Camping sites near Brush Prairie, Washington range from primitive river campsites to full-service RV parks within a 30-mile radius of this Clark County community. Located at approximately 300 feet elevation in southwest Washington's temperate rainforest region, this area receives about 50 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forests but challenging camping conditions from November through March. The East Fork of the Lewis River serves as a natural corridor for many local campgrounds, with water levels highest during spring runoff.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 30-minute drive from Brush Prairie, Sunset Falls Campground offers access to the Lewis River and impressive cascades. "The paved trail to the falls is so nice and a very easy walk. My 4 year old could also hike around the falls themselves just fine. Super fun for kids!" notes Beth L.
Disc golf: 20 minutes north at Paradise Point State Park, campers can play the on-site 9-hole course. "The selling point for this camp ground was the disc golf course," according to Fatima H. The first hole uniquely plays under a freeway overpass.
River swimming: Year-round option with spots ranging from shallow wading areas to deeper pools. "The river was shallow and dropped to the deep end. It was ideal for children because the shallow end stretched a bit and the deeper end was the other side," explains Susan P. about Paradise Point. Swimming is permitted at most riverfront campgrounds except during highest spring flows.
Freshwater fishing: Spring and fall opportunities at Battle Ground Lake State Park, where the state stocks rainbow trout. "One of the best State parks for camping. Well manicured sites. Plenty of privacy. Great fishing! Trout, bass, blue gill..." notes Brian B. Fishing licenses required for ages 15+ with day passes available at local sporting goods stores.
What campers like
Volcanic lake swimming: Battle Ground Lake's caldera provides a unique swimming experience in a spring-fed crater. "They have a cool volcanic lake with a swimming area and great fishing. Its like a mini crater lake. I mean mini like pond size," explains Ashley Y.
Winter camping quiet: Off-season camping offers solitude and sometimes surprising conditions. "Rolled in January 1st. Self pay. About 5 sites with power and water. We got a nice level one. There are only 5 other sites in the whole campground occupied. Short walk to the lake to fish. Beautiful and quiet... And 25 degrees," shares Chris J.
Forested sites with privacy: Oxbow Regional Park offers well-spaced sites despite being just 45 minutes from Brush Prairie. "The outer loop sites are quiet, spacious and wooded. They are also very close to a trailhead to nice hikes and the beach," reports Finn M. Several campgrounds in the area maintain natural vegetation between sites.
Island camping experience: Reeder Beach RV Park on Sauvie Island offers a unique setting. "This morning, Dec 1st, I woke up to the sound of frogs croaking, birds chirping, airplanes swooshing, trains puffing, traffic roaring, a shipping vessel rumbles by, waves crashing a rooster crowing, chickens clucking, geese honking, a tractor starting," describes Ben I.
What you should know
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds have issues with their water supply. At Reeder Beach RV Park, "Water has arsenic and is no good to drink or cook with. You have to bring your own water, or buy theirs, which they don't mention on their website," warns Z R.
Train noise: Several campgrounds near Brush Prairie experience railroad disruptions. "Located at the northern end of Portland not too far off the 1-5 freeway... under the pathway for the airport, so there's some noise but not horrible," notes Brian C. about Columbia River RV Park.
Freeway proximity: Paradise Point State Park suffers from its location. "Freeway is really really close to the whole camp site. You can hear vehicles at night. If you're a light sleeper or need nature noises when camping - this is not the site for you," cautions Susan P.
Site limitations: Some campgrounds have unexpected restrictions on RV size. "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. We couldn't even continue out the secondary loop because it was so narrow and had trees on the inside of turns," reports Alex W. about Paradise Point.
Tips for camping with families
Off-peak visits: For a quieter experience with children, consider weekday camping. "Given it's late October and a bit chilly out, the campground was pretty quiet with only a few other campers around. We were able to hike the area and enjoy a serene weekend in nature," shares Krupa about Oxbow Regional Park.
Walk-in site advantages: At Sunset Falls, less accessible sites offer rewards. "11 is a walk-in site that offers the most seclusion in the campground. You are away from all other campers and surrounded by river and trees," notes Josh W. These sites require more effort but provide better separation from other campers.
Playground options: Lewis River Campground offers developed recreation facilities. "Nice playgrounds on site, soccer field, TP, and the like," observes Brian C. Several nearby campgrounds have invested in play equipment upgrades in recent years.
Swimming safety: Riverfront campgrounds often provide extra safety measures. Paradise Point's "day use area also provides life jackets if you forget yours," mentions Fatima H. Checking water conditions before swimming is essential, especially during spring runoff.
Tips from RVers
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies dramatically between campgrounds. "Barely got 1 bar of 4g at the welcome center. There's a guest wifi in the parking lot there too but it's 2 miles further to the camp ground and texts hardly go through," reports Zach S. about Oxbow Regional Park.
Water pressure issues: Jantzen Beach RV Park faces infrastructure challenges. "Water pressure is the lowest we've ever experienced. Not sure what's going on but all of the folks we've talked to are experiencing the same. Maybe because we're on an island?" notes Jennifer H.
Site selection strategy: For Columbia River RV Park, "We arrived late and were greeted by staff and lead directly to our spot. That was really nice as it was after dark. One star off for density, you're right next to each other, and for the very bright street lighting in there," shares RoamingAspen V.
