The best hot spring campgrounds in Columbia River Gorge

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.

99% (600) • 57 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Columbia River Gorge

WindWoodRivers

1. WindWoodRivers

97%

(916)

7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$100

/ night

The Burke Cabin

2. The Burke Cabin

95%

(10)

8 sites · Lodging · Rhododendron , OR

My husband, Chandler and I were both lucky enough to have grown up in the beautiful Mt. Hood area. Now with hard work and determination we are raising our five children in this magical place. A few years ago Chandler sold a large portion of his company and we purchased our rustic log cabin. We love the idea of sharing our peaceful cabin and property with the world! We recently decide to put our primary home on the site, to allow us to catch up on our debt. We are so thankful that both our places are loved by our guests. Renting our homes has allowed us to work a little less and enjoy our little ones while they are still little. Learn more about this land:Rustic log cabin on secluded 34 acres with exceptional Mt. Hood and Zig Zag wilderness views all around. Only 3.3 miles from highway 26. The property is horse trailer accessible. Just moments away from endless hiking, horse trails, and sandy river beaches...not to mention all the other Mt. Hood area attractions. We also rent our property for weddings, family reunions, camp-outs, graduation parties and other events. Bring your own bedding and towels or we can supply them for you to use for an additional fee. Pets welcome with additional $65/pet cleaning fee. Additional $50 per person fee after first two people. 

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

$383

/ night

Mt. Hood National Forest

3. Mt. Hood National Forest

92%

(191)

1295 sites · Government Camp, Oregon

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.

99% (600) • 57 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Columbia River Gorge

WindWoodRivers

1. WindWoodRivers

97%

(916)

7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$100

/ night

The Burke Cabin

2. The Burke Cabin

95%

(10)

8 sites · Lodging · Rhododendron , OR

My husband, Chandler and I were both lucky enough to have grown up in the beautiful Mt. Hood area. Now with hard work and determination we are raising our five children in this magical place. A few years ago Chandler sold a large portion of his company and we purchased our rustic log cabin. We love the idea of sharing our peaceful cabin and property with the world! We recently decide to put our primary home on the site, to allow us to catch up on our debt. We are so thankful that both our places are loved by our guests. Renting our homes has allowed us to work a little less and enjoy our little ones while they are still little. Learn more about this land:Rustic log cabin on secluded 34 acres with exceptional Mt. Hood and Zig Zag wilderness views all around. Only 3.3 miles from highway 26. The property is horse trailer accessible. Just moments away from endless hiking, horse trails, and sandy river beaches...not to mention all the other Mt. Hood area attractions. We also rent our property for weddings, family reunions, camp-outs, graduation parties and other events. Bring your own bedding and towels or we can supply them for you to use for an additional fee. Pets welcome with additional $65/pet cleaning fee. Additional $50 per person fee after first two people. 

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

$383

/ night

Mt. Hood National Forest

3. Mt. Hood National Forest

92%

(191)

1295 sites · Government Camp, Oregon

Explore mountains, lakes, hot springs, and hiking trails in this expansive forest near Portland.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

A

Adam

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to WindWoodRivers

The sites are all very unique. We loved out stay. Lots of salmon making a run up river right now. It was very cool to watch the salmon and also a big group of kayakers going by. Sites were clean. Wish we would have added the sauna add on. They looked really neat.

Chris

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to WindWoodRivers

Great spot, great family, we will always return! Thanks!

S

Saira

October 2025

Tent

1 night at WindWoodRivers

Loved the location and the beautiful woods and water access. Will definitely be back!

G

Grant

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to WindWoodRivers

Absolutely loved our stay at WindWoodRivers, the host was extremely responsive and helpful in answering our questions, the campsite and accommodations (ie toilet) were extremely well kept, and the campsites were well distanced to allow for a secluded experience

K

Kelli

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at WindWoodRivers

Thank you for a lovely place for camping and R and R. We will be back!

D

Drew

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to WindWoodRivers

Easily my favorite private camping experience in the PNW. Everything is here, contained, maintained, and beautifully private and safe.

S

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to WindWoodRivers

It was a beautiful site and we enjoyed it very much. We will book again!

K

Kaela

September 2025

19 ft pop-up camper

1 night at WindWoodRivers

Wonderful! Naturally incredible area, but also thoughtfully set up campgrounds and welcoming host.

Jenna

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at WindWoodRivers

I love this place. I have camped at other sites as well. If you know, you know. Just be aware, it is a little walk from the car. It is not a car camping spot. But very beautiful and would do it again.

A

Ann

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to WindWoodRivers

Beautiful location, great trails, great privacy!!!

Gitanjali

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

1 night at WindWoodRivers

This is such a lovely spot at the confluence of the Wind River & the Little Wind River. Lots of space for all of our tents and vehicles. Also, the perfect spot for full moon camping and late night skyviews. The soaking & swimming are just dreamy. The composting toilet was really clean. Thank you for sharing this treasure.

K

Kat

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to WindWoodRivers

I loved the land, we stayed in eagle nest and it was very cozy and secluded. Just perfect. The only thing that was annoying is when I asked a question that didn’t get answered. We figured it out but it would have been nice to have peace of mind. The water was amazing, the toilets were clean and very nice ! The access to get in was easy and made you feel very secure. This land is very much loved.

Twila

August 2025

Tent

1 night at WindWoodRivers

beautiful serene campsite, lots of trails and creeks to explore . we hiked up the wind river and found some healing springs to relax in. The composting bathrooms were very clean and no flies. we never saw our host.

Shay

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at WindWoodRivers

Gorgeous spot along a beautiful river! I loved it so much.

a

anne

August 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at WindWoodRivers

Great camping with the family. Enough space for 2 tents. The walk in is definitely more than 50 feet and inclined. I will pack a load in/out cart next time if traveling with coolers and folding tables and such. A truly beautiful spot and so special to sleep next to the Little Wind. Will be back!

M

Megan

August 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

With pets

2 nights at WindWoodRivers

Loved everything about this place. My fav camping spot now. So beautiful and magical, it was a treat to be on the land. The meadow was nice for our group and compost toilets were great.

Jennifer

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at WindWoodRivers

Perfect spot to relax by the water. Grounds were spotless and we barely saw any other campers. Can’t wait to go back.

T

Taylor

July 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at WindWoodRivers

Beautiful secluded spot alone crystal clear water. Falling asleep to the sound of water running over rocks was dreamy. It’s a short but steep walk from the car to the site (sign says 50ft) on a single track path with some roots and rocks. The site is elevated from the river by about 10 feet and it’s steep so there’s a rung ladder to get to the water. Beautiful combo of trees for shade and open sky to see the stars. Nice little fire pit. Host was responsive and informative regarding my question about fire bands and accessing fire wood. Directions to the site (once booked) were perfect. Compost toilet is in an outhouse about a 5 minute walk from the site, for number twos; super clean and smell free.

K

Kirsten

July 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to WindWoodRivers

It‘s a great site and very private. We‘ll be back!

Luke

July 2025

Tent

1 night at WindWoodRivers

This is our favorite campground in the Gorge, we come multiple times every summer! We love the hot springs and the fishing is great. Campsites are all cool and have their own individual perks like swings over the river and built in tables and benches. We highly recommend this campground!