The best dog-friendly RV camping in Columbia River Gorge

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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.

95% (5K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Mt Hood Vanlife Oasis w/ Coworking!

3. Mt Hood Vanlife Oasis w/ Coworking!

100%
(44)
9 sites · RVs · Sandy, OR
Whether you're a mountain or snow sports enthusiast, a digital nomad, or vanlifer exploring the best of Oregon, you won't want to miss a visit here at our Mt Hood Vanlife Oasis. We are conveniently located right off the 26 just outside of downtown Sandy, directly in between Portland and the peak of Mt Hood. Situated on a hill overlooking forested land with a creek and ponds, "The Blue Barn" at Camp Cedar Creek not only offers vanlifers a safe place to park and beautiful view, but a large communal space with all the amenities. Designed specifically for digital nomads and vehicle dwellers, the Blue Barn has a dedicated co-working space, communal kitchen, two bathrooms with showers, laundry, fire pits, games and more! Note: these sites are for vehicle campers ONLY. No tents allowed. If you have a tent setup, please take a look at our Camp Cedar Creek listing for available tent campsites.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
Big flat circular driveway to park in with lovely shade from the tree.

4. Big Tree Retreat - River views!

100%
(6)
3 sites · Tents, RVs · Welches, OR
Welcome to Big Tree Retreat, a secluded and private property nestled alongside the majestic Salmon River. With just under an acre of land, this tranquil getaway offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Upon arrival at our home, you'll find a convenient circular driveway, perfect for parking your mid-sized RV or trailer. The house onsite will be unoccupied during your visit. As you settle in, let the soothing sounds of the river flowing by create a serene background for your stay. Whether you choose to relax by the firepit or unwind in the hammock with a good book, you'll be surrounded by the tranquility of nature. For those traveling with RVs, there's a 50 amp hookup available at the rear of the house, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. Please bring a decent length power cord as the distance is ~50 ft. You will also have access to potable water during your stay via the spigot on the side of the home. One of the highlights of our property is the magnificent Douglas Fir tree, which stands tall and proud at over 500 years old. Considered an ecological gem, this ancient tree is highly regarded by arborists in the area and adds to the natural beauty of your surroundings. While the surrounding area offers a plethora of outdoor activities and adventures, Big Tree Retreat itself serves as your personal refuge. Our property is equipped with active external security cameras for your protection and ours. **Please note: no hot tub or trash access during your stay.
Potable water
Campfires
Trash
from 
$49
 / night
Welcome to WaterOak Campsite! Situated on 10.5 and ponderosa pine and oak, you'll get the whole space to yourself. This is a magical space!

5. Garden of Eden

98%
(32)
1 site · Tent · Lyle, WA
**** Dear Campers - we are so sad to share that our campsite has been devastated by the July 2025 Burdoin Fire. We are blocking off the listing for the remainder of the season as the land is charred and unsuitable for camping. We hope to fix up the land to open again next spring. In the meantime, we so appreciate everyone's support and well wishes!!! **** 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!
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night

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.

95% (5K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Mt Hood Vanlife Oasis w/ Coworking!

3. Mt Hood Vanlife Oasis w/ Coworking!

100%
(44)
9 sites · RVs · Sandy, OR
Whether you're a mountain or snow sports enthusiast, a digital nomad, or vanlifer exploring the best of Oregon, you won't want to miss a visit here at our Mt Hood Vanlife Oasis. We are conveniently located right off the 26 just outside of downtown Sandy, directly in between Portland and the peak of Mt Hood. Situated on a hill overlooking forested land with a creek and ponds, "The Blue Barn" at Camp Cedar Creek not only offers vanlifers a safe place to park and beautiful view, but a large communal space with all the amenities. Designed specifically for digital nomads and vehicle dwellers, the Blue Barn has a dedicated co-working space, communal kitchen, two bathrooms with showers, laundry, fire pits, games and more! Note: these sites are for vehicle campers ONLY. No tents allowed. If you have a tent setup, please take a look at our Camp Cedar Creek listing for available tent campsites.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
Big flat circular driveway to park in with lovely shade from the tree.

4. Big Tree Retreat - River views!

100%
(6)
3 sites · Tents, RVs · Welches, OR
Welcome to Big Tree Retreat, a secluded and private property nestled alongside the majestic Salmon River. With just under an acre of land, this tranquil getaway offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Upon arrival at our home, you'll find a convenient circular driveway, perfect for parking your mid-sized RV or trailer. The house onsite will be unoccupied during your visit. As you settle in, let the soothing sounds of the river flowing by create a serene background for your stay. Whether you choose to relax by the firepit or unwind in the hammock with a good book, you'll be surrounded by the tranquility of nature. For those traveling with RVs, there's a 50 amp hookup available at the rear of the house, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. Please bring a decent length power cord as the distance is ~50 ft. You will also have access to potable water during your stay via the spigot on the side of the home. One of the highlights of our property is the magnificent Douglas Fir tree, which stands tall and proud at over 500 years old. Considered an ecological gem, this ancient tree is highly regarded by arborists in the area and adds to the natural beauty of your surroundings. While the surrounding area offers a plethora of outdoor activities and adventures, Big Tree Retreat itself serves as your personal refuge. Our property is equipped with active external security cameras for your protection and ours. **Please note: no hot tub or trash access during your stay.
Potable water
Campfires
Trash
from 
$49
 / night
Welcome to WaterOak Campsite! Situated on 10.5 and ponderosa pine and oak, you'll get the whole space to yourself. This is a magical space!

5. Garden of Eden

98%
(32)
1 site · Tent · Lyle, WA
**** Dear Campers - we are so sad to share that our campsite has been devastated by the July 2025 Burdoin Fire. We are blocking off the listing for the remainder of the season as the land is charred and unsuitable for camping. We hope to fix up the land to open again next spring. In the meantime, we so appreciate everyone's support and well wishes!!! **** 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!
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night

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