Best Campgrounds near La Center, WA

Campgrounds near La Center, Washington range from developed state parks to RV-friendly facilities, with most sites concentrated along the Lewis River and Columbia River corridors. Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground, located approximately 10 miles east of La Center, accommodates tent campers, RV users, and those seeking cabin rentals. Paradise Point State Park Campground, situated along the East Fork of the Lewis River, offers tent sites, RV hookups, and yurts. Several campgrounds in the area feature mixed-use facilities that support both primitive camping and sites with full hookups.

Road conditions and accessibility vary significantly throughout the region, with most developed campgrounds maintaining paved access roads suitable for standard vehicles. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during summer months when waterfront locations fill quickly. "This campground is a well-run private campground in Washington about 45 minutes east of I-5. It's kept clean and has easy access to Yale Lake for boating, kayaking, paddle boarding and inflatables," noted one visitor about Beaver Bay Campground. Weather conditions remain mild year-round, though winter camping may require preparation for rain and occasional freezing temperatures. Cell service is generally reliable near major campgrounds but can be spotty in more remote areas, especially those closer to the Cascade foothills.

Campers report high satisfaction with sites that offer water access and forest views. The proximity to Mount St. Helens and the Columbia River Gorge provides additional recreational opportunities beyond the immediate campground areas. Noise levels vary significantly by location, with some campgrounds affected by nearby highways. A visitor commented about Paradise Point State Park: "It's so loud, especially in the day-use area and in the camp sites right up against the I-5 freeway, that you can't hear what someone is saying five feet away, even if they are shouting." Campgrounds farther from major roads, such as Sunset Falls Campground, tend to receive better reviews for tranquility. Most developed campgrounds provide standard amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilets, while some also offer showers, electrical hookups, and dump stations for RVs.

Best Camping Sites Near La Center, Washington (259)

    1. Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Heisson, WA
    10 miles
    Website

    "The lake is small but awesome. Bald eagles flying overhead. Close to Battleground Washington."

    "Battleground is a nice and well loved state park not far from Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington."

    2. Paradise Point State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    La Center, WA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    "Close to freeway for easy access. Nice walking paths. Typical state park yurt set up."

    "It is a very convenient place to camp being close to the interstate. We stay 3 nights. the bathrooms were clean and the dumpsters were close by."

    3. Jantzen Beach RV Park

    33 Reviews
    Vancouver, OR
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 289-7626

    $40 / night

    "Clean and generally friendly, the Jantzen Beach RV Park is right inside of Portland (at the northern end, close to Vancouver, Washington)."

    "The park's location is very convenient, with easy access to downtown Portland and nearby attractions."

    4. Reeder Beach RV Park & Country Store

    17 Reviews
    Scappoose, OR
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 621-3970

    "Flat gravel for most part, steps away from the Columbia River, decent space between sites with good shade depending on your site. Only reason for 4 starts is because the water is dirty."

    "I would recommend anyone to stay here it makes you truly enjoy getting away from the city but not too far that you would have to take days off work. It's peaceful, clean, and quiet."

    5. Bayport RV Park and Campground

    10 Reviews
    St. Helens, OR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 397-2888

    $30 / night

    "Location is close to town but still feels like you are in your own little world. Beautiful walking paths line the water. A must visit for sure!"

    "Next to a moderately busy road, but paved spots, WiFi, lovely walking trails and bathroom and showers are clean and maintained! Must have a tent pitched, if traveling and staying with your vehicle."

    6. Columbia River RV Park

    24 Reviews
    Vancouver, OR
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 285-1515

    $30 - $150 / night

    "The location couldn’t be more convenient, right near Portland and just steps away from the beautiful Columbia River."

    "One star off for density, you’re right next to each other, and for the very bright street lighting in there. We thought it overkill, but perhaps they have their reasons. Super nice facilities."

    7. Lewis River Campground Community of Christ

    8 Reviews
    Heisson, WA
    9 miles
    Website

    "Lewis River Campground is right at the trail head and adjacent to the lower falls, so there's plenty to see and do right around the camping area. "

    8. Sand Island Marine Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    St. Helens, OR
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 310-0235

    $30 / night

    "Island is lovely to walk around, our site had beach access. Site to reserve has pictures. Will definitely return!"

    "This is on the columbia river water kayak trail."

    9. Sunset Falls Campground

    22 Reviews
    Yacolt, WA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 338-7869

    $20 / night

    "Tucked right on the banks of the East Fork of the Lewis River and on the edge of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, this is a great get away for anyone in the Vancouver / Portland area."

    "11 is a walk I’m site that offers the most seclusion in the campground. You are away from all other campers and surrounded by river and trees."

    10. Dairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park

    38 Reviews
    Buxton, OR
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 324-0606

    $27 - $41 / night

    "We stopped here on our way south from Washington. Had a nice stay. Campsite was so clean, even the gravel was raked. Plenty of room at each campsite. Bathrooms were old but very clean and well kept."

    "As we had been here before, it was an easy drive in on US-26 to the campground (CG)."

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Recent Reviews near La Center, WA

1522 Reviews of 259 La Center Campgrounds


  • L
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Reeder Beach RV Park & Country Store

    Quiet spot on the Columbia river

    Nice quiet campground along the Columbia river in Oregon. Minutes from Portland, with lots of fun farm stands and rural experience.

  • L
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Nehalem River Park & Campground

    Great beach access, but prepare yourself for steep dunes - clean campground

    I thought this was a great campground especially for families. There was some noise into the night, to be expected for a campground with so many amenities for kids to enjoy. But I would return because it was so clean and the beach is gorgeous. I wish it was a little more wooded/shrubby between camps, but I didn't feel like I was breathing my neighbor's exhale so that's fine. I saw reviews about the dunes being pretty big to get to the beach and I didn't really believe them until I was heading back into camp at night, yeah that hill is a lot coming back up so beware. I would avoid bringing my grandpa here.

  • S. Renae M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Home Valley Campground

    My spot! A room with a view!!

    I decided to go camping knowing that the next day would be potentially raining. Guess what it’s raining! For a couple more hours. But it’s all good I wanted to get out of the city and discovered this place. It’s kind of rustic. Most of the spots are right next to eachother. But people are respectful and it’s been an excellent experience! I get service decently I have Verizon.

    There is access and a shower. And normal bathroom accessories. By the pavilion. The actual campground has Portl-potties. Each spot has a picnic table and fire pit and guess what??!!! You can have a fire!!! It’s a great escape!

    A word of warning.!!!!!!!!

    There is pitch on the trees. Bunches of it. My dog got into it and not fun. Bring some WD-40 incase. It helped a lot and dawn dish soap.
    Enjoy!!

  • Frank B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Ike Kinswa

    Quiet

    One of the nicest State campgrounds. Very clean and quiet.

  • 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!!!

  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Elk Creek Campground

    Beautiful, remote, minimal

    This campground has minimal facilities (pit toilets, no trash, etc). No cell service either (AT&T). Still, it's a quiet, gorgeous area next to a creek. Bring 15$ cash and be prepared for a wonderful time. I actually visited twice.

  • 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!


Guide to La Center

Camping near La Center, Washington, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore Mount Saint Helens: Many campers use Seaquest State Park Campground as a base for visiting Mount Saint Helens. One reviewer mentioned, "It is a great place to launch your Mount Saint Helens exploration, with a Washington State Visitor Center you can walk to from the campground."
  • Fishing and Water Sports: At Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. A visitor shared, "Fishing, hiking, sup or kayaking if you’re interested in it. The lake is small but awesome."
  • Hiking Trails: Ainsworth State Park Campground has great hiking trails. One camper noted, "One of the best state parks in Oregon super hot showers reasonable prices friendly staff hiking trails from camp to nearby falls."

What campers like

  • Privacy and Space: Campers appreciate the privacy at Seaquest State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "If you don’t need hookups, I would recommend the loop that has 32 - 54. These were much more private."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers are a big plus. One visitor at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park Campground remarked, "Bathrooms were the cleanest I’ve seen at a campground."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Many campgrounds, like Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground, offer playgrounds and open areas. A reviewer mentioned, "Kids enjoyed the junior ranger program."

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Paradise Point State Park Campground noted, "Be ready to be right next to I-5. The first spaces are closest to the highway."
  • Site Size Matters: If you're bringing an RV, check the site sizes. One disappointed camper at Paradise Point State Park Campground said, "We arrived and it was IMPOSSIBLE to get our rig in that site due to the trees."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Sunset Falls Campground, have fewer amenities. A visitor mentioned, "The campground itself was very secluded - 30 minutes to any services or cell service."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground has a playground and open areas, making it great for kids.
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Many campers appreciate quiet hours for a good night's sleep. One camper at Oxbow Regional Park said, "I always appreciate a campground with quiet hours to enjoy the peace and quiet of outside."
  • Pack for Activities: Bring fishing gear, bikes, or kayaks for fun family activities. A reviewer at Ainsworth State Park Campground mentioned, "Hiking trails from camp to nearby falls."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Beacon Rock State Park Campground noted, "Camp-side slide opens right up to the fire pit, cannot use it."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like L.L. Stub Stewart State Park Campground offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. One visitor said, "We reserved a full hookup site and packed heated blankets."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor reception. A reviewer at Sunset Falls Campground mentioned, "No phone reception, no loud noises, super peaceful."

Camping near La Center, Washington, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Just be sure to check the specifics of each campground to make the most of your outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near La Center, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, La Center, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 259 campgrounds and RV parks near La Center, WA and 32 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near La Center, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near La Center, WA is Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 40 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near La Center, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 32 free dispersed camping spots near La Center, WA.