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The best camping near Ainsworth State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Ainsworth adventure.

100% (6 reviews)
100% (6 reviews)

Camp conveniently close to some of the Columbia Gorge’s prettiest waterfalls at this wooded park.  

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Community favorites near Ainsworth State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Ainsworth State Park

95%
(3425)

Naked Falls

21 sites ¡ RVs, Tents130 acres ¡ Stevenson, WA
Naked Falls is the second largest waterfall on the Washougal River. This section of the river has been a hotspot for Kayakers and Cliff divers for decades. If you like watching Salmon run, this is a great place to do it. This is easy car access to a raw outdoor camping experience. You will be camping next to the crystal clear Washougal River and have access to Naked Falls and Reeder Falls. Come prepared as the nearest potable water source is at least a mile away and you won't see any lights or electrical outlets on the property. There are portables toilet now between sites 4 and 5 on the east side of the road and between sites 15 and 16 on the west side. Portable toilets taken out in Mid October and put back in in Mid March. Firewood is not delivered to each site if you order it. There are many good reasons for this, not the least of which is that it can rain and then all the wood gets wet. We keep the firewood in a small woodshed and give you instructions on where to find it and what the code is before you check in. Also, please remember that I don't live there and there is limited service on the property. If you have questions, please contact me in advance as I may be unreachable when you arrive at the property. The Campsites mostly go in the order they appear as you drive through the campground. With some exceptions. Sites 8 and 11 (in that order) are up the hill from the fork at site 2. Sites 12 through 19 are in order on the West side of the river. There are signs with the site numbers next to each site. The sites each have their own parking spaces. Please see the brief descriptions below so you have a good idea of what kind of experience you can expect at each site. If you are not familiar with the area, or even if you haven't camped there before, I recommend contacting me for directions or information about the area before you go up. Also, if you have an RV, you will want to contact me to discuss which site you really want to book depending on the size of your RV, awnings, slide outs, etc. Each booked site is allowed 2 cars or 1 RV. If you have more than 2 cars or 1 RV, there is a fee of 10.00 per additional vehicle. Camping was banned all along the upper Washougal River in 2006 due to abuse from the public. An attitude that no one could be trusted up there formed and I lost my favorite place to camp in the whole world...but I understood why they did it. In 2017 I bought the property and worked with Skamania County to restore camping and the public trust in good people who love nature. There are now 20 campsites, mostly along the river, and I'm so pleased that the vast majority of Hipcampers are reliable co-stewards of this amazing recreational resource. It is up to us to keep Naked Falls available by keeping in mind that it is a crucial fish and wildlife habitat and we are but visitors there. Be sure to stick to trails and pack in/pack out. Nothing from town should be left there and nothing there should be brought back to town. *** Site 1: Saltness Creek This is the only site with direct trail access to the river on the camping side. It's also right on a creek and encompasses a corner of the confluence of the creek and the Washougal River. It's a nice open space right off the gravel road which allows you to park right by where you will set up tents and have your campfire. It also means other campers will drive right by your site and they will need to pass by it to take the trail to the river. This site is very convenient but not very private. Site 2: Naked Falls There is a short narrow trail that leads to the campsite on the Naked Falls cliff. It's awesome! This is the original campsite at Naked Falls and has likely been there for 100 years or more. It overlooks the waterfall and island downstream. It's really the coolest campsite but it's not for everybody. The area for pitching tents is smaller than at the other sites. Only 2 medium sized tents will fit comfortably. You may be able to cram 3 tents in but should be aware that it's only really meant for 2. Groups larger than 6 may want to consider another site. Also, it is right on the cliff where people like to jump so, while you have the best view of all the fun stuff happening at the falls, you also have cliff divers coming up to say hi during the day. Site 3: Desk Job This site is just past the falls. It has a wide short trail to the camping area and a beautiful view of the river that passes right by the site about 30 ft below it. It is nice, quiet and secluded. Site 4: Middle Management This site is nice for pulling vehicles in and around. It loops around some trees in the center. The trees to the east and North are all alders so it has limited shade in the morning when there aren't leaves on the trees (winter and early spring) The trail down is wide and short. There is a small opening with a nice view of the river and it's quiet. A great place to listen to the flow of the river and the beat of your heart. Site 5: Conference Room The Conference Room is tucked into the woods a little more than the other sites. It's right over the river just like all the rest of the sites but the trees like living on that cliff...like a whole bunch. You can walk to the edge and see the river but it's not the most open view of the river. I love this site. It has two old growth stumps from the first harvest ever at Naked Falls. They tell stories of the Yacolt burn and a lot of hard winters. A short narrow trail get's you from your car to to the camping area in about 20 steps. Site 6: Printer Jam This site is quite large and has the most extensive view of the river. Great for bigger groups or bigger tents. This is a chill spot where you can roast marshmallows while watching the flow of the Washougal River 35 ft below. Site 7: Budget Meeting This site is not meant for vehicle traffic! Please do not drive your vehicle onto the site as that has caused damage to the site itself and it needs to recover. The last site on the road has the longest walk...about 50 yards. It is also a large space and is the most secluded. It's the longest distance from river access but also the most private. The walk down passes an old growth tree that must have fallen decades ago. It has a huge base and the root structure is about 12 ft tall. There are a variety of trees that hug this campsite. If you don't mind the walk, you are sure to dig the vibe at our version of a Budget Meeting. Site 8: The Slash Pile Please read this full description before booking. I'm giving this site a go because I think it's a rather unique experience for the right people. This site sits up above all the river sites. It is not on a river but has a river view and view of all the other campsites. It is surrounded by a slash pile which is the wood debris left over from logging. You can drive right to it but only if you have 4wd/AWD. The road is also surrounded by alder trees that might slap the side of your car as you go up so if you are concerned about that, this is not the spot for you. There is not much shade up there either. You may want to bring a shade tent. The site is fairly large and has plenty of room for tents but I don't recommend any trailers or RVs here due to the steep rocky road. Your walk to the river will be about as long as the walk from site 7. It will be an easy walk down and a bit of a trek up. If no one books this site, I will totally understand but It's a cool spot if you are cool with the challenges it presents. Site 9: Hard Scramble Creek This site is embedded in the woods and has the most tree cover. It is even further from the river access than site 8...about a half mile walk. There is plenty of room but only one way in and out so turning around should be thought out before you set up your tents. Also, I've seen people pull off trailering large rigs up there but I'm pretty sure it was painstaking. If you have a large RV or Trailer, I would skip this site. Smaller trailers and RVs should be fine if you have some experience and patience. This site is quiet and the sound of the creek is soothing during the day and night. Site 10: Rock Beach Woods This site is in the woods along the river near an inviting rock beach that flows into a crystal clear swimming hole. This site is not behind a gate and day use visitors are allowed to use the trail and access the rock beach. The rock beach gets less traffic than we have right by Naked Falls but it is part of the day use area. This is a park and walk site. Parking is along the main road and you hike in about 50 yards to the campsite. This is one of the coolest campsites we have. Literally cooler as it is along the river edge and not along a cliffside like most of the other sites. Also cooler because it is under deep tree cover with soft mossy terrain. If you like the sounds of the river, shady woods and very close access to swimming, you will love this site! Site 11: This One Goes to Eleven! Situated on the top of the hill, this site has the most impressive views of all the sites! About a 270 degree view of the surrounding mountain region give you a great vantage point that often includes eagles flying below you, elk across the valley and a variety of other wildlife. This site is the farthest from the river, civilization and all the other campsites. If you are looking for something remote and have a 4wd/AWD vehicle, this might be the best site for you. Sites 12-19: All of these sites are right near the West side of the river. They were designed to accommodate RVs and Trailers. They are made for one trailer or RV per site or 2 camper vans. Tents are fine here too. There is easy in and out access to each site. It is nearer to the W2000 road and the sites are a bit closer together. There is still a significant amount of treed space between each site, just not as much as the original campsites. They each have a fire pit and cleared space for tents along with the graveled area for parking your RV. The sites are fairly level but not perfect and some leveling may be required depending on the size of your RV. This area has it's own trail down to the river or you can use the day use trail just a short walk North past the wooden Naked Falls sign. There are 3 total vehicles allowed at each of these sites (no exceptions) that includes the rv or trailer. So, truck and trailer count as one and you can have one addition car...or you can have 3 cars if you are car or tent camping. There is a charge of 10.00 extra for the third vehicle. No parking is allowed along the W2000 road unless you have a Naked Falls parking pass for day use. Site 0. This is the old site 12 that I had closed down. It is just up the hill from the fork at site 2. So at the fork near site 2, you will take a left and go up the hill about a quarter of a mile. It will be on your right hand side before you get to site 8. This is a large site part way up a hill surrounded by trees about 15 ft high. Very little shade, so you will want to bring a shade tent in the Summertime.
from 
$50
 / night
95%
(405)

Zigzag Mountain Farm

6 sites ¡ Tents50 acres ¡ Rhododendron, OR
Located on Mount Hood about an hour from Portland, Zigzag Mountain Farm is home to an organic garden, old homestead, house, yurts, and barn. 50 acres of open meadows and forest, bordering thousands of acres of national forest.  The farm is home to an organic garden, campfire circle, picnic area, a city bus with a campers' kitchen, outdoor seating area with BBQ, kids play structure and hiking trails. The cabin on the property was built by the original homesteaders. Britta and Jim purchased the property in 2009. It had been vacant for a number of years. Giant slash piles scattered the land from previous logging.  The house and cabin were not livable and needed major renovations. In 2019 we purchased and brought in a city bus and converted it to a campers kitchen. A year-round creek flows through the property and 3 major rivers are nearby. The Zigzag Mountain Lookout Trail leaves from the property. The property was homesteaded in the late 1800's. E. Mountain Drive was the wagon train trail into Portland, known as the Barlow Trail. Zigzag Mountain farm offers the perfect escape from the city.
from 
$30
 / night
97%
(410)

Camp Cedar Creek

24 sites ¡ RVs, Tents37 acres ¡ Sandy, OR
***PLEASE CLICK "SHOW MORE" AND READ EVERYTHING BEFORE BOOKING OR ASKING QUESTIONS. TLDR -- we are an AWD/4WD required, pack out what you pack in (no trash service), dog friendly (unleashed dogs are allowed) property*** Hi! We're Lauren and Jeremy (and Juno). We met through a van life community, and fell in love on the road, camping at different national parks and Hipcamp sites from Jeremy's RAV4 (our first month dating was spent traveling up and down the west coast). We are now the proud new owners of Camp Cedar Creek, an incredible 37-acre property that was built from the hands of the owner before us over the last 40 years. We're so honored to carry on his vision of this magical place, and share it with as many people exploring the Pacific Northwest as we can. We hope your stay here will bring you a deep sense of peace, inspire creativity, give you whatever it is you're in need of at this moment in time. Take a stroll down Cedar Creek, sit and read by one of the seven ponds, get your heart pumping on the hilly trails on the north side of the property, pick as many blackberries as you can find if in season. We can't wait to host you! Learn more about this land: Located right off Hwy 26, directly in between the city of Portland and the peak of Mt. Hood, you'll find the most peaceful corner of the Pacific Northwest for you to pitch your tent or park your van. We are conveniently located just 7 minutes from downtown Sandy, known for its food trucks, outdoor gear shops, and the famous Joe's Donuts. Though we are right off a busy highway, all you'll hear are the tranquil sounds of Cedar Creek's flowing waters and the chirping birds who live in the cedars overhead. The small clearings throughout the property provide natural privacy for our campers, and the 37 acres sprinkled with trails and ponds offer exploration and a sense of wonder we hope you'll enjoy. Please note: we have a vanlife community that utilizes the barn up on the hill (check out kift.com if you're a nomad or vanlifer looking for an awesome community on the road) and we also live up on the hill in the house next to the barn. NON-NEGOTIABLE RULES: PACK OUT WHAT YOU PACK IN, aka leave no trace - our most important campsite policy. We have no garbage cans or trash services. The trash you create will be your responsibility to take with you when you leave. And please don't place it at our neighbors house (yes, this has happened). If you leave your trash for us to clean up, we will charge a $100 cleaning fee. 4WD REQUIRED. Due to the traffic we've experienced recently, the steep gravel roads can be tough for some cars and rigs (particularly on the way out) so for everyone's safety, we are restricting access to only vehicles equipped to handle the terrain. We're sorry for the inconvenience. If you've been here before and know you can get by with your car, feel free to book again, but please do not message us asking us to advise on the vehicle you have. If we have to dig you out, we will charge a $200 fee. DOG FRIENDLY. We are as dog friendly as it gets here. Unleashed dogs are allowed on this property. If you have a fear of dogs, or have dogs that are not friendly with other people or fellow dogs, this probably isn't the right campsite for you. Of course, we expect all dog owners to keep an eye on their pets so they don't disturb other campers. NO FIREARMS, FIREWORKS OR ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE USE. This is not a late night party campsite. This property is best in the daylight and we encourage campers who want to take full advantage and will abide by the quiet hours. QUIET HOURS: 11pm-8am. While our individual sites are quite private we ask that you still keep the noise to a minimum between 11pm and 8am. We live onsite and will enforce these if we have to (please don't make us). OTHER INFO: CELL SERVICE. There is an AT&T tower on our property so that gets the best service by far. Verizon is pretty good. T-mobile does not get reception here. BATHROOMS. We have one porta-potty onsite during the summer season (late May through September). It's serviced every week.
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$45
 / night
98%
(494)

Action Sports Roamer Sites

28 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents28 acres ¡ Sandy, OR
Attention... Skiers/Snowboarders, MTB'ers, Hikers, Skaters, Adventurers, all outdoor enthusiast. Our outdoor sauna is open and ready for you to heal all your mountain soreness. The year 1989 birthed the renowned Windells Camp and High Cascade Snowboard Camps at Mt. Hood, Oregon. What resulted today is a 28-acre action sports mecca that serves as the pathway for nearly every action sports professional and these special Roamer Sites give you a sampling of that experience. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Hood and its year round lift-accessible snow, these adventure rigs sites for #vanlife, roamer trucks, and nimble RVs place you on the campus of one of the world's premiere destinations for actions sports. We also offer glamping tents. With Sandy Ridge mountain bike trails within a mile, and over 40,000 sf of skateboard park, there is something for everyone. Your Roamer Site one of 18 featuring a communal campfire and picnic tables. From 5-7pm M-F and 7-10AM Sat/Sun you'll have access to our private indoor and outdoor skateboard parks, mountain bike trails, and fitness center. Want coaching and more? We have that! (additional fee and reservation apply). Guests love it here "Great camp setup with RV sites and tent Glamping site in nice big canvas tents. I had a quick in and out one night stay and enjoy the big trees and peace and quiet. Located next to an actions sports camp, and the hills which allow for lots of hiking and relaxing"
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$40
 / night
99%
(152)

Rhoda's Joy

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents40 acres ¡ Washougal, WA
This property was once part of a 200 acre cattle ranch turned into a Christian community. The families shared meals, home-schooled their children and had a home-based church. They raised their own food in a 3 acre garden and orchard along with chickens and cows for milk, meet and eggs. Two of the original families still own some of the acres although the community was dissolved and much of the property sold to other people. Learn more about this land: We love sharing our beautiful land with those that love nature. The sunsets, the peace and the birdsong are the best.  Pets are welcome and you can walk through the forest with them on dirt pathways or keep them in your campsite. Please keep pets out of our area, as our dog is very protective and has been known to have scuffles with other animals approaching. Grassy areas are available to set up tents or have picnics. There are firepits for when the burn ban is not on (a wheelbarrow full of wood for $5). The campsites are large and spaced quite far from each other.  Please stay on gravel roadways with all motor vehicles.  There are two outhouses for tents campers. There is one non-potable water spigot by the log outhouse. There is no electricity on the property.  For your own safety and peace of mind, please keep all food in bear safe containers or locked in your cars. If you forget anything, the Washougal River Mercantile is two miles away where you can buy gas and groceries.  Local hiking trails on the Columbia Gorge:  Cape Horn Trail just 3 miles from our property and Beacon Rock/Hamilton Mountain trail is a 15 minute drive.   We can give you directions to our favorite swimming hole for cooling down on hot summer days in the Washougal river. (Discovery Pass required at the river) parking spot. Buy those at the Mercantile as well)
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$32.50
 / night
94%
(452)

Waterfall Sanctuary

6 sites ¡ Lodging17 acres ¡ Carson, WA
Happy 2024 Hipcampers! We look forward to seeing you this upcoming season! (Keep checking back- we will be adding and exciting new listing for our Hipcamp guests soon!!} BEFORE BOOKING: Please read through all of the rules and restrictions- due to inconsiderate guests we have had to update rules and add new ones. Thank you. **IF YOU ARE BRINGING YOUR DOG: PLEASE read ALL the rules for your pet- especially the one about having your dog on a leash AT ALL times while you are on the property. More info under the pet rule section. Thank you! Waterfall Sanctuary is a hidden gem at the end of a dead-end road on 17 acres of land, bordered on two sides by the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge just outside of Carson, Washington, Waterfall Sanctuary is home to a mini-farm with goats, ducks, and chickens. Deer and elk walk through the property on a fairly regular basis depending on the season, it's less than a mile walk (or a short drive) to the Wind River and a perfect swimming hole with a rope swing, and another short distance further down the road is the Pacific Crest Trail. A 20-minute drive and you're at the Columbia River, the world destination for kiteboarding and windsurfing. Water equipment can be rented from nearby businesses or you can book a whitewater rafting trip on the White Salmon River. An hour from the property to the West is Portland, Oregon if you are in the mood for some city life, and about 40 minutes to the east is Hood River, Oregon, a gorgeous old town with tons of charm, shopping, breweries, and great restaurants. Drive the Fruit Loop or do a winery tour. The closest town, Stevenson, Washington is also home to adorable shops, great local restaurants, and access to the Columbia River as well. Also in close proximity are multitudes of amazing waterfalls, Panther Creek Falls and Falls Creek Falls being the two closest. National Forest roads are close by and well maintained. No matter the season there is something to do a short distance from the property. Please, keep in mind that the property is very rugged except for the trails we have provided for our guests to be able to access other parts of the property. We keep it that way not only so we can attract the copious amounts of wildlife that are a joy for our guests to experience, but also to be more environmentally and ecosystem friendly. We are also off grid and as sustainable as possible- no electricity or running water is available, although we provide battery or solar operated lighting, and a container of water for each spot that we will happily refill for you during your stay.
from 
$99
 / night
96%
(47)

Marmot House Old Growth Forest

13 sites ¡ RVs, Tents13 acres ¡ Sandy, OR
Marmot House is a lush 13 acres of mostly old growth forest in the foothills of Mt. Hood, right on the Historic Oregon Trail. It is close to hiking, biking, and forested waterfalls a short drive away. We have beautiful short hikes on trails in our forest on the property. World class windsurfing 30 miles away in Hood River, as well as more amazing waterfall hikes in the Columbia River Gorge. The Sandy River recreation area is just up the road from us and we are 10 mins. from The Sandy Ridge Trail with its 17 miles of mountain bike trails. Each campsite is tucked in the woods and has access our communal fire pit at our gathering space. Our well water tastes amazing! The is not a developed campground, it is our home. We see ourselves as stewards of this hidden forest gem and welcome people to enjoy its beauty. We are avid campers and recently spend 9 months in our teardrop trailer off grid on public lands. Living here we are family of four plus one who all work from home, Arehn a spiritual life coach, who loves to cook, Jim a software engineer and disc golfer, sons Ian, software engineer and writer and Sam, Environmental Science major and elite level Ultimate frisbee player. Tom Brown III (T3), Nature Educator and professional Photographer, lives in a separate apartment on the property.
from 
$25
 / night
97%
(756)

WindWoodRivers

7 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres ¡ Home Valley, WA
One of the oldest original homesteads in the area, for nearly 150 years this gem has been in the family. We have shared it with many people over the years and would love to share it with you! These beloved woods are the remaining part of the once vast, St. Martin homestead-started in the late 1800s. Our family ties and our roots grow very deeply in these woods-we've been born and raised here and continue to strive to be good stewards of these lands. Pristine woods, trails, river access, and more! Located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, 60 minutes east of Portland, 25 minutes west of Hood River. A truly tranquil place to enjoy exclusively, or to use as a basecamp for the unlimited adventures possible in this scenic area. Welcome and enjoy!
from 
$75
 / night
99%
(125)

Enola Hill at Mt. Hood

1 site ¡ Tent80 acres ¡ Mount Hood Village, OR
The property is located on Enola Hill in the Mt. Hood National Forest just above Rhododendron off Hwy 26 before Government Camp. It's a beautiful spot and totally secluded only 1 of 2 private properties surrounded by Forest Service land. It is a journey getting there on the 3 mile Forest Service Road it's located on as it's rough. It's worth the journey if you have the means of getting there. 
from 
$149
 / night
100%
(206)

Zen Acres

8 sites ¡ RVs, Tents40 acres ¡ Estacada, OR
We purchased this slice of paradise in 2003 as a place to relax, recharge, and someday build our dream home. It started as nothing more than a gravel road leading to a small clearing with an old bus and a couple decks. Our children have grown up out here learning a deep respect for nature and the real (non digital) world. Now empty nesters, we live on site. Part of our retirement planning is to spend next several years developing the lower portion of the property (approx. 15 acres) into a campground and retreat for our guests, as well as our own family, friends, and grandchildren. The campground area (currently) consists of a handful of primitive campsites, and a group area. We are working steadily on improvements, including adding more sites, improving the roadways, and upgrading the common areas. In all we will likely have 12-15 total designated camping areas (including a group area or two, as well as a couple hike to secluded locations). For much more details regarding our philosophy, history, and future plans please visit our website at www.zen-acres.com. There is also a lot of additional information listed on the individual campsite descriptions.
from 
$50
 / night
100%
(184)

Sweet Relief

1 site ¡ Lodging20 acres ¡ Damascus, OR
Close to Portland but far from the hustle.  The forested 20 acre property slopes South, making it ideal to keep our solar powered cabins and wifi fully charged.Water, outdoor shower and composting outhouse are never more than a five minute walk on our groomed trails.    In early spring you may see taps on some of the beautiful Maple trees.  .  (Why buy Maple Syrup from the store when you can spend days of hard work laboring to make your own!)Summer Brings the berries, Eat the Blueberries and Blackberries to your hearts content.  Find refuge from the summers heat by relaxing by the year round spring fed brook or maybe take a nap on a hammock.Chilly fall evenings can still warm your heart by relaxing in the the Greenhouse or near the campfire.  We are exited to share our little slice of heaven with you, and our extensive personal knowledge of Oregon's hiking and recreational opportunities.
from 
$175
 / night
99%
(826)

Molalla Ripple

11 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres ¡ Mulino, OR
Welcome to Molalla Ripple! Enjoy the sound of the Molalla River rolling over the rocks. Wake up to birds chirping and tall trees swaying in the breeze. The campsites are sixty feet apart for privacy and one path leads to the river with two private beach areas to relax. NOTE, Please use the clean bathrooms provided. DO NOT USE THE WOODS or camp site as your bathroom room. Thank you, let's keep things clean and safe for others to enjoy! Jsm Ranch started in 2004 when we moved from Oregon City. This once was a working farm with two chicken barns and a meat locker barn. All had been fallen into disrepair before taking owner ship. In 2007 we planted 200 tree's and 100 shrubs to build a new fish and wildlife habitat along Woodcock Creek. We then focused on building fence along the Molalla River to protect water quality. From there, we started raising Black Angus in 2008 after spending four years cleaning up the fields to make it safe for animals. We strive to be good stewards with our land as we continue to work with Clackamas Soil and Water to make better working lands. You're only minutes away from the town of Molalla to grab a bite, groceries or other camp items. Also have Molalla Rodeo just 3 minutes away on July 1-4th. You won't be disappointed for a great breakfast at Tammy D's (Mulino, OR), sandwiches at Humble Pig or pizza at Bear Creek Pizza & Pub.
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$20
 / night

The best camping near Ainsworth State Park guide

Overview

About

About a half-hour drive east of Portland in the Columbia River Gorge, Ainsworth Park offers easy camping for those who want to get out into nature but don't want to spend hours in the car to do so. Its location right on the Historic Columbia River Highway gives Ainsworth easy access to the roads known as “Waterfall Corridor,” meaning many of the area’s best cascades are just a short drive or hike through the woods. With about 50 campsites, the wooded Ainsworth campground is on the smaller side, but it still comes with solid features and hot showers.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve your site at Ainsworth Campground from six months in advance up to a day in advance, either on the Oregon State Parks website or over the phone.
  2. Same-day reservations are sometimes available due to last-minute cancellations, but only in person and on a first-come, first-served basis. If you don’t have a reservation and are trying to get a spot, arrive early for the best chance and be prepared to wait.
  3. The quietest campsites at Ainsworth are C01-C06. These six tent-only, walk-in sites are situated in their own little cluster, away from the freeway and main loops.

When to go

Ainsworth State Park is open from mid-March through the end of October. If you like wildflowers, spring is the best time to come to the Gorge—just be prepared for the likelihood of rain. Things usually dry off (and heat up) by the end of June, and the weather in the region tends to stay relatively warm and dry until mid- to late September. Both the campground and day-use area get crowded in summer, particularly on weekends.

Know before you go

  • The best place to stock up on supplies and groceries is in Cascade Locks, about a 10-minute drive east of Ainsworth State Park. Firewood is available for sale at the campground.
  • Pets are welcome but must remain leashed. The nearest off-leash area is at Rooster Rock State Park, about 10 miles away from Ainsworth.
  • Ainsworth has one accessible campsite, but the restrooms are not wheelchair-friendly.
  • Bans on campfires and charcoal barbecue grills are common during periods of increased forest fire risk. When the risk levels are extreme, propane stoves may also be prohibited.

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