Best Campgrounds near Stevenson, WA

The Columbia River Gorge surrounding Stevenson, Washington features a diverse mix of camping options within the dramatic landscape where the Cascade Mountains meet the Columbia River. Established campgrounds like Beacon Rock State Park and Panther Creek offer developed sites with varying amenities, while Timberlake Campground provides full-service RV accommodations directly in Stevenson. Just across the Columbia River, Oregon-side options include Wyeth Campground and Ainsworth State Park, both providing strategic access to gorge attractions. The region's camping landscape spans from primitive riverside sites in the Yacolt Burn Forest to group camping facilities at the Skamania County Fairgrounds, which occasionally hosts special events like the Gorge Gathering.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from spring through fall, with limited winter options. A Washington Discover Pass is required for many state-managed sites, while federal lands may require Northwest Forest Passes. As one camper noted, "There are several pretty large, primitive, river-side group sites throughout the woods in the Yacolt Burn Forest near the Pacific Crest Trail. We drove through on a Saturday and found multiple open. It looks like all you need is your Washington Discover Pass and to be the first to claim it." Weather conditions vary dramatically with the gorge's microclimate, where strong winds are common. Cell service can be spotty in canyon areas and higher elevations, particularly with AT&T coverage, making offline maps advisable for navigation.

Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with Columbia River views being a major draw. Campers frequently mention the proximity to hiking trails and waterfalls as key attractions. According to one reviewer at Beacon Rock State Park, "The climb up the rock is through a well-built trail. It can get narrow at spots and not for those who fear heights. The view at the top, however, is amazing." Highway and train noise affects some riverside campgrounds, particularly those along I-84 and the railroad tracks. Campers seeking quieter experiences often recommend sites further from major transportation corridors. The region's popularity with Portland-area residents means weekend reservations are essential during summer months, though midweek availability is generally better, especially at first-come, first-served locations.

Best Camping Sites Near Stevenson, Washington (355)

    1. Ainsworth State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    North Bonneville, WA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 695-2261

    $20 - $31 / 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."

    2. Lost Lake Resort And Campground — Mt. Hood National Forest

    54 Reviews
    Rhododendron, OR
    15 miles
    +1 (541) 386-6366

    $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. "

    3. Cascade Locks KOA

    22 Reviews
    Cascade Locks, OR
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 374-8668

    $27 / night

    "This camp has RV sites, tent sites and beautiful cabins with porch swings and is located close to the Columbia River waterfalls."

    "There is a train that runs along the back of the campground which can be loud if your site is close by. The train noise did not bother us in the center of the park where we were."

    4. Eagle Creek Campground

    18 Reviews
    North Bonneville, WA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 308-1700

    $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"

    5. Panther Creek Campground

    20 Reviews
    Carson, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 338-7869

    $25 - $45 / night

    "Hood just a couple of miles up the trail. Further up the road is a short hike to some beautiful falls."

    "Some camp sots are better situated then others, so do research before making reservation."

    6. Beacon Rock State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    North Bonneville, WA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 427-8265

    "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."

    "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."

    7. Tucker Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Hood River, OR
    16 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."

    8. Viento State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, OR
    11 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."

    9. Wyeth Campground at the Gorge

    11 Reviews
    Carson, WA
    6 miles
    +1 (541) 308-1700

    $20 - $30 / night

    "So nice to have first come/first serve campgrounds so close to Portland. I arrived around 2 on a Wednesday in August and grabbed one of 3 open sites."

    "It's already lush and green but the trails running from the camp still haven't been cleared fully, and you hike at your own risk."

    10. Timberlake Campground & RV

    11 Reviews
    Keystone Harbor, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 427-2267

    "A bit of a drive to get there but worth it. Extremely well-run campground in a beautiful setting with good access to the town of Hood River."

    "Important to know … it is situated on a hilly property, so it’s not an easy stroll to the restrooms and showers unless one is young/athletic."

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Recent Reviews near Stevenson, WA

1844 Reviews of 355 Stevenson Campgrounds


  • E
    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!

  • Emille R.
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Oxbow Regional Park

    Most Beautifil Place Oxbow Regional Park

    https://thecelebjackets.com/the-wrong-paris-movie-outfit-collection/

    Recently i visit this place such a great experience, Nestled along the wild and scenic Sandy River, Oxbow Regional Park is a natural sanctuary offering a classic Pacific Northwest escape. The park's 1,200 acres of ancient forest are crisscrossed with hiking trails and provide habitat for elk, deer, and osprey. Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, and rafting in the river, or reserve one of its rustic campsites for a truly immersive experience in nature, all just a short drive from the Portland metropolitan area.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Columbia Riverfront RV Park

    Unexpected gem

    We only stayed a couple of days, but the views, Columbia River waterfront, and open spaces were wonderful. The spaces were a little close, but not enough to make me drop my rating. It's close to home, so we will definitely be back.

  • 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 Stevenson

Camping near Stevenson, Washington, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are many trails around the campgrounds. For example, at Trillium Lake, one reviewer mentioned, "Great 2 mile hiking loop around the lake. Beautiful view of Mt Hood." This makes it a perfect spot for those who love to hike.
  • Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Lost Lake Resort And Campground, offer fishing and boat rentals. A visitor shared, "The lake is fun for fishing and renting a little boat or canoe to get onto the water."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Battle Ground Lake State Park are great for spotting wildlife. One camper noted, "Bald eagles flying overhead."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views. At Memaloose State Park, a visitor said, "Wonderful view of the Columbia River and the Washington side of the river."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A reviewer at Ainsworth State Park mentioned, "Restrooms were incredibly clean and there are hot showers."
  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the space between sites. One guest at Milo McIver State Park said, "The actual park/forest/river are amazing. Just be prepared for it to be noisy while you try to enjoy it."

What you should know:

  • Accessibility Issues: Some campgrounds may not be fully accessible. A review from Lost Lake Resort And Campground highlighted, "This location is far from being accessible for handicapped visitors."
  • Busy Seasons: Campgrounds can get crowded, especially during peak times. One camper at Trillium Lake noted, "Over the years, it has become too busy and lots of loud campers partying."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Mt Hood Village Resort mentioned, "The standard cabins don't have bathrooms, so you still need to go to the shared restrooms."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. At Mt Hood Village Resort, one parent said, "Our kids love cruising the loops on their bikes and stopping in at the playground."
  • Plan for Noise: Be prepared for some noise from other campers. A reviewer at Milo McIver State Park mentioned, "Some group behind us blared heavy metal, yelled etc."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep everyone happy. A camper at Tucker Park Campground noted, "Fire pits. Level sites! Helpful hosts."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Lower Falls Campground mentioned, "The site was small, but did come with a fire ring and a picnic table."
  • Bring Your Own Water: Some campgrounds don’t have water hookups. A visitor at Lower Falls Campground advised, "Bring your own water."
  • Look for Amenities: Check for amenities like electric hookups. A camper at Battle Ground Lake State Park mentioned, "Clean sights with good privacy between camp spots."

Camping near Stevenson, Washington, has something for everyone, whether you're a family, an RV enthusiast, or just looking to enjoy nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to go camping in Stevenson, WA?

The best time for camping in Stevenson is late spring through early fall (May-September) when weather conditions are most favorable. Summer offers warm days perfect for enjoying water activities on the Columbia River and exploring the gorge. Wyeth Campground at the Gorge is popular during summer months, with first-come, first-served sites filling quickly by early afternoon, even mid-week in August. Panther Creek Campground is ideal during warmer months when visitors can enjoy the cold, shallow creek waters. Be prepared for wind, particularly at exposed sites like Columbia Hills Historical State Park. Spring and fall offer fewer crowds but cooler temperatures, while winter camping is possible but requires preparation for potential snow and cold conditions.

Where are the best campgrounds near Stevenson, WA?

The Columbia River Gorge area around Stevenson offers several excellent camping options. Home Valley Campground sits right on the Columbia River with clean, quiet sites, running water, and firewood availability. Beacon Rock State Park Campground is another top choice, featuring a popular campground near the impressive Beacon Rock formation with well-maintained hiking trails offering stunning gorge views. Other notable options include Panther Creek Campground with its creek access and spread-out sites, and Timberlake Campground & RV for those seeking more amenities. The Skamania County Fairgrounds occasionally hosts camping for events and group camping in a beautiful setting.

What amenities are available at Rock Creek Campground in Stevenson, WA?

Rock Creek Campground - Yacolt Burn State Forest offers primitive, riverside group sites throughout the woods near the Pacific Crest Trail. These are basic sites with minimal amenities, ideal for campers seeking a more rustic experience. The campground requires a Washington Discover Pass for entry. Sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation system. For those seeking more amenities nearby, Skamania County Fairgrounds occasionally hosts camping events with better facilities. Rock Creek's appeal lies in its natural setting rather than developed amenities, making it perfect for self-sufficient campers who appreciate riverside camping with access to hiking opportunities in the Yacolt Burn State Forest.