The Dallesport area sits at the eastern edge of the Columbia River Gorge where desert landscapes begin to replace dense forests. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F while winter months bring frost and occasional snow. Most campsites near Dallesport require preparedness for significant temperature swings, with evening temperatures dropping 30-40 degrees from daytime highs even in summer months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Several campsites provide direct river access for fishing enthusiasts. The Deschutes River offers excellent angling conditions, particularly at Macks Canyon Recreation Site where one visitor noted, "The view of the river was amazing and we watched lots of fishing boats and rafting boats go by."
Hiking trails: Explore miles of wilderness trails within a short drive from most campsites. At Carbon Farm Yard, "There are several different loops you can hike or walk around the farm. The camping area is spacious and quiet. There is tons and tons of land to explore and lots of animals and wildlife to view."
Paddling: Non-motorized watercraft access is available at several lakes in the region. Goose Lake Campground is particularly suitable as "motorized boats aren't allowed so it's nice and quiet. Last year we brought our paddle boards and had a great time on the water."
What campers like
Privacy levels: While many sites are positioned close together, some offer greater seclusion. One camper at Pebble Ford Campground shared, "Small… we're talkin' 3-4 sites… but each site is HUGE! Refreshing to see, and how cool to get here and take over all three with a party."
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds feature regular wildlife activity. At Pebble Ford, a visitor mentioned, "Had some deer walk right through our camp spot while we sat by the fire."
Lakeside camping: Several sites offer direct water access. A Goose Lake visitor explained, "The campground is on a hill (but all the camping spots are flat) so you get a great view of the lake from most campsites. Beautiful spot."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require traveling on rough forest roads. A recent visitor to Macks Canyon Recreation Site warned, "About 20 miles of gravel road will take you here and some small Rockwall to semi-worry about. I have never experienced a washboard road as bad as this was for 6-7 miles. I thought the doors were going to blow off the truck."
Water access: Drinking water is rarely available at campsites. At Hike in from Lower Deschutes State Rec Area, a camper advised, "No drinking water or hookups of any kind. No fires. Must bring everything."
Wind conditions: Strong winds affect many campgrounds in the area, particularly those near rivers. At Macks Canyon, a visitor observed, "The only negative is that it can get super windy. At one point we were frantically trying to get our awning down from the Cricket and things were flying everywhere."
Tips for camping with families
Open spaces: Some campgrounds offer ample room for children to explore safely. Carbon Farm Yard provides "lots of space for kids to run around and safely explore."
Lake activities: Several campgrounds offer family-friendly water access. At Goose Lake Campground, "The day use area was clean and had a handful of different people fishing every day starting around 7-8."
Quiet atmosphere: For families seeking peaceful environments, Bonney Crossing delivers according to one visitor: "Kids loved spending time exploring the creek and cooling off in it. Campsites are first come first serve and only has 7 established sites."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For RVs, carefully research your destination as many campgrounds have limited suitable spaces. At Pebble Ford, "The first come sites are just off of Forest Road 44 >> Dufur Valley Road. There is a main circle of sites (about 3-4 in the main area) and another site on the creek with a separate entrance."
Limited hookups: No hookups are available at most campsites near Dallesport. Plan accordingly with self-contained systems and water storage.
Road clearance: High-clearance vehicles are recommended for most camping areas. At Badger Lake, one camper advised, "You'll want a high clearance/4wd vehicle. We took my Honda Element and had to camp in the campground instead of near the lake, which was 1/4 mile from campground. Too many big rocks and ruts in the road to attempt."
