Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- You can reserve your site at Ainsworth Campground from six months in advance up to a day in advance, either on the Oregon State Parks website or over the phone.
- Same-day reservations are sometimes available due to last-minute cancellations, but only in person and on a first-come, first-served basis. If you don’t have a reservation and are trying to get a spot, arrive early for the best chance and be prepared to wait.
- The quietest campsites at Ainsworth are C01-C06. These six tent-only, walk-in sites are situated in their own little cluster, away from the freeway and main loops.
When to Go
Ainsworth State Park is open from mid-March through the end of October. If you like wildflowers, spring is the best time to come to the Gorge—just be prepared for the likelihood of rain. Things usually dry off (and heat up) by the end of June, and the weather in the region tends to stay relatively warm and dry until mid- to late September. Both the campground and day-use area get crowded in summer, particularly on weekends.
Know Before You Go
- The best place to stock up on supplies and groceries is in Cascade Locks, about a 10-minute drive east of Ainsworth State Park. Firewood is available for sale at the campground.
- Pets are welcome but must remain leashed. The nearest off-leash area is at Rooster Rock State Park, about 10 miles away from Ainsworth.
- Ainsworth has one accessible campsite, but the restrooms are not wheelchair-friendly.
- Bans on campfires and charcoal barbecue grills are common during periods of increased forest fire risk. When the risk levels are extreme, propane stoves may also be prohibited.
Ainsworth State Park
Camp conveniently close to some of the Columbia Gorge’s prettiest waterfalls at this wooded park.
About a half-hour drive east of Portland in the Columbia River Gorge, Ainsworth Park offers easy camping for those who want to get out into nature but don't want to spend hours in the car to do so. Its location right on the Historic Columbia River Highway gives Ainsworth easy access to the roads known as “Waterfall Corridor,” meaning many of the area’s best cascades are just a short drive or hike through the woods. With about 50 campsites, the wooded Ainsworth campground is on the smaller side, but it still comes with solid features and hot showers.
About a half-hour drive east of Portland in the Columbia River Gorge, Ainsworth Park offers easy camping for those who want to get out into nature but don't want to spend hours in the car to do so. Its location right on the Historic Columbia River Highway gives Ainsworth easy access to the roads known as “Waterfall Corridor,” meaning many of the area’s best cascades are just a short drive or hike through the woods. With about 50 campsites, the wooded Ainsworth campground is on the smaller side, but it still comes with solid features and hot showers.
Activities in the park
1 campground in Ainsworth State Park
Nestle into the Columbia Gorge rhythm--both unabashed and humble. This area is immediately photogenic, yet still covets a million hidden portraits. At Ainsworth you’ll find 40 full hook-up sites under the sweet-smelling shade of coniferous forest. Campsites are close together, but the scenery is lush. You can expect flush toilets, firewood and sho Read more...
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Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Ainsworth State Park is open from mid-March through the end of October. If you like wildflowers, spring is the best time to come to the Gorge—just be prepared for the likelihood of rain. Things usually dry off (and heat up) by the end of June, and the weather in the region tends to stay relatively warm and dry until mid- to late September. Both the campground and day-use area get crowded in summer, particularly on weekends.
Know Before You Go
Public campgrounds (book externally) —