Campgrounds near Underwood, Washington provide access to the scenic Columbia River Gorge with options for tent camping and RV sites on both the Washington and Oregon sides of the river. Nearby camping areas include Gorge Base Camp RV Park in White Salmon and Beacon Rock State Park, which offers views of the iconic rock formation along the Columbia River. The area features a mix of established campgrounds with varying amenities, from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV parks. Most campgrounds in the region are situated along the Columbia River or in the surrounding forests of the Cascade Range, offering both waterfront and forested settings.
Road conditions and campground access vary significantly by season, with most locations operating from spring through fall. "Memaloose State Park Campground is great for camping in October just before it closes. Wonderful view of the Columbia River and the Washington side. This last week it's mostly empty with campers," noted one visitor about late-season camping. The primary camping season runs from April through October, with many campgrounds closing during winter months due to snow and harsh conditions. Elevation changes dramatically in this area, from river-level sites to mountain campgrounds in the surrounding national forests. Cell service can be inconsistent in canyon areas, though coverage improves at higher elevations and near towns.
Mixed-use campgrounds throughout the region accommodate various camping styles, with many offering both tent and RV sites. Campers frequently mention the Columbia River views and proximity to outdoor activities as major draws. Several developed campgrounds provide good access to popular hiking trails and water features in the Gorge. According to reviews, sites along the river tend to be quieter despite occasional train noise, while campgrounds closer to Interstate 84 experience more consistent traffic sounds. The nearby communities of Hood River, Oregon and White Salmon, Washington provide services and supplies for campers. Many campgrounds in the area require reservations during peak summer months, particularly those with river access or proximity to popular attractions like Multnomah Falls and other Gorge waterfalls.
$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."
$22 - $36 / night
"Wonderful view of the Columbia River and the Washington side of the river. Easy drive to the Dalles to get anything you might need. Bathrooms are very clean, showers are hot and long."
"June 2021 this campground is full of trees that give shade all around most of the campsites."
$35 - $80 / night
"That’s what led us to Tollbridge, a lightly used campsite 15 miles south of Ukiah on Highway 325."
"2 DOLLARS TO CROSS EACHWAY BETWEEN OREGON AND WASHINGTON BUT WELL WORTH THE VISIT."
$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."
$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. "
$30 - $60 / night
"We picked this campground at the last minute as we were returning from a Christmas stay in central Washington. The reservation staff was very professional and helpful."
"The highway is at a higher elevation than the park, so that noise didn't particularly bother us either. Perhaps it is just that our van is well sound insulated or we're not light sleepers! "
"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."
$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."
$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."
$25 / night
"It has a decent distance from other campers and I don’t feel like I’m crunched up in my camp ground. Water is around certain campsites. #3 unfortunately did not have running water near by."
"We loved our spot in the woods with water tap right outside. Friendly hosts delivered fire wood right to my campground."
GuideTried to camp here for a night in August 2025. Getting there wasn't an issue, but it was fairly busy. People clearly use this area for shooting. Broken clays, empty shells, and casings littered the area. People were actively shooting nearby. Decided to camp elsewhere due to noise and the proximity of the gunfire.
ScoutThere is a sign that says camping is only allowed April-Oct I believe. At least 4 trains have come by between 12-2am right next to the spot tonight. Not sure how much sleep I’ll get
GuideWe stayed overnight in this parking lot for free. It’s across the interstate from the main Multnomah parking lot. It was EXTREMELY windy it was shaking our van all night. Loud from interstate traffic and trains blow their horn. Very convenient if you are hiking the falls. It’s a 5 min walk to the restaurant and main overlook.
ScoutI've camped at Canyon Creek and it’s such a hidden gem! The dispersed hollow knight sites really let you connect with nature—perfect for escaping the daily grind. Just remember, pack out what you pack in! It’s all about preserving these beautiful spots for future adventurers. Happy camping!
GuideThis was an amazing find! The sign says US government property, open for camping April 01-October 31 so we were a little unsure if we’d get kicked out in the middle of the night. (we didn't) There were several trucks parked with a lot of gear - might’ve been commercial fisherman.
We turned right and drove to the very end next to a picnic table. There was no one else nearby.
There is a bathroom and a boat launch. We didn't see any trash cans or dumpster - maybe b/c it was not camping season??
The location is very close to the train tracks - we loved it, but if trains and horns are not your jam, it’ll probably keep you awake all night.
We arrived after dark and didn't realize we’d enjoy such a beautiful view of Mt. Hood with our coffee at breakfast!!
TravelerEasy access to the Quartz Creek trail. Alot of biting bugs in the August evening. The other side of the road is closed to camping. No facilities.
TravelerCurrently (12/26/25) sites 3&4 have water and power, others power only. Dump station, bathrooms, showers closed for winter. You can pay $50 cash (no checks) at the kiosk, or scan QR code at kiosk to pay online. There is a list of available sites that you mark yourself, pretty straight forward. Very windy. The camp hosts Christmas lights strobed all night into our camper so that wasn’t too relaxing.. very tight quarters too, more like a small park than a campground.
ScoutIf you are visiting this park it is probably fine except for the fact that it is run down and a lot of things do not work correctly. The hot tub has never worked for longer than a month at a time. The pool looks like the black lagoon. If you’re thinking of moving do your research on the property and the company that owns it. If you move here or live here be aware that things have become worse since Dawn started working in the office. It is to the point of harassment with all the notices she is taping to everyone's doors on a daily basis. We come home from work and every other day there is some sort of notice taped to our door. We have lived here for 3 1/2 years and have never received a single notice. She are killing trees with all the paper she is using. I do not need a reminder taped to my door telling me when rent is due, I am a grown adult, have always paid on time and have automatic payments for my rent through the RV parks portal. How about you use your time focusing on fixing something like the light posts, or change the light bulbs that are out or get rid of the trailers that have sat empty for years, they are rotting, houseless people are breaking into them and sleeping in them. Go clean up the trash in the trash bin area that has been sitting there for weeks. Better yet find a new job. There are 407 RV spots, the office is open 6 days a week. There are only 3 staff to take care of a park of this size, and Dawn is not one of them. She sits behind a desk and types up anything to make peoples lives miserable. Thank you to Sami, David and Nate you 3 keep this place going day to day.
ScoutIf you are visiting this park it is probably fine except for the fact that it is run down and a lot of things do not work correctly. The hot tub has never worked for longer than a month at a time. The pool looks like the black lagoon. If your thinking of moving do your research on the property and the company that owns it. If you move here or live here be aware that things have become worse since Dawn started working in the office. It is to the point of harassment with all the notices she is taping to everyone's doors on a daily basis. We come home from work and every other day there is some sort of notice taped to our door. We have lived here for 3 1/2 years and have never received a single notice. She are killing trees with all the paper she is using. I do not need a reminder taped to my door telling me when rent is due, I am a grown adult, have always paid on time and have automatic payments for my rent through the RV parks portal. How about you use your time focusing on fixing something like the light posts, or change the light bulbs that are out or get rid of the trailers that have sat empty for years, they are rotting, houseless people are breaking into them and sleeping in them. Go clean up the trash in the trash bin area that has been sitting there for weeks. Better yet find a new job. There are 407 RV spots, the office is open 6 days a week. There are only 3 staff to take care of a park of this size, and Dawn is not one of them. She sits behind a desk and types up anything to make peoples lives miserable. Thank you to Sami, David and Nate you 3 keep this place going day to day. Rooms3.0
Underwood sits at the eastern edge of the Columbia River Gorge at approximately 650 feet elevation where the climate transitions from the lush forests of western Washington to the drier landscapes of eastern Washington. Camping options near Underwood range from riverside sites with train noise to secluded forest settings at higher elevations. Summer temperatures can reach 90°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with occasional rain.
Hiking near waterfalls: Access the Gorge's trail system from Wyeth Campground, which connects to forest paths and waterfalls. "There is a trailhead at the top of the campground and the Rte 30 bike trail at the entrance," explains Erin A., who adds that once you "hike back into the forest, it gets quieter."
Water activities on Hood River: Spend time swimming or floating at Tucker Park Campground, where the river provides relief during hot summer days. "The camp sites had nice fire pits with grills. The sites by the river sit right on the water... There was a host who was friendly and helpful," notes Dennis H. The campground is "right on the Hood River, dog and family friendly."
Mountain biking: The area offers trails for all skill levels, with options ranging from forest paths to challenging descents. A camper at Timberlake Campground mentioned, "Our camp host (Harold) was great. He noticed we were traveling with mountain bikes and was kind enough to lead us to some great trails just outside of Hood River."
River access: Many campers appreciate direct water access at Toll Bridge Park Campground. "Great playground. We decided to pack up and go camping with no reservations and where able to snag one of the last sites... We spend most of the time down by the river. There where many places to sit in the water and play and it doesn't move too terribly fast," reports Christi C.
Forest seclusion: Campers enjoy the privacy at Moss Creek Campground, where sites are well-separated. "Moss Creek is in prime middle south territory of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest wonderland... each site is so uniquely its own... the raw campsites right by the road, the dip down to #8, right by a creek, that #12 sits up with a beautiful forest view right out the door," explains Bjorn S.
Views of Mt. Hood: The iconic mountain is visible from several camping areas. At Lost Lake Resort, one reviewer noted: "The views of Mt. Hood are amazing from this lake. Spent the day in a canoe, exploring the lake... You can rent boats, canoes, etc, and there is a store that has anything you would need."
Train noise affects riverside camps: Many of the best places to camp near Underwood, Washington sit between the river and railroad tracks. "Located on the Hood River, right off Highway 35 near the small town of Parkdale... We had a great tent site... The sites along the Hood River (West Fork Loop) are separated by trees and much nicer," notes Lee D. about Toll Bridge Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Underwood, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Underwood, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 343 campgrounds and RV parks near Underwood, WA and 58 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Underwood, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Underwood, WA is Tucker Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 35 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Underwood, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 58 free dispersed camping spots near Underwood, WA.
What parks are near Underwood, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Underwood, WA that allow camping, notably Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
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