 20 minute drive to the Columbia river, and 10 minutes to the small town of Carson."

    "Deeply forested, gorgeous, well spaced sites, located up an easy road, nearest cell signal is about 4 toward Carson."

    4. Ainsworth State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    North Bonneville, OR
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 695-2261

    $22 - $33 / night

    "All are very close to the highway so you will hear road noise and trains thundering past on the adjacent tracks."

    "Picture a hillside with a winding road surrounded by thick green trees. Ainsworth is that place. Absolutely gorgeous."

    5. Tucker Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Hood River, OR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 386-4477

    $25 - $60 / night

    "Excellent faculties with easy access to amenities. Sat by a campfire pit in the evenings and went to sleep with the sound of the river surrounding us. What more could you ask for."

    "It's an hour drive from our house in portland and though you feel like your out in the middle of the woods your only 10 mins from hood river and most of what it has to offer."

    6. Viento State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, OR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 374-8811

    $22 - $31 / night

    "Viento is a nice state park along 84 right outside of hood river. It is along the columbia river and has beach access."

    "Short, 5 minute walk to the river.

    A train track runs throught the middle of the campground. Trains run every hour or so. VERY loud.

    Tent spots were $8. Rv spots were $24."

    7. Eagle Creek Campground

    17 Reviews
    North Bonneville, OR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 308-1700

    $15 / night

    "But nice hiking trails near by. Close to highway so can be kinda noisy. Very close to Portland. Camp host could pick up more garbage though."

    "Near the Hood River and a short distance to Mt Hood trails and surrounding"

    8. Wyeth Campground at the Gorge

    12 Reviews
    Carson, OR
    4 miles
    +1 (541) 308-1700

    $20 - $30 / night

    "So nice to have first come/first serve campgrounds so close to Portland. I arrived around 2 on a Wednesday in August and grabbed one of 3 open sites."

    "It's already lush and green but the trails running from the camp still haven't been cleared fully, and you hike at your own risk."

    9. Timberlake Campground & RV

    11 Reviews
    Keystone Harbor, WA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 427-2267

    "A bit of a drive to get there but worth it. Extremely well-run campground in a beautiful setting with good access to the town of Hood River."

    "Important to know … it is situated on a hilly property, so it’s not an easy stroll to the restrooms and showers unless one is young/athletic."

    10. Beacon Rock State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    North Bonneville, WA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 427-8265

    "Beacon Rock is an incredible, tall hill in the Columbia River Gorge and a Washington State Park. The climb up the rock is through a well-built trail."

    "We didn’t have any issues at the site, but noticed that spots RV4 and RV5 were relatively distanced from each other, while spots RV1-RV3 were pretty close to each other."

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Recent Reviews near Carson, WA

1864 Reviews of 355 Carson Campgrounds


  • S. Renae M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Milo McIver State Park Campground

    Great location not far from pdx!

    I decided at last minute to get out of dodge! But didn’t want to go far. This campground was perfect. Super clean and close but giving you the feeling of being out deep in the woods. The only bummer is in my app. It said camp fires allowed. And they ARE NOT allowed at this time. The park rangers are super nice and friendly and definitely efficient. You feel safe at this location. Will be back!!!

  • angelina H.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Peach Beach RV Park on the Columbia

    Beautiful, serene location.

    Stayed here on a job for at least some 6 months, absolutely loved it. The hostess was very friendly, the adjoining small state park I believe it is is very convenient for pet owners, and the location is overall gorgeous.

  • Alex R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Panther Creek Creekside Camp

    Loved It

    Not too far from the nearest town but you will feel totally immersed out here. My carrier is Verizon, I didn’t have any service whatsoever. Ice cold creek, towering trees. Seemed to be lots of sites off the road to pick from. A bit of trash but nothing crazy. Fantastic place to stop even just for one night. Would definitely visit again.

  • Willeth
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Columbia River RV Park

    Columbia River RV Park

    A great place to stop with a motorhome or tent, located on the banks of the Columbia River near Portland. The park is known for its cleanliness, friendly staff, and good amenities: paved parking, electricity, Wi-Fi, showers, and laundry facilities. There are also areas for pets and a place for dogs to run off-leash. Despite the close parking, the atmosphere is calm and welcoming. An excellent choice for an overnight stay after exploring Portland!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Council Lake

    Council Lake

    Love this campground! Only a few spot available and was very busy during the Labor Day weekend/week. Went up on Sunday and was lucky enough to share a spot with fellow campers (they were leaving the next morning) but every spot was taken and then some. It did clear out during the week and saw a few people throughout and it began filling back up for the weekend. They have a toilet there but make sure to take toilet paper with you because it’s not always full. We took our paddle boat with us and was a bit worried about how to get it down to the water. I had forgotten how steep it was but had no issue with myself and someone else getting it to the bottom. Once it was there we docked it there for the week and used as wanted. It wasn’t too hard getting back up. I even saw someone wench up their aluminum boat with their truck so you have options. Aside from fishing and boating there was the Council Bluff trail that starts in the middle of the campground and takes you to an amazing view of the mountains and the lake. Overall I enjoyed this trip and will camp here again.

  • marcus K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Oxbow Regional Park

    Amazing Secret

    Nice regional campground. Has tent and RV spots. No hookups though. Mostly shady sites with just a handful having full sun.

    Restrooms are well maintained and have excellent showers. No coins needed.

    Great access to the river to keep cool in summer. Nice sandy beaches. Park also has a lot of sheltered picnic areas and playground.

    Multi-use trail great for short runs and apparently horses.

    No wifi and we had no phone reception. There are emergency phones installed throughout the park.

  • Brad and jamie L.
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Promontory Park

    Small wedding destination

    We got married here on 8/30/25 It was absolutely perfect. Sky and Phil were our absolutely amazing camp hosts. They were more than help and accommodating. Our day was so special and when we had complications with our reservations they fixed it without hesitation. Sky even brought Jr. Camper art projects for our kids. We had an amazing stay! Our middle son caught not only his first fish but he caught 4 in total. They have electric hot plate stations for community cooktops. The yoms have electricity and bunk beds this has one of our favorite spots.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Peach Beach RV Park on the Columbia

    Oasis on the Gorge

    Clean, cute and well cared for park on the Columbia river. Rolled in at 11:30pm to a quiet park with well laid out directions and fresh peaches in our welcome bag. Called ahead letting them know we’d be super late with no problems, very accommodating. Nicely spaced, clean sites. No sewer hookups if on the river side but the view we woke up to was well worth it. The park is in the dryer part of the Gorge but this park surrounded by lush fruit orchards made it feel like an oasis. Definitely would stay here again.

  • S. Renae M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Sunset Falls Campground

    Sunset falls getaway

    I booked the campground. There were pictures but not of the camp spot I chose. I did because it indicated I would be by the river. Note. I was but not accessible from my spot. I was disappointed about that. I chose #13 for that reason. However I arrived and was also surprised I was not able to park by my spot. There is a little trek. Thank god I brought my cart as I had all my camp gear.
    12 and 13 are closer to parking than 14, 15 and 16. They are a little more remote.
    The drive in camping spots resembles more of a day use area. No real privacy. Then the road going through the campground was noisy with motorists and motorcycles at all hours running through.
    At this time. There isnt any camp fires allowed.
    No cell service.
    It’s beautiful with the falls and canopy of trees and decently close to town.
    But overall. For a weekend getaway it’s great. But very limited. Also no water so bring your water.


Guide to Carson

Camping near Carson, Washington, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the water, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the scenic hikes, with one reviewer mentioning, "Great 2-mile hiking loop around the lake" at Trillium Lake.
  • Fishing: The lakes are perfect for fishing. One camper at Lost Lake Resort And Campground said, "The lake is fun for fishing and renting a little boat or canoe to get onto the water."
  • Boating: Rent a canoe or kayak to enjoy the water. A visitor at Memaloose State Park Campground noted, "Great spot to set up camp and hit the trails for wildflower season."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Ainsworth State Park Campground mentioned, "Hot showers and clean bathrooms make for a pleasant stay."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a good amount of space between campers. A visitor at Trillium Lake said, "Clean sights with good privacy between camp spots."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Memaloose State Park Campground shared, "Beautiful 180-degree views from our camp site of the river."

What you should know:

  • Train Noise: Some campgrounds are near train tracks, which can be loud. A camper at Cascade Locks KOA noted, "The train was very loud (especially at night)."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. One visitor at Lower Falls Campground mentioned, "No cell service. Bring your own water."
  • Busy Seasons: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A reviewer at Mt Hood Village Resort advised, "Book early if able."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A parent at Mt Hood Village Resort said, "Our kids love cruising the loops on their bikes and stopping in at the playground."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. One camper at Lost Lake Resort And Campground reminded, "Tons of hiking trails nearby."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds can get noisy, so plan activities that allow for downtime. A visitor at Oxbow Regional Park appreciated the "quiet hours to enjoy the peace and quiet of outside."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure the campground has the right hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground noted, "Clean and respectful staff. However, the parking machine was not working when I arrived."
  • Space for Big Rigs: Look for campgrounds that accommodate larger RVs. One camper at Mt Hood Village Resort mentioned, "Many spaces are level dirt parking."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Lower Falls Campground said, "Miles of trails close by and the hike to middle and upper falls is great."

Camping near Carson, Washington, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Carson, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Carson, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 355 campgrounds and RV parks near Carson, WA and 57 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Carson, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Carson, WA is Cascade Locks KOA with a 4-star rating from 22 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Carson, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 57 free dispersed camping spots near Carson, WA.

What parks are near Carson, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Carson, WA that allow camping, notably Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Gifford Pinchot National Forest.