Waterfall camping near Portland

Hike through misty forests and sleep next to roaring rivers near this Pacific Northwest city.

98% (4127 reviews)
  1. Portland
98% (4127 reviews)

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12 top waterfall campgrounds near Portland

95%
(4110)

Naked Falls

23 sites · RVs, Tents130 acres · Stevenson, WA
Naked Falls is the second largest waterfall on the Washougal River. This section of the river has been a hotspot for Kayakers and Cliff divers for decades. If you like watching Salmon run, this is a great place to do it. This is easy car access to a raw outdoor camping experience. You will be camping next to the crystal clear Washougal River and have access to Naked Falls and Reeder Falls. Come prepared as the nearest potable water source is at least a mile away and you won't see any lights or electrical outlets on the property. There are portables toilet now between sites 4 and 5 on the east side of the road and between sites 15 and 16 on the west side. Portable toilets taken out in Mid October and put back in in Mid March. Firewood is not delivered to each site if you order it. There are many good reasons for this, not the least of which is that it can rain and then all the wood gets wet. We keep the firewood in a small woodshed and give you instructions on where to find it and what the code is before you check in. Also, please remember that I don't live there and there is limited service on the property. If you have questions, please contact me in advance as I may be unreachable when you arrive at the property. The Campsites mostly go in the order they appear as you drive through the campground. With some exceptions. Sites 8 and 11 (in that order) are up the hill from the fork at site 2. Sites 12 through 19 are in order on the West side of the river. There are signs with the site numbers next to each site. The sites each have their own parking spaces. Please see the brief descriptions below so you have a good idea of what kind of experience you can expect at each site. If you are not familiar with the area, or even if you haven't camped there before, I recommend contacting me for directions or information about the area before you go up. Also, if you have an RV, you will want to contact me to discuss which site you really want to book depending on the size of your RV, awnings, slide outs, etc. Each booked site is allowed 2 cars or 1 RV. If you have more than 2 cars or 1 RV, there is a fee of 10.00 per additional vehicle. Camping was banned all along the upper Washougal River in 2006 due to abuse from the public. An attitude that no one could be trusted up there formed and I lost my favorite place to camp in the whole world...but I understood why they did it. In 2017 I bought the property and worked with Skamania County to restore camping and the public trust in good people who love nature. There are now 20 campsites, mostly along the river, and I'm so pleased that the vast majority of Hipcampers are reliable co-stewards of this amazing recreational resource. It is up to us to keep Naked Falls available by keeping in mind that it is a crucial fish and wildlife habitat and we are but visitors there. Be sure to stick to trails and pack in/pack out. Nothing from town should be left there and nothing there should be brought back to town. *** Site 1: Saltness Creek This is the only site with direct trail access to the river on the camping side. It's also right on a creek and encompasses a corner of the confluence of the creek and the Washougal River. It's a nice open space right off the gravel road which allows you to park right by where you will set up tents and have your campfire. It also means other campers will drive right by your site and they will need to pass by it to take the trail to the river. This site is very convenient but not very private. Site 2: Naked Falls There is a short narrow trail that leads to the campsite on the Naked Falls cliff. It's awesome! This is the original campsite at Naked Falls and has likely been there for 100 years or more. It overlooks the waterfall and island downstream. It's really the coolest campsite but it's not for everybody. The area for pitching tents is smaller than at the other sites. Only 2 medium sized tents will fit comfortably. You may be able to cram 3 tents in but should be aware that it's only really meant for 2. Groups larger than 6 may want to consider another site. Also, it is right on the cliff where people like to jump so, while you have the best view of all the fun stuff happening at the falls, you also have cliff divers coming up to say hi during the day. Site 3: Desk Job This site is just past the falls. It has a wide short trail to the camping area and a beautiful view of the river that passes right by the site about 30 ft below it. It is nice, quiet and secluded. Site 4: Middle Management This site is nice for pulling vehicles in and around. It loops around some trees in the center. The trees to the east and North are all alders so it has limited shade in the morning when there aren't leaves on the trees (winter and early spring) The trail down is wide and short. There is a small opening with a nice view of the river and it's quiet. A great place to listen to the flow of the river and the beat of your heart. Site 5: Conference Room The Conference Room is tucked into the woods a little more than the other sites. It's right over the river just like all the rest of the sites but the trees like living on that cliff...like a whole bunch. You can walk to the edge and see the river but it's not the most open view of the river. I love this site. It has two old growth stumps from the first harvest ever at Naked Falls. They tell stories of the Yacolt burn and a lot of hard winters. A short narrow trail get's you from your car to to the camping area in about 20 steps. Site 6: Printer Jam This site is quite large and has the most extensive view of the river. Great for bigger groups or bigger tents. This is a chill spot where you can roast marshmallows while watching the flow of the Washougal River 35 ft below. Site 7: Budget Meeting This site is not meant for vehicle traffic! Please do not drive your vehicle onto the site as that has caused damage to the site itself and it needs to recover. The last site on the road has the longest walk...about 50 yards. It is also a large space and is the most secluded. It's the longest distance from river access but also the most private. The walk down passes an old growth tree that must have fallen decades ago. It has a huge base and the root structure is about 12 ft tall. There are a variety of trees that hug this campsite. If you don't mind the walk, you are sure to dig the vibe at our version of a Budget Meeting. Site 8: The Slash Pile Please read this full description before booking. I'm giving this site a go because I think it's a rather unique experience for the right people. This site sits up above all the river sites. It is not on a river but has a river view and view of all the other campsites. It is surrounded by a slash pile which is the wood debris left over from logging. You can drive right to it but only if you have 4wd/AWD. The road is also surrounded by alder trees that might slap the side of your car as you go up so if you are concerned about that, this is not the spot for you. There is not much shade up there either. You may want to bring a shade tent. The site is fairly large and has plenty of room for tents but I don't recommend any trailers or RVs here due to the steep rocky road. Your walk to the river will be about as long as the walk from site 7. It will be an easy walk down and a bit of a trek up. If no one books this site, I will totally understand but It's a cool spot if you are cool with the challenges it presents. Site 9: Hard Scramble Creek This site is embedded in the woods and has the most tree cover. It is even further from the river access than site 8...about a half mile walk. There is plenty of room but only one way in and out so turning around should be thought out before you set up your tents. Also, I've seen people pull off trailering large rigs up there but I'm pretty sure it was painstaking. If you have a large RV or Trailer, I would skip this site. Smaller trailers and RVs should be fine if you have some experience and patience. This site is quiet and the sound of the creek is soothing during the day and night. Site 10: Rock Beach Woods This site is in the woods along the river near an inviting rock beach that flows into a crystal clear swimming hole. This site is not behind a gate and day use visitors are allowed to use the trail and access the rock beach. The rock beach gets less traffic than we have right by Naked Falls but it is part of the day use area. This is a park and walk site. Parking is along the main road and you hike in about 50 yards to the campsite. This is one of the coolest campsites we have. Literally cooler as it is along the river edge and not along a cliffside like most of the other sites. Also cooler because it is under deep tree cover with soft mossy terrain. If you like the sounds of the river, shady woods and very close access to swimming, you will love this site! Site 11: This One Goes to Eleven! Situated on the top of the hill, this site has the most impressive views of all the sites! About a 270 degree view of the surrounding mountain region give you a great vantage point that often includes eagles flying below you, elk across the valley and a variety of other wildlife. This site is the farthest from the river, civilization and all the other campsites. If you are looking for something remote and have a 4wd/AWD vehicle, this might be the best site for you. Sites 12-19: All of these sites are right near the West side of the river. They were designed to accommodate RVs and Trailers. They are made for one trailer or RV per site or 2 camper vans. Tents are fine here too. There is easy in and out access to each site. It is nearer to the W2000 road and the sites are a bit closer together. There is still a significant amount of treed space between each site, just not as much as the original campsites. They each have a fire pit and cleared space for tents along with the graveled area for parking your RV. The sites are fairly level but not perfect and some leveling may be required depending on the size of your RV. This area has it's own trail down to the river or you can use the day use trail just a short walk North past the wooden Naked Falls sign. There are 3 total vehicles allowed at each of these sites (no exceptions) that includes the rv or trailer. So, truck and trailer count as one and you can have one addition car...or you can have 3 cars if you are car or tent camping. There is a charge of 10.00 extra for the third vehicle. No parking is allowed along the W2000 road unless you have a Naked Falls parking pass for day use. Site 0. This is the old site 12 that I had closed down. It is just up the hill from the fork at site 2. So at the fork near site 2, you will take a left and go up the hill about a quarter of a mile. It will be on your right hand side before you get to site 8. This is a large site part way up a hill surrounded by trees about 15 ft high. Very little shade, so you will want to bring a shade tent in the Summertime.
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$50
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97%
(148)

Camp Colton

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents85 acres · Colton, OR
Escape to 85 acres of Pacific Northwest forest, just an hour southeast of Portland. Our modern-rustic accommodations blend seamlessly with nature—choose from cozy forest yurts, charming cabins, a tiny house, pet-friendly cottages, or the spacious River Falls Lodge. Tent campers and RV travelers will find serene sites under towering firs and cedars. Hike through sun-dappled trails, explore our converging creeks, or swim and canoe in our spring-fed pond. Most sites welcome campfires (burn bans permitting) and furry companions. Whether you seek a bare-bones adventure or comforts like full kitchens, our range of listings lets you unplug at your own pace. Ideal for romantic getaways, family trips, or creative retreats—every stay supports our mission of land stewardship. ****PLEASE NOTE: IN ADDITION TO OUR ACCOMMODATIONS, WE ARE A WEDDING AND EVENT VENUE, SO YOU MAY HEAR MUSIC AND JOYFUL VOICES ACROSS THE CREEK LATE INTO THE EVENING DURING OUR PEAK SEASON (ROUGHLY MAY 1 - OCTOBER 31). If you prefer only to stay when there is no event on our large site, please inquire before requesting to book.
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$52.50
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98%
(390)

Zen Acres

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Estacada, OR
We purchased this slice of paradise in 2003 as a place to relax, recharge, and someday build our dream home. It started as nothing more than a gravel road leading to a small clearing with an old bus and a couple decks. Our children have grown up out here learning a deep respect for nature and the real (non digital) world. Now empty nesters, we live on site. Part of our retirement planning is to spend next several years developing the lower portion of the property (approx. 15 acres) into a campground and retreat for our guests, as well as our own family, friends, and grandchildren. The campground area (currently) consists of a handful of primitive campsites, and a group area. We are working steadily on improvements, including adding more sites, improving the roadways, and upgrading the common areas. In all we will likely have 12-15 total designated camping areas (including a group area or two, as well as a couple hike to secluded locations). For much more details regarding our philosophy, history, and future plans please visit our website at www.zen-acres.com. There is also a lot of additional information listed on the individual campsite descriptions.
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$42.50
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96%
(496)

Zigzag Mountain Farm on Mount Hood

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 early 1900'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.
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$30
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94%
(531)

Waterfall Sanctuary

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents17 acres · Carson, WA
Welcome 2025 Hipcampers! We have many exciting changes for our guests this year INCLUDING a wood fired sauna, a store/café/multi-use space, & more! New sites added: - A gorgeous geodesic dome that can sleep 6 - A new spot to pitch your own tent or park a small RV or van. - 2 RV/Van/Bus/tent spots, the first can manage up to 30 feet; the second 40+, both with picnic tables and umbrellas *To book the whole property for an event or retreat go to the website (www.waterfallsanctuary.com) to inquire about availability & options, or simply select in listings. BEFORE BOOKING: Please read all rules & restrictions- due to some guests we had to update & add new ones. **DOGS (MAX 2 per site- select under "Extras" for each dog- $15/night fee each): PLEASE read ALL the rules- especially about having your dog on a leash AT ALL times while on the property. More info under the pet rule section. Thank you! Waterfall Sanctuary is a hidden gem on 17 acres, bordered on two sides by the Gifford Pinchot N F. In the heart of the Columbia River Gorge just outside Carson, Washington, it is home to a mini-farm with goats, ducks, & chickens. Deer & elk walk through the property on a fairly regular basis depending on the season, it's less than a mile walk (or short drive) to the Wind River & a swimming hole, & a short distance further is the Pacific Crest Trail. A 20-minute drive & you're at the Columbia River. An hour to the West is Portland if you are in the mood for some city life, & 35 minutes east is Hood River, a gorgeous old town with tons of charm. The closest town, Stevenson, Washington is home to shops, local restaurants, & access to the Columbia River. Also in close proximity are amazing waterfalls, trails, & National Forest roads that are close by & well maintained. No matter the season there is something to do a short distance from the property. Keep in mind that the property is very rugged except for the trails we have provided to access other parts of the property. We are as off grid & sustainable as possible- while no electricity or running water is available at the individual sites, we provide battery or solar operated lighting, & a container of water for each site.
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$47.50
 / night
98%
(308)

Elk Falls Outdoor Retreat

3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Molalla, OR
Learn more about this land: Please REVIEW THE RULES TO MAKE SURE THEY CAN BE ADHERED TO. Dogs, anyone under the Age of 21, more than 4 people per Permit are NOT ALLOWED. We are no longer selling Firewood. Any Firewood brought onto the Property, must be PREPACKAGED, STORE BOUGHT FIREWOOD ONLY. This is to protect the Property from invasive Insects and Disease. Failure to adhere to these Rules will be cause for being trespassed from the Property. Centrally located in the Foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range between Portland and Salem, "Elk Falls Outdoor Recreation Retreat" is a small, private, "ADULT ONLY" (minimum of 21 years) outdoor recreation Retreat that provides the general Public with all Aspects of outdoor recreation Activities and Pursuits.. This isolated and remote Outdoor Retreat will provide the quiet, peaceful and semi private outdoor recreation Experience you're looking for. Currently there are three outdoor recreation Permits available. Recreation Permits allow outdoor recreation Activities including, but not limited to, r/v Parking, Hunting, Fishing, dispersed Camping, Nature watching, Hiking, Bicycling, Horseback riding and Swimming on forty Acres of private Timberland. Enjoy Time spent at a forty foot Waterfall that flows into a damned swimming Hole and fishing Pond. The swimming Hole and Pond is accessible by a short Walk from the end of the access Road. Direct Access is available to hundreds of Acres of Port Blakely Tree Farm Property. Ask about sportsmans Discounts with Proof of valid Oregon hunting and fishing Licenses. The Molalla River Corridor, Table Rock Wilderness Area and Silver Falls State Park are all close by.
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$50
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93%
(100)

Crown Point Hipcamp

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Corbett, OR
Crown Point Camp is the perfect gorge base camp on the Western edge of the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, a Gateway to hiking, biking, kayaking, windsurfing and many other Adventures! Our camp is right off the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway just minutes away from Portland Women's Forum and Crown Point, the Jewel of the Columbia. Our facilities include an outdoor shower, a solar-powered composting toilet, fresh water, fire pits, and plenty of flat ground surrounded by trees for excellent camping! Please read this whole message so you are not surprised when you get here! Note: The use of the sauna, hot tub, and composting toilet are only for Glamp bookings! The campsites and tipi use the port-a-potty and have the use of an on-demand outdoor shower. Our home and farm is on two acres. Your tent site, is all in our ample acreage. Although pets are welcome, we expect them to be well-behaved around our two cats, our own big sweetie of a pup, Frejya, our two crazy goats Cupcake and Muffin, and our free-ranging chickens. Expect to hear some animal noises here on the farm. Our property literally borders the scenic highway. Because we are so close, you can hear the sunset-view-seeking drivers, motorcycle riders, and yes, racers who come out this way for a spin on one of the most scenic highways in the world. Traffic quiets down after dark and mornings are quite 'chill'. If you like what you are reading, please feel free to book with us and take off for your bike journey or hiking adventure from here. Wahclella Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Eagle Creek, and Multnomah Falls are among our favorites. Larch Mt, trails are always great for mushroom hunting or bird watching. Rick and Ellen are your hosts. We love welcoming fellow travelers!
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$40
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River Mountain Meadow

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Battle Ground, WA
Learn more about this land: It sits upon a meadow with surrounding trees and a cow pasture in the distance. Spring time offers a small pond (please see below), but the Lewis river is in within walking distance and tons of recreational activities are close by (swimming, fishing, hiking, wineries, etc.). There are only two sites, far from each other. It is a rural property with a few residential homes and Airbnbs along the river, so be aware there are cars that drive through the one lane road. Town is close by for a quick trip. Privacy is better here than at a public campground and it's perfect for a close trip out of town for a day or two. *This winter was tough, lots of wind, so some trees fell, but they are all cleaned up and lots of small trees were planted. Can't wait until they grow!!! Dogs are most welcome, and may be off leash for a run in the field, however, please be mindful of my own dogs and chickens down below so please do not let them go beyond your site or the field when using. We plan on making the pond to be a swim pond that will hold water all year long (the creek that runs into it is seasonal so it dries out depending on how much rain we get in any given year). Please, read each site description carefully! Site 1 has a portable composting toilet for tent campers (please do not rate me based on this or any other things out of my control, I have tried my best to inform you about what to be aware of in this description AND each site's description). The toilet is santized, bags and gel are provided and it's private. You MUST pack out ALL waste; if you do not like any of these conditions please do not book this site. Site 2 is for RVs that already have a toilet so if you are a tent camper and want to book this site you will need to bring your own camp toilet. This is a beautiful property and I enjoy sharing it, please be mindful of the rules.
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$36
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100%
(3)

Sacred Falls Sanctuary

2 sites · Lodging35 acres · Amboy, WA
If life or the city feels like too much right now…escape to our incredible sanctuary with six powerful waterfalls, 35 acres of farm and forest to roam, stunning vistas, and the blessing of solitude to bring you back in touch with the magic of nature, and the quiet longings of your soul. Sacred Falls Sanctuary is a special place unlike any other, which you’ll experience when you’re standing in front of our lower Grotto Falls, feeling the cool, misty wind blowing across your face, or slipping into the grotto pool at the top of the falls, carved from the solid rock. Or perhaps you’ll feel it while meditating inside our small cave, feeling like you’ve stumbled into the land that time forgot. If you need a sanctuary, a place of retreat, some calming and healing solitude, this is the place for you. The land around Sacred Falls Sanctuary was one of the original pioneer homesteads on this traditional Cowlitz tribal land. Besides our magical falls and forest, we also have some bucolic farm vistas across our wide open pastures, including a small apple orchard, and our giant 120-year old barn that still stands from the original homestead. If you like animals, we have a horse, pony, four goats, two cats, and two dogs who make their home here, as well as lots of wild animals, including eagles, elk, and coyote that can be seen from the back pasture. In summer, we have gardens, and wild edible plants in the forest, like oxalis and chanterelle mushrooms. In August, we’re practically a u-pick blackberry farm. As a heads up, this is a super rustic but still working farm, which means it has giant hunks of old rusting tractor parts, random farm junk, and various kind of practical but not always beautiful fencing left around by the owner. I am not the ‘owner’, but the steward for this land; I’m also queer, trans, and an indigenous shamanic practitioner. If you appreciate supporting Native people and ventures, I’m happy to have you here. I hold this land and water as sacred, and these elemental beings as our first healers, and I love being able to share the sacred power of this place with folks like you. I work from home, so let me know if you’d be interested in a healing session to support your retreat; you can see more about my work at www.portlandshaman.com.
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$56
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Waterfall camping near Portland guide

Overview

Looking to camp near Portland, Oregon and chase waterfalls? Hipcamp has over 555 options that fit the bill. From stunning Naked Falls (914 reviews) to scenic Powder Creek Campground (467 reviews) and peaceful WindWoodRivers (423 reviews), there's a campsite for every waterfall enthusiast. Average prices per night are around $67, but you can also find options as low as $20. Popular amenities like pets, cooking equipment, and campfires are available, and popular activities include wildlife watching, swimming, and horseback riding. So grab your gear and get ready to immerse yourself in nature's beauty!