The best camping near Goldendale Observatory State Park Heritage Site

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Goldendale Observatory State Park Heritage Site adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Goldendale Observatory State Park Heritage Site

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Lefever Holbrook Ranch

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents400 acres · Goldendale, WA
The Lefever Holbrook Ranch offers a unique stay overlooking some of washington’s most scenic views. Enjoy educational workshops and local adventures through the Gorge. Tour the land and hear about Paulette’s ranching philosophy. The ranch stores are open by appointment, so stock up on the ranches products grass-fed beef, lamb, pork, chickens, turkey, and rabbit or graze the greenhouse or gardens for just picked in season vegetables or catch on the daily evening barns tours available with sign up.
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$50
 / night
97%
(16)

The Pines at LaVines

10 sites · RVs, Tents24 acres · Goldendale, WA
I bought my land in 1999. Back then I was the only one living on Austin rd past the end of the county road. Austin rd was still a gravel road then and so was Hanging Rock rd. Learn more about this land: Pitch a tent, bring your RV or something in between. Hunting fishing hiking relaxing in the trees. You can stay here and explore the Columbia river gorge, Mt Adams or Mt Hood, or head to the Yakima valley. Lots of deer and turkeys and other forest animals. Walli sturgeon and salmon are just some of the fish you can catch in the Columbia river or the Klickitat river. Pick huckleberries on the side of Mt Adams. Listen to the wind blowing in the tree tops as you rest and nap in the sun or shade. Territorial views and just 6 miles to town-close enough for beer and ice cream in the middle of the night( Sentry market open till 10pm). Maryhill museum is about 25 miles away. Biggs junction and I84 are just 20 miles and highway 97 is only 4 miles away, Toppenish wa is only 55 miles up north highway 97. Room for turning around big rv’s. Bring your grill and lawn chairs, mountain bikes or recumbents,  Fence panels available for a temp dog kennel-limited availability. , No porta potties on site at this time. The guest bathroom accessed through the back door of the mobile home is available for use you will need to bring your own towels, soap ect. Right now there is wifi available at the mobile home by starlink. we hope to be able to extend it to the green pole barn building in the near future. Garbage can be dropped off down by the mobile home in closed garbage bags. At this time you will need to bring your own firewood and grills. Hope to have fire wood for purchase next year as well as fire pits/grills on site. Some rolling terrain, lots of flat spots for camp. The road in is a little rough but my Audi TT doesn't have trouble except when the snow melts and turns into slush. Lots of privacy because the county road does not run past my place and each camp site is aprox 1.5 acres each so you have room for social distancing and privacy or you can find a spot that looks good to you and make your own camp. Located 1/2 mile off of the paved county road. only 3 neighbors within half a mile( the trees are thick enough you probably won't see them ever). Burn ban in effect June 1st till October 1st.
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$25
 / night
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(2)

Cat's Forest Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent80 acres · Goldendale, WA
On a clear day you can see Mount Hood. Great stargazing at night away from bright lights. Lots of River Rock and Agates. Abundant wildlife. Mostly hilly and forested terrain. Nearby is Greek Bakery & monastery, Brooks Memorial State Park. Visit Goldendale Observatory, Maryhill museum & Stonehenge.
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$25
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KLICKITAT VIEW CABIN

1 site · Lodging20 acres · Goldendale, WA
Relax and restore on the top of the hill on our 20-acre, private property. You'll have the property and 750-square foot cabin to yourself. With views of Mt. Adams, the Simcoe mountains, and a million stars, you can hike, star gaze, and enjoy fireside games at this updated cabin with a classic aesthetic. This is off-grid with electric lighting. We have a sink and pump that provides running water like a household sink. There is a porta-potty near the house and an outdoor heated shower. You'll bring your bedding, extra water for showering, and towels to make yourself comfortable. We have blankets and kitchen equipment as well as an outdoor grill and solo stove firepit. Come recharge among nature.
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$105
 / night
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(200)

Roots Rise Family Farm

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Lyle, WA
Cozy boondock campground situated in the beautiful High Prairie on Friends of the Gorge land with gorgeous views in every direction. Our property has been intact here since the 1940’s and has tons of eclectic charm & history. We are excited to share this beautiful land and its bounty with anyone who feels called. We are slowly building our dreams here and love the camping community so much. Come for the peace & quiet. Stay for the adventure.
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$45
 / night
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(2)

Woodland Farm

1 site · RV12 acres · Goldendale, WA
Nestled in a serene countryside, framed by towering pines and majestic oak savanna, lies a peaceful farm just a short and pleasant 12-minute drive from the vibrant town of Goldendale. Here, tranquility reigns supreme as you escape into the quiet embrace of nature. Step onto the farm and be greeted by the delightful presence of our friendly mini goats, their playful antics inviting you to feed and interact with them. Wander through the shaded lavender garden, where time seems to slow down as you find solace in watching the chickens go about their daily routine. Discover two inviting outdoor pavilions, offering a perfect sanctuary for relaxation. Unwind in a comfortable seating area, surrounded by lush gardens adorned with a vibrant tapestry of plants, both beautiful to behold and delightful to taste. Or savor the flavors of a delicious meal prepared on the barbecue grill. As day turns to night, indulge in the mesmerizing art of stargazing. Find serenity on the swinging saucer bed nestled within the enchanting Shade Garden, where you can recline and marvel at the celestial wonders above. Or, gather around the captivating fire table on the front porch, as the vibrant hues of a breathtaking sunset paint the sky, casting a warm glow upon your shared moments. This haven of tranquility offers a respite from the bustling world, a place where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, savor delicious flavors, and forge cherished memories. Come, experience the allure of our farm, where every corner invites you to bask in the splendor of the countryside and discover moments of pure bliss.
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$30
 / night
Booked 30 times

Nella Chestnut Farm

12 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Hood River, OR
Neal Creek runs through the farm, offering a tranquil ambiance with its soothing sounds, making it a dreamy wake-up call for guests. Additionally, there's a picturesque 10-foot-deep pond, fed by Shelly Creek, attracting graceful ducks. Children of all ages can enjoy the thrill of a very tall swing on the property. There are 2 full restrooms each with a shower, 1 built inside a 20-foot shipping container the other right beside it. Exploring the farm is a delightful experience, guests are welcome to let their dogs roam freely. No plastic bags left behind please. There is a small garbage can in each restroom or even better grab a shovel, dig a small hole, add nutrients to the soil, cover with dirt & Mother Nature will take it from there .The trees would love to see that. Skaters ... and maybe some of you ... wait for it ... used to skate ... LOL ... there's a mini ramp inside a 20' shipping container, drop in. Please remember to dispose of all waste and recyclables responsibly by taking them to the Hood River Recycle and Transfer Station at 3440 Guignard Dr, Hood River, OR 97031.
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$20
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Wildheart Homestead

4 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Goldendale, WA
Our humble homestead sits on five beautiful acres of combined oak forest and wildflower prairie in a region of Washington state so renowned for its recreational opportunities that it's referred to as "Sportsman's Paradise". We're just getting started here, but have big plans for establishing a self-sustaining intentional community centered around teaching visitors about primitive skills such as hide-tanning, herbalism, wilderness survival, and wildlife tracking; as well as important modern homesteading skills like managing a composting toilet system, growing gardens, setting up alternative power sources, and raising livestock. We have the astounding privilege to live within just 20 minutes of the Columbia River Gorge, world-famous for its numerous fishing, wind-sports, and adventuring opportunities. This is a region famous also for big game hunting (deer, elk, bear, cougar), wild-foraging of edible mushrooms (morels, in particular), wineries, art museums, and more! Located just a 10-minute drive from the heart of Goldendale, Washington, you can enjoy the seclusion of our land while remaining close to restaurants, bars, grocery stores, laundry service, a community pool, mechanics services, and many other amenities. Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent in our beautiful oak grove, or in the heart of our wildflower prairie in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. You'll have easy access to potable water, a composting toilet, and can take advantage of the unique opportunity to learn about primitive skills and the homesteading lifestyle from your hosts, Danny and Sarah. Danny is an herbalist and studies plant medicine extensively, often utilizing materials foraged from the property or from the nearby woods. Upon request, Danny can lead herb walks and foraging talks to interested campers. Sarah is an accomplished survivalist and taxidermy artist, who teaches hide-tanning, skinning, and butchering. She has been featured on national television for her primitive survival skills, and can teach classes on tracking wildlife and tanning animal skins. Let our homestead serve as your home base while you fish, hunt, hike, and explore the stunning Columbia River Gorge! 
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$25
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Mosier creek Camp

4 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Mosier, OR
on the banks of Mosier Creek. Nice shady, private area. Several hikes from your spot. Fly fishing for brook trout, lots if craydads in creek. Wild mint, black berry's, a hammock for a afternoon nap. Flat area foe a tent, RV, small trailer. Chairs, table, hammock ready for you to come and enjoy. Oregon, has mosquitoes, snakes, deer, fox, coyotes. As of Oct 1st. Small fires are allowed. After you turn on Carrol road, you will see a dry creek road sign. The camp site is down over the bank from this sign
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$30
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Authentic Mongolian Yurt

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Goldendale, WA
We live in the hills above the amazing Columbia River Gorge on the Washington side. Our five acres of towering pines and oak waft fresh piney breezes to refresh our travelers beneath skies thick with shining stars. This is a place to draw in peace from the surrounding nature and to take in the quiet of the wind in the trees. Our yurt is made of 100% organic material including the yak hair ropes and pure sheep felt that surround and insulate the structure. Our goal has been to provide a respite from city stress and to offer an opportunity for relaxation under a different type of roof.
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$126
 / night

Stargazer’s Private Valley

1 site · RV, Tent40 acres · Goldendale, WA
Walk pass the stargazer’s spot into a valley, no light pollution. A valley just for serious Stargazers Dream all to your self Valley. Find a spot, pitch a spot. Be sure to have everything you need for the night’s rest. Water, food…..plan for restrooms (off grid, bring your own) camp off the way colony way….just off grid, any way you comfortable, your way.
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$47
 / night
95%
(78)

The Windward Forest

6 sites · RVs, Tents121 acres · Wahkiacus, WA
For thirty years, the Windward community has been developing its stewardship forest as a home for a variety of sustainability systems using renewable energy systems and cooperative community. Learn more about this land:Our 40-acre campground is adjacent to our main sustainability research center. It is completely isolated from the world at large. Our forest is located in a transitional zone where you'll see Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine growing side by side among century-old oak trees.  From here you can tube the wild Klickitat, hike the alpine slopes of Mt. Adams or windsurf the Columbia.
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$40
 / night

The best camping near Goldendale Observatory State Park Heritage Site guide

Overview

About

Embark on an astronomical adventure at Goldendale Observatory State Park Heritage Site. Here, the universe unfolds before your eyes with one of the nation's largest public telescopes. By day, bask in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and as night falls, gaze upon the celestial wonders during the park's famed evening programs. While overnight stays are not on the agenda, the park's interpretive activities and stargazing opportunities promise a day trip like no other.

When to go

The best time to visit Goldendale Observatory State Park Heritage Site is from April 1 to September 30, when the park is open Thursday through Sunday and offers both solar and evening shows. Winter months offer a different charm, with operations from Friday to Sunday. Avoid closures by planning your visit around these times.

Know before you go

  • Ensure you have a Discover Pass; an annual pass is $30, and a one-day pass is $10.
  • Appointments are required for visiting, so book in advance to secure your spot.
  • Remember, day-use only—overnight parking or camping is not permitted.
  • Service animals are welcome, but pets and emotional support animals are not allowed in the building.
  • Check the park hours before your visit, as they vary seasonally and the park closes at sunset on non-operational days.

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