Camping near Stevenson, Washington offers visitors a unique mix of forest experiences at elevations ranging from 150 to 3,500 feet. The region experiences moderately wet winters with an average of 77 inches of annual rainfall, while summer months typically stay dry with daytime temperatures reaching the high 80s. Campgrounds in this area provide access to numerous waterways including the Columbia River, Hood River, and Sandy River, creating diverse water recreation options.
What to do
Hiking year-round trails: Explore the extensive trail network near Oxbow Regional Park, which features 1,200 acres of ancient forest habitat. "The park has a lot of sheltered picnic areas and multi-use trail great for short runs and apparently horses," notes marcus K., who appreciated the varied terrain options.
River swimming access: Cool off during summer months at Tucker Park Campground, where the water temperature provides relief from heat. According to Cerise D., "Both day use and river access from the camping area were lovely and the water was perfect to cool off after a hot day."
Fishing opportunities: Cast a line at various locations throughout the region. One visitor at Lost Lake mentioned, "Really easy fishing if you're just learning. They have tons of rentals," highlighting the beginner-friendly nature of the fishing experience.
What campers like
Private campsites: Many campers value sites with good separation from neighbors. At Lost Lake Resort, Katie B. found that "The sites are large and private, lots of amenities such as trails, boat rental, well equipped store, picnic tables and much more."
River access: The proximity to water features prominently in positive reviews. At Tucker Park, Nathan G. shared that "the white noise from the water helped hide the proximity of our fellow campers," demonstrating how natural features enhance campsite quality.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. Visitors to Columbia Gorge Getaways mentioned that "The bathrooms have everything you need" and appreciated the overall cleanliness of the sites.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds sit near active rail lines. At Cascade Locks Marine Park, Maggie warned that "Trains are only 20 yds away though and go by all through the night. If you're a light sleeper I do not recommend this campground."
Highway sounds: Interstate noise affects some camping areas. Sites at Viento State Park experience significant noise pollution, as Bjorn S. noted: "the highway and train honks are substantial if your idea was to relax in nature for the weekend."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely across the region. At Oxbow Regional Park, Zach S. 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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Look for campgrounds with built-in play areas. At Beacon Rock State Park Group Campground, groups benefit from "an enormous meadow that would fit a hundred tents plus areas for RVs" with scattered picnic tables and open spaces for kids to play.
Swimming spots: Safe water access points can keep children entertained for hours. One visitor to Tucker Park mentioned, "We had a blast! So green and beautiful. Not far from downtown. Lots of space/areas for our kids to run to climb big rocks."
Reservation timing: Book well in advance for summer weekends. For example, at Beacon Rock's group site, a camper noted, "The weekends book up months in advance, but week days are often free," which applies to many popular campgrounds in the region.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Check site dimensions carefully before booking. At Black Lake Campground, the layout isn't suitable for larger vehicles as Chris H. observed: "There is no vehicle parking, but I could see bicycles and motorcycles having easy access to each campsite. A 4-wheeled vehicle will not fit in here."
Hookup availability: Full service sites are limited in the area. For those requiring amenities, one RVer at Mt. Hood Village Resort noted, "Easy to access, even for larger rigs. We stayed in 39 foot 5th wheel. Plenty of pull thru spots, full hookups, regularly spaced bathroom/showers."
Glamping alternatives: For those seeking luxury camping near Stevenson, Washington without the hassle of RV setup, yurts and canvas accommodations offer furnished options. Joel H. mentioned that Mt. Hood Village Resort features "well-appointed yurts that include electricity and comfortable furnishings" for those wanting a glamping experience.
