Beach Camping Near La Center, Washington, US: 12 Best Beach Campsites 2024

United States
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Washington
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La Center

95% (2813 reviews)

Popular camping styles for La Center

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top beach campgrounds near La Center

95%

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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.

Riverfront Glamping & Camping

10 sites · Lodging, Tents33 acres · Kalama, WA

Wooden Bridge Retreats, is a 33 acre riverfront sanctuary, just one hour north of Portland, OR, where the tranquility of nature meets an event venue designed to rejuvenate, inspire, and connect. From secluded camping sites to comfortable glamping in a cedar cabin or geodesic dome, every stay is designed to harmonize with the natural beauty of the surroundings. ***Important note*** as we just recently gravelled our road back to the property, we can host all wheel drive and 4x4 vehicles only at this time.***

Batwater Station on Columbia River

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents60 acres · Clatskanie, OR

Batwater Station is located halfway between Portland and the Oregon Coast on the Columbia River. A private refuge where river otter, beaver, mink, muskrat, seals, raccoons along with threatened Columbia river white tailed deer can be seen. Property has 1,000 feet of boat docks, river deck, and pier. At the pier is a full kitchen, heated bathroom and shower room. Included are 2 outhouses, a fire pit for summer months, a viewing station overlooking the wetlands along with brick charcoal fired barbecue and another propane barbecue. We are committed to your privacy so guests are limited and spread out. High speed internet through out the property. Batwater worked with several agencies when we breeched a levee and flooded 26 acres for salmon and wildlife habitat. Hike along the wetlands and see beaver dams and dens. Batwater is also home for many types of birds including eagles, osprey, tree swallow, purple martins, barn swallows, wood ducks, common and hooded mergansers, mallards, scoots, scaups, grebes, cormorants, great egrets, blue herons, geese and many types of song birds . In the spring and summer see our returning osprey who have. nested on our dock since 2013. There are now 2 osprey platform since a pair of Canada geese choose that as their nesting site as well. Some bald eagles winter here but we have our resident bald eagles Hep and Hope. They arrived in 2003 to start their nest on Crims Island. They still nest there although there old nest tree collapsed in 2020. Many birds migrate here for the winter. Common mammals are river otter, mink, muskrat, raccoons, nutria, coyotes, black tailed and threatened Colombia White Tailed deer. We also are home to native turtles and frogs. Batwater is a working farm with cattle feeding on lush pastures, 2 retired horses and chickens. When eggs are available, we will share some with you. Batwater is a great place to kayak, canoe, paddle board or row during the summer months. We have windy afternoons for windsurfers or sailors. The Columbia River is well known for salmon, and sturgeon. For an extra fee you can moor your larger boat while visiting. There are a volley ball and badminton set ups along with horse shoes during the summer months. We suggest swimming during the summer months when the tide is coming in or slack. You can also walk or drive down to Mayger beach which is popular with locals. There are sandy beaches on Crims island that you can paddle over too. Check out the pictures for more information.

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"ART CAN" Airstream + Sauna!

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Portland, OR

Our 27' 1973 Airstream Overlander has been completely refurbished with lots of love and attention to detail. The outdoor space is a chill zone full of native plants, trees, flowers and an 8 ft. barrel sauna! This space is ideal for anyone looking for a quiet place to land while they explore the city and/or endless nature in the surrounding areas - Forest Park, Mt Hood, The Columbia Rive Gorge, and the coast! We are biking distance to several fabulous neighborhoods and restaurants along with tons of hiking opportunities in Forest Park, Columbia Slough trail, Mt Tabor and more. We have 2 bikes available for you to use during your stay!

Bar UK River Ranch Camp & Ride

5 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · La Center, WA

Erik's Swedish parents Ulf and Petsy Kahn purchased the Ranch in 1969, raising horses and cattle (200 head at one time). They rode the trails, tended the cows, and had great times fishing, swimming and camping. Campers can enjoy Kayaking, Horseback Riding ...and Swimming at our beautiful riverside location! Camp by river with tent, trailor or RV, RV "Boondockers" are welcome. Tour the beautiful Lewis river valley by horse back and ride into town for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Perfect first experience with horses for the kids, Erik is great with the little ones and makes sure everyone is comfortable and has a wonderful time. Kayakers and Paddleboarders will love the location, camping right on the 32 mile John Pollack water trail. The Quaint town of La Center can be your destination, an easy paddle, about four miles of natural wetlands and wildlife along the way. Visit The new IIani Casino 15 minutes away, offering entertainment and five star restaurants. We are really excited to share some of the most beautiful areas by creating a few private campsites overlooking the river. We want it to be everything the crowded campgrounds are not!

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Relatives’ Land

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Longview, WA

Relatives' Land is an opportunity for Delphine, who currently owns the property and all of us visiting, to enjoy the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest and learn about the amazing bio-diversity of the area. On the land you will find some flat, prairie land that are used for gardening and chicken raising. There is also an old orchard with 15 plus apple and pear trees. Campers are welcome to harvest apples and pears in the fall when they are in season! Half of the land, 2.5 acres is a forest of pine and alder trees which hosts incredible wild life: a family of fox, Northwest bats, Northern Pygmy owls, Spotted owls, Northern flickers, Pileated woodpeckers, red ants, deer, elk, rabbits, snakes, mice and million more insects and birds. The land also has an incredible variety of mushrooms, mostly non-edible though, and ferns and mosses.

J Squared River Ranch

9 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Castle Rock, WA

This property is currently in development. It offers tranquility, with occasional visits from deer. River access is just a short distance away, providing opportunities for fishing, sunbathing, or floating along the Cowlitz River. Conveniently located near the towns of Kelso and Longview, and only 2.7 miles from Castle Rock. Some full hookups are available, along with ample dry camping areas. Horses are welcome on the property. No fireworks allowed.

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Ohh Ship Beach Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Cathlamet, WA

Ohh Ship Beach Camp is located on Puget Island in the middle of the Columbia River. When you book a stay here, you get TWO large RV parking spots, both with 30A power and a shared water hookup. Both spots are on level ground with gravel pads and plenty of room to pull in or back in your vehicles. Tent campers are welcome; however, there are no bathroom amenities at my site, so guests must be self-contained. You'll enjoy free Wi-Fi, a large picnic table, and a large fire pit with seating. When you purchase firewood, it will be in the firewood holder when you arrive. Contact me directly for rates for large groups (more than 10 people or two vehicles). Walk, run, or ride bikes on the flat roads on the Island. Swim, fish, boat, kayak, or jet ski on the Columbia River. The boat launch and septic dump are located a few miles away at the Cathlamet Marina (there are public restrooms there). The town of Cathlamet has many local spots to eat and drink, including River Mile 38 Brewing Company, Maria's Place (Mexican), The Spar (American), Patty Cakes (Coffee), The Cottage Bread and Breakfast, and many more. Enjoy yourself while you watch the ships go by.....it's the ultimate relaxing spot on the beach!

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Healing Ponds Farm

8 sites · Tents40 acres · Buxton, OR

Welcome to our Home. Farm and Healing Retreat Center We rent out rooms and campsites. We offer many alternative health options. Available for an extra charge We have a toxic chemical-free hot tub. A sauna. A float tank. Pandora star that guides you into altered stated Three red light devices.. A pulse electromagnetic field device. And a Hyperbaric oxygen Chamber. We teach and practice an alternative healthy lifestyle. I do physical and emotional healing work, run light energy out of my hands, an ability I was born with, and counsel, coach, and mentor clients locally and around the world. I am an empath who sees and feels emotions and helps people heal physically and emotionally. My wife Jennifer does past life regressions, does dreamwork, and plays singing bowls. People come to get out of the city, relax, heal, and rewind. We have greenhouses. Gardens fruit trees and berries As well as many animals. Cows, goat sheep, Ducks, Geese, chickens, and turkeys Relax and enjoy. If interested, explore our other services or enjoy our forty acres. Welcome

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Cowlitz River Sandy Edge Campground

9 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Castle Rock, WA

The Cowlitz River Sandy Edge Campground is 20 acres of serenity and peace. A bird watchers dream place to be! lots of singing birds throughout the campground and the anglers delight with known fishing holes right off the banks. Enjoy the private campsite with ample space for family fun and cool quiet nights on the sandy edge of the Cowlitz River. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and a large trash can. All campsite will have their own pathway to the river with seasoned blackberries to pick! I ask to help keep our environment as natural as possible pick up after yourselves and your furry friends. Also do not leave personal items on the beach overnight we need to leave a natural environment and we are not responsible for missing or lost belongings. As we all know about bodies of water and to be as safe as possible around or near them and I advise life jackets especially for the little guys. The campground has no life guards so swim at your own risk waiving all liability from Cowlitz River Sandy Edge campground. Each site are allowed 7 campers and 2 vehicles.... $5 charge per day guests and $5 per guest vehicle. Apply that cost to campsite booking please. Thank you Dry camping with self contained travel trailer only at River Run and River View Tent sites will have access to a porta potty with permanent bathroom in near future. Fishing, (w/your own lic.) kayaking, hiking and exploring. Leave what you find. Preserve as much as possible. Close to I-5 and is located adjacent to the quaint town of Castle Rock with everything less than a half mile away! Such as; coffee shops, donut bakery shop, Mexican restaurant, other great places to eat, Cascade grocery store, souvenir shops, farmers market on the weekends, motocross flat track racing usually on memorial weekend, and several different attractions at the Castle rock fair grounds. Mount Saint Helens only 30 minutes away! Sky diving, zip lining and big cheese festival in the town of Toledo next city northeast of Castle Rock. DIRECTIONS: If you're coming from South take I-5 North exit 49 make a left onto Huntington go over frwy bridge first right is Cowlitz View drive. If coming from the North take I-5 South exit 49 make a right onto Huntington then first right is Cowlitz View drive stay left and I'll meet you at the gate to escort you to your site.

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Otter Pond Riverfront Getaway

3 sites · Lodging, RVs15 acres · Castle Rock, WA

Welcome to Otter Pond on the Toutle River! A gateway to Mt. St Helens. Our property is approximately 42 miles from Johnston Ridge Observatory (unfortunately closed at this time ) and 13.5 miles from I-5. Relax with the birds, deer, eagles, ducks, geese, rabbits, neighboring cows, beavers and otters that pass through now and then. You have acres to enjoy! Like your own mini campground. Half of our acreage is across the river-summertime is a great time to cross and explore! You can even walk up river and tube down. 1,000 feet of riverfront, a pond, horse shoe pit, shooting range, charcoal grill, and 3 different fire pits for you to explore. If you rent the trailer and are over 6'1 you wont be a happy camper! You will enjoy bugs, snakes, spiders, deer, otters, beavers, mice, bees, chickens (including a loud rooster name Jack) and sometimes the neighbors cows. We live on the neighboring property, but respect your privacy. We look forward to sharing our space with you! Please note that there is a pond and river with a slippery bank full of rocks on this property. The river is a short 5 minute walk. Tennis shoes/river shoes highly advised. Please note we are 10 miles from the nearest food/gas services. Please plan accordingly. Cell service is best with AT&T. Well house is open and has some outside games, a couple of life jackets, cooler, and misc things for you to use. Please leave the light on.

Rock Bottom Campsites

8 sites · Lodging, Tents56 acres · Kelso, WA

Privately owned campground, featuring canvas-style yurt tents and bring your own gear tent sites. Located on a 56-acre working ranch and Cowlitz River frontage with sweeping views of the water. Additional amenities include firepits with complimentary firewood, playground area, outhouse-style bathrooms, and multiple viewpoints along the river. Wildlife often sighted, including beavers, deer, golden/bald eagles, osprey, and seals/seal lions (seasonal). Fishing allowed, bring your own gear.

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Beach camping near La Center guide

Overview

Looking to go camping near La Center, Washington? Hipcamp has over 685 options available in the area, with prices ranging from as low as $20 to an average of $50 per night. Check out popular campsites like WindWoodRivers (423 reviews), Cedar Root at Highland Butte (321 reviews), and Tillamook - Trask River (308 reviews). Enjoy amenities like showers, cooking equipment, and trash disposal, while engaging in popular activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and exploring historic sites.