The best camping near Cottonwood Canyon State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Cottonwood Canyon adventure.

88% (5 reviews)

Set up camp on the banks of the John Day River at this unpretentious park.

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Community favorites near Cottonwood Canyon State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Cottonwood Canyon State Park

88%

(5)

Lone Tree Campground

29 sites · RVs, Tents In Cottonwood Canyon State Park

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Top-rated campgrounds near Cottonwood Canyon State Park

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Lefever Holbrook Ranch

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents400 acres · Goldendale, WA

The Lefever Holbrook Ranch offers a unique stay overlooking some of washington’s most scenic views. Enjoy educational workshops and local adventures through the Gorge. Tour the land and hear about Paulette’s ranching philosophy. The ranch stores are open by appointment, so stock up on the ranches products grass-fed beef, lamb, pork, chickens, turkey, and rabbit or graze the greenhouse or gardens for just picked in season vegetables or catch on the daily evening barns tours available with sign up.

100%

(7)

KLICKITAT VIEW CABIN

1 site · Lodging20 acres · Goldendale, WA

Relax and restore on the top of the hill on our 20-acre, private property. You'll have the property and 750-square foot cabin to yourself. With views of Mt. Adams, the Simcoe mountains, and a million stars, you can hike, star gaze, and enjoy fireside games at this updated cabin with a classic aesthetic. This is off-grid with electric lighting. We have a sink and pump that provides running water like a household sink. There is a porta-potty near the house and an outdoor heated shower. You'll bring your bedding, extra water for showering, and towels to make yourself comfortable. We have blankets and kitchen equipment as well as an outdoor grill and solo stove firepit. Come recharge among nature.

Saved 2 times

Weedman ranches

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Moro, OR

I own 5 acres of property above Cottonwood State Park. I also have a wooden school house that was built in the late 1800s and is still standing. My family does still farm/ranch every day as did my family’s ancestors when they started our family ranch in 1882. My house sits at the very top of Cottonwood Canyon with a view of to see amazing sunrise’s and a view to see beautiful sunsets with Mount hood and Mount Adams for a backdrop.

98%

(108)

Rivers Ridge

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · White Salmon, WA

Unbelievable views overlooking wineries and orchards, Mt Hood and Columbia River. Park your RV or tent in the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. Famous wineries and cherry orchards are all nearby. This is the perfect place to enjoy the wine you purchased during a wine-tasting tour! 10-minute drive to White Salmon and Hood River. Proximity to mountain biking, hiking, kiteboarding, windsurfing and more. We have one huge RV site available for campers to book. With the RV site, you have the option to book the treehouse as an “Extra”. Only one "campsite" is available on the property. Which means you're the only people out here. Peace and privacy abound. You can choose wherever you want to put your tent. I open up my land to only one group at a time. Cell service is strong at the property. Work remotely while overlooking the view, and multiple picnic table locations. The treehouse has stools and countertops/desktops to work from if you choose to rent that as well. Rowland Lake is a great swimming spot at the bottom of the road (2 miles). I look forward to hosting you!

99%

(125)

The Forest Cupcake

1 site · Lodging20 acres · Lyle, WA

This unique place in Lyle, Washington - part of the Columbia River Gorge scenic area - is magical and utterly beautiful. The property is set in a magnificent meadow as far as the eye can see with soft rolling hills, edged up to a deep oak woodland/ponderosa pine forest. Wildlife, stars, trails, and rivers all abound here. We think it is one of the finest, most precious and beautiful places on the planet. For outdoor recreation, this area is a windsurfing and kiteboarding mecca. Mount Adams and Mount Hood, await hikers and skiers, and kayaking is popular on the Klickitat and White Salmon Rivers. Heart-stopping beauty and peacefulness whichever way you turn. You will feel like you have gone to your own little Shangri-La and you will not soon forget the experience. Even sleeping is special here, as you look up into the dome of the yurt and behold the stars, while twinkle lights gently illuminate the interior. We live in a slice of heaven, and we want to share it with others.

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Roots Rise Family Farm

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Lyle, WA

Cozy boondock campground situated in the beautiful High Prairie on Friends of the Gorge land with gorgeous views in every direction. Our property has been intact here since the 1940’s and has tons of eclectic charm & history. We are excited to share this beautiful land and its bounty with anyone who feels called. We are slowly building our dreams here and love the camping community so much. Come for the peace & quiet. Stay for the adventure.

95%

(22)

Mosier creek Camp

4 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Mosier, OR

on the banks of Mosier Creek. Nice shady, private area. Several hikes from your spot. Fly fishing for brook trout, lots if craydads in creek. Wild mint, black berry's, a hammock for a afternoon nap. Flat area foe a tent, RV, small trailer. Chairs, table, hammock ready for you to come and enjoy. Oregon, has mosquitoes, snakes, deer, fox, coyotes. As of Oct 1st. Small fires are allowed. After you turn on Carrol road, you will see a dry creek road sign. The camp site is down over the bank from this sign

100%

(2)

Cat's Forest Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent80 acres · Goldendale, WA

On a clear day you can see Mount Hood. Great stargazing at night away from bright lights. Lots of River Rock and Agates. Abundant wildlife. Mostly hilly and forested terrain. Nearby is Greek Bakery & monastery, Brooks Memorial State Park. Visit Goldendale Observatory, Maryhill museum & Stonehenge.

97%

(15)

The Pines at LaVines

10 sites · RVs, Tents24 acres · Goldendale, WA

I bought my land in 1999. Back then I was the only one living on Austin rd past the end of the county road. Austin rd was still a gravel road then and so was Hanging Rock rd. Learn more about this land: Pitch a tent, bring your RV or something in between. Hunting fishing hiking relaxing in the trees. You can stay here and explore the Columbia river gorge, Mt Adams or Mt Hood, or head to the Yakima valley. Lots of deer and turkeys and other forest animals. Walli sturgeon and salmon are just some of the fish you can catch in the Columbia river or the Klickitat river. Pick huckleberries on the side of Mt Adams. Listen to the wind blowing in the tree tops as you rest and nap in the sun or shade. Territorial views and just 6 miles to town-close enough for beer and ice cream in the middle of the night( Sentry market open till 10pm). Maryhill museum is about 25 miles away. Biggs junction and I84 are just 20 miles and highway 97 is only 4 miles away, Toppenish wa is only 55 miles up north highway 97. Room for turning around big rv’s. Bring your grill and lawn chairs, mountain bikes or recumbents, Fence panels available for a temp dog kennel-limited availability. , No porta potties on site at this time. The guest bathroom accessed through the back door of the mobile home is available for use you will need to bring your own towels, soap ect. Right now there is wifi available at the mobile home by starlink. we hope to be able to extend it to the green pole barn building in the near future. Garbage can be dropped off down by the mobile home in closed garbage bags. At this time you will need to bring your own firewood and grills. Hope to have fire wood for purchase next year as well as fire pits/grills on site. Some rolling terrain, lots of flat spots for camp. The road in is a little rough but my Audi TT doesn't have trouble except when the snow melts and turns into slush. Lots of privacy because the county road does not run past my place and each camp site is aprox 1.5 acres each so you have room for social distancing and privacy or you can find a spot that looks good to you and make your own camp. Located 1/2 mile off of the paved county road. only 3 neighbors within half a mile( the trees are thick enough you probably won't see them ever). Burn ban in effect June 1st till October 1st.

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Milk A Sheep Camp

4 sites · RVs, Tents450 acres · Lexington, OR

Didn't know you could milk a sheep? Or thought only cows made cheese? Come find out how it's done on this seasonal working ranch here in Eastern Oregon. Lambs are born in the spring and their moms are milked all summer long. I raise my sheep on fresh grass and sunshine. Come see for yourself here on the ranch. Pitch a tent on the pasture and literally count the sheep around you before falling asleep or climb the hill and see for miles in every direction. We may be close to the road, but it doesn't feel like it. We can accommodate campers, RVs, trucks, tents, and vans. 4 sites to chose from. Each site has access to a toilet, potable water, shower, picnic tables, trash disposal, and we allow campfires (outside of burn bans), and pets. We also sell fresh eggs, firewood, and lamb sausage. Our guests love staying with us: "There’s fireside fun in fresh country air, rolling hills around the farm to walk along to enjoy the wide expansive view, and sights and sounds of animals around camp to make for a relaxing day. There’s kittens, dairy sheep, gigantic but friendly herd dogs, and a variety of chickens and ducks. The host was kind and friendly. Try the sheep’s milk cheese - what a treat!"

95%

(116)

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.

97%

(15)

The Dirt E Moor

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Grass Valley, OR

As you come down the highway, rolling into Grass Valley, you slowly realize you are driving through not just a different town but frame of mind. As a community of farmers and ranchers we move at a different pace. Here at The Dirt E Moor, we want you to be able to experience a piece of that. My partner has grown up in the area, traveled the world, and at the end of it, decided this is where he wanted to raise his family. His parents run the town store, built around 1903. Our children have dug and played in the creek. Bringing in treasures they have found like old horseshoes from where the blacksmith was located. At The Dirt E Moor we have embraced the pioneer spirit and adapted to our climate. We do have all 4 seasons. In the Spring you might just catch me putting in new vegetables beds in the garden, we could have lambs begging for pets, or a new litter of barn kittens running around. Summer will have the working dogs looking for the shady cool spots, the ducks quacking in the sprinkler and bees buzzing in the flowers. Fall will see the cool evening and leaves falling like potato chips, last minute treats stolen by the ewes. And in Winter there is a great peace in laying in a warm blanket watching the snow fall.Learn more about this land:The DirtEMoor is a 2 acre hobby farm located on the edge of a small town in North Central Oregon. Your campsite is located next to a seasonal creek on the North East corner of the DirtEmoor with easy access parking next to site. Grass Valley is often used as a Base-Camp for Hunters, Fisherpeople, Rafters, Racecar Drivers, Rockhounds, Hikers, Bikers and Skiers to explore our 3 locals rivers (Deschutes, John Day or Columbia), or our acres of BLM land, mountains and public river trails. We have quite mornings, breathless sunsets, starry nights and everything else in-between.

The best camping near Cottonwood Canyon State Park guide

Overview

About

Cottonwood Canyon State Park offers a rugged, low-key experience. Situated on the banks of the John Day River, across from the boat launch at J.S. Burres State Park, the area attracts anglers, kayakers, and hikers alike. The park also offers excellent opportunities for wildlife-viewing, as elk, deer, pronghorn antelope, and even bighorn sheep live in the area. Lone Tree Campground is small and generally quiet, with first-come, first-served (FCFS) campsites—many right by the river—and a handful of reservable cabins. A group tent area is also available for up to 25 people.

Tips for snagging a campsite

The campsites at Lone Tree Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance. Arrive early in the morning to increase your likelihood of getting a spot.
Weekends can fill up here, particularly in the summer months. Try arriving on a Thursday or Friday morning to secure your place.
If you want a guaranteed spot, consider booking one of the four cabins, which can be reserved up to six months in advance through Oregon State Parks (either online or over the phone).

When to go

Cottonwood Canyon is open year-round, and is at its busiest during summer vacation when temperatures are warmest. Spring and fall can also be a good time to visit, particularly if you want to fish for wild steelhead, but the weather is a bit of a crapshoot, and while warm and dry temperatures are certainly possible, so are cold, rainy days. Springtime here is particularly lovely, when wildflowers add a much needed splash of color to the dusky landscape.

Know before you go

Western rattlesnakes—the only dangerous type of snake in Oregon—live in the area, but are more likely to flee than fight and will rarely attack unless they feel seriously threatened.
The canyon is in cougar country. If you encounter one of the cats, make a lot of noise to scare them off.
The closest place to get fuel, supplies, and groceries is the town of Wasco, about a 20-minute drive from the campground.
Cottonwood Canyon is in an area of high fire risk, and campfire bans and even bans on propane stoves and fire rings are the norm, particularly in the summer months.