The best camping near Deschutes River State Recreation Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Deschutes River State Recreation Area adventure.

88% (7 reviews)
88% (7 reviews)

Miles of hiking trails, whitewater, and other outdoor activities make this an exciting spot!  

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Community favorites near Deschutes River State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Deschutes River State Recreation Area

97%
(825)

WindWoodRivers

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Home Valley, WA
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!
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$75
 / night
97%
(35)

Harvest Haven Campground

5 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Lyle, WA
*Note: this is a working farm with livestock and free range chickens. Located just 1.5 miles east of the Catherine Creek Recreation area, we are perfectly located for those looking to hike, mountain bike, hunt, rock climbing at coyote wall, windsurf, wine tasting, bird watch or just looking to relax among wild turkey, deer and song birds. This campground has 3 sites that share a 1-acre field running parallel to a quiet county road. While the site offers ample space for camping and outdoor activities, be aware that you'll have neighbors nearby. Guests are free to explore an additional 30 acres of fields, woods, farm, and garden on foot during their stay. While the farmhouse is about 450 feet away, there is a tree canopy of giant White Oaks that provides some privacy from it. Unfiltered spring water is available at water spigots near camp as well as at the farmstand but guests are encouraged to purify water for drinking or bring their own drinking water. Please note that the campsites are situated along a county road, so occasional traffic will be seen and heard. Overall, the campsite offers a pleasant outdoor experience with access to various recreational opportunities . This camp is placed the amongst the great White Oaks of the quaint and charming Hillbilly Farm that rests in the heart of the Scenic Columbia River Gorge. This property is a mix of woods made of ancient oaks and Maple and grassy fields full of wildflowers in spring and has several points that offer views of the Columbia river and Mt. Hood . It also has a seasonal farm stand filled with produce and products that are all grown, raised or made right here on this farm. Additionally, there is a 1 acre garden for you to stroll thru with a U-pick salad bar and from the tomato and herb garden. Or perhaps you would like to check out the farms chickens, guinea hens and pigs and feed them apples. Be sure to meet our Kunekune pig "Petunia" who loves her belly rubbed. Another local attraction is wine tasting at one or all of the 4 wineries in the neighborhood, 2 of which are within walking distance of your camp. Beyond the camp, there are countless recreation opportunities within a few mins drive of camp including numerous hiking and biking trails, rock climbing, fishing, swimming, beaches, boating, windsports, wildlife viewing, bird watching, kayaking, paddleboarding, white water rafter.
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$21.25
 / night
98%
(108)

Waterwheel Park

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Cook, WA
Once an old homestead. Learn more about this land:      Hello Hipcampers.  We do NOT sell firewood. Bring your own. Please read the whole description and understand the car/trailer length limits before booking.  32' (thirty-two feet)  means car and trailer, not just the trailer.   Smaller trailers like the teardrops or fifteen footers can be backed in easily, but if you're over 32 feet with vehicle the space to maneuver is too small.      Your camp site is under tall fir trees on fairly level ground. The site is next to a county road (see pictures), but traffic is very light. Next to your camp site is a 12x20 foot deck by a clear pond with beautiful trout and a running creek. A large picnic table is provided. It is a semi private location as the owners (us) also enjoy the pond and creek, and use the driveway. You can see the main house from the campsite but it's very quite.  There is absolutely NO fishing allowed in the pond!  The large trout in the pond are for your viewing enjoyment. 25cent fish food dispenser.      There is a clean privy; it's not fancy but it works and we use it when we're working outdoors.   We think you'll find it quite acceptable.  It's only a few yards from your camp site.      There is a fresh water spigot between the main house and the privy to fill water bottles or water for cooking.  Just lift the handle for water to flow.  Pour gray water in bushes away from the camp site.      Hipcampers ARE WELCOME to walk our big garden.  Simply walk past the privy, over the wooden bridge and through the white gate to see flower gardens, ponds, fruit trees, and berry bushes.   We love to share our space with you, however, we ask that you limit your garden walk to one time so that your walking experience is balanced with our desire for privacy. Keep gates closed and stay out of sheep paddocks.      Children:  This is a wonderful and fun place for children, but the waterwheel and ponds deserve your attention.  Keep children safely away from the waterwheel, and be next to them when viewing it.  You must be diligent if your children don't have experience with open water.  Please do not allow them to throw our landscaping rocks into the ponds as I have to dig them all out later.  For some reason kids love to throw rocks into ponds!  Just down the road only 100 yards, is a school playground with swings, basketball courts, tennis courts and a huge field to play on!  So bring your frisbee, soccer ball or any other field toys.      Don't leave food out at night!  That could attract unwanted furry visitors.  There is a healthy population of bear and cougar in this area.  These animals generally stay away from humans, but you should carry a horn or bear spray when hiking in the woods of the Columbia Gorge.        Go right to your camp site.  We may come greet you when you arrive if we're home, but then leave you alone to your own peace and quiet.       There is parking at the campsite for two vehicles side by side, or a car and trailer.   We may accommodate a third vehicle with prearrangement.      Camper Trailers:   The driveway is circular, so you can pull in at either entrance, get out  and take a look at how best to back your trailer into its spot.      Live music at your campsite is an experience we offer.  Great for kids!
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$40
 / night
100%
(44)

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.
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$50
 / night
100%
(29)

KLICKITAT VIEW CABIN

2 sites · 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.
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$105
 / night
98%
(144)

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!
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$75
 / night
99%
(142)

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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$95
 / night
97%
(19)

Forest Retreats in White Salmon

6 sites · Lodging, Tents57 acres · White Salmon, WA
Welcome to Atlan, a serene 150+ acre evergreen forest sanctuary and small intentional community nestled in the Columbia RIver Gorge. We are located near White Salmon river access points where many lift off for kayaking, river rafting, and hiking. Our land has breathtaking views, a creek that runs through it and offers us a spring with pure drinking water, accompanied by an array of native flowers, wildlife, a garden, and food forests.
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$40.50
 / night
94%
(237)

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.
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$40.50
 / night
99%
(37)

Columbia Gorge Getaways Resort

8 sites · Lodging, Tents400 acres · Carson, WA
Columbia Gorge Getaways (CGG) is a family-owned glamping Resort that offers clean, comfortable, and safe accommodations. We have many different accommodation types, along with spaces to gather, collaborate, and celebrate. CGG is built on a landscape that boasts outdoor activities to fuel and feed the mind, body, and soul. When you stay with Columbia Gorge Getaways, you have your choice of luxurious yurts, cozy glamping tents, or well-maintained campsites cradled under a canopy of evergreen boughs. CGG has a rich history where flora, fauna, and industry coexisted. After being purchased from a local logging company in 2017, CGG’s owners continue to manage the private 400 acres of diverse timberland. They are similarly passionate about sharing the physical, mental, and emotional benefits the forest provides. Columbia Gorge Getaways is nestled in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. We are conveniently located near Portland, Bend, and Seattle.
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$59
 / night
97%
(39)

The Snowden Yurt

1 site · Lodging2 acres · White Salmon, WA
The Snowden Yurt was built by Tova's uncle Kirk and originally used as a backcountry ski destination in the Sawtooth Mountains near Stanley, Idaho. It is built completely by hand, similar to the traditional Mongolian style, with hand-hewn rafters, hand-made door, and hand-stitched fabric. Kirk's distinctive skylight rounds out the peaceful dwelling. Kitchen facilities include a coffee maker, camp stove, grill, and outdoor sink. The unique, hand crafted bathhouse has a comfortable composting toilet and propane heated shower. An IKEA queen bed with the coziest comforters one could imagine sleeps two, and a pull out twin is available for an extra person. The Snowden Yurt, with a peekabo view of Mt. Hood, is located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, with world class recreation right out the door.
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$100
 / night
100%
(13)

Retired DNR Fire Watch Cabin

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Trout Lake, WA
Looking for an off grid'ish experience but want some of the comforts of home? Come stay in my cozy cool cabin at the base of Mt Adams in Trout Lake, WA. Cabin has one Queen bed and a fold out cot under the bed. Max capacity 2 adults and 2 children. What makes this cabin cool? Well, it is a retired DNR fire watch cabin! The cabin is as original as can be! Equipped with battery operated and solar lights along with propane heat! Porta potty right next to it for your use! There is a full bathroom and amenities to include fridge, microwave, coffee pot and air fryer just a short walk away! Winter sports galore up here right now! Cross country skiing, snow shoeing, ample parking for snow mobile trailers! OR bring your favorite book and come enjoy a peaceful restful weekend! Springtime is a gorgeous time of year up here and turkey season is a favorite! Ample room for boats/trailers if you are considering hitting Drano lake for some springer salmon fishing! It is apx 30 minutes away. In the summertime come up and enjoy the hiking! Sleeping Beauty trail is just a few minutes away and you are within 30 minutes or Hood River if you are looking to explore and check out wineries. There are cheese caves, ice caves, Goose Lake, Council Lake and so much more! Fall is one of my favorite seasons! Hood River fishery has been amazing and the fall colors can't be beat! There is a fire pit and campfires are welcome when there is not a burn ban. Trout Lake Inn is a local favorite up here and check their Facebook to see what live entertainment they have coming up. Pets are welcome - please make sure they are well behaved and are kept close to the cabin. I do have my own friendly dogs (Ruby and Muskett) on the property, but they do not have access to the cabin area. Come enjoy the mountain air - it is good for the soul! **No parties - limit of 2 adult guests and up to 2 children. No illegal drugs. No smoking or vaping inside cabin or the bathroom/hospitality room.
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$92.07
 / night

The best camping near Deschutes River State Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

The Columbia and Deschutes River meet in this state and wind through the canyons. The final 100 miles of the Deschutes offers whitewater rafting, kayaking, and inner-tubing. Heritage Landing is a popular boating area. You can waterski and fish for salmon. Steelhead and trout fishing are also big in this park.

Love horseback riding? From March to June, you can make a reservation to use the equestrian trails. A favorite of hikers — the Atiyeh Deschutes River Trail — meanders along the river. While hiking through this park, look up for a glance of an Orioles' nest. These birds build unique hanging-basket type nests.

This Oregon state park offers four loops for camping. Some feature sites with hookups while others are more primitive. You find all but one loop closed in winter months. Loop A provides restrooms with hot showers while the others only offer vault toilets. Enjoy cool evenings from the shade of the large trees.

Notable campgrounds

  • A Loop: Offers 34 electrical sites with water, available for RV or tent camping, complete with seasonal flush toilets and hot showers.
  • B Loop: Features 14 primitive RV/tent sites with vault toilets and nearby potable water, closed in winter.
  • G Loop: Provides 4 reservable primitive RV/tent camping areas for groups, with vault toilets and potable water nearby.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book your campsite up to 6 months in advance to secure your spot amid the park's natural splendor.
  • For winter camping, remember that sites are first-come, first-served, so plan to arrive early for the best selection.
  • Check the park's reservation system regularly for cancellations to snag a last-minute reservation.
  • Explore nearby camping options if your preferred campground is fully booked, ensuring you don't miss out on the Deschutes experience.

When to go

The Deschutes River State Recreation Area is a year-round destination, with each season offering its unique charm. Spring greets visitors with a vibrant display of wildflowers, while summer brings heat and bustling activity on the river. Fall is ideal for fishing enthusiasts, and winter offers a quieter, albeit cooler, camping experience with reduced amenities.

Know before you go

  • Life jackets are a must for all water activities; a loaner station at Heritage Landing provides various sizes.
  • Boater Passes are required for river access; purchase them online to ensure compliance with regulations.
  • Prepare for the sound of passing trains, which is common in the park, by bringing ear plugs if you're a light sleeper.
  • During winter, water to sites is turned off to prevent freezing; however, a frost-free spigot ensures access to potable water.
  • Be aware of seasonal campfire restrictions and always follow posted guidelines to protect the park's natural beauty.

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