Best Campgrounds near Lyle, WA

Campgrounds near Lyle, Washington range from established sites to dispersed camping areas along the Columbia River Gorge. The region includes Avery Rec Area, a free dispersed camping option directly in Lyle with river access, and Turkey Hole, an established campground with picnic tables and fire rings. Several camping areas in the vicinity accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some sites like Roots Rise Family Farm offering more family-oriented experiences. The Columbia River Gorge provides a scenic backdrop for campers, with many sites positioned to take advantage of river views or access to hiking trails.

Camping in the Lyle area typically operates from spring through fall, with most developed campgrounds closing for winter. Many sites require advance reservations during peak summer months. A visitor noted, "It was such a beautiful drive out the gorge to Lyle, and then up the hill to this great spot. The hosts greeted us on arrival and explained that we could drive around the property to find the perfect spot for us." Wind conditions can significantly impact camping experiences in the Columbia River Gorge, as the area is known for strong winds that funnel through the canyon. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage typically available at higher elevations or closer to town.

The Columbia River provides a focal point for many camping experiences in the area. Campers frequently mention the views as a highlight, with sites offering perspectives of both the river and the surrounding landscape. A camper wrote, "From this area you will get the best views of both the back country and the gorge." Public lands near Lyle offer more primitive camping options with fewer amenities but greater privacy and natural settings. Campground options range from basic sites with pit toilets to more developed areas with showers and electrical hookups. Proximity to hiking trails, including the Klickitat Trail, makes the region particularly appealing to outdoor enthusiasts looking to combine camping with day activities. Noise from nearby highways and train tracks can affect some campground areas, particularly those closest to transportation corridors.

Best Camping Sites Near Lyle, Washington (284)

    1. Memaloose State Park Campground

    38 Reviews
    Mosier, OR
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 478-3008

    $22 - $36 / night

    "Wonderful view of the Columbia River and the Washington side of the river. Easy drive to the Dalles to get anything you might need. Bathrooms are very clean, showers are hot and long."

    "June 2021 this campground is full of trees that give shade all around most of the campsites."

    2. Tucker Park Campground

    35 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."

    3. Deschutes River State Recreation Area

    33 Reviews
    Wishram, WA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 739-2322

    $13 - $74 / night

    "Found this place on the map while searching for a place to camp at the Washington/Oregon border."

    "We usually cross the Columbia River into Washington state at Biggs Junction, Oregon. We don’t want to stay at Maryhill State Park in Washington as we had stayed there before."

    4. Toll Bridge Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Hood River, OR
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 387-6889

    $35 - $80 / night

    "That’s what led us to Tollbridge, a lightly used campsite 15 miles south of Ukiah on Highway 325."

    "2 DOLLARS TO CROSS EACHWAY BETWEEN OREGON AND WASHINGTON BUT WELL WORTH THE VISIT."

    5. Columbia Hills Historical State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Dallesport, WA
    9 miles
    Website

    "Cute little campsite just off the highway tucked away next to Horse-thief lake. It is very windy due to its location in the gorge. The lake access and surrounding land is beautiful."

    "This was a great location for loads of hikes in the area."

    6. Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge

    10 Reviews
    Wishram, WA
    12 miles
    Website

    "Great little swimming spot steps from our spot. Trains will come every hour and tracks are close to sites. A few wineries within a mile and one about .5 miles from spot."

    "Parking next to water seemed like a dream, until your are awaked by the sound of a screaming train in your ear. For last minute locations, I would stop here again."

    7. Gorge Base Camp RV Park

    8 Reviews
    White Salmon, WA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 493-1111

    $30 - $60 / night

    "We picked this campground at the last minute as we were returning from a Christmas stay in central Washington. The reservation staff was very professional and helpful."

    "The highway is at a higher elevation than the park, so that noise didn't particularly bother us either.  Perhaps it is just that our van is well sound insulated or we're not light sleepers! "

    8. Peach Beach RV Park on the Columbia

    29 Reviews
    Cheatham Lock and Dam, OR
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 773-4927

    $40 - $45 / night

    "No fire pits, but all of eastern Washington is doing that these days. Nice little lagoon on the river for kids to swim. Boat launch, lots of wind surfers."

    "peaceful. close to several wineries and farm stands. especially recommend gunnels fruit and waving tree winery - both within walking distance of campground. other must sees are maryhill museum and stonehenge"

    9. Turkey Hole

    4 Reviews
    Lyle, WA
    4 miles
    Website

    $20 - $49 / night

    "If you stick close to the entrance side then you will have some good spots and not too many neighbors."

    "Located on the Klickatat river. Only downfall are the sqauters."

    10. Viento State Park Campground

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

    $20 - $29 / 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 284 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Lyle, WA

1464 Reviews of 284 Lyle Campgrounds


  • Kris O.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Rufus Landing

    Free campingin the Columbia River Gorge

    Up to 7 days allowed in a 30 day period for free boondock/dry campingbetween April 1 and October 31. Open camping rock/gravel lot in designated areas. 1 pair of toilets available (His/Hers). I ran the generator in my class c rv all night without a problem but made sure I was away from other campers. There is a rule that it cannot annoy other people.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Trillium Lake Airstrip Dispersed

    Lots of spaces

    Came on a Sunday night so had lots of spots to choose from. Good camping for a quick stop. There are warning signs about potentially closing the campground cause people keep leaving trash. So if you come please LNT!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Peach Beach RV Park on the Columbia

    Great park

    This is a wonderful park with great spots, access to the river and is close to Biggs Junction and The Dalles.

  • S. Renae M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Green Canyon

    Unexpected serenity!!

    I wanted to get away for the weekend and it was close. I arrived. Perfect camp spot. Close to the river. I heard it’s lullaby at night!! True therapy in its finest !!

    The trail along the river was awesome. It’s now one of my favorite spots. Will definitely be back.

    No cell service at all but it’s worth it!!! Great camp host!! Very friendly people there. Great memories!!!

  • Anna D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Ainsworth State Park Campground

    Good location

    Location is great, road traffic is loud can hear the train as well. Most sites look good. I booked day of and it wasn’t level at all 🙂. Clean showers and bathroom!

  • Anna D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Eagle Creek Campground

    Great location and clean

    Bathrooms are clean, vaulted toilets. Water available. Site is level…camp host is really nice!

  • S. Renae M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Tucker Park Campground

    Perfect getaway!!!

    I decided last minute to go camping. Searching I found this place not far from the city . It’s so unexpected. It was a great decision!! Hear the river, which I love. Clean bathrooms, water and even showers available!!

    It’s a perfect getaway!!! 10 out of 5!!!!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Trillium Lake

    Nice place with a lake

    Easy access. Nice sites.

  • Richard H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Elk Meadows RV Park

    Nice campground and facilities.

    Great view of Mt Adams if you can get one of the premium sites. Saw elk and heard elk bugling every morning in the meadow. Very quiet and relaxed.


Guide to Lyle

Columbia River Gorge camping sites near Lyle, Washington provide access to a region known for variable seasonal winds and diverse terrain ranging from riverside plains to forested highlands. Lyle sits at approximately 75 feet elevation where the Klickitat River meets the Columbia, creating unique microclimates across camping areas. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with nighttime lows around 55-65°F, while spring and fall visitors should prepare for temperature swings of 30+ degrees within 24 hours.

What to do

River activities: Columbia River access is available at several campgrounds, including Avery Rec Area which sits directly on the water. One camper noted, "Nice small first come first service sites along the Columbia and free. We had a great spot on the River with beautiful views of Mt. Hood and the Gorge. Great little swimming spot steps from our spot." The area offers swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities from May through September.

Hiking: Klickitat Trail connects to camping areas around Lyle, offering day hikes from 2-16 miles. At Tucker Park Campground, "The campsite was scattered with smooth rocks perfect for tanning and nice sandy beaches along the river for your fur companions to cool off." The trail follows the river corridor with moderate elevation changes through diverse habitats.

Wine tasting: Multiple vineyards within 5-10 miles of Lyle camping areas offer tastings, usually for $10-15 per person. One visitor to Deschutes River State Recreation Area mentioned it's "Close to lists of activities. Just a hope to wineries, Stonehenge and hikes. Right on the river."

Cultural sites: Indigenous petroglyphs can be viewed at Columbia Hills State Park. A camper shared, "One of the best aspects was the petroglyphs that were along trails near the campground. This was a great spot and I highly recommend it!" Tours typically run on weekend mornings during summer months.

What campers like

River views and sounds: The Columbia and Klickitat Rivers provide both scenic views and soothing background noise. At Toll Bridge Park Campground, campers appreciate "the sound of the river as you drift off to sleep." Another camper mentioned, "It was well maintained, clean restrooms and was right near a creek."

Proximity to attractions: The central location allows easy access to multiple outdoor activities. At Peach Beach RV Park, one camper noted, "Tucked away just across the river and close to towns if you need anything." Most major attractions are within a 30-minute drive from camping areas.

Clean facilities: Despite the remote feel, many campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and showers. At Tucker Park Campground, a visitor noted, "Bathrooms and showers were clean," while another mentioned the "Good layout for campsites with plenty of privacy."

Local produce: Several campgrounds provide access to seasonal fruit. At Peach Beach RV Park, "Pleasant host greets you with a bag of a couple peaches from the fruit farm next door." Local orchards typically offer U-pick opportunities from July through October.

What you should know

Train noise impacts many sites: Railroad tracks run along the Columbia River, affecting campgrounds on both sides. A camper at Columbia Hills Historical State Park observed, "There is a train nearby and you can hear the horn. Personally, I found it haunting and a bit romantic." Earplugs are recommended for light sleepers.

Wind conditions vary dramatically: The gorge creates wind tunnel effects, particularly in spring and summer. At Memaloose State Park, a camper warned, "Do not fall prey to a river view spot! There are no trees to provide shade or protection from the wind!"

Water levels fluctuate seasonally: River access points change throughout the year. A Turkey Hole visitor noted, "We stayed here for two nights and snagged some nice waterfront spots, it was a nice area and relaxing." Spring typically offers highest water levels, while late summer provides more accessible beaches.

Reservation requirements differ: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others are first-come, first-served. At Avery Rec Area, campers can "stay up to seven days" without reservations, while established campgrounds like Tucker Park often fill quickly during summer weekends.

Tips for camping with families

Playgrounds and open spaces: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. At Toll Bridge Park, "This place is awesome for family camping. They have a playground and well maintained showers and bathrooms." The playground includes swings and climbing structures suitable for children ages 3-12.

Swimming spots with gradual entry: Look for riverside camping with kid-friendly water access. A camper at Tucker Park Campground noted, "We had a blast! So green and beautiful. Not far from downtown. Lots of space/areas for our kids to run to climb big rocks."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can observe local fauna from safe distances. At Deschutes River State Recreation Area, "We saw lizards, red ants, dragon flies, butterflies, birds, geese and a friend saw 2 rattlesnakes." Morning and evening hours typically offer best wildlife viewing.

Weather precautions: Temperature fluctuations require extra planning with children. Pack layers for all seasons, as nights can drop below 50°F even in summer. Camps in exposed areas should bring additional sun protection as shade can be limited.

Tips from RVers

Bridge access limitations: The Hood River Bridge connecting Oregon and Washington presents challenges for larger vehicles. A camper warned, "If you have an RV and can avoid taking the Hood River Bridge, that is highly advisable. With two 9' lanes, it's a nightmare to get across." Alternative routes may add 30+ minutes to travel time but offer safer passage.

Site sizing varies significantly: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. At Turkey Hole, a camper mentioned, "Very easy parking for campers, great tent sites as well." Most riverfront sites have limited turning radius; sites set back from water typically offer more space.

Utility hookups limited: Full-service RV sites are concentrated in specific campgrounds. At Deschutes River State Recreation Area, "We stayed in loop T with our van. Only $10 per site plus $8 for the reservation online. They allow vehicles up to 24 ft in this primitive loop."

Wind protection: RVers should secure awnings and use stabilizers in gorge campgrounds. High winds can develop suddenly, particularly in afternoon hours. Consider orientation when parking to minimize crosswind exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are RV parks located near Lyle in the Columbia River Gorge?

Several RV-friendly options are available near Lyle in the Columbia River Gorge. Gorge Base Camp RV Park in nearby White Salmon offers full RV amenities and is big-rig friendly. Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge provides a convenient option right near Lyle with toilet facilities and spaces suitable for larger vehicles. Both locations offer excellent access to the Columbia River and the stunning scenery of the Gorge region, making them ideal basecamps for exploring the area.

What accommodation options are available in Lyle, WA for non-camping visitors?

Non-camping visitors to Lyle have several accommodation options. Roots Rise Family Farm offers a beautiful private property experience just outside town with convenient access to Lyle's amenities. For those seeking established parks with more facilities, Memaloose State Park Campground is a short drive away with clean bathrooms, hot showers, and stunning Columbia River views. The area also features local inns, vacation rentals, and B&Bs for those wanting indoor accommodations, providing easy access to Lyle's attractions while enjoying comfortable lodging options.

What camping is available near Lyle, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lyle, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 284 campgrounds and RV parks near Lyle, WA and 47 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lyle, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lyle, WA is Memaloose State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 38 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 47 free dispersed camping spots near Lyle, WA.

What parks are near Lyle, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Lyle, WA that allow camping, notably Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Cheatham Lock and Dam.