Dispersed camping near Washougal offers access to both Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood wilderness areas at elevations ranging from 50 feet along the river to 4,000+ feet in the mountains. Weather varies dramatically between these zones, with river camping typically 10-15 degrees warmer than mountain sites during summer months. Fall brings significant temperature drops, especially at higher elevations where overnight lows can reach freezing by late September.
What to do
Hiking from camp: At Eagle Creek Campground, trails connect directly to the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. According to Mary G., "The trail was VERY popular during my stay; so, instead of hiking the Eagle Creek Trail, I took in other sights: the Bonneville Dam; Multnomah and Horsetail Falls; the History Museum of Hood River."
Disc golf courses: Paradise Point State Park Campground offers an on-site 9-hole course. "What other campground has a disc golf course? Not into disc golf or rafting? Then you probably won't see those folks at all," notes Steve C. The course features unique elements: "Hole one is a fun one that plays under a freeway overpass."
River activities: The Lewis River and Columbia River provide swimming and boating options. A camper at Paradise Point mentions that "The river was shallow and dropped to the deep end. It was ideal for children because the shallow end stretched a bit and the deeper end was the other side."
Historical sites: Explore pioneer history at nearby settlements. The Champoeg State Heritage Area features "the farmhouse" which fascinated children - "they got to water the garden with a water pump and buckets," according to Leslie C.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Lost Lake Resort And Campground, "The sites are large and private, lots of amenities such as trails, boat rental, well equipped store, picnic tables and much more," reports Katie B. This creates a sense of seclusion even in popular areas.
Clean facilities: Many campsites maintain excellent hygiene standards. "Bathrooms are clean, vaulted toilets. Water available. Site is level...camp host is really nice!" writes Anna D. about Eagle Creek Campground.
Seasonal advantages: Fall camping reduces crowds while maintaining access to amenities. "Given it's late October and a bit chilly out, the campground was pretty quiet with only a few other campers around. We were able to hike the area and enjoy a serene weekend in nature," notes a reviewer at Oxbow Regional Park.
Connectivity options: For digital nomads needing to stay connected while glamping close to Washougal, Washington, options exist. At Roamer Sites, "The internet is super fast - I was getting 75mbps up/down when I was in my tent. They have power/water hookups at each parking spot."
What you should know
Highway noise impacts: Several campgrounds near major roads experience significant noise. "Freeway is really really close to the whole camp site. You can hear vehicles at night. If you're a light sleeper or need nature noises when camping - this is not the site for you," warns Susan P. about Paradise Point.
Reservation requirements: Popular glamping sites near Washougal fill quickly. "Weekends book up months in advance, but weekdays are often free," explains Corinna B. regarding Beacon Rock's group sites.
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds limit operations between November and April. "The only thing missing from this amazing camping spot is electricity and running water. Otherwise, it's perfect! Absolutely gorgeous view of Mt. Hood, tons of hiking, a beautiful lake and camping spots for everyone," notes a camper about Lost Lake Resort.
Varying site sizes: Not all sites accommodate multiple tents. "Some camp sites did not accommodate for multiple tents because uneven grounds and tree stumps, so bringing an air mattress or a mat would be helpful," observes Susan P. at Paradise Point.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground offers "GREAT biking trails that are kid friendly. There lots of historical sites around the campground to enjoy as well," according to Scott W. The campground also features "a huge playground for the kids."
Tent location strategies: Choose sites away from facilities for quieter nights. "Avoid camping next to the porta potties - we did that one time and a truck at 6:30am came to empty them. Granted it was a weekday but it was not the best way to wake up," warns J.W. at Oxbow Regional Park.
Alternative glamping options: For families new to camping near Washougal, Washington, consider platform tents. "The glamping tents have heaters, lights etc. There are heated indoor bathrooms with nice free hot water showers just a short walk away," explains Colin B. about Roamer Sites.
Night noise preparation: Bring white noise machines for light sleepers. "Road Noise and TRAINS. Clean, cheap $15, Location, all good," notes Rachel K. about Eagle Creek, highlighting the trade-off between accessibility and quietness.
Tips from RVers
RV site selection: At Mt Hood Village Resort, "The full hook up sites are in old growth timber giving each site a feeling of seclusion. The lodge, pool, hot tub and saunas are in good condition," according to Jack B. This luxury glamping option near Washougal provides excellent amenities.
Parking challenges: "We put the size of our RV in the state website and it gave us site 50. We arrived and it was IMPOSSIBLE to get our rig in that site due to the trees. We couldn't even continue out the secondary loop because it was so narrow," warns Alex W. about Paradise Point, emphasizing the importance of researching site accessibility.
Weather considerations: RV campers should prepare for temperature fluctuations. "We decided to make this RV park our maiden voyage in our new Travel Trailer. It was pretty pricey for an RV park at the time we booked (+80/night) but then again there isn't much competition that is actually up on the mountain," notes Joel H. about Mt Hood Village.
Space limitations: "The tent sites were also secluded and flat. (But a far walk to the bathrooms/showers)," explains Lindsey T. about Milo McIver State Park, highlighting the trade-off between privacy and amenity access that affects both tent and RV campers.
