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Camping options around North Bonneville, Washington span from established campgrounds to primitive sites along the Columbia River Gorge. Beacon Rock State Park Campground provides year-round access with full RV hookups and tent sites, while Eagle Creek Campground across the river in Oregon offers a more rustic experience with tent and small RV sites. The area features a mix of accommodations including cabins at Cascade Locks KOA and Lewis & Clark Campground & RV Park, alongside tent camping at several Forest Service locations. Most campgrounds are situated within 20 miles of North Bonneville, providing convenient access to both Washington and Oregon sides of the Columbia River.
Road noise and trains are common issues for campsites in the region, particularly those close to Interstate 84 and the railway along the Columbia River. "Eagle Creek is a small campground located high above the Columbia River. The sites offer good privacy and are quite large," noted one camper, though they mentioned train noise occurring a few times during the night. Seasonal availability varies, with many campgrounds like Panther Creek operating from May through September. Several sites require reservations during peak summer months, while others offer first-come, first-served options during shoulder seasons. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the gorge, with strong winds common year-round and occasional winter snow at higher elevations. Cell service is generally reliable near major roads but can be spotty in more remote Forest Service areas.
Along the Columbia River, campgrounds provide strategic access to numerous hiking trails and water activities. Eagle Creek's proximity to the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness makes it popular despite highway noise. A visitor described it as having "secluded feeling" campsites that "more than made up for too much sun." Campgrounds on the Washington side like Beacon Rock State Park receive consistently positive reviews for their waterfront access and proximity to hiking trails. Higher elevation sites in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest offer cooler temperatures during summer months. Most developed campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, though shower facilities are limited to larger operations like KOAs and state parks. Dispersed camping opportunities exist on nearby Forest Service and BLM lands for those seeking more primitive experiences.
"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"I have kind of a love/hate thing going on for Lost Lake Campgrounds. Pros: It is beautiful. There's a reason it's one of Oregon's most photographed sites."
"This campground is located on the shores of Lost Lake, with amazing views of Mt. Hood. "
from $45 - $125 / night
Check Availability"We also did the Historic Highway 30 and saw all the waterfalls. Stop in at Gorges Brewery, nice beer, I loved the Stout."
"This camp has RV sites, tent sites and beautiful cabins with porch swings and is located close to the Columbia River waterfalls."
from $41 - $195 / night
Check Availability"But nice hiking trails near by. Close to highway so can be kinda noisy. Very close to Portland. Camp host could pick up more garbage though."
"Near the Hood River and a short distance to Mt Hood trails and surrounding"
from $15 / night
Check Availability"Some camp sots are better situated then others, so do research before making reservation."
"Located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, just north of the town of Carson. Its about a 20 minute drive to the Columbia river, and 10 minutes to the small town of Carson."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"There is a playground onsite for those with children and plenty of bike paths and walking paths to keep you busy."
"Gas station (72) and great grocery store (thrift away) nearby )1.5 mi away)."
"Beacon Rock is an incredible, tall hill in the Columbia River Gorge and a Washington State Park. The climb up the rock is through a well-built trail."
"Campground Review: Beacon Rock State Park Beacon Rock State Campground is a very nice, small, looped campground located across the freeway and about a mile or two away from the amazing hike up Beacon"
from $12 - $23 / night
Check Availability"We didn’t have any issues at the site, but noticed that spots RV4 and RV5 were relatively distanced from each other, while spots RV1-RV3 were pretty close to each other."
"Not only is the campground itself a woodland wonderland with winding paths through tall old growth forest areas, but the surrounding area of the park itself is impressive with exciting things to do around"
from $23 - $41 / night
Check Availability"The campsites are relatively close but not so much that you’re walking over each other we camped in our RV and secured a second spot so we could have the space between the campground is very close to the"
"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."
from $25 - $60 / night
Check Availability"They have a rail museum and access to a well manicured island. Close to town and the Bridge of the Gods, and a great restaurant with a nice view of the gorge."
"So does the adjacent park with a playground and plenty of room for kids to run loose. For the adults, Thunder Island Brewing is right there with delicious brews and sandwiches."
GuideThis site is great! Lots of rules listed but not enforced, would recommend having the discovery pass though as signs are prevalent. If you can avoid going the route alongside the correctional facility, you’ll have much less dirt roads and pot holes. There isn’t room in the non horse sites for a rig more than say 25 feet long. No cell service or Starlink, but if you drive to a clearing nearby you can find a satellite .
ScoutTrains keep coming through 😭. Tent sites are small.
GuideCold plunge and sauna in the woods amazing. Hot showers, clean bathrooms. Nice campgrounds. Enjoyed our stay.
TravelerStayed for one week. Have a smaller rig and was assigned a tight spot but the across the street neighbor helped me back in. Tucked away from the main road there wasn’t too much traffic noise. Office staff was friendly. Laundry facilities clean. Walking distance to a very neat arboretum and about 20-30 minute drive to other areas of the city. Very reasonably priced for weekly and monthly stays.
GuideThis Campground is certainly the best on the swift river. Bathrooms are nice & clean and access to water as well as Mt. St. Helens are the pros.
The reservoir is used for hydroelectric power so it can receed quickly. Your experience here greatly relies on your neighbors and the camp hosts. Some of the regulars can be obnoxious. There are no hookups and no showers so plan accordingly. There is a dump station in the day use area.
GuideCheapest rent i have ever paid 500 a month all hookups
TravelerPlanes, trains and automobiles....oh did I mention nosy neighbors and rude office staff? Sharon and Erika are unapproachable and judgemental office slime. Skip this place. And the pictures LIE!
GuideCame back to this gem for a day trip and to help clean up via last comment. No trash found. Please do not allow kids or yourself to build dams that block water flow, it creates festering pools of stagnant bacteria infested water that other kids and animals could get sick from. Spent the day removing hand built dams. See previous comment for other details of this beautiful camping area.
LegendWe had a great day and one night stay here in late September. The site was right on the hood river that runs thru the campground. Many hiking trails and also an awesome campground overall. Clean restrooms. Awesome camp hosts. This is our second Time in the campground but first on the river. Will return for sure!
Dispersed camping options near North Bonneville, Washington are available across both sides of the Columbia River in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mount Hood National Forest. The area sits at approximately 100 feet elevation in the river gorge, with surrounding mountains rising to over 4,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-90°F, while winter drops to 30-50°F with occasional snow at higher elevations.
Hiking to waterfalls: Access numerous trails directly from Eagle Creek Campground, which serves as an entry point to spectacular gorge scenery. "This campground has ready access to the Eagle Creek Trail #440 that accesses the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness," notes one camper, highlighting its strategic location for waterfall exploration.
River activities: The Sandy River at Tucker Park Campground offers excellent swimming opportunities during summer months. A visitor mentioned, "The campsite was scattered with smooth rocks perfect for tanning and nice sandy beaches along the river for your fur companions to cool off," making it ideal for cooling down on hot days.
Mountain biking: For mountain bike enthusiasts, trails are accessible near several campgrounds in the region. "Using this RV park as a jumping off point, there are endless hiking trails and lakes to paddle and explore in the Mt Hood wilderness. You will never get bored in the Mt Hood area," reports a camper about the area's recreational diversity.
Privacy between sites: Panther Creek Campground receives praise for its spacious layout. "This is a great campground in a nice forest setting. Nice big sites with a level tent pad. Multiple access points to the creek and the PCT is just outside the campground," explains one visitor who appreciated the campground's design.
Well-maintained facilities: Many campers highlight the clean facilities at Beacon Rock State Park Campground. "Very clean and well maintained with a pool. Good to use when just passing through the area," notes a camper, adding important context about the overall upkeep that makes stays more comfortable.
Convenient location: Despite being in nature, campers appreciate how accessible many sites are from urban areas. "If you live in PDX and want to get away from the city for a second, I highly recommend this campground," writes one camper about Oxbow Regional Park, noting its ideal location for quick escapes.
Train and road noise: Many campgrounds in the area experience noise from trains and highways. "Road Noise and TRAINS. Clean, cheap $15, Location, all good," reports a camper about Eagle Creek, succinctly summarizing what to expect regarding ambient sounds.
Reservation requirements: During peak season (May-September), securing a spot can be challenging without advance planning. "Try to get there early and snag a spot down by the river," advises one visitor about Tucker Park, highlighting the competitive nature of first-come, first-served sites.
Weather variations: Wyeth Campground offers heavily wooded sites that provide shade during hot summer days. "Heavily wooded with well spaced terraced sites in the trees," notes one camper, describing how the natural environment helps moderate temperature extremes that can occur in the gorge.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "There is a playground, swimming pool, small store, cafe, bathrooms with showers (and warm water) and activities during the day for kids," shares a parent about their stay at Mt Hood Village Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping spots near North Bonneville?
North Bonneville offers excellent camping options along the scenic Columbia River Gorge. Beacon Rock State Park Campground is a top choice featuring incredible views and access to hiking trails, including the famous climb up Beacon Rock with its stunning panoramic vistas. For those seeking water access, Columbia Hills Historical State Park Campground offers sites tucked next to Horse-thief lake, though be prepared for the characteristic Gorge winds. Both provide relatively easy access from North Bonneville while offering distinctive natural attractions.
Are there any free camping options near Bonneville Dam?
Free camping options near Bonneville Dam are limited, as most established campgrounds in the area charge fees. Panther Creek Campground offers some of the more affordable camping options in the region with basic amenities. For true free camping, you'll need to explore dispersed camping opportunities on nearby National Forest land, which typically allows free stays up to 14 days. These areas have no amenities (no toilets, water, or trash service), so be prepared to pack everything in and out. Always check current regulations with the local Forest Service office before setting up camp.
What amenities are available at North Bonneville campgrounds?
Campgrounds near North Bonneville offer a range of amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Wyeth Campground at the Gorge provides first-come, first-served sites with access to hiking trails and nearby attractions like Emerald Falls. The campground has regrown beautifully after past wildfires, offering lush surroundings. For RV travelers, Columbia River RV Park provides convenient full hookups close to the river. Most area campgrounds feature basic facilities including restrooms, designated fire rings, and picnic tables, though specific amenities vary by location.
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