Camping in the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon: Best Columbia River Gorge Campgrounds 2023

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WindWoodRivers

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Home Valley, WAOne 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!

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$75

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Justesen Ranches

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, TentsTygh Valley, ORJustesen Ranches is family owned working cattle, wheat and recreation ranch . Our properties are located in the Columbia River Plateau in North Central Oregon. Enjoy wide open spaces, reservoirs for wildlife watching and clear night skies for star gazing. This is a leave no trace, pack it in, pack it out camping area.The property is located in Tygh Valley and is only a few minutes from the general store and the stunning White River Falls State Park. The Deschutes River whitewater rafting hub of Maupin is just a 10 minute drive away. The lodge two hours from Portland and 30 min from The Dalles.

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$85

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Camp Colton

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents85 acres · Colton, OROne of rural Oregon's hidden gems, Camp Colton is a retreat and event center tucked away on 85 acres of forest. Enjoy hiking our trails, walking our creeks and swimming or canoeing in our creek-fed pond. This is a truly special setting to unplug and relax. Our listings offer something for everyone, including tent camping, RV sites, a tiny house, forest yurt and a cottage that sleeps up to six! All of our listings are pet friendly and allow campfires (burn ban permitting). Amenities for each listing vary from bare-bones to full kitchen and bath, so be sure to read each description carefully and choose according to your needs. Our guests love staying with us! "This place was absolutely amazing! We cannot wait to come back!" "The host thought of everything - every little touch and comfort to make it feel so cozy and glamping-perfect." "The fire pit and chairs outside were excellent, and the stove inside kept it so cozy and warm in there. Plenty of firewood, lighter, blankets, water & lights - we wanted for nothing!" "It felt very remote and we could hear the water all night, but it’s actually not remote and so we appreciated that the camp was gated at night." "Such a great place!! We are going to recommend it to all our friends and can’t wait to get back. Thanks to Neal for being an excellent host when we arrived!!"

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$50

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Cowlitz River Rentals

29 sites · RVs, Tents70 acres · WAWELCOME to Cowlitz River Rentals! Sites are listed as: -Individual (ind) - up to 6 people -Small Group (sm group) - up to 16 people -Large Group (lg group) - up to 30 people We have 9 options for Individual, 7 options for Small Group, and 5 options for Large Group. Some of these are different options for the same site. They are not necessarily in order. Please scroll through. Not all sites can accommodate groups. Some sites are not feasible for large trailers. Click on a site for the description and more details. More site pics coming soon. We offer some of the most beautiful scenery in western Washington. Here you will find the peaceful quiet of being "away from it all", yet in reality you are only a little over a mile from the local grocery store, restaurants, and gas stations along Hwy 12 in Randle. Randle is a gateway to many other outdoor areas and activities including Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, and Mt. St. Helens. You can feel safe leaving your camp set up while you take day excursions. We have sites scattered across 70 acres. Your perfect camping site may be found in the fields, in the shade of the trees, by the river, in view of Mt. Adams, or a combination of these. We have space to accommodate one person or large groups. You can be assured plenty of space for privacy and quiet, even if other campers are in the vicinity. We currently host newly developed, private river access, camp areas on the upper Cowlitz River. ("Newly developed" means that the brush and briars were pushed away and there is dirt remaining.) We are mowing and clearing limbs to try to make things easy to get around and look nice, but this has been a cattle grazing pasture for the past 100 years. It is also flood plain, so we get a fresh covering of river silt almost every year. HipCamp shows us as having 22 sites, but that is because some sites have more than one option to book. However, there are ONLY 13 site locations strategically spread across this large acreage, each with its own "personality" and benefits. The property has a TWO MILE perimeter.....there is plenty of room! PLEASE READ THE DESCRIPTION FOR EACH SITE to find out what type of vehicle it can handle. Some are tent only. Even though the HipCamp site map may look like the property could be crowded, we monitor our registrations and limit bookings in an additional effort to maintain privacy and a peaceful atmosphere. We value being in the outdoors, with the feeling of "getting away", without having the rules, restrictions, and crowds of typical campground areas.... we figure you do too. The Google Earth picture used to pinpoint site locations is a few years old. We have been clearing site areas of underbrush and briars. New pics will be added as we get them. Please feel free to ask questions about any site. Most areas can be accessed with 2wd vehicles, although certain areas may not be sketchy for something with low clearance. Some sites are more friendly to larger trailers than others. Please read the descriptions and ask questions if you are unsure. We have four separate riverbars, some with sandy beach areas. There is plenty of river space for all. Ask us about river floating and kayak options. Let us know if you have a special group event. We are very flexible and can help you create the situation that would suit your group the best. Pets are welcome, but be aware that coyotes, bobcat, and cougar have been sited in the valley. There are also eagles and hawks to be aware of for smaller animals. Feel free to reach out with questions before booking to make sure all of your needs can be accommodated. Things to be considered: Need for outside toilets, need for campfire wood, need for water, types of vehicles, your camping goal (group get together or total solitude with peace and quiet), quick easy access to the main road or camping way off the path, best pet areas, best kid friendly areas, ect. We welcome your questions. Our goal is to help you make great memories!

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$48

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Four Directions Retreat

72 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents27 acres · Rainier, ORCome relax and enjoy the amazing energy of Four Directions Retreat, where we provide beautiful campsites, an amazing outdoor stage and a cute tiny cabin. We offer hiking, mountain biking and spend time with our adorable goats! We have a meadow and forested camping options. Our beautiful property features a 40+ year old Douglas Fir forest and a spacious meadow which is stunning in the spring with wild grasses and beautiful flowers. During the summer you can take a break from the heat or just relax amongst the huge ferns, a variety of delicious berries, Douglas Fir, Western Cedar and Alder trees. You can also take in some fresh air and forest views while hiking around the trails on the property. Using mostly reclaimed materials, we recently built a great stage for entertainment (concerts, weddings, movie nights, etc... ), a wood fired Sauna with cooling deck, an outdoor kitchen to support events, a nice shower facility and have three composting outhouses strategically located to best accommodate our guests. Our property complimented with a sweet Tiny Cabin that includes space for family or friends with tents. We also have two Glamp Camps sporting a 16' Bell Tent and a large nicely equipped tent and a 12' custom Long Pole tent (Tipi) . Lets not forget the 10 mostly private and unique 10 traditional camp sites. If that isn't enough, we are located close to a lot of cool activities and areas of interest. If you like disc golf, Trojan Park is only 8 minutes away. You can also jump in the water at a several County Parks along the mighty Columbia River which are about 10 minutes away. The picturesque Beaver Falls is a stunning 20 minute drive through the country followed by a short hike. Then you can always take a kayak around Scappoose Bay which is a 30 minute drive from 4D. You can find out more interesting things about 4D on Facebook and TikTok. Just search our name.

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$48

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The Arboretum at Bear Canyon West

12 sites · RVs12 acres · Cinebar, WAThis is a gorgeous park-like campground situated between the trees of the arboretum. Beautiful view of the mountains and forests here in western Washington. We are close to Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier and several lakes. There are walking trails all around the site. The 12 acre campground is located on a 136 acre property that is an active Christmas tree farm. Trails continue throughout the tree farm. Many trails have a view of the Tilton River, which can be reached via a challenging 3/4 mile trail. Sites are on 10 acres planted with many different species of trees that are about 25 years old. Giant Redwoods, Cedars, and Maples are just a few of the varieties present. Part of the farm is still a working Christmas tree farm. The trails are wide and grassy. There is an old logging road that we use as a trail to the river. With an elevation change of about 500 feet, the trail can be quite challenging. Bear Creek empties into the Tilton river at the end of the trail. There is an ART GALLERY where you can learn to pound flowers, see the host's artwork and get a cup of coffee! This is upstairs above the shop, right on the property. Tilton River Studio Gallery. Member of ARTrails of Southwest Washington. Every site has a water spigot (use a pressure regulator if you want to hook up). No restrooms or sewer hookups. Garbage disposal site available Memorial Day to Labor Day. We look forward to hosting you!

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$40

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Historic, Quiet Organic Farm

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents21 acres · Salem, ORGeerCrest Farm occupies Kalapuya land, settled by the Geer family in 1847, and is still owned and stewarded by the family. The house Ralph and Mary Geer built in 1851 stands and is one of the oldest in Oregon to remain in the same family. GeerCrest Farm and Historical Society manages the front portion of the land and has provided farm-life experiences for all ages since 2007, along with day and overnight experiences for individuals and families. Along with its history, the valley view, small creek and pond, farm animal, and diverse wildlife at GeerCrest is a truly unique experience. On the 20 acre property, we offer two tent camp sites, a tree house, as well as two woodland lodgings. Our peaceful, small farm offers a reflective immersion in nature and history among the occasional chatter of chickens and baaas of sheep. The scenery from all corners of the farm is incredible - a favorite is the westward view of the valley pasture at sunset -- called "Homer's View" after famous political cartoonist and Geer descendant, Homer Davenport. No matter which camping site you choose, the sounds of the creek, pond frogs, or conversing owls are sure to lull you to sleep. Please say hello to our flock of chickens, barn cats (they may say hello first) and small but mighty herd of sheep. Explore the Heritage Grove of historic trees, the Memorial apple orchard and pear glade with varieties cerca 1840s, indulge your senses in our medicinal herb garden, ponder the historic 1854 black cottonwood tree and chat with our farm family while they water the veggie gardens, if you so wish! Your experience will certainly be unique to the season. GeerCrest Farm is truly an off-the-beaten-path gem.

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$35

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Booked 4 times

Favorite Creek Campground

16 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Westport, ORCome and explore this 100 acre wood. Play in small creeks and waterfalls. Walk the trails. Take in the view from top end of property. Watch elk deer and other wildlife. Enjoy your campfire roast Hotdogs, marshmallows and make some-mores. Camp is just 10 minutes from The small town of Clatskanie. There you can find just about anything you need.

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$15

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(3)

Wild Blackberry Heights

7 sites · RVs, Tents18 acres · East Cathlamet, WAA seasonal stream flows through forested wild lands to a 100-foot waterfall plunging over basalt cliffs into the Columbia River. Open meadows on two knolls frame a natural amphitheater. A rough road crosses the creek leading hikers and bikers to the town of Cathlamet (about a mile away) with its brewery, restaurants, and marina with self-service kayak rentals.

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$10

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Grove Getaways

8 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Buckley, WALearn more about this land:10 minutes from Bonney Lake, 15 minutes from Lake Tapps and one hour from Mt Rainier. We have 40 acres of sloped land with trails, wildlife, and nature to explore. Your tent site has territorial views of South Prairie, and includes a fire pit. Owners live on the property about a quarter mile away from the tent site, where you will find a communal kitchen and bathroom available for use.

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$55

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(39)

Riverberry Retreat Camp

29 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Nehalem, ORRiverberry is the perfect setting to get outside and connect with nature. Relax on the riverfront, go for a swim under a waterfall, fish, hike, rockhound, and explore old growth rainforest, located on the beautiful and pristine North Fork Nehalem River. There is plenty of room for private or group camping. Sites are secluded and firewood is for sale on site; shared composting toilets for camp site guests and potable water is available at the homestead for filling your containers. The North Fork Nehalem river is home to some of the best salmon and steelhead fishing around. It is still a wild place and not uncommon to see deer, elk, beaver, bald eagles, coyotes and a very rare bear sighting. You will be a 20 minute drive away from the coast in Manzanita for beach beach combing, farmers market, unique shops, epic hikes and local cuisine. Just past Manzanita, another 10-20 mins further, are Cannon Beach and Seaside. Check-in is from 2-7pm. Let us know asap if you need accomodations outside of that time frame. We are happy to offer suggestions or answer any questions you have about your stay, just ask!

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$79

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Dean’s Campground

11 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Auburn, WAWelcome to Dean's Campground! We are located in Auburn, Washington just off Highway 18. Our location is ideal for those commuting between national parks or a quick overnight to get away from the city. Bears, bobcats, coyotes and more frequent the 6 camp site property. Largely untouched by humans for the last 50 years (after a once-over by Weyerhaeuser), most of the property still serves as an unofficial refuge. We are bordered by King County-protected wetlands and backed by a few newer builds. Upon ascent of the logging road entrance, you will find abandoned buildings, a pond, and a couple old manufactured homes. We will always be in process of updating, upgrading, and improving. Our history - In 1975 Dean and Barbara Inabnit purchased 11 undeveloped acres from Weyerhaeuser. Dean’s plan to bring two manufactured homes to the property was only shortly delayed by a $20,000 bid per house to have the Coast Guard airlift the houses into place. The only option, it seemed. Dean took his $40,000 and purchased a bulldozer and tractor. Weyerhaeuser granted Dean permission to widen well over 2 miles of a county access road through the forest from the direction of the nearby fire station. He drug the homes through his temporary driveway and finally in 1978, the houses were hooked up to water, sewer, and power. They moved in. He spent the next few years building a logging road as his main drive from Auburn-Black Diamond, sourcing all materials from the land. Dean and Barbara finished raising their family here, and for a while, their grandchildren enjoyed the land, too. Dean is 82 years old. His children and grandchildren return every so often as guests at the campground. As a father / daughter team willing and able to tackle projects, we purchased this property in 2020. Our purchase allowed Dean to relax and retire to the Centralia area with family. We bought his bulldozer and his tractor, and he and his family are happy to know we are continuing their hard work.

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$14

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Camping in Columbia River Gorge

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