The best camping in Columbia River Gorge with horseback riding

·

Just an hour's drive from Portland, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is the biggest in the country. Among its many campgrounds is Eagle Creek, the first forest service campground in the USA.

Outside the national and state parks, you also find dozens of private campgrounds and RV parks on both sides of the gorge. Pitch a tent by a fishing lake, along a wild river, or amid a pine forest. If you're looking for solitude, backpacking is also allowed on more than 30 trails across the gorge.

You need at least a few days to see the region's famous sights. Multnomah Falls is the most iconic cascade in the area, roaring at 620 feet. At Beacon Rock State Park, you can gawk up at Beacon Rock. The towering outcrop is one of the most distinctive features of the Columbia Gorge.

The Mt. Hood area is your go-to spot for hiking trails, and the snow-capped peak even offers downhill skiing in the SUMMER! Along the Hood River, water sports enthusiasts get stoked for world-class windsurfing. Between adventures, be sure to grab a drink at one of the region's craft breweries or wineries.

However you choose to enjoy the gorge, remember to pack your rain gear—the region is famous for its daily drizzle. Since most campgrounds are situated near railways and the interstate, you may also want to bring earplugs.

Keep in mind there's no bad time to visit the Columbia River Gorge. July and August are the height of the tourist season, but they also boast the smallest chance of rain. For the most spectacular wildflowers, shoot for April through June. Of course, a fall camping trip puts you at the forefront of Hood River Valley harvests and stunning fall colors.

98% (1.1K) 112 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Columbia River Gorge

WindWoodRivers

1. WindWoodRivers

97%
(918)
Home Valley, WA · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$100
 / night
Romantic Forest Hide-a-Way

2. Romantic Forest Hide-a-Way

94%
(68)
White Salmon, WA · 2 sites
Largely constructed from materials lovingly and gently harvested on-site, the Yurt at Rivendell is a sanctuary of peace and serenity. A place for rejuvenation and inspiration. The yurt began as a rustic structure utilizing lumber from trees selectively harvested to protect the health of the forest. But, the more Roy worked on the Yurt the more it spoke to him letting him know how to proceed and what it should become -- resulting in this phenomenally peaceful and stress-free wilderness sanctuary where the sun, the moon and the stars wink at you through the gentle undulations of the 100-year-old Douglas Firs Trees or through the ambient ether of the adjoining meadows. Our property is located 1hr and 30 minutes from Mt Hood in Oregon. We are located in White Salmon, Washington. There are enough things to do in White Salmon, including hiking trails, biking trails, white water rafting, waterfalls, and paddling spots to keep you entertained for a weekend, week, or lifetime! NOTE: While we do accept Instant Bookings for both our Tree House and Yurt there may very rarely be a conflict with a booking received earlier from another site when the HipCamp calendar has not been updated to reflect that booking. In that case, we default to the earliest booking and work with the guest to see if there are other dates which will work. *Meteorologists project possible visible Northern Lights through May 14, 2024
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$152
 / night
Eight Four Eight Camp

3. Eight Four Eight Camp

98%
(52)
White Salmon, WA · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
!-- CLOSED FOR SEASON -- ! Contact us directly for off-season reservations. Depends on weather/snow pack & amenities needs. Water is turned off for winter season & 4 wheel drive is likely required. --- Escape to Nature at Eight Four Eight Camp. Nestled on 38 acres of pristine woods and fields with a seasonal stream, Eight Four Eight Camp offers the perfect off-grid getaway for nature lovers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Adjacent to our family's historic 28-acre farm, this property is part of a sustainable 80-acre land group dedicated to forestry management, wildlife habitat conservation, and outdoor recreation. This property is located within a designated wildlife corridor. To help protect local wildlife and ensure visitor safety, all food and garbage must be stored in bear-proof, wildlife-safe containers. Proper storage reduces animal encounters and supports conservation efforts. Outdoor Adventure & Hiking Eight Four Eight Camp backs onto forest service land, providing rugged, backcountry hiking opportunities for experienced adventurers. There are no marked trails—just pure bushwhacking exploration through largely untouched wilderness. Location & Accessibility 15 minutes from downtown White Salmon 30 minutes from Hood River 1.5 hours from Portland (PDX) The access road is not suitable for large RVs or tow-behind trailers, but smaller camper vans and popup campers should navigate fine. Check out the terrain on YouTube for road conditions. https://youtu.be/Yo5dSB1hftI?si=PK3cT2O_9kWOcn18 Amenities & Important Details No cell service, electrical hookups, or public transport 4WD recommended (but not required) for access Porta-potties available at each campsite (shared at elderberry/homestead) Shared well water spigot at Elderberry Flats & Evergreen Grove 🚫 No campfires—burn ban in effect ⚠ Wildlife Corridor Advisory: Proper food and waste storage is required Leave no trace! Pack it in/pack it out - garbage service is not provided. Come experience true wilderness camping at Eight Four Eight Camp—disconnect, explore, and enjoy the outdoors in its raw, untouched beauty. This location is offered exclusively as a short-term recreational campsite. It is not a residence or dwelling unit under Washington law.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$29
 / night
Gifford Pinchot National Forest

4. Gifford Pinchot National Forest

93%
(80)
National forest in Washington · 954 sites
Explore old-growth forests, volcanic peaks, and thousands of miles of trails.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Beacon Rock State Park

5. Beacon Rock State Park

100%
(2)
State park in Washington · 33 sites
Hike, camp, and climb at The Rock.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Garden of Eden

6. Garden of Eden

98%
(32)
Lyle, WA · 1 site
**** Dear Hipcamp community - we look forward to welcoming campers back after recovering from the 2025 Burdoin Wild Fire this past summer. While our "Outlook / Nest" was severely damaged by the wildfire, the rest of the campsite is recovering well. We open May 22nd, 2026 and the camp season will run through October 31, 2026. We look forward to welcoming y'all back! **** We are new stewards and first-time homeowners of this serene, 10.5 acre homestead. 'Modern' human development on this land first began in old logging days in the early 1900s and old logging access road still runs through the center of our property. When we purchased this land in 2020, we knew we were investing in a real 'fixer-upper'. The original Buckminster Fuller geodome home was built back in the 1970s, and the outbuildings and garden spaces were later added on as the property changed hands over the decades. By the time we landed here, however, the home was in severe state of neglect. As we continue to care for and restore this home and land, we aim to use environmentally sustainable practices to minimize our impact on the land while upcycling, recycling, and re-using anything we can in the process! Follow our progress on Instagram at: @dome.sweet.home!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Nadja's Hideway

7. Nadja's Hideway

100%
(55)
Lyle, WA · 4 sites · RVs, Lodging
Open for the 2025 Season Play in Hood River during the day, relax in the country at night. We're 6.5 miles up in the hills, called High Prairie, above the sleepy town Lyle. Enjoy the peace on our 5 acre hideaway, wake up with the chickens. Take a walk to look at Mt. Adams which is just around the corner. Hiking, biking, kite boarding, windsurfing all within a few miles of reach with never ending opportunities to get your exercise. Just ask for tips. The land has mostly Oak trees where you can take your nap in your hang matt. The place is easy accessible, far away from all but still close to all Gorge attractions during the day. The town has a nice little convenience store, country cafe, Chinese restaurant, and new to our town "Confluence Cafe" right at the entrance by the Klickitat River - Awesome views - yummy treats and coffee. Matt and Ali are super cool, go check it out. Grocery shopping is best done in Hood River, White Salmon or The Dalles. Once up here, there isn't much, so come prepared.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$36
 / night
Yurt camp near White Salmon

8. Yurt camp near White Salmon

100%
(6)
White Salmon, WA · 1 site
Our 10 acres are wooded with trails that connect to hundreds of miles of trails for mountain biking and hiking. The Columbia River Gorge has most every sport and leisure activity available. Our sweet town of White Salmon is 3 miles away and has all you need for entertainment, food, and supplies. The yurt bed is super comfy, and the bucket toilet is indeed a bucket, but gets the job done! Running water available, dogs encouraged.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$81
 / night
Deschutes River State Recreation Area

9. Deschutes River State Recreation Area

88%
(7)
State park in Oregon · 25 sites
Miles of hiking trails, whitewater, and other outdoor activities make this an exciting spot!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Mt. Hood National Forest

10. Mt. Hood National Forest

92%
(191)
National forest in Oregon · 1295 sites
Explore mountains, lakes, hot springs, and hiking trails in this expansive forest near Portland.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

Just an hour's drive from Portland, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is the biggest in the country. Among its many campgrounds is Eagle Creek, the first forest service campground in the USA.

Outside the national and state parks, you also find dozens of private campgrounds and RV parks on both sides of the gorge. Pitch a tent by a fishing lake, along a wild river, or amid a pine forest. If you're looking for solitude, backpacking is also allowed on more than 30 trails across the gorge.

You need at least a few days to see the region's famous sights. Multnomah Falls is the most iconic cascade in the area, roaring at 620 feet. At Beacon Rock State Park, you can gawk up at Beacon Rock. The towering outcrop is one of the most distinctive features of the Columbia Gorge.

The Mt. Hood area is your go-to spot for hiking trails, and the snow-capped peak even offers downhill skiing in the SUMMER! Along the Hood River, water sports enthusiasts get stoked for world-class windsurfing. Between adventures, be sure to grab a drink at one of the region's craft breweries or wineries.

However you choose to enjoy the gorge, remember to pack your rain gear—the region is famous for its daily drizzle. Since most campgrounds are situated near railways and the interstate, you may also want to bring earplugs.

Keep in mind there's no bad time to visit the Columbia River Gorge. July and August are the height of the tourist season, but they also boast the smallest chance of rain. For the most spectacular wildflowers, shoot for April through June. Of course, a fall camping trip puts you at the forefront of Hood River Valley harvests and stunning fall colors.

98% (1.1K) 112 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Columbia River Gorge

WindWoodRivers

1. WindWoodRivers

97%
(918)
Home Valley, WA · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$100
 / night
Romantic Forest Hide-a-Way

2. Romantic Forest Hide-a-Way

94%
(68)
White Salmon, WA · 2 sites
Largely constructed from materials lovingly and gently harvested on-site, the Yurt at Rivendell is a sanctuary of peace and serenity. A place for rejuvenation and inspiration. The yurt began as a rustic structure utilizing lumber from trees selectively harvested to protect the health of the forest. But, the more Roy worked on the Yurt the more it spoke to him letting him know how to proceed and what it should become -- resulting in this phenomenally peaceful and stress-free wilderness sanctuary where the sun, the moon and the stars wink at you through the gentle undulations of the 100-year-old Douglas Firs Trees or through the ambient ether of the adjoining meadows. Our property is located 1hr and 30 minutes from Mt Hood in Oregon. We are located in White Salmon, Washington. There are enough things to do in White Salmon, including hiking trails, biking trails, white water rafting, waterfalls, and paddling spots to keep you entertained for a weekend, week, or lifetime! NOTE: While we do accept Instant Bookings for both our Tree House and Yurt there may very rarely be a conflict with a booking received earlier from another site when the HipCamp calendar has not been updated to reflect that booking. In that case, we default to the earliest booking and work with the guest to see if there are other dates which will work. *Meteorologists project possible visible Northern Lights through May 14, 2024
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$152
 / night
Eight Four Eight Camp

3. Eight Four Eight Camp

98%
(52)
White Salmon, WA · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
!-- CLOSED FOR SEASON -- ! Contact us directly for off-season reservations. Depends on weather/snow pack & amenities needs. Water is turned off for winter season & 4 wheel drive is likely required. --- Escape to Nature at Eight Four Eight Camp. Nestled on 38 acres of pristine woods and fields with a seasonal stream, Eight Four Eight Camp offers the perfect off-grid getaway for nature lovers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Adjacent to our family's historic 28-acre farm, this property is part of a sustainable 80-acre land group dedicated to forestry management, wildlife habitat conservation, and outdoor recreation. This property is located within a designated wildlife corridor. To help protect local wildlife and ensure visitor safety, all food and garbage must be stored in bear-proof, wildlife-safe containers. Proper storage reduces animal encounters and supports conservation efforts. Outdoor Adventure & Hiking Eight Four Eight Camp backs onto forest service land, providing rugged, backcountry hiking opportunities for experienced adventurers. There are no marked trails—just pure bushwhacking exploration through largely untouched wilderness. Location & Accessibility 15 minutes from downtown White Salmon 30 minutes from Hood River 1.5 hours from Portland (PDX) The access road is not suitable for large RVs or tow-behind trailers, but smaller camper vans and popup campers should navigate fine. Check out the terrain on YouTube for road conditions. https://youtu.be/Yo5dSB1hftI?si=PK3cT2O_9kWOcn18 Amenities & Important Details No cell service, electrical hookups, or public transport 4WD recommended (but not required) for access Porta-potties available at each campsite (shared at elderberry/homestead) Shared well water spigot at Elderberry Flats & Evergreen Grove 🚫 No campfires—burn ban in effect ⚠ Wildlife Corridor Advisory: Proper food and waste storage is required Leave no trace! Pack it in/pack it out - garbage service is not provided. Come experience true wilderness camping at Eight Four Eight Camp—disconnect, explore, and enjoy the outdoors in its raw, untouched beauty. This location is offered exclusively as a short-term recreational campsite. It is not a residence or dwelling unit under Washington law.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$29
 / night
Gifford Pinchot National Forest

4. Gifford Pinchot National Forest

93%
(80)
National forest in Washington · 954 sites
Explore old-growth forests, volcanic peaks, and thousands of miles of trails.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Beacon Rock State Park

5. Beacon Rock State Park

100%
(2)
State park in Washington · 33 sites
Hike, camp, and climb at The Rock.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Garden of Eden

6. Garden of Eden

98%
(32)
Lyle, WA · 1 site
**** Dear Hipcamp community - we look forward to welcoming campers back after recovering from the 2025 Burdoin Wild Fire this past summer. While our "Outlook / Nest" was severely damaged by the wildfire, the rest of the campsite is recovering well. We open May 22nd, 2026 and the camp season will run through October 31, 2026. We look forward to welcoming y'all back! **** We are new stewards and first-time homeowners of this serene, 10.5 acre homestead. 'Modern' human development on this land first began in old logging days in the early 1900s and old logging access road still runs through the center of our property. When we purchased this land in 2020, we knew we were investing in a real 'fixer-upper'. The original Buckminster Fuller geodome home was built back in the 1970s, and the outbuildings and garden spaces were later added on as the property changed hands over the decades. By the time we landed here, however, the home was in severe state of neglect. As we continue to care for and restore this home and land, we aim to use environmentally sustainable practices to minimize our impact on the land while upcycling, recycling, and re-using anything we can in the process! Follow our progress on Instagram at: @dome.sweet.home!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Nadja's Hideway

7. Nadja's Hideway

100%
(55)
Lyle, WA · 4 sites · RVs, Lodging
Open for the 2025 Season Play in Hood River during the day, relax in the country at night. We're 6.5 miles up in the hills, called High Prairie, above the sleepy town Lyle. Enjoy the peace on our 5 acre hideaway, wake up with the chickens. Take a walk to look at Mt. Adams which is just around the corner. Hiking, biking, kite boarding, windsurfing all within a few miles of reach with never ending opportunities to get your exercise. Just ask for tips. The land has mostly Oak trees where you can take your nap in your hang matt. The place is easy accessible, far away from all but still close to all Gorge attractions during the day. The town has a nice little convenience store, country cafe, Chinese restaurant, and new to our town "Confluence Cafe" right at the entrance by the Klickitat River - Awesome views - yummy treats and coffee. Matt and Ali are super cool, go check it out. Grocery shopping is best done in Hood River, White Salmon or The Dalles. Once up here, there isn't much, so come prepared.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$36
 / night
Yurt camp near White Salmon

8. Yurt camp near White Salmon

100%
(6)
White Salmon, WA · 1 site
Our 10 acres are wooded with trails that connect to hundreds of miles of trails for mountain biking and hiking. The Columbia River Gorge has most every sport and leisure activity available. Our sweet town of White Salmon is 3 miles away and has all you need for entertainment, food, and supplies. The yurt bed is super comfy, and the bucket toilet is indeed a bucket, but gets the job done! Running water available, dogs encouraged.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$81
 / night
Deschutes River State Recreation Area

9. Deschutes River State Recreation Area

88%
(7)
State park in Oregon · 25 sites
Miles of hiking trails, whitewater, and other outdoor activities make this an exciting spot!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Mt. Hood National Forest

10. Mt. Hood National Forest

92%
(191)
National forest in Oregon · 1295 sites
Explore mountains, lakes, hot springs, and hiking trails in this expansive forest near Portland.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

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