The best river, stream, or creek RV sites 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.

96% (3.8K) • 155 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

Eight Four Eight Camp

2. 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

Nadja's Hideway

3. 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

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

Riverwild Glampground

6. Riverwild Glampground

99%

(67)

White Salmon, WA · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Our backyard might be the most serene you've ever been to! Eight acres of meadow and forest, surrounded by orchards, fields, and the roaring White Salmon River is the getaway that surrounds you with nature but has the comforts of home. The four lodging sites include 3 glamping tents and 1 gravel parking area with hookups for an RV or trailer (20' or less). To enhance everyone's comfort level, we have two plumbed restroom buildings and an outdoor kitchen. There is a large meadow with lawn games and two propane fire pits - and of course, heckling the rafters and kayakers from the riverbank is probably the best entertainment! They love waving and yelling "helllooooo" back! The property is only 15 minutes from Hood River (to the south) and about 25 from Trout Lake (to the north). Outdoor activities are endless in the Columbia Gorge - we have two superior rafting companies located nearby that can take you on a white water excursion down the White Salmon, and if wine is your thing, there are multiple opportunities for local tastings and tours. Waterfalls are abundant in this area and there are a ton of hikes to see them, ranging from easy to difficult. Many of our guests comment on how peaceful it is here and that they've never slept better - so, in order to keep this space as relaxing as possible, I do not allow children unless all three tents are rented by the same party. Children are allowed if staying in an RV or trailer that is hard-sided (ie, nobody will hear the tantrums - whether it's from a child or their parent!) Unfortunately, I do not allow pets. I'm sorry!!! We have 5 of our own who live onsite and I don't want to risk any unwelcome interactions. Our cats (Daisy, Marabelle, and Baby Meow Meow) are friendly and social, so if you have allergies, please just be aware that they might come up to you for a quick visit! We also have two young dogs (Blue who is Husky/Black Lab and Rooster who is Corgie/Blue Heeler). I try to keep the dogs at our house when we have guests but should they come down to the meadow, just know that much like the cats, they are super friendly and love to hang out. While we are located on the river, I do not allow put-ins or dips from our property due to liability - the current is quite strong and the water is glacier-cold. There is a kayak/raft drop-in at BZ Corners, a quick 3 mile drive up the road from us, or at Northwestern Park which is just down the road from us, and there are swimming holes all over the Gorge (just not right here!) Please do not venture past the rock divider at the edge of the riverbank, as doing so could subject you to poison oak that lives along the river's edge. If you want to try your hand at fishing, there is a small trail that leads down to the water's edge near the River House - just beware of the poison oak. Our propane fire pits are communal - one is located next to the kitchen, and one is next to the river. Both have igniters, just read the directions for lighting. We do not allow individual fire pits, nor wood-burning fires due to the county-wide burn ban that is in effect every summer. Our kitchen has a microwave, refrigerator/freezer, toaster, coffee maker, Keurig, electric skillet, 3 propane skillets and a grill, blender, cooking utensils, sink with running water, breakfast table, and extra seating. If you're bringing substantial amounts of food/beverage, you should bring a cooler, as space in the fridge is limited. All food will need to be kept either in the refrigerator bins, or in your own cooler or bin that animals can't get into. I do not provide food products such as coffee, creamer, seasonings, oils, butter, etc - basically anything that could spoil. I do provide a limited number of k-cups for the Keurig, in case you just want a quick (if not that great) cup of coffee in the morning (please limit your use to 2 per person). I offer a 15% discount when all three tents are rented by the same party, so just send me a message if you're interested in bringing friends. I'm also open to hosting small weddings/events of 50 or less - we host our own events here every summer and it's been a hit so I'm offering it up to others as well. Thank you for checking out our unique space!

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Campfires

from

$110

/ night

Gorge Base Camp

7. Gorge Base Camp

White Salmon, WA · 53 sites

Experience the unparalleled charm of Gorge Base Camp RV Park, a unique destination nestled in the stunning Columbia River Gorge. This campground serves as the perfect launchpad for your next outdoor adventure, offering easy access to a myriad of activities that cater to every thrill-seeker and nature lover. The Columbia River Gorge is the largest national scenic area in the United States, boasting breathtaking landscapes ideal for hiking, biking, skiing, kiteboarding, and whitewater rafting. Whether you're looking to explore scenic trails, enjoy a leisurely bike ride, or take part in exhilarating watersports, this area has it all. In addition to outdoor activities, the Gorge is rich in cultural experiences. Discover local heritage museums, indulge in craft brews at nearby brewpubs, or savor exquisite wines from local wineries. With a variety of restaurants and charming shops just a short drive away, you’ll find everything you need for a memorable stay. Gorge Base Camp RV Park is not just a place to stay; it’s your gateway to an unforgettable adventure in one of the most beautiful regions of the country. Come and explore the wonders of the Columbia River Gorge!

Columbia Hills State Park

(3)

State park in Washington · 73 sites

Windsurf at Stonehenge! Yes, really. History, art, and water fun—something for everyone.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Memaloose State Park

12. Memaloose State Park

75%

(4)

State park in Oregon · 23 sites

Convenient campground overlooking Memaloose Island on the eastern end of the Columbia River Gorge.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

Viento State Park

13. Viento State Park

63%

(4)

State park in Oregon · 70 sites

Grab your sailboard and head to this convenient park on the banks of the Columbia.

Pets

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

Riverwild Glampground

6. Riverwild Glampground

99%

(67)

White Salmon, WA · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Our backyard might be the most serene you've ever been to! Eight acres of meadow and forest, surrounded by orchards, fields, and the roaring White Salmon River is the getaway that surrounds you with nature but has the comforts of home. The four lodging sites include 3 glamping tents and 1 gravel parking area with hookups for an RV or trailer (20' or less). To enhance everyone's comfort level, we have two plumbed restroom buildings and an outdoor kitchen. There is a large meadow with lawn games and two propane fire pits - and of course, heckling the rafters and kayakers from the riverbank is probably the best entertainment! They love waving and yelling "helllooooo" back! The property is only 15 minutes from Hood River (to the south) and about 25 from Trout Lake (to the north). Outdoor activities are endless in the Columbia Gorge - we have two superior rafting companies located nearby that can take you on a white water excursion down the White Salmon, and if wine is your thing, there are multiple opportunities for local tastings and tours. Waterfalls are abundant in this area and there are a ton of hikes to see them, ranging from easy to difficult. Many of our guests comment on how peaceful it is here and that they've never slept better - so, in order to keep this space as relaxing as possible, I do not allow children unless all three tents are rented by the same party. Children are allowed if staying in an RV or trailer that is hard-sided (ie, nobody will hear the tantrums - whether it's from a child or their parent!) Unfortunately, I do not allow pets. I'm sorry!!! We have 5 of our own who live onsite and I don't want to risk any unwelcome interactions. Our cats (Daisy, Marabelle, and Baby Meow Meow) are friendly and social, so if you have allergies, please just be aware that they might come up to you for a quick visit! We also have two young dogs (Blue who is Husky/Black Lab and Rooster who is Corgie/Blue Heeler). I try to keep the dogs at our house when we have guests but should they come down to the meadow, just know that much like the cats, they are super friendly and love to hang out. While we are located on the river, I do not allow put-ins or dips from our property due to liability - the current is quite strong and the water is glacier-cold. There is a kayak/raft drop-in at BZ Corners, a quick 3 mile drive up the road from us, or at Northwestern Park which is just down the road from us, and there are swimming holes all over the Gorge (just not right here!) Please do not venture past the rock divider at the edge of the riverbank, as doing so could subject you to poison oak that lives along the river's edge. If you want to try your hand at fishing, there is a small trail that leads down to the water's edge near the River House - just beware of the poison oak. Our propane fire pits are communal - one is located next to the kitchen, and one is next to the river. Both have igniters, just read the directions for lighting. We do not allow individual fire pits, nor wood-burning fires due to the county-wide burn ban that is in effect every summer. Our kitchen has a microwave, refrigerator/freezer, toaster, coffee maker, Keurig, electric skillet, 3 propane skillets and a grill, blender, cooking utensils, sink with running water, breakfast table, and extra seating. If you're bringing substantial amounts of food/beverage, you should bring a cooler, as space in the fridge is limited. All food will need to be kept either in the refrigerator bins, or in your own cooler or bin that animals can't get into. I do not provide food products such as coffee, creamer, seasonings, oils, butter, etc - basically anything that could spoil. I do provide a limited number of k-cups for the Keurig, in case you just want a quick (if not that great) cup of coffee in the morning (please limit your use to 2 per person). I offer a 15% discount when all three tents are rented by the same party, so just send me a message if you're interested in bringing friends. I'm also open to hosting small weddings/events of 50 or less - we host our own events here every summer and it's been a hit so I'm offering it up to others as well. Thank you for checking out our unique space!

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Campfires

from

$110

/ night

Gorge Base Camp

7. Gorge Base Camp

White Salmon, WA · 53 sites

Experience the unparalleled charm of Gorge Base Camp RV Park, a unique destination nestled in the stunning Columbia River Gorge. This campground serves as the perfect launchpad for your next outdoor adventure, offering easy access to a myriad of activities that cater to every thrill-seeker and nature lover. The Columbia River Gorge is the largest national scenic area in the United States, boasting breathtaking landscapes ideal for hiking, biking, skiing, kiteboarding, and whitewater rafting. Whether you're looking to explore scenic trails, enjoy a leisurely bike ride, or take part in exhilarating watersports, this area has it all. In addition to outdoor activities, the Gorge is rich in cultural experiences. Discover local heritage museums, indulge in craft brews at nearby brewpubs, or savor exquisite wines from local wineries. With a variety of restaurants and charming shops just a short drive away, you’ll find everything you need for a memorable stay. Gorge Base Camp RV Park is not just a place to stay; it’s your gateway to an unforgettable adventure in one of the most beautiful regions of the country. Come and explore the wonders of the Columbia River Gorge!

63%

(4)

State park in Oregon · 70 sites

Grab your sailboard and head to this convenient park on the banks of the Columbia.

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.

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

Elderberry Flats, with a nice wooded canyon on the other side of my rig.

Jay

September 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Eight Four Eight Camp

Beautiful property with a nice mix of woods and clearings. Very quiet (you can hear road traffic occasionally, but it wasn't a big deal). There was one other camper on the property and I only saw them as they were leaving. There are lots of primitive trails to explore and looks like there's a frisbee golf course in the works. The private porta-potty was clean and it was nice to have a well-water spigot nearby. The only minor quibble was there seemed to be some trash in the camp sites. I picked up around my site and added a few other bits from the neighboring site. Wasn't terrible, but it was noticeable. Remember to pick up after yourselves. The burn ban was still in effect, so unfortunately no fires on this trip. Maybe next time. I'll plan on coming back later in the fall or early Spring. Overall, it was a great weekend, and I do recommend it!

Heidi

September 2025

12 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Eight Four Eight Camp

This is a great spot to camp at. We brought our little trailer and pulled up right to the platform area that was generous and size with a nice picnic table.. we had plenty of room in our campsite and the stargazing was amazing. It’s only 15 minutes outside of white salmon, making it a perfect home-base for activities that we wanted to do in the area. The host was super communicative and easy to deal with..

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.

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.

B

Byron

September 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

2 nights at Eight Four Eight Camp

What a cool spot! I’m almost reluctant to recommend it because it was just so quiet and peaceful and I don’t want to spoil a secret spot! The campsites are clean and spacious and the well water was cold and delicious. I’ll definitely go back.

R

Rebekah

September 2025

20 ft travel trailer

1 night at Riverwild Glampground

We love spending time on Kelly’s property with our travel trailer. It’s so peaceful and also has nice showers, bathrooms, and a well equipped kitchen. We look forward to our next visit!

L

Lisa

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Riverwild Glampground

We appreciated the clean and well stocked bathrooms and kitchen area! The shower heads are heaven! The yard is lovely. We enjoyed sitting down by the river watching the water flow by and the kayakers/rafters.

A

Anna

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Eight Four Eight Camp

This was a great spot, tucked away from town. We especially liked the great platform and easy access to the restroom and water. Lily was also super helpful when we had to cut our trip short unexpectedly. FYI for light sleepers, the crickets and/or frogs were very vocal! This wasn’t at all an issue for us, but fyi. Oh, and we had Verizon and T-mobile cells and didn’t have any service. The T-mobile folks could get it briefly if they walked a little ways up the hill. So be ready to truly go offline!

Katie

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Eight Four Eight Camp

Elderberry flats was a lovely, secluded and clean site. It had a good mix of sun and shade. Plus it’s near the port-a-potty (very clean!) and spigot. Lily was a very hands-off host, which we appreciated. Other campers were at the site near us, but we hardly saw them or heard them. We tent camped in the meadow and it was lovely. Would stay again!

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.

T

Tom

August 2025

17 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Nadja's Hideway

Private and quiet lower camp despite the nearby road. Zero mosquitos. Nadja was a fantastic and authentic host, even gave us baked apricot strudel and extra veggies from her garden! A herd of deer and some wild turkeys came through. We would definitely stay with her again! Note: If you have a dog, keep them near your tent/camper as it is the time of year for burrs. Our dog was covered with them.

J

Joshua

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Eight Four Eight Camp

This place was amazing, quit and beautiful. We had an amazing experience!

A

Alex

August 2025

17 ft campervan

1 night at Riverwild Glampground

This is a really well thought-out hipcamp. I appreciated the camp kitchen, especially the refrigerator so that I could refreeze all of my ice packs for my cooler. It’s conveniently located if you’re going to go on a rafting trip. The showers are great. My trip coincided with the heatwave, so I don’t recommend heading there early. It was 100 degrees with no breeze when I parked at 2:30 pm. I headed to town for several hours and it was more manageable after 6 pm. Not the host’s fault, just know that the RV spot is in partial shade at that time of the day.

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.

C

Chad

August 2025

19 ft campervan

With kids

1 night at Riverwild Glampground

This was a really nice place to spend two nights. It feels secluded and serene with the sound of the river flowing past. The kitchen area is very well equipped and spotlessly clean. The bathrooms were also very clean and nice.

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.

Mary

August 2025

10 ft pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Eight Four Eight Camp

The land is very well-cared for and the space offered each campsite is very respectful of those who desire serenity.

R

Randy

July 2025

15 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Riverwild Glampground

We came up with a small trailer and quickly appreciated the view we had. There was a comfortable two seater back bench overlooking the river. And many other seats (including a fire pit). The super friendly cat showed up every day to say hello. Kitchen was well stocked with what was needed. Would totally come back. :)