The best camping near Oxbow Regional Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Oxbow Regional Park adventure.

Tube the Sandy River, see spawning salmon, and hike an old-growth forest in Portland’s backyard.  

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Community favorites near Oxbow Regional Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Oxbow Regional Park

98%
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Action Sports Roamer Sites

28 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents28 acres · Sandy, OR
Attention... Skiers/Snowboarders, MTB'ers, Hikers, Skaters, Adventurers, all outdoor enthusiast. Our outdoor sauna is open and ready for you to heal all your mountain soreness. The year 1989 birthed the renowned Windells Camp and High Cascade Snowboard Camps at Mt. Hood, Oregon. What resulted today is a 28-acre action sports mecca that serves as the pathway for nearly every action sports professional and these special Roamer Sites give you a sampling of that experience. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Hood and its year round lift-accessible snow, these adventure rigs sites for #vanlife, roamer trucks, and nimble RVs place you on the campus of one of the world's premiere destinations for actions sports. We also offer glamping tents. With Sandy Ridge mountain bike trails within a mile, and over 40,000 sf of skateboard park, there is something for everyone. Your Roamer Site one of 18 featuring a communal campfire and picnic tables. From 5-7pm M-F and 7-10AM Sat/Sun you'll have access to our private indoor and outdoor skateboard parks, mountain bike trails, and fitness center. Want coaching and more? We have that! (additional fee and reservation apply). Guests love it here "Great camp setup with RV sites and tent Glamping site in nice big canvas tents. I had a quick in and out one night stay and enjoy the big trees and peace and quiet. Located next to an actions sports camp, and the hills which allow for lots of hiking and relaxing"
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$40
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Naked Falls

22 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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Camp Colton

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents85 acres · Colton, OR
One of rural Oregon's hidden gems, Camp Colton is a retreat and event center tucked away on 85 acres of forest about an hour Southeast of Portland. Enjoy hiking our trails, walking our creeks and swimming or canoeing in our creek-fed pond. This is a truly special setting to unplug and relax. Our listings offer something for everyone, including tent camping, RV sites, a tiny house, forest yurt and a cottage that sleeps up to six! All of our listings are pet friendly and allow campfires (burn ban permitting). Amenities for each listing vary from bare-bones to full kitchen and bath, so be sure to read each description carefully and choose according to your needs. ****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. Our guests love staying with us! Check out these comments from past guests: "This place was absolutely amazing! We cannot wait to come back!" "The host thought of everything - every little touch and comfort to make it feel so cozy and glamping-perfect." "The fire pit and chairs outside were excellent, and the stove inside kept it so cozy and warm in there. Plenty of firewood, lighter, blankets, water & lights - we wanted for nothing!" "It felt very remote and we could hear the water all night, but it’s actually not remote and so we appreciated that the camp was gated at night." "Such a great place!! We are going to recommend it to all our friends and can’t wait to get back. Thanks to Neal for being an excellent host when we arrived!!"
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$52.50
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Akitaaru Forest Camp

1 site · Tent5 acres · Bethany, OR
***Akitaaru Homestead was named one of 2023's BEST PLACES TO PITCH A TENT. … and we just placed again for 2024! Thanks to all of our campers and to Mother Earth for sharing this beautiful place with us humans! *** We run a small active homestead with livestock, gardens, dogs, and free range children. We are happy to share our five acres of beautiful PNW forest with intrepid campers Learn more about this land: Have you ever wanted to have an entire campground to yourself? Planning a romantic getaway, private group trip, or getting your feet wet with your first trip of the year (or ever!?) We have got the perfect place for you! Camp on the edge of Forest Park and sleep underneath an evergreen canopy of Douglas fir and big leaf maple. We have one large forest glade with room for several tents. We book only one group at a time, so you are guaranteed the place to yourselves. We can accommodate up to 15 people, with a max of 5-6 vehicles (parking is tight). This is a hike-in only campground most suited to backpack style camping. The hike in has two short steep sections about 50 feet each. It takes 5-15 minutes depending on fitness level and load. This is not suitable for those with accessibility issues. The campground features: -Fairy lights strung among the tress to create the perfect magical ambiance -Large fire ring with seating for 7-10 and cooking grate -picnic table with seating for six - Composting latrine with a forest view (commune with nature!) -Photo worthy hammock, swinging loveseat , and sunset views - A huge clearing with multiple flat tent spots (5-7) -1/2 mile of trails with hidden surprises - A parking area suitable for car camping or van camping during the rainy season. -Only 20 minutes from downtown Portland, 15 from I5, and minutes from gas and Parking is separate from the campground! It is a brief but steep 1/4 mile hike to get to the main campground and latrine. Bring hiking shoes and pack light. It takes most people 5-15 minutes to hike up, depending on fitness level and load size . If you want to car camp, you will be next to a road and separate from the latrine and fire pit. Enjoy several short trails on the camp's property before heading to Forest Park's Wildwood Trail, which is just up the street, or check out all of the incredible natural and urban nearby attractions in Portland. We are about 20 minutes away Portland's International Rose Test Garden , The Oregon Zoo, and Pittock Mansion Or just swing lazily in a hammock under the trees and enjoy the sound of the forest coming to life. Inquire about a tour of the homestead and the chance to play with our tiny herd of goats who think they are dogs.
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$31.50
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Waterfall Sanctuary

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents17 acres · Carson, WA
Welcome 2025 Hipcampers! Check out our newest additions!! - a fully furnished 2-bedroom house that sleeps 6 (Site 8 and the only site with electricity and running water) - A gorgeous geodesic dome that can sleep 6 (Site 3) - A super cute converted blue bus that sleeps 4 (Site 5) - 2 RV/Van/Bus/tent spots, the first one can manage up to 30 feet and the second 40+, both with picnic tables and umbrellas (Sites 9 and 10) *To book for a retreat please go to the business website or contact me directly for answers to questions. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you! BEFORE BOOKING: Please read all rules and restrictions- due to inconsiderate guests we had to update and add new ones. **IF BRINGING YOUR DOG: PLEASE read ALL the rules- especially about having your dog on a leash AT ALL times while on the property. There is a nightly fee when you bring your dog (MAXIMUM 2 dogs per site), make sure to select it under 'Extras" when you book! 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, Waterfall Sanctuary is home to a mini-farm with goats, ducks, and chickens. Deer and 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 and a swimming hole, and a short distance further is the Pacific Crest Trail. A 20-minute drive and you're at the Columbia River. An hour to the West is Portland if you are in the mood for some city life, and 40 minutes east is Hood River, a gorgeous old town with tons of charm. The closest town, Stevenson, Washington is home t shops, local restaurants, and access to the Columbia River. Also in close proximity are amazing waterfalls. National Forest roads are close by and 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 and sustainable as possible- no electricity or running water is available, we provide battery or solar operated lighting, and a container of water for each spot.
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$47.50
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Grace Acres Scenic RV Camping

6 sites · RVs19 acres · Mount Angel, OR
Grace Acres Scenic RV Camping provides rentable gravel sites to campers seeking a pastoral farm setting for their enjoyable stay in the Willamette Valley. The origin of this business adventure stems from Ed’s passion for plants, animals, and all things farming, to Paula’s passion for hospitality, home decor and all things beautiful, to their entire family’s joy when sharing their lovely property with others. These qualities, as well as impeccable grounds and expansive views of the charming countryside, will no doubt attract and retain happy campers. The location is in farm country at the edge of the Cascade foothills between Mt. Angel and the Marquam area, with expansive views to the east of the Cascade Mountains all the way to the coastal mountains to the west. Magnificent sunrises and glorious sunsets, as well as the beautiful, fertile Willamette Valley countryside, will be appreciated by all Hip campers. As a result of being in farm country, you may hear irrigation guns occasionally operating during the summer. We're 30 minutes from Silver Falls and Champoeg State Park where there's scenic bikeways and trails. A few minutes from the Tulip Festival in the spring.
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$36
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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
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Elk Moon Yurt

1 site · Lodging20 acres · Gales Creek, OR
Elk Moon is a single yurt perched in a open clearing above the forest. Overlooking Mt Hood, Mt St Helens, Mt Adams and on the clearest days-Mt Jefferson. It’s a lovely open space where we’ve been joined by deer, elk, bald eagles, osprey and more. There’s an intimate relationship with the clouds here-sometimes wrapped in them, sometimes sitting on top of them-but everyday is dramatic and stunningly beautiful.Learn more about this land:Relax and rejuvenate your senses in a comfy, cozy and spacious 20 foot off-grid yurt. Wake up to the sunrise out your window and the site of Mount Hood and three other mountains on a clear day. Fall asleep to the site of the rising moon and the stars, enjoy the sounds of wildlife mixed with interesting sounds from the farm. Even the clouds feel dynamic and special here.This space has everything you need to enjoy time away from the city. Elk Moon has a secluded feel in a meadow at the top of a mountain surrounded by forest, but w/ neighbors not terribly far away. Enjoy coffee and meals inside on a basic two-burner camp stove or drive a short distance to town. A charming and clean composting toilet is located a few yards from the yurt. It is always cleaned in between campers. With hiking right outside your doorsteps and fantastic mountain views, Elk Moon is ideal for nature lovers. 
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$72.25
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The best camping near Oxbow Regional Park guide

Overview

About

Just 35 minutes from downtown Portland, Oxbow Regional Park puts campers in an old-growth forest on the banks of the glacier-fed Sandy River for a true PNW nature experience. Here you can hike 12 miles of trails, fish or float the Sandy River, or pitch a tent under giant fir trees at the park’s campground. Chinook salmon come to spawn each fall, and in summer, Oxbow is a popular launch site for floating the Sandy River. The park also makes a great basecamp for the nearby Columbia River Gorge’s scenic drives and waterfall hikes.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • All Oxbow Regional Park campsites can be reserved 9 months in advance. No walk-in sites are available.
  • Reserve Oxbow campsites online or by calling (503) 823-2525.
  • Book well in advance for the summer season when this park fills up with tubers and families.

When to go

Oxbow Regional Park is open year-round, and summertime is by far the most popular time to visit. When temperatures get relatively warm, Portlanders flock to the park to tube the Sandy River. Spring can also be a rewarding season to camp at Oxbow, with wildflowers out and many waterfalls flowing at full strength. Fall is a peaceful time with smaller crowds, colorful leaves, and spawning salmon in the river. Rain is possible nearly year-round.

Know before you go

  • Nearby Troutdale has outdoor stores with tubing and fishing supplies, plus a variety of markets and restaurants to outfit your trip.
  • From Mid-September to Mid-November, fishing is prohibited at Oxbow so that Chinook salmon can spawn. You can view these spawning salmon from the park’s riverside trails.
  • Many Oxbow Regional Park visitors launch kayaks, rafts, or inner tubes for floats down the Sandy River to the Dabney State Recreation Area or Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site. Water levels, water strength, and water temperatures vary dramatically even by week, so check with park rangers by calling (503) 663-4708 for current conditions before entering the water.
  • To explore the greater Columbia River Gorge, pick up the Historic Columbia River Highway just south of Oxbow and travel east to highlights like the Vista House at Crown Point, Bridal Veil Falls, and Multnomah Falls.

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