Camping spots near La Center, Washington range from forested sites with volcanic lake views to riverfront locations with varying amenities. The area sits at approximately 50-300 feet elevation with year-round accessibility, though seasonal closures affect some campgrounds between October and April. Most locations experience mild summers averaging 75-85°F with cooler spring and fall temperatures in the 50-65°F range.
What to do
Waterfall exploring: 20-minute hike from campsite. At Sunset Falls Campground, the waterfall area offers swimming and relaxation opportunities during summer months. "The hike along the river and to the waterfalls is short and offers great swimming and relaxing," notes a visitor. The paved trail makes it accessible for families with younger children.
Fishing for trout and bass: Early morning best. Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground provides year-round fishing opportunities in its volcanic lake. "Great fishing! Trout, bass, blue gill... Nice hike around lake with plenty of spots to rest and fish," shares Brian B. The lake is regularly stocked, making it productive even for novice anglers.
Disc golf: 9-hole course available. Paradise Point State Park offers a compact disc golf course suitable for beginners. "The selling point for this camp ground was the disc golf course," reports Fatima H. Hole one plays under a freeway overpass, creating a unique starting challenge.
What campers like
Quiet campgrounds away from highway noise: Sunset Falls Campground provides natural sound barriers with its location in a creek valley. "A nice creek valley, clear easy camp sites with decent spacing, a short walk to a waterfall swim hole," explains Bjorn S. Sites 12-16 offer more seclusion, though require a short walk from parking.
Camping with water views: Reeder Beach RV Park & Country Store offers Columbia River views with opportunities to watch maritime traffic. "You can park your chair on the bank and watch the occasional ship putter by just a stone's throw from shore," says Ken W. The campground's riverfront sites provide constant waterfront entertainment.
Clean facilities with modern amenities: Columbia River RV Park maintains high cleanliness standards in their facilities. "The park has two off-leash dog areas, two shower facilities, a community kitchen, a rec room that you can use for gatherings, a free table for giving away things that you don't need or taking things you want, a laundry facility, and a workout room," notes C.H. The park also provides designated pet washing machines.
What you should know
Limited water availability in some parks: Sunset Falls Campground requires campers to bring their own drinking water. "There's pit toilets, but bring your own water," warns one camper. The campground has vault toilets but no water hookups or potable water sources.
Road noise affects some campgrounds: Sites at Paradise Point State Park vary significantly in noise exposure. "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," shares Brian C. Sites further from I-5 in both meadow and wooded areas provide quieter experiences.
Seasonal closures affect availability: Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground operates differently in winter months. "Rolled in January 1st. Self pay. About 5 sites with power and water... Beautiful and quiet... And 25 degrees," reports Chris J. Winter camping requires appropriate cold-weather gear.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas with gradual entry: Bayport RV Park and Campground offers water access ideal for families. "Came here so I can kayak and calm waters... has great access to the water as compared to many other places where you have to drive à ways," notes Steve M. The marina location provides protected swimming opportunities.
Parks with playground facilities: Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground includes children's play areas near the swimming section. "They have a cool volcanic lake with a swimming area and a small sand area for the kids to play," Ashley Y. mentions. The park also offers a camp store with snacks and fishing supplies.
Campsites with limited walking distance: When camping with kids at Battle Ground Lake, site selection matters. "You have to park down below and walk to the site, the furthest ones being over a quarter mile away," explains Matt W. Sites closer to parking areas make family logistics easier, especially with small children and gear.
Tips from RVers
Water pressure considerations: Jantzen Beach RV Park has varying water service. "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," reports Jennifer H. Bringing a water pressure regulator and supplemental water is recommended.
Site accessibility for larger rigs: Paradise Point State Park has limitations for larger vehicles. "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," warns Alex W. The narrow secondary loop creates challenges with trees on the inside of turns, making navigation difficult.
Full-time resident considerations: Columbia River RV Park maintains strict appearance standards despite having permanent residents. "There is free Wi-Fi, cable, trash service, and water... There are many long-termers here, but due to their 10 or 15 year RV rule, all the RVs here were really nice and fancy," Laura M. notes. This keeps the park aesthetically consistent regardless of length of stay.
