1. Columbia River RV Park
One of the campgrounds closest to downtown Portland is the Columbia River RV Park. It is in northern Portland, right across the street from the river and the Portland Yacht Club. There are plenty of sites and attractions right in Portland like the Oregon Zoo (visit Elephant Lands with Asian Elephants or the Polar Passage to see Polar Bears), the Lan Su Chinese Garden and the Portland Art Museum. Of course there are amazing shops and restaurants downtown as well. After a busy day in the city head north to the Columbia River RV Park. All of the campsites in the park are paved and have full hookups with both back-in and pull-through sites. The RV park can even accommodate extra-large RV’s. Located right across the street from several marinas you can catch a boat out to do some fishing on the river or just enjoy a day of boating. This is one of the absolute best places to camp near Portland because it is on the river and close to downtown!
2. Cascade Locks / Portland East KOA : Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
For resort-like accommodations check out the Cascade Locks Portland East KOA. It is located right by the beautiful River Gorge NSA where you can hike to waterfalls, take a stern-wheeler through the Gorge and backpack on the Larch Mountain trails. Keep your eyes to the sky for hawks and bald eagles that frequent the falls areas. It is hard to believe you don’t have to go that far out of the city to find such varied landscapes. The campground is less than an hour east of downtown and can accommodate RV’s up to 110’ long! There are smaller RV sites, premium tent sites, camper cabins and deluxe cabins with private bathrooms and showers. After a day of exploring you can spend some time in the swimming pool or relax in the hot tub or sauna (not really roughing it!).
3. Camp Creek Campground: Mt. Hood
If you want to go camping near Portland you can’t miss a trip to Mount Hood. The Camp Creek Campground is a smaller campground next to a creek with a classic wooded campsite feel. The base of Mount Hood is nearby for hiking in the mountains or you can hike the 1.6 mile Still Creek Trail right at the campground. There are mountain bike trails if you prefer, and fishing for trout and whitefish is common in this park. There are 25 campsites for RV’s and tents with some being “tent only”. Sites are primitive and non-electric with vault toilets and drinking water nearby. The rivers and creeks in the park are fed by the glaciers from Mount Hood so you can imagine how refreshing it will be to splash your face with a handful of fresh water or wade out into the river to cool off in the summer. Mountain camping at its best!
4. Champoeg State Park Campground
South of downtown Portland is one of the absolute best places to camp near Portland. The Champoeg State Park is right along the Willamette River, learn about the unique history of the park before you go, dating back to 1843, when this was the site of the Oregon’s first provisional government. In 1861 the town was washed away in a great flood, leaving behind a ghost town. One of the unique features of the campground is that it has yurts you can rent! Have you ever tried camping in a yurt? There are also RV/Tent sites and 6 cabins. You can fish right off the dock for salmon, trout, walleye and catfish or take a kayak out to explore. For hikers there are trails that are popular for birdwatching with western bluebirds and acorn woodpeckers making the park their home. You can see why this is one of the absolute best places to camp near Portland!
5. Jantzen Beach RV Resort
Located right on Hayden Island on the Columbia River is Jantzen Beach RV Resort. The park has first class facilities including three heated pools and a clubhouse with a fitness center and playground. Sites include full hookups and cable TV. Take a day trip to Multnoma Falls, a winery, or visit downtown Portland for a nice dinner out. Back at the campground you can shoot hoops, billiards or try fishing at one of the marinas. While hiking along the Hayden Bay Loop Hike (2.5 miles) look for Brown Pelicans and California Gulls that are common along the Columbia River. Settle back in at your campsite for some s’mores before turning in for the night!
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