Best Campgrounds near White Salmon, WA

Campgrounds near White Salmon, Washington range from developed facilities to primitive sites along the Columbia River Gorge. The area includes established campgrounds like Gorge Base Camp RV Park within White Salmon city limits and several options across the Columbia River in Oregon, including Memaloose State Park and Toll Bridge Park. Most locations accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some offering cabin rentals or glamping options. The region's mixed-use campgrounds typically provide amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to hiking trails, while proximity to the Columbia River and Mount Hood National Forest creates opportunities for water and forest recreation.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability in the Columbia River Gorge area. Many campgrounds operate from spring through fall, typically April to October, with limited winter options. The Klickitat River and Little White Salmon River provide popular waterfront camping destinations, though sites near water fill quickly during summer months. Visitors should prepare for the Gorge's famous winds, which can affect camping comfort and fire safety. As one camper noted about Oklahoma Campground near Carson, "It borders The Little White Salmon River which is a small trickle creek. Weather can change quickly here so plan accordingly."

Campers consistently highlight the scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the region. The proximity to Mount Hood and the Columbia River creates diverse experiences ranging from riverside camping to forest settings with mountain views. Several campgrounds provide direct water access, making them popular for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Developed campgrounds with full hookups serve RV travelers, while tent campers can find more secluded options in the surrounding national forest lands. A review of Wyeth Campground mentioned, "The Gorge is famous for its wind, but here I was protected from gusts by the natural landscape." Many campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring the area's numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, and windsurfing locations, with several reviewers noting the strategic location for accessing both Oregon and Washington attractions.

Best Camping Sites Near White Salmon, Washington (323)

    1. Memaloose State Park Campground

    38 Reviews
    Mosier, OR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 478-3008

    $24 - $38 / 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."

    2. Tucker Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Hood River, OR
    6 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."

    3. Toll Bridge Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Hood River, OR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 387-6889

    $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."

    4. Viento State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, OR
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 374-8811

    $22 - $31 / 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."

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

    53 Reviews
    Rhododendron, OR
    23 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. "

    6. Gorge Base Camp RV Park

    8 Reviews
    White Salmon, WA
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 493-1111

    $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! "

    7. Timberlake Campground & RV

    11 Reviews
    Keystone Harbor, WA
    13 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."

    8. Moss Creek Campground

    7 Reviews
    Underwood, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 338-7869

    $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."

    9. Oklahoma Campground

    9 Reviews
    Trout Lake, WA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 338-7869

    $25 - $45 / night

    "Right on a shallow and narrow part of the little white salmon river its good for kids to splash around. Monte carlo trail 52 is just outside the campground. It's quiet and beautiful. Will go again"

    "Many of the sites are very close to each other and some do not accommodate even a small trailer. Small stream near by with limited access."

    10. Cascade Locks KOA

    22 Reviews
    Cascade Locks, OR
    19 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."

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Recent Reviews near White Salmon, WA

1630 Reviews of 323 White Salmon Campgrounds


  • angelina H.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Peach Beach RV Park on the Columbia

    Beautiful, serene location.

    Stayed here on a job for at least some 6 months, absolutely loved it. The hostess was very friendly, the adjoining small state park I believe it is is very convenient for pet owners, and the location is overall gorgeous.

  • Alex R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Panther Creek Creekside Camp

    Loved It

    Not too far from the nearest town but you will feel totally immersed out here. My carrier is Verizon, I didn’t have any service whatsoever. Ice cold creek, towering trees. Seemed to be lots of sites off the road to pick from. A bit of trash but nothing crazy. Fantastic place to stop even just for one night. Would definitely visit again.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Council Lake

    Council Lake

    Love this campground! Only a few spot available and was very busy during the Labor Day weekend/week. Went up on Sunday and was lucky enough to share a spot with fellow campers (they were leaving the next morning) but every spot was taken and then some. It did clear out during the week and saw a few people throughout and it began filling back up for the weekend. They have a toilet there but make sure to take toilet paper with you because it’s not always full. We took our paddle boat with us and was a bit worried about how to get it down to the water. I had forgotten how steep it was but had no issue with myself and someone else getting it to the bottom. Once it was there we docked it there for the week and used as wanted. It wasn’t too hard getting back up. I even saw someone wench up their aluminum boat with their truck so you have options. Aside from fishing and boating there was the Council Bluff trail that starts in the middle of the campground and takes you to an amazing view of the mountains and the lake. Overall I enjoyed this trip and will camp here again.

  • marcus K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Oxbow Regional Park

    Amazing Secret

    Nice regional campground. Has tent and RV spots. No hookups though. Mostly shady sites with just a handful having full sun.

    Restrooms are well maintained and have excellent showers. No coins needed.

    Great access to the river to keep cool in summer. Nice sandy beaches. Park also has a lot of sheltered picnic areas and playground.

    Multi-use trail great for short runs and apparently horses.

    No wifi and we had no phone reception. There are emergency phones installed throughout the park.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Peach Beach RV Park on the Columbia

    Oasis on the Gorge

    Clean, cute and well cared for park on the Columbia river. Rolled in at 11:30pm to a quiet park with well laid out directions and fresh peaches in our welcome bag. Called ahead letting them know we’d be super late with no problems, very accommodating. Nicely spaced, clean sites. No sewer hookups if on the river side but the view we woke up to was well worth it. The park is in the dryer part of the Gorge but this park surrounded by lush fruit orchards made it feel like an oasis. Definitely would stay here again.

  • S. Renae M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Sunset Falls Campground

    Sunset falls getaway

    I booked the campground. There were pictures but not of the camp spot I chose. I did because it indicated I would be by the river. Note. I was but not accessible from my spot. I was disappointed about that. I chose #13 for that reason. However I arrived and was also surprised I was not able to park by my spot. There is a little trek. Thank god I brought my cart as I had all my camp gear.
    12 and 13 are closer to parking than 14, 15 and 16. They are a little more remote.
    The drive in camping spots resembles more of a day use area. No real privacy. Then the road going through the campground was noisy with motorists and motorcycles at all hours running through.
    At this time. There isnt any camp fires allowed.
    No cell service.
    It’s beautiful with the falls and canopy of trees and decently close to town.
    But overall. For a weekend getaway it’s great. But very limited. Also no water so bring your water.

  • Greg W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Wind Mountain RV Park

    Grest place

    This is a great RV park with short and long-term camping. It's perfect for the traveling worker, fisherman or people who want enjoy all the outdoor activities in the Gorge.

  • Roman P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    North Arm Campground

    Mesa Verde

    Not sure how we ended here, but it is a really nice camp. The only disadvantage is that it couldn't be reserved through recreation.org. Toilets, water, showers (free), washers (1,75 or 2,25 $, dryer .25 for 5 min) and free wifi at store. Sweet

  • Justine B.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Alpine

    Great campsite right by mt hood

    Really nice first come first serve site, $25 per night at the self serve permit station. We arrived around 4 pm the Sunday of Labor Day and grabbed the last site. The first few sites when you enter are pretty private which is nice, sites further down the road more open. No water available when we were there. There is one pit toilet. Was perfect for an impromptu night of camping!


Guide to White Salmon

Camping near White Salmon, Washington, offers a mix of stunning views, outdoor activities, and unique campgrounds. 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 numerous trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the scenic hikes, with one reviewer mentioning, "Great 2-mile hiking loop around the lake" at Trillium Lake.
  • Fishing: If you love fishing, you’re in luck! Campers have caught smallmouth bass at the Deschutes River State Recreation Area, with one saying, "Caught 4 Small Mouth Bass out of the river."
  • Boating: Rent a canoe or kayak at Lost Lake Resort And Campground and enjoy the water. A visitor shared, "The lake is fun for fishing and renting a little boat or canoe."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One camper at Trillium Lake said, "The views of Mt Hood reflected in the lake are stunning."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Ainsworth State Park Campground noted, "Restrooms were incredibly clean and there are hot showers."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. At Mt Hood Village Resort, one guest said, "Staff was very nice and helpful."

What you should know

  • Train Noise: Some campgrounds are near train tracks, which can be loud. A camper at Cascade Locks KOA mentioned, "The train was very loud (especially at night)."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A visitor at Lower Falls Campground pointed out, "No cell service. Bring your own water."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Popular spots can get busy. One camper at Lost Lake Resort And Campground said, "It can be super crowded, but this place is a gem."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places that offer activities for kids. A family at Tucker Park Campground enjoyed the "flush toilets, showers, and fire pits."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds can be noisy, so plan quiet activities for the evenings. A camper at Memaloose State Park Campground mentioned, "You will hear the highway traffic and trains."
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Having games on hand can keep kids entertained. One visitor at Mt Hood Village Resort noted, "Our kids love cruising the loops on their bikes."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Deschutes River State Recreation Area said, "The back-in was fairly easy with plenty of room to maneuver."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A visitor at Peach Beach RV Park mentioned, "The only Wi-Fi is near the check-in desk."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Many campgrounds are close to attractions. A camper at Cascade Locks KOA said, "The campground is nestled close to the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge."

Camping near White Salmon, Washington, has something for everyone. From beautiful views to family-friendly activities, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this stunning area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is White Salmon from popular Washington camping destinations?

White Salmon is ideally situated near several popular camping destinations. Beacon Rock State Park Campground is approximately 20 minutes west, offering spectacular Columbia River Gorge views and hiking trails. Columbia Hills Historical State Park Campground is about 30 minutes east, situated along Horse-thief Lake with beautiful surroundings despite gorge winds. Other nearby options include Oklahoma Campground (25 minutes), Memaloose State Park (35 minutes), and Ainsworth State Park (30 minutes). For those willing to drive further, Lost Lake and Trillium Lake are about 1-1.5 hours away, while Mount Hood camping areas like Toll Bridge Park are approximately 45-60 minutes from White Salmon.

Where are the best campgrounds near White Salmon, WA?

Oklahoma Campground is one of the best options near White Salmon, featuring 14 sites along the Little White Salmon River. It's particularly good for families with children as the shallow, narrow river is perfect for splashing around. The campground offers both reservable and first-come, first-served sites, fire pits with various grate types, and access to Monte Carlo Trail 52. Another excellent choice is Wyeth Campground at the Gorge, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis and has hiking trails directly accessible from the campground. For a unique experience, The Klickitat Treehouse offers modern amenities in a natural setting with queen-sized beds, heating, and air conditioning.

What RV camping options are available in White Salmon, Washington?

White Salmon offers several RV-friendly options for campers. Gorge Base Camp RV Park is conveniently located near White Salmon with drive-in access, reservable sites, water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. Timberlake Campground & RV near Stevenson provides similar amenities with the added benefit of being within a short drive of White Salmon. For those seeking more of a state park experience, Memaloose State Park Campground offers clean facilities with hot showers, wonderful Columbia River views, and is a short drive to The Dalles for supplies. Most RV sites in the region fill quickly during summer months, so advance reservations are highly recommended where available.