This article about camping near Portland, Oregon is brought to you by Midland Radio. Their two-way radios enhance any camping trip.
Portland, Oregon is not only The Dyrt’s hometown, but it is the perfect urban center for anyone looking for a balanced blend of outdoor living and city charm. When you’re at work or bustling around the city, Mount Hood stands on perpetual guard, its snow-capped peak watching over the city.
If you live in or plan to visit Portland and want some ideas about where to get away, there are hundreds of adventures within an hour’s drive of Portland, Oregon. Here are our favorites.
1. Champoeg State Heritage Area
Image from The Dyrt camper Josh H.
Just 27.3 miles from downtown Portland, Champoeg State Heritage Area is a beautiful mixture of history, nature, and recreation. Pronounced sham-poo-ee, this land was the original provisional government in Oregon in 1843 until it was washed away in the flood of 1861.
The campground is medium-sized and has paved paths that wind along the Willamette River. There’s an 18-hole disc golf course, and you can fish or kayak right from the dock. An ecologically diverse area, you are surrounded by gorgeous forests and wetlands.
“Champoeg has a little of everything. Great biking trails that are kid-friendly. There lots of historical sites around the campground to enjoy as well.”– Scott W.
Campground Details:
- Price: $5-72
- Number of sites: 80
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
2. Oxbow Regional Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Jared L.
There are so many nature-based diversions in Oxbow Regional Park that it’s hard to fit them all in. Explore the river’s sandy shores or hike through dense, old-growth forests. Cast a line or watch salmon spawn or just hang out under the trees at your campsite.
Gravel and paved roads lead to well-spaced grounds with basic amenities in Oxbow Park, but no alcohol or pets are allowed.
“Absolutely gorgeous! If you’ve never camped before or still learning this is a great place to get your feet wet both figuratively and literally.” – Marie H.
Campground Details:
- Price: $21-40
- Number of sites: 67
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: No
3. Ainsworth
Image from The Dyrt camper Sam M.
At the very end of the Waterfall Corridor in the gorgeous Columbia River Gorge is Ainsworth Campground. This is a fantastic campground if you need a jumping-off point for lots of different adventures.
The campground is clean, well-kempt, and has clean, plumbed bathrooms. At the moment, there are no showers available.
“The gorge has windsurfing, kiteboarding, white water rafting. The town itself had some pretty cute shopping areas.” – Sam M.
Campground Details:
- Price: $21-40
- Number of sites: 49
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
4. Battle Ground Lake
Image from The Dyrt camper Matt W.
With a fascinating geological and historical background, Battle Ground Lake is lushly forested and centered around a volcanic crater with a lake. There’s boating, swimming, and fishing, with opening day being a top-rated event.
It’s a medium-sized campground 30 miles northeast of Portland with 35 sites in the main campground, all with picnic tables and fire pits, and 15 more walk-in sites.
“Pristine campsites and a beautiful cool lake that’s not far from the city. Good trails and plenty of space.” – Matt W.
Campground Details:
- Price: $21-40
- Number of sites: 50
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
5. Milo McIver
Image from The Dyrt camper Corinna B.
The Milo McIver is part of the Oregon State Park System and is open seasonally, but it is well worth planning. Set along the sometimes wild but always picturesque Clackamas River, Milo McIver offers recreation for those who love the water or those who love the woods.
Bring your horse or your furry companion for the weekend, or try out your frisbee golf skills on the 27-hole courses nearby. If you like angling, you can try your luck against the steelhead and chinook salmon. Don’t miss the stunning view of Mount Hood for a photo opp.
“Estacada lake is within walking distance, and there is salmon fishing within driving distance inside the park. There is also a bat barn that is close by.” – Hahns R.
Campground Details:
- Price: $18-75
- Number of sites: 55
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
6. Silver Falls
Image from The Dyrt camper Dani F.
Although it’s a little more than an hour from Portland, Oregon, it’s well worth the drive because Silver Falls is known as the crème de la crème of the Oregon State Park System. There are RV sites, tent sites, and even equestrian sites with accommodating trails as well.
The biggest draw is the South Falls – a 177’ sheet of water cascading over the cliff. You can even walk behind the waterfall, a rare and exhilarating treat. This campsite is nestled in the Cascade Mountains. Popular and well-used, all the facilities are exceptionally well-maintained.
“Silver Falls has a little bit of something for everyone. Waterfall views, beginner hikes, longer hikes, an interpretive center, a cafe, easy drives to wine country or a campy theme park.”– Raphaela H.
Campground Details:
Price: $21-40
Number of sites: 116
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
7. Trillium Lake Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Dani F.
The Trillium Lake is just over an hour’s drive from Portland, Oregon, but it’s worth the extra mileage (the closest town is Government Camp). Trillium Lake Campground has extraordinary views of Mt. Hood from every vantage point. There is a pier, a boat ramp, and a trail that is open to both hikers and bikers that circumvents the lake. The facilities include lots of single and double sites, and each site has a picnic table, a fire ring, and either gravel or asphalt pads for parking.
“Located by the beautiful Trillium lake, the view from there is unreal.” – Dani F.
Campground Details:
- Price: $21-40
- Number of sites: 43
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
Camping near Portland, Oregon, offers dense, old-growth forests, wild rivers, and tranquil lakes. These campgrounds are only a taste of the adventures you can have in the area. For hundreds more, check out The Dyrt’s full list of the best camping near Portland, Oregon.
This article about camping near Portland, Oregon was brought to you by Midland.
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