Washougal sits at the western edge of the Columbia River Gorge where the river transitions from mountains to valley. Summer temperatures range from 75-90°F with low humidity, while winter camping often requires gear rated for temperatures that dip below freezing. Tent campers should prepare for occasional strong winds that funnel through the gorge, especially at riverfront campsites.
What to do
Waterfall hikes: 2-mile round trip at Beacon Rock State Park Campground with easy terrain. "If you enjoy hiking, this is a great campground with many beautiful trails to explore. The bathroom is clean and there's free hot shower," notes Wood M.
River swimming: Multiple access points along Lewis River at Sunset Falls Campground. "Swimming/wading in the water was a lot of fun. Core memz were made," shares Beth L. The pools above the falls are best visited "mostly after Noon when the sun comes onto the river."
Volcanic lake exploration: 20-minute walk around the small crater lake at Battle Ground Lake State Park. "It's like a mini crater lake. I mean mini like pond size," explains Ashley Y. The lake has a swimming area with a small sand beach for children.
Disc golf tournament: 27-hole course available at Milo McIver. "Milo McIver may be best known for it's twin 18 hole disc golf courses, or single 27 hole layout when tournaments aren't in progress," says Steve C. The course hosts the annual Beaver State Fling, attracting international players.
What campers like
River access: Multiple launch points at Milo McIver State Park Campground for water activities. "There is easy bike riding in the RV park, and right across Hwy 26 is some of the best Mountain Biking in the country at the Sandy Ridge Trail System," according to Joel H.
Privacy between sites: Varied levels depending on campground section. At Sunset Falls Campground, "Site #11 is a walk-in site that offers the most seclusion in the campground. You are away from all other campers and surrounded by river and trees," reports Josh W.
Hot showers: Available free at several campgrounds. At Beacon Rock, one camper emphasized that "The showers were hot, the pressure was good and the overall impact of this was game changing!!!"
Cell service gaps: Limited connectivity throughout the area. At Oxbow Regional Park, Zach S. noted "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."
What you should know
Seasonal site availability: Limited winter options. While Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground operates year-round, many campers have better luck during weekdays. "Rolled in January 1st. Self pay. About 5 sites with power and water. We got a nice level one. There are only 5 other sites in the whole campground occupied," reports Chris J.
Road and rail noise: Varies by campground. At Ainsworth State Park, campers warn that it is "close to the railroad tracks and there are a lot of trains that go by. But you seriously stop hearing them after a while."
Advanced reservations: Required at popular sites. "It's location near Portland makes it very popular, and it is often full," notes one Beacon Rock camper. Weekends in summer can book up 6-9 months in advance.
Park rules variations: Alcohol restrictions differ between parks. At Oxbow Regional Park, campers note "There are strict no dogs and no alcohol policies (and lots of rules posted everywhere)."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple options at Barton County Park Campground. "The play area/park is one of my kids favorite. Lots of area to play. Volleyball, gagaball, playground," reports Bekki M. The park also offers open fields for free play.
Swimming spots: Designated areas with shallow entry points. "A quick 35 minute drive from Portland, Barton Park is an easy destination for family-friendly camping. The kids enjoyed the two playgrounds, wading in the river, and walking some nature trails," shares Reid B.
Loop biking: Paved roads at some campgrounds allow for safe riding. At Barton, one camper mentioned "The kids enjoyed the playground and biking around the loop."
Site selection for groups: Connecting spaces available at some parks. "Our sites, 34 and 35, were joined together with a small path that let us use them more as a group site. Each was just large enough to accommodate two 4+ person tents with plenty of room left around the fire," notes a Barton camper.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Limited full-service sites in the region. Mt Hood Village Resort provides complete amenities. "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," reports Steve R.
Site leveling: Varied terrain requires preparation. "Got our 25' tow behind in here just fine," notes a camper at Sunset Falls, though site levelness varies considerably throughout the region.
Dog-friendly areas: Dedicated spaces for pet exercise. At Columbia River RV Park, "The park has two off-leash dog areas, two shower facilities, a community kitchen, a rec room that you can use for gatherings," according to C H.
Supply access: Limited at primitive sites. "No water so bring your water," warns a Sunset Falls camper. Most primitive dog-friendly campgrounds near Washougal require bringing all supplies, though some like Mt Hood Village have small stores for basic needs.
Legend
