354 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Cabins and rustic camping accommodations are available throughout the Camas, Washington area, with options ranging from full-service cabin rentals to primitive camping. Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground, located about 15 miles north of Camas, offers cabin stays alongside traditional tent and RV sites. The Sandy Riverfront RV Resort provides riverside cabin-style accommodations with full hookups. Most developed campgrounds in the region feature concrete pads with utility connections, while others maintain a more natural setting with dirt or gravel sites.
Seasonal considerations affect cabin availability, with most parks like Oxbow Regional Park and Milo McIver State Park operating year-round but with varying amenities during winter months. A camper noted, "We love camping on the island, as you can only get to it via boat so it is not overly populated. There are no fire pits but you can burn. No potable water, so bring your own." Government Island State Recreation Area exemplifies the boat-access-only sites available in the region. Several campgrounds implement alcohol restrictions and many enforce pet policies that visitors should verify before arrival. Cell service can be limited in certain areas, with some reviewers mentioning connectivity challenges even at larger campgrounds.
Waterfront locations receive consistently positive feedback from visitors exploring the Camas area. The Sandy River access points provide popular swimming and recreation opportunities during summer months. One review highlighted that the "absolutely best part about this park is that it's across the street from Sugarpine Drive-in... It's also right on the Sandy River where you can enjoy the beautiful views and swim." Train noise appears in multiple reviews for riverside camping areas, with some mentioning the visibility of train bridges from camping sites. Several parks enforce quiet hours and maintain family-friendly atmospheres. Mixed-use campgrounds offering both day-use amenities and overnight accommodations are common throughout the region, providing flexible options for visitors planning shorter or longer stays.
"Close proximity to Multonomah Falls. Pros - bathrooms with electric outlets, free showers, deer come close and are fun to watch, quiet & fairly private stay."
"There is distance between you and other guests but if you want to meet your neighbors you can. They have ADA sites, a lake, play grounds and a welcome center."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $12 - $87 / night
Check Availability"All are very close to the highway so you will hear road noise and trains thundering past on the adjacent tracks."
"Picture a hillside with a winding road surrounded by thick green trees. Ainsworth is that place. Absolutely gorgeous."
from $29 - $53 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Great location—right by the river. We arrived late in the evening, and the staff met us and showed us to our room, which was especially helpful in the dark."
from $30 - $150 / night
Check Availability"Close to Portland so it gets a lot of day traffic. Access to river so it has summer activities. Sites for large get togethers."
"The kids enjoyed the playground and biking around the loop. The river access down at the day use was lovely. All the park staff were friendly."
from $25 - $59 / night
Check Availability"Most spots were pull-though with decently wide streets to drive in. Even though it's just off a semi-major street, it's set back enough and surrounded by trees to be more quiet."
"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Clean and generally friendly, the Jantzen Beach RV Park is right inside of Portland (at the northern end, close to Vancouver, Washington)."
"Jantzen Beach RV Park feels like a real-world stop straight out of a Subway Surfers World Tour—a lively, convenient, and colorful place where travelers pause, recharge, and enjoy the surroundings before"
from $40 / night
Check Availability"Estacada lake is within walking distance, and there is salmon fishing within driving distance inside of the park. There is also a "bat" barn that is close by."
"Amazing spot— gorgeous, full of wildlife, and lots of wonderful trails close by. There’s a wildlife viewing area are close by."
from $26 - $126 / night
Check Availability"There are many places to eat, shop, coffee, etc. in the nearby downtown area and just beyond."
"The absolutely best part about this park is that it's across the street from Sugarpine Drive-in. Somewhat expensive (for a drive-in) but oh-so-delicious food."
TravelerGreat spot for an uncrowded camping experience. Road noise on spots 1 through 10, but nice views of the river. Lower campsites - less view but less hwy noise - potentially more train traffic but not noticeable on our visit.
GuideWasn’t bad to get to. Could easy get here in a 2 wheel drive suv. Decent amount of room to set up more than one tent with room for many rigs. You pass a few decent but closer to road sites on the way to this one as a back up. Didn’t see anyone try to come down the road to the site while I was there. No water access in the area. Fire pit was in decent shape. Could use since it’s no fire season.
GuideGreat place to have a peaceful evening or longer. Showers are hot, facilities are well maintained and provided the sites aren’t all booked, there is a decent amount of space between visitors.
TravelerThis area use to be a paid campground and is now shut down & open to public. There is a restroom area, however it is unkempt & the cleanliness of that area is the downside of the camp spot. Otherwise it’s glorious. Pack in, pack out! Help out too :) In this bridge & river area, you’ll find crystal clear cool crisp waters to ease into. Beach is mostly sand and the camp sites have soft dirt. Fireplaces are at these camp zones but weren’t allowed when I was there. If you swim across the river, you’ll find a fun cliff jumping area! I may of jumped it maybe 30 times lol. We also rafted the river around the bank just for fun. You’re able to peacefully float at this location too if wanted! Sorta near a busy road, but high enough & away from real civilization that traffic is minimal. Wildlife is abundant! Majority of campers are kind, not ever too crowded but definitely a fun spot people know of. Highly recommend, this is a gem!!!
TravelerI enjoy treasured spots near water & this is certainly one of them. This area is very clean. It’s near long hiking trails. There seems to be dispersed camping all around this area, however this specific spot by the bridge is not near busy roads.. it’s off a gravel road, so when there is traffic it’s slow. Forest service does come around, friendly and helpful. Bathroom area a good walk up past the horse camp. Very long intricate forest trails. Peaceful quiet and about 15 minutes away from cell service, fuel, food, supplies. Soft dirt tent areas, RV areas, the river beach is mostly large rocks. Loved it!
TravelerLots of good day use spots but $10 fee, worth it, families just cart stuff down the trail its bikes only most of the way. They dont make that obvious if you're a big rv be careful around the end youll be doing point turns to get back out. Dispersed camping is a quick bike ride for cell signal
GuideI mainly wanted to camp at this spot because of the view, and let me tell you, it does not disappoint. However, the best spot to see Mount Hood is at the top/end of the road which doesn't have much room for many people. When we got there, we saw a group of 10 people already camped out, and there was not enough space for us. They had 3 trucks, and probably 7 tents. There are a couple spots down the road which is where we ended up. Not a bad spot. Lots of room for tents and 1-2 cars. You can kinda see the mountain, but there are lots of trees blocking the view. Unfortunately, the first night we were supposed to stay, we got informed of a fire evacuation warning and ended up leaving. I would love to come back and stay in this beautiful place though. The only other downside is a VERY rocky and rough road.
GuideAs other people have said, sometimes there is little separation between sites. Plus, sometimes the sites, other than were you park your trailer, are rocky and not at all level. There was a level spot near the back for a tent. The terrain is offset by the VERY tall trees throwing a lot of shade. The sun sets behind the hill across the lake, so it gets completely shady in the late afternoon. Note that the sites next to the river have chain-link fences to keep you from falling off a bluff and into the river, which, when we stayed there near the end of June, was still almost ice cold.
We chose to stay in a non-electric site, and were only able to get a little sunshine for our solar panels to help recharge.
As a product of the 1950s, the sites have a maximum RV/trailer length of 20 feet. Our 18-foot trailer and mid-size SUV fit easily. Navigation can be tricky.
My only complaint about the showers is that the non-adjustable water temperature was near-scalding hot. The showers and bathrooms were clean.
The cooking station near us was very handy for boiling water to cook pasta.
The store at the marina next door has an amazing variety of stuff for campers, including ice.
GuideThis campground is fairly primitive. It’s also fairly inexpensive. I Boondock in a tent site and it was very lovely. It is obviously an older campground from the days when Highway 30 was the main road through the gorge.
This campground is not patrolled by Rangers every day they come through probably twice a day. It is not clean or kept up and the only reason I left four stars instead of five is because the flesh toilets are not working. And I do believe they could fix that problem even though I don’t even know what the problem is. It’s hard to say.
I like the fact that it’s not properly maintained and the roads all swept and the pinecones all gone. I appreciate the rustic and even though it’s relatively close to I 84 the noise becomes background and you can convince yourself. It’s a creek.
The other reason, I only left four stars is because the hiking trails are not marked and that would be very helpful
If you want a quiet out-of-the-way spot, this is a good one.
The Columbia River Gorge region surrounding Camas, Washington sits at elevations between 50-4,000 feet, creating diverse microclimates for camping throughout the year. Most campgrounds in the area operate from late spring through early fall, with limited winter options available at lower elevations. The high precipitation zone receives 70-100 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forest conditions for campers seeking shade during summer months.
River activities: Float the Clackamas River: Barton County Park Campground makes an excellent starting point for river adventures just 35 minutes from Portland. The park offers boat launches and river access for kayaking, floating, or swimming. A camper noted, "Great place to put into the river to float or kayak. lots of parking. also a campground. perfect for a close weekend getaway."
Trail exploration: Hike around volcanic lakes: Battle Ground Lake State Park offers multiple loop trails around its crater-like lake formation. One camper experienced "a high trail (very forested) and you also have a certain amount of low trails right on the water where you could have your own spots to fish and swim." The park features a volcanic lake with distinct high and low trails for different skill levels.
Waterfall viewing: Columbia River Gorge waterfalls: Ainsworth State Park Campground serves as a strategic base for waterfall exploration. Located on the eastern end of the "Waterfall Corridor" that includes Multnomah Falls, this park offers camping near multiple cascades. A visitor mentioned, "It's also in the Columbia River Gorge, which is green, great, and beautiful."
Disc golf: Championship courses: The best places to camp near Camas for disc golf enthusiasts include Milo McIver State Park Campground, home to professional-level courses. A reviewer noted it has "twin 18 hole disc golf courses, or single 27 hole layout when tournaments aren't in progress." The park hosts the annual Beaver State Fling, a PDGA sanctioned National Tour event.
Riverside spots: Calm water access: Sandy Riverfront RV Resort offers direct river views and swimming opportunities. A camper shared, "It's also right on the Sandy River where you can enjoy the beautiful views and swim (very carefully...bring life-vests to be safe) and next to Glenn Otto Park (just across the street)." The resort provides concrete pads with hookups directly overlooking the Sandy River.
Seclusion: Walk-in tent sites: Sunset Falls Campground provides walk-in sites with greater privacy than drive-up options. According to a visitor, "The walk-in sites are a very short walk from the parking lot, so unless you need your car or trailer, they're a pretty great way to go." Site #11 specifically "offers the most seclusion in the campground. You are away from all other campers and surrounded by river and trees."
Swimming holes: Natural water features: Campgrounds near Camas frequently offer swimming opportunities in natural settings. At Sunset Falls, a reviewer reported, "The pools above the falls, jumps into the lower pool and the falls themselves are amazing, mostly after Noon when the sun comes onto the river." Many campsites provide direct water access for swimming during summer months.
City proximity: Near urban amenities: For campers wanting nature with urban access, Columbia River RV Park offers an ideal location. A visitor explained, "The location couldn't be more convenient, right near Portland and just steps away from the beautiful Columbia River. It was so nice to take walks along the waterfront and enjoy the peaceful views while still being close to everything the city has to offer."
Noise considerations: Transportation sounds: Campgrounds in the Columbia Gorge often experience train and road noise. At Sandy Riverfront RV Resort, "there is a train bridge visible from the park, which is both entertaining and a bit noisy at times." Similarly, at Ainsworth State Park, "the campground itself is just so-so. Okay sites terraced on top of each other right next to the road."
Connectivity challenges: Limited cell service: Many camping areas have spotty cellular reception. At Oxbow Regional Park, a camper reported, "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." Plan communication needs accordingly.
Seasonal restrictions: Fire bans: Summer fire restrictions affect many Camas area campgrounds. A visitor to Milo McIver noted, "It said camp fires allowed. And they ARE NOT allowed at this time." Always check current fire regulations before arrival, particularly during late summer months.
Reservation requirements: Popular weekends: Quality camping spots near Camas fill quickly during peak season. For Ainsworth State Park, a reviewer suggested, "Book well in advance. Very popular in the summer." Many campgrounds allow reservations 9-12 months ahead, with weekends filling months in advance.
Playgrounds: Multiple play areas: Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground offers excellent family facilities. A camper shared that "The kids playground was great for the grandkids" and another mentioned that "There is a swim area roped off, and a small sand area for the kids to play." The park provides a complete family experience with swimming, fishing, and play areas.
Swimming safety: Supervised areas: When camping with children near water, prioritize campgrounds with designated swimming zones. At Battle Ground Lake, "They have a cool volcanic lake with a swimming area and great fishing." Several parks maintain roped-off swimming areas specifically for safer family water activities.
Space for activities: Open recreation areas: Barton County Park provides ample play space beyond individual campsites. A visitor mentioned, "Lots of area to play. Volleyball, gagaball, playground." The park also features "a large field for playing in right in the middle of the campground" which gives children room to run without disturbing other campers.
Bathroom accessibility: Clean facilities: For families, campgrounds with modern bathrooms reduce stress. At Milo McIver State Park, sites are "a far walk to the bathrooms/showers" in some areas, so choose carefully when booking. When camping with young children, prioritize sites closer to restroom facilities.
Size limitations: Length restrictions: Larger RVs face challenges at certain campgrounds. Battle Ground Lake has smaller sites not suited for big rigs, while Sandy Riverfront RV Resort accommodates larger vehicles with "concrete pads with extra parking space make for level camping." Always verify length restrictions before booking.
Full-time resident mix: Long-term neighbors: Many RV parks near Camas have permanent residents. At Jantzen Beach RV Park, a camper observed that it's "starting to get more full time residents" while noting it's "all about the location." At Columbia River RV Park, "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."
Hookup quality: Water pressure concerns: Utility quality varies between parks. At Jantzen Beach RV Park, a camper reported, "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." Bring pressure regulators and extension hoses when camping in this region.
Dump station access: Several campgrounds like Barton County Park offer sanitary dump stations, though maintenance issues occur. One visitor noted, "the hose at the dump station wasn't working" during their stay. When planning RV trips near Camas, research multiple dump options in case primary facilities are unavailable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is camping available year-round in the Camas area?
Year-round camping options exist near Camas, but availability varies seasonally. Moorage Camp and Boat Launch at Beacon Rock State Park remains open throughout the year, though facilities may be limited in winter. For RV travelers, Jantzen Beach RV Park offers year-round access. Many campgrounds in the Mount Hood National Forest and Gifford Pinchot National Forest close during winter months due to snow and access issues. Always check current conditions and seasonal closures before planning winter camping trips in the area.
Where are the best campgrounds near Camas, Washington?
The Columbia River Gorge area near Camas offers excellent camping options. Beacon Rock State Park Campground is a popular choice with impressive hiking trails and stunning gorge views. For a more secluded experience, Panther Creek Creekside Camp provides beautiful dispersed camping with creek access. Both are within a reasonable drive from Camas. Additional options include Paradise Point State Park to the north and several Mount Hood area campgrounds to the south if you're willing to drive a bit further.
What campgrounds near Camas offer flush toilets and full amenities?
For campers seeking more amenities near Camas, Paradise Point State Park Campground offers developed sites with flush toilets and other conveniences. If you have an RV, Columbia River RV Park provides full hookups and facilities just across the river from Camas. For those willing to travel a bit further, Sandy Riverfront RV Resort and Portland Fairview RV Park both offer comprehensive amenities including laundry facilities, showers, and full hookup sites.
Keep Exploring
