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.
$29 - $53 / night
"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."
$45 - $125 / night
"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. "
$27 / night
"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."
$15 / night
"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"
$25 - $45 / night
"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."
"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"
"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"
"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."
$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."
TravelerIf you stay here beware the trains will wake you up. They blare their horns just a few hundred feet away. But the location it Fantastic with so much to do nearby including a small winery just above the campsite. There are bathrooms, no trash. It’s open for overnight camping from April to October for a 7 day maximum stay . It’s a day use only area the rest of the year.
GuideI went to lost lake a long time ago. And I e noticed that they have done quite a bit of an upgrade at lost lake. The last time I was there they only had shop and the boat rentals and the camp sites lol. But me and my family loved it. Now I hear that it is a beautiful Resort and they have a lot more things or should I say activities to do besides just camping. And wow that is one of my goals sometime this year is to go back and enjoy there new renovations. So I really recommend everyone to go and take your entire family to lost lake resort. I hear that it will be worth your time and money. Enjoy my brothers and sisters and Godbless you all.
GuideI spent a day and a night there and it was the most amazing relaxing very clean and extremely beautiful lush landscape for camping. And what I loved the most is that the little river is right next to the campsites. And also the campsites are really huge and that’s how a lot of other campsites should look like. I have a huge family and I am definitely going back with my family to enjoy this little paradise.
GuideThis site is close to a road. A decent amount of traffic went by when I checked it out. Would be a hard area to set up a larger tent. Would be ideal for rooftop tent or hammock camping. Creek near by with short trail to creek.
ScoutOut and back road, with 8 or more pullouts with fire pits. No services.
GuideThis is a nice campground, lots of trees, clean restrooms. We visited Mt Hood and got snow. We also did the Historic Highway 30 and saw all the waterfalls. Stop in at Gorges Brewery, nice beer, I loved the Stout. The staff at the campground were so helpful, letting us know the “must sees”, I would stay again. If you don’t like train sounds, you will need to find a place away from the river.
TravelerOriginally wanted to stay at a disperse up the way but snow became a factor.
Found this campground and it was perfect! We stayed in spot 4, very spacious! Small creek running between camp sites. Bathroom was across a small bridge and was well maintained. Beautiful trees around but there was a few down around the sites but weren’t in the way. Great views along the drive to get there, no views from the site itself.
TravelerWe had a great time camping near the stream. It was quiet and easy to find. The surrounding buildings are fun to explore! If you like quirky areas with bare bones amenities, but plenty to get refreshed then this is a great place to stay.
GuideGreat location here in the gorge for hiking biking river access here at the park direct access to the bike trail. large sites, showers and bathrooms hiking trails in the park as well.
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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