231 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Columbia River Gorge surrounding Wishram, Washington features a diverse range of camping options spanning both Washington and Oregon sides of the river. State parks like Maryhill State Park and Columbia Hills Historical State Park provide established campgrounds with varying amenities, while several RV-focused facilities like Peach Beach RV Park offer full hookup services. Deschutes River State Recreation Area, located just across the Oregon border, consistently receives high ratings for its riverside camping and trail access. Most campgrounds in this area provide direct access to the Columbia River, with some offering boat launches and swimming areas. The region's camping landscape includes both developed sites with electrical hookups and more primitive options for tent campers seeking a simpler experience.
Wind conditions significantly impact camping experiences throughout the Columbia River Gorge. As one camper noted, "It is very windy due to its location in the gorge" when describing Columbia Hills State Park. Many campgrounds experience consistent breezes, particularly during spring and summer months. Highway and railroad noise affects several campgrounds, with Memaloose State Park visitors specifically mentioning that "sites on the lower part of the campground against the river are quieter." Fire restrictions are common during summer months due to the combination of wind and dry conditions. Cell service varies throughout the area, with most developed campgrounds offering reasonable coverage for Verizon and AT&T users, while more remote locations may have limited connectivity.
River access represents a primary draw for campers in the Wishram area. Fishing opportunities abound, particularly during salmon runs, with some sites like Mineral Springs specifically catering to anglers with boat ramps and riverside camping. Several campgrounds feature swimming areas, though the Columbia River's current and wind conditions require caution. Nearby attractions include the Maryhill Stonehenge replica, local wineries, and fruit stands selling seasonal produce. Campers frequently mention the spectacular sunset views across the river, with one visitor describing "sheer basalt cliffs on either side" creating dramatic landscapes. For those seeking quieter experiences, campgrounds further from highways and railroad tracks generally receive higher ratings for peaceful overnight stays.
"Found this place on the map while searching for a place to camp at the Washington/Oregon border."
"We usually cross the Columbia River into Washington state at Biggs Junction, Oregon. We don’t want to stay at Maryhill State Park in Washington as we had stayed there before."
from $15 - $119 / night
Check Availability"No fire pits, but all of eastern Washington is doing that these days. Nice little lagoon on the river for kids to swim. Boat launch, lots of wind surfers."
"We stopped on our annual trip from Texas to Washington(family visit) this was a beautiful little stop after tackling up the 84 on the way home."
from $40 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Pulled in around 10:30pm, had a little difficulty finding the park entrance and had to turn around about 1/2 mile down the wrong road, but smooth sailing after."
"If you aren't paying attention, you could miss the park entrance, so be careful about that. We are in a nice pull through site on the river side."
from $12 - $68 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Great little swimming spot steps from our spot. Trains will come every hour and tracks are close to sites. A few wineries within a mile and one about .5 miles from spot."
"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."
from $25 - $38 / night
Check Availability"Cute little campsite just off the highway tucked away next to Horse-thief lake. It is very windy due to its location in the gorge. The lake access and surrounding land is beautiful."
"On the Columbia river Gorge, Washington side. A small lake with kayak rentals. Was here on a hot August day and the lake was refreshing. The sites were basic, with no privacy between them."
from $12 - $35 / night
Check Availability"There is a train track close by and the 84 is also close by. You can stay for free for up to 14 days. We have a generator and a 40’ fifth wheel. We had plenty of parking."
"Located right next to both."
"Very easy to find and if the highway and train noise off in the distance don’t bother you, you’ll love it. Very spacious so you don’t have to be right next to anyone."
"Camped right next to the river with other travelling campers, visible to wide area and fwy, so safe feeling. Gravel, close to fwy access."
"Train tracks right behind us, which is great if you are a train enthusiast. We will have to see if any trains come through in the middle of the night."
"The pull-through sites run along the water’s edge, offering water views but smaller pads and tragically, blocking my view. There’s no shade but the breeze kept things cool enough."
"The edge of the pull-through RV spots follows the river and most spots have easy access to the 10-foot rock access to the water. We visited during the last weekend of July and it was HOT!"
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability
TravelerGreat lil spot had absolutely no issues finding a spot there are a lot in the area free dispersed. You can hike to trillium lake from this area as well…
Not quite apot and not super private but cool
GuideAbout 2 miles back so bring what you need. Off the loop around the lake. Amazing views and a cell signal.
GuideRight off main road, with a few to choose from. Roads good, decent cell coverage. Decent place to stop over.
LegendNice little campground, although the spaces are pretty close together and the downside is, it’s right next to the freeway and a bridge so there’s quite a bit of traffic noise. It is right on the John Day river which is very pretty. Campsites had water and electric and there is a dump station. several pull through, but the back ends were a little difficult to get into as they weren’t angled very much.
GuideAlways have a good time spending a night or two here when traveling. Nice open area next to the river not too much noise. Good fishing have caught a few bass off the shoreline. There is a clean well stock vault toilet on site.
GuideWe got in about 6 pm .Only 2 vans and a truck were here. Great view of mount Hood. We are in that top right hand corner. Looking forward to 2 or three days here.
GuideWe’re the only ones here although it’s only 3:30 on a Wednesday. We have a spot right in the water, looking forward to a nice stay. It appears to be free. But we just got here. I’ll edit after we spend the night. There were a few looong trains during the night, across the river but I kinda liked them.
GuideConvenient but loud place to stay near mt hood. Park along the road, not in the lot
TravelerMy sister and I stayed here on September 2, 2026, and through all of our traveling from home in Maryland all the way to Oregon, this was our absolute favorite place to camp. It was extremely quiet, as we only saw one other person tenting here that entire night. It gets very cold very quickly and is also super windy due to being in the canyon, but that was not a problem for us. As I said it was very quiet with absolutely zero commotion, except for the train passing through at night which can be a little horrifying, but overall, we enjoy all trains. It was very easy to purchase our $10.50 permit for our vehicle and site at the pay station, despite Capital One/Discover cards not being eligible for purchasing permits. We had a little trouble getting our tent stakes in the ground; the drive and tent sites seemed to all be dirt/gravel. We had no issue pulling into the campground around 8-9 pm, even though it was peak season. There was a vault toilet that was maintained pretty well, and we had no issues using it. Not sure if there are any electric or water hookups; I do not believe there were, but definitely do your research. We highly recommend this spot for some beautiful views and a chilly night's rest!
Camping options in the Wishram area of Washington range from public recreation areas to developed state parks, with elevations varying from 160 feet at river level to nearby plateaus at 2,000+ feet. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 95°F while maintaining low humidity, creating ideal conditions for water-based activities. Winter camping remains available at several year-round facilities despite occasional snow and subfreezing temperatures.
Kayaking access points: At Avery Rec Area, campers can launch directly from shoreline sites along the Columbia River. "Super private, great views, sites close together," notes one visitor about the riverside location that provides immediate water access.
Historical exploration: The area features significant indigenous cultural sites, particularly at Columbia Hills Historical State Park. "The Petraglyphs (do the tour that leaves a 3 minute walk from the campsite!!) It was SUPER windy, the bathrooms seemed pretty far from the tent camping sites," writes Erin P., highlighting the unique archaeological attractions.
Fishing opportunities: The Klickitat River provides excellent angling options at Mineral Springs. "This Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife campground with a dirt boat ramp, seems to serve mostly fishermen. Some sites are right next to the Klickitat River," explains Phil D., describing the campground's primary draw.
Convenient river swimming: At Lepage Park Campground, families appreciate the designated swimming areas. "There is a really large beach and roped off swimming area, as well as a boat ramp, dock for fishing, and trails for hiking," notes Jill T. about this family-friendly option.
Multiple shower facilities: While uncommon at many campgrounds in the region, Deschutes River State Recreation Area provides clean shower access. "Facilities near the T loop consist of pit toilets, but we walked to the nicer bathrooms on the A loop when they were open... The bathrooms were clean as were the shower stalls," shares Mark A., detailing the amenities.
Fruit orchard proximity: Several campsites sit adjacent to working farms, including Peach Beach RV Park. "Pleasant host greets you with a bag of a couple peaches from the fruit farm next door," writes Marty S., highlighting a unique local perk not found at typical campgrounds.
Train noise impacts: Nearly every campground along the Columbia River contends with railroad proximity. "Great park...clean, easy access, good hiking, good fishing, beautiful scenery, sites are flat and not jamb packed. Only problem is trains go by at night and blow their noisy, loud horns," notes Rich J. at Deschutes River State Recreation Area.
Wind conditions: High winds frequently affect camping experiences throughout the area. "Do not fall prey to a river view spot! There are no trees to provide shade or protection from the wind! There are burn marks on my tent from the polls rubbing together," warns Heather H. about her experience at Memaloose State Park Campground.
Limited privacy between sites: Many campgrounds feature open layouts with minimal separation. "The RV spots are very big with a little privacy! Lots of area to walk, and a nice, well maintained swimming beach where you can watch the windsurfers," explains Julie J., describing the tradeoff at Maryhill State Park.
Swimming areas for children: Several parks feature protected swimming zones away from the main river current. "The water is excellent in the mornings, just like glass!" shares John S. about Maryhill State Park Campground, noting optimal water conditions for families with young swimmers.
Playground access: Some campgrounds include play structures for children needing activity options. "Plenty of sites available. The signs, however, point to Day Use and Campground. Tent sites are in the Day Use area. Free showers and a swimming hole are a plus!" reports Bobby B. about LePage Park's facilities.
Seasonal camping considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, requiring preparation for heat. "This was our first time ever camping with a tent trailer and it was a great first time. People were friendly and it was next door to a park where you could swim, launch a boat or fish," notes Jamie S. about Peach Beach RV Park's amenities.
Electrical hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer power connections for RVs, with varying site characteristics. "Sites are back in and have well maintained level sites of crushed gravel. The first time I haven't had to level the trailer side to side. Water and Electrical hookups well maintained," explains Magnus S. about Columbia Hills State Park's facilities.
Pull-through access: Several parks accommodate larger rigs with specific site configurations. "We had a nice pull through site on the river side. About as close to being on the water as you can be from the campground. There are full hook-ups. Our site has no shade," reports Christina F. about the RV camping options at Maryhill State Park.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds with RV sites include sewer hookups, but alternatives exist. "Dump station was in good shape. The park is well-maintained. My dog had a large area to run off-leash, splash around and chase birds," shares JACKIE W. about the facilities at LePage Park Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Wishram, Washington located and how do I get there?
Wishram is located along the Columbia River Gorge in south-central Washington, directly across the river from Oregon. It's approximately 15 miles east of The Dalles and sits along Highway 14. The closest major access point is via Interstate 84, crossing from Oregon at The Dalles bridge. For those camping in the area, Columbia Hills Historical State Park Campground is just a short drive from Wishram, tucked away next to Horsethief Lake with beautiful views of the gorge. Celilo Park Recreation Area is also nearby, offering easy drive-in access for those traveling along the Columbia River corridor.
What is the best time of year to visit Wishram, Washington?
The best time to visit Wishram is late spring through early fall (May-October), when temperatures are pleasant and outdoor activities are most accessible. Memaloose State Park Campground is especially popular in October, offering wonderful views of the Columbia River and Washington side when the campground is less crowded. Summer provides ideal conditions for water activities, though be prepared for strong winds in the gorge as noted by visitors to the area. Wyeth Campground at the Gorge offers first-come/first-serve sites that fill quickly during peak summer months, so midweek visits are recommended if camping during high season. Winter brings colder temperatures and potential closures of certain facilities and access points.
What outdoor activities are available in Wishram, WA?
The Wishram area offers numerous outdoor activities centered around the Columbia River Gorge. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming. Deschutes River State Recreation Area near the Washington/Oregon border provides excellent fishing opportunities where the Deschutes River meets the Columbia. Mineral Springs offers riverside camping with a dirt boat ramp, perfect for fishermen looking to access the Klickitat River. The region features several hiking trails, including those near the gorge that showcase stunning waterfalls and panoramic views. Watersports enthusiasts will appreciate the numerous lake and river access points for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding throughout the scenic Columbia River Gorge.
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