The best camping near Columbia Hills State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Columbia Hills State Park adventure.

50% (2 reviews)

Follow in the footsteps of Native Americans and pioneers along the Columbia River.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Columbia Hills State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Columbia Hills State Park

Columbia Hills Campground

19 sites · RVs, Tents In Columbia Hills State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Columbia Hills State Park

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Nella Chestnut Farm

15 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Hood River, OR

Neal Creek runs through the farm, offering a tranquil ambiance with its soothing sounds, and gentle cool breeze it brings with it. Additionally, there's a picturesque 10-foot-deep pond, fed by Shelly Creek, that a family of ducks has been calling home for years. At the right time of the year the orchestra that the frogs perform at the pond is the most impressive thing on Nella Chestnut Farm. Children of all ages can enjoy the thrill of a very tall swing on the property located right at the walking bridge that crosses Neal Creek. There are 2 full restrooms each with a shower, 1 built inside a 20-foot shipping container the other right beside it. Under the restroom container is another buried container that is literally the coolest area to cool off in. The temperature is 50'F year round. Exploring the farm is a delightful experience, guests are welcome to let their dogs roam freely. No plastic bags allowed. It is a farm and it is what animals do , there are shovels scattered around the farm so if you see something you personally do not like, grab a shovel, dig a hole & bury it, adding nutrients to the soil, the trees will be very happy to watch you and so would Mother Nature. Skaters ... and maybe some of you ... wait for it ... used to skate ... LOL ... there's a mini ramp inside a 20' shipping container so drop in. It is a working Chestnut Farm where you can find spots to camp, not a campground. There are no designated spots . There is power in both restrooms and the barn, there is a spot to dump waste to Nella Chestnut Farm septic as well. Please remember to dispose of all waste and recyclables responsibly by taking them to the Hood River Recycle and Transfer Station at 3440 Guignard Dr, Hood River, OR 97031. Remember no plastic bags please. As much as I love DEER TICK not everyone does, ticks in the spring can be nasty, I am warning you.

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Zigzag Mountain Farm

6 sites · Tents50 acres · Rhododendron, OR

Located on Mount Hood about an hour from Portland, Zigzag Mountain Farm is home to an organic garden, old homestead, house, yurts, and barn. 50 acres of open meadows and forest, bordering thousands of acres of national forest. The farm is home to an organic garden, campfire circle, picnic area, a city bus with a campers' kitchen, outdoor seating area with BBQ, kids play structure and hiking trails. The cabin on the property was built by the original homesteaders. Britta and Jim purchased the property in 2009. It had been vacant for a number of years. Giant slash piles scattered the land from previous logging. The house and cabin were not livable and needed major renovations. In 2019 we purchased and brought in a city bus and converted it to a campers kitchen. A year-round creek flows through the property and 3 major rivers are nearby. The Zigzag Mountain Lookout Trail leaves from the property. The property was homesteaded in the late 1800's. E. Mountain Drive was the wagon train trail into Portland, known as the Barlow Trail. Zigzag Mountain farm offers the perfect escape from the city.

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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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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.

97%

(767)

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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(30)

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

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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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Waterfall Sanctuary

8 sites · Lodging17 acres · Carson, WA

Happy 2024 Hipcampers! We look forward to seeing you this upcoming season! Check out our newest addition- a fully furnished 2-bedroom house (Site 7)!! Note: If you are looking to book the property for a retreat please go to the business website or contact me directly for answers to all the questions you might have about a kitchen (in site 7), amenities if you don't see them here, special considerations, etc.! Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you! BEFORE BOOKING: Please read through all of the rules and restrictions- due to inconsiderate guests we have had to update rules and add new ones. Thank you. **IF YOU ARE BRINGING YOUR DOG: PLEASE read ALL the rules for your pet- especially the one about having your dog on a leash AT ALL times while you are on the property. Take note that 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 at the end of a dead-end road on 17 acres of land, bordered on two sides by the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge just outside of 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 a short drive) to the Wind River and a perfect swimming hole with a rope swing, and another short distance further down the road is the Pacific Crest Trail. A 20-minute drive and you're at the Columbia River, the world destination for kiteboarding and windsurfing. Water equipment can be rented from nearby businesses or you can book a whitewater rafting trip on the White Salmon River. An hour from the property to the West is Portland, Oregon if you are in the mood for some city life, and about 40 minutes to the east is Hood River, Oregon, a gorgeous old town with tons of charm, shopping, breweries, and great restaurants. Drive the Fruit Loop or do a winery tour. The closest town, Stevenson, Washington is also home to adorable shops, great local restaurants, and access to the Columbia River as well. Also in close proximity are multitudes of amazing waterfalls, Panther Creek Falls and Falls Creek Falls being the two closest. National Forest roads are close by and well maintained. No matter the season there is something to do a short distance from the property. Please, keep in mind that the property is very rugged except for the trails we have provided for our guests to be able to access other parts of the property. We keep it that way not only so we can attract the copious amounts of wildlife that are a joy for our guests to experience, but also to be more environmentally and ecosystem friendly. We are also off grid and as sustainable as possible- no electricity or running water is available, although we provide battery or solar operated lighting, and a container of water for each spot that we will happily refill for you during your stay.

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Cat's Forest Retreat

3 sites · RVs, Tents80 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.

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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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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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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.

The best camping near Columbia Hills State Park guide

Overview

About

Combine history, rock climbing, geology, boating, fishing, and camping into a single vacation. View petroglyphs and pictographs left by Native American culture. Hike among ancient lava flows that indicate the volcanic activity that used to occur here. Take your boat onto the lake for some great fishing at any time of year.

Grab your rock climbing gear for Horsethief Butte, a favorite for climbing enthusiasts. Storm the butte's brown facade as if you're invading a Medieval castle. Once on top, look over a vast landscape once seen by the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Some parts of the butte are closed to climbers due to their cultural significance.

Definitely come here in the spring. That's when a canopy of lupine and balsamroot cover vast meadows with color. You can't miss the bright yellow and deep purple covering on the hills.

The park has four rustic campsites, eight sites with partial hook-ups, and four rustic walk-in sites. A traditional tipi provides a unique experience.

Notable campgrounds

Horsethief Lake Campground: Nestled by the water, this site offers a mix of standard and partial hookup spots, ideal for tent and RV campers alike.
Dalles Mountain Ranch: For a more secluded experience, pitch your tent amid the historic ranch buildings with breathtaking views.
Wind and Noise Advisory: Prepare for the elements and the sounds of passing trains at this unique and adventurous camping location.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early, especially for peak seasons, to secure your ideal campsite at Horsethief Lake.
Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
Keep an eye on cancellations for last-minute opportunities to snag a spot.
Explore nearby camping options if the park's campgrounds are fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Columbia Hills State Park is during spring and early summer, when wildflowers are in full bloom and the weather is mild. Avoid the windy conditions that can occur, and note that Horsethief Lake is closed from November to March.

Know before you go

Remember to purchase a Discover Pass for park entry, with annual and one-day options available.
Be aware of the rare presence of rattlesnakes in the area, though encounters are uncommon.
Check for burn bans and adhere to designated areas for fires to ensure safety and park preservation.
Prepare for the park's windy conditions, which can impact activities like boating and camping.
Respect the cultural significance of the area by not bringing pets on the Tsagaglalal trail or tour.