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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
