Lake Camping in Columbia River Gorge, Oregon: Best Lake Campsites 2024

United States
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Oregon
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Columbia River Gorge

98% (576 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Columbia River Gorge

8 top lakeside campgrounds in Columbia River Gorge

Dog-friendly getaways

99%

(219)

Lis-Bon Acres 🥚🐝🐰

6 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Amboy, WA

We purchased Lis-Bon Acres 🥚🐝🐰 over 11 years ago. Prior to our ownership, the property was home to a Christmas Tree farm for over 20 years. This 30+ year old reformed Christmas Tree farm seeks visitors looking to experience our hobby farm, learn about homestead practices, and enjoy our adventure. We have allowed the Christmas Trees to grow and have the property in Timber Management. We use our livestock to help with management of the timber byproducts. We are a working hobby farm and your stay allows for a tour, visits with our animals, and learning about small to large practices you can implement at your own home. Our current farm animals include alpacas, goats, a mini donkey, geese, ducks, chickens, rabbits, and our newest additions, two EMUS! Plus our livestock guardians and farm kitties. Plus we have an area for kiddo enjoyment that includes a ninja course, seesaw, teether ball, and volleyball net. Wander around the wooded areas and keep eyes open for wild rabbits, newts, and count the variety of birds you see. There are plenty of opportunities to learn about watershed management and habitat restoration. We are 15 minutes from access to boating, kayaking, or swimming at Lake Merwin. Several smaller to larger hiking options are short drives or take a country drive to explore the wonders of Mt. St. Helens' South side including the Ape Cave lava tube (24 miles) or Lava Canyon (34 miles). There are lots of historical sites to visit too. Nearby is the Cedar Creek Grist Mill and the North County Museum. A drive into Yacolt gets you to the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad then off to see the historical Pomeroy Farm. There is lots to see and do. Come spend the night on our amazing farm in the midst of our growing timber crop. The Glamp and Jack sites do not have access to electricity.

Justesen Ranches

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, TentsTygh Valley, OR

Justesen 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.

Great mix of Forrest, Ranch & Farm

3 sites · RVs2 acres · Sandy, OR

Learn more about this land:The camp sites are open to sun roughly 8am to 3pm Before it falls back behind the trees but those hours vary on the season a little. There’s one 21’ RV available for rent onsite (linens NOT provided) with power and water. Comfortably sleeps 4 but theirs room for up to two more RVs for dry-dockers if you can back in as there’s no pull through option. You may set up tent if you have a compost portable toilet. There a 12’x12’ Gazebo with picnic table for all campers to share, a designated fire pit and two playground structures for children to enjoy. The Ranch has Kunekune Pigs, various Goat breeds, Two alpaca, a couple Ducks and 50+ free range chickens, Couple rabbits, 4 farm cats and a Great Pyrenees (dog is a working live stock dog so she does bark at new people until she gains comfort but doesn’t bite. Dog and Cats roam the property. Other dogs are allowed if dog, and cat friendly as ours free range and friendly to other animals. Other animals are fenced. All the animals are friendly and can be petted and fed by visitors. There’s a seasonal spring flowing through the property. A young Orchard recently planted. Fresh Free Range Eggs available depending on the seasons (not typical during winter months). This is a small working farm and ranch with opportunities to learn and possibly harvest your own meet with assistance. The property is backed up to BML land, so unlimited hiking. We’re only 20 minutes from the top of the mountain and the ski resorts. No longer than 7 days stay so please don’t ask. $40 a night if you bring your own camper and dry dock. Discount for renting entire area for a group. 4 max in our RV $25 for additional Drydock RV if in a group.

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.

The Burke Cabin

8 sites · Lodging34 acres · 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.

Available this weekend

100%

(53)

Nadja's Hideway

4 sites · Lodging5 acres · Lyle, WA

Happy New Year! We’ll be ready to open up again this spring, so start planning for the 2024 season. Hope you can be our guest this year. 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 - we have a rooster just FYI - (and yes we sell fresh eggs :). 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, breakfast place and the Sandbar that has good food and some entertainment. Grocery shopping is best done in Hood River, White Salmon or The Dalles. Once up here, there isn't much, so come prepared.

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.

Justesen Ranches

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, TentsTygh Valley, OR

Justesen 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.

Great mix of Forrest, Ranch & Farm

3 sites · RVs2 acres · Sandy, OR

Learn more about this land:The camp sites are open to sun roughly 8am to 3pm Before it falls back behind the trees but those hours vary on the season a little. There’s one 21’ RV available for rent onsite (linens NOT provided) with power and water. Comfortably sleeps 4 but theirs room for up to two more RVs for dry-dockers if you can back in as there’s no pull through option. You may set up tent if you have a compost portable toilet. There a 12’x12’ Gazebo with picnic table for all campers to share, a designated fire pit and two playground structures for children to enjoy. The Ranch has Kunekune Pigs, various Goat breeds, Two alpaca, a couple Ducks and 50+ free range chickens, Couple rabbits, 4 farm cats and a Great Pyrenees (dog is a working live stock dog so she does bark at new people until she gains comfort but doesn’t bite. Dog and Cats roam the property. Other dogs are allowed if dog, and cat friendly as ours free range and friendly to other animals. Other animals are fenced. All the animals are friendly and can be petted and fed by visitors. There’s a seasonal spring flowing through the property. A young Orchard recently planted. Fresh Free Range Eggs available depending on the seasons (not typical during winter months). This is a small working farm and ranch with opportunities to learn and possibly harvest your own meet with assistance. The property is backed up to BML land, so unlimited hiking. We’re only 20 minutes from the top of the mountain and the ski resorts. No longer than 7 days stay so please don’t ask. $40 a night if you bring your own camper and dry dock. Discount for renting entire area for a group. 4 max in our RV $25 for additional Drydock RV if in a group.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

92%

(185)

Mt. Hood National Forest

Government Camp, Oregon

94%

(75)

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Packwood, Washington

Columbia Hills State Park

Dallesport, Washington

88%

(7)

Deschutes River State Recreation Area

Oregon

Lakeside camping in Columbia River Gorge guide

Overview

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.