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Mount Hood is reflected in scenic Trillium Lake.

Credit: Courtesy of Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory

Camping Near Portland

These nearby campgrounds make it easy to bask in Oregon’s natural beauty.

Updated July 31, 2021 5 min read

Tuck Woodstock

Tuck Woodstock has been writing and editing content for Travel Portland since 2014. Read More

Home to more than 275 parks and 14,000 acres (5,666 ha) of green space, Portland offers plenty of natural escapes within city limits. But to truly appreciate the wilds of the Pacific Northwest, spend a memorable night under the stars at any of these scenic campsites, all located within an easy drive from the city.

Near the City

Oxbow Regional Park

There’s no better place to play on a hot summer day than the cool, clear waters of the federally designated Wild & Scenic Sandy River. Located 25 miles (40 km) east of downtown Portland, Oxbow Regional Park is an oasis for swimmers, kayakers, rafters and floaters. Reserve one of 57 drive-up tent campsites or 10 RV sites, all of which are equipped with cooking grills and picnic tables. Time a trip for the fall when the waters are rich with runs of spawning salmon. (Note: dogs and other pets are not allowed at this park, as they can damage the sensitive habitat.)

L.L. Stub Stewart State Park

Nestled in the foothills of the Northern Oregon Coast Range, just 34 miles (55 km) west of Portland, L.L. Stub Stewart State Park provides an easy overnight nature escape. A network of trails leads hikers and bikers through rolling hills, wildflower meadows and forest glens; don’t miss the Banks-Vernonia Trail, a paved 21-mile (34 km) multi-use path featuring gleaming streams and historic wooden bridges. Overnight guests can take their pick of 78 spots ranging from primitive campsites and full RV hook-ups to Mountain Dale Cabin Village, which offers one- and two-room cabins with shared access to hot showers and flush toilets.

Mount Hood

Trillium Lake 

Located 60 miles (97 km) east of Portland in Mt. Hood National Forest, Trillium Lake is a tranquil retreat offering incredible views of the mountain’s snowy summit. The area’s namesake lake is a favorite of local anglers, thanks to a population of hungry trout. Mountain bikers love the single-track Trillium Bike Trail, which gracefully circles the picturesque lake — and also connects thirsty cyclists to pizza and pints in nearby Government Camp. Trillium’s proximity to Portland means campsites go fast, but visitors can reserve one of 57 tent and RV spots online to guarantee a perfect weekend.

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Lost Lake Campground

This woodsy, wheelchair-accessible resort encircles a classic alpine lake perched 3,000 feet (914 m) up the flanks of Mount Hood and 76 miles (122 km) from Portland. In addition to 148 campsites, Lost Lake’s grounds include comfortable lodge rooms complete with king beds and kitchenettes. Drop into the resort store to rent canoes, fishing boats and stand-up paddleboards, and attend scheduled activities like telescope-assisted stargazing and live music.

Columbia River Gorge

Beacon Rock State Park

A 42-mile (68 km) trip across the Washington state line and to the east brings adventurers to Beacon Rock, a 5,100-acre (2,063 ha) park with 26 tent spaces in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The park’s signature attraction — the monolithic Beacon Rock — juts 840 feet (256 m) above the river and features a steep, mile-long (1.6 km) trail blasted out of the rock and leading to panoramic views of the gorge.

Oregon Coast

Cape Lookout State Park

Situated on a sand spit between the Pacific Ocean and Netarts Bay, Cape Lookout State Park provides unparalleled beach access and ocean views 85 miles (137 km) west of Portland. Hike the 2.4-mile (3.9 km) Cape Trail, which boasts one of the best whale-watching spots on the coast, or follow the 1.8-mile (2.9 km) South Trail down to a secluded stretch of sand set beneath the cape. No tent? No problem — family-friendly yurts and deluxe cabins provide cozy overnight options.

Campgrounds Near Portland

Rest your head at these campgrounds near the city and around the region.

• Champoeg State Heritage Area

  Champoeg features a unique combination of history, nature, and recreation. Situated on the south bank of the scenic Willamette River, Champoeg’s acres of forest, fields, and wetlands recreate the landscape of a bygone era.

• Milo McIver State Park

  Within this little-known gem, you can spend a day or a week exploring the river, forest and fields.

• Oxbow Regional Park

  Located within the wild and scenic Sandy River Gorge, Oxbow Regional Park offers rare access to many of the region’s natural wonders while providing a variety of unique recreational opportunities.

• L.L. Stub Stewart State Park

  LL “Stub” Stewart Memorial State Park, just 31 miles west of Portland, offers camping, picnicking and hiking. Explore more than 20 miles of trails. Bring your horse or bicycle and spend hours exploring the far reaches of the park.

• Beacon Rock State Park

  Located about an hour east of Portland, this park has over 20 miles of roads and trails for hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use. The camping area has a mile-long trail to a summit with panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge.

• Rooster Rock State Park

  Providing three miles of river access, two 9-hole disc golf courses, picnic areas, swimmin along the banks of the Columbia, and enjoyable paths through a lush native riverine landscape, this park is paradise to those who love life on the edge.

• Banks Vernonia Trail

  This “rails-to-trails” state park follows an abandoned, 21-mile railroad line that stretches between the cities of Banks and Vernonia. Most of the route consists of an eight-foot hiking and bicycle trail and a four-foot horse trail.

• Trillium Lake

  The lake offers fishing and non-motorized boating, plus stunning views of the mountain. A drive-in summer campground and gentle year-round loop trail for hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing offer many ways to enjoy the site.

• Lost Lake Resort & Campground

  Secluded in the Mt. Hood National Forest away from the noise, traffic and city lights. Open early May to late October. The Resort is situated on the shores of Lost Lake, 3,140 feet up the slopes of Mt. Hood.

• Cape Lookout State Park

  Cape Lookout State Park, an hour and a half west of Portland through the scenic Wilson River pass, is a popular campground and day-use area located on a sand spit between Netarts Bay and the ocean, giving you a terrific view of the ocean.

Yurt Camping Near Portland

You can find yurts -a semi-permanent round tent- at dozens of Oregon State Parks, including several within 100 miles (161 km) of Portland. Many of these modern yurts come complete with locking doors, electrical outlets, heating, wooden floors and skylights and windows. These yurts are available year-round for a small fee and can be reserved online. All yurts come with an outdoor fire pit for s’more-filled evenings (and some are even pet-friendly).

Champoeg State Park

History, nature and recreation merge seamlessly at Champoeg State Heritage Area. Located 40 minutes south of Portland, the park marks the location where Oregon’s first provisional government formed in 1843. It’s not all facts and dates around here, however; the site is set on the picturesque banks of the Willamette River and offers acres of forests, fields and wetlands. Champoeg’s location also means easy access to nearby wineries, where you can stock up on prime bottles to enjoy fireside. Choose between 6 rustic yurts, furnished with a bunk bed and futon couch (three are pet-friendly).

Fort Stevens State Park

For 84 years, from the Civil War through World War II, Fort Stevens State Park was an active military base. Today it’s a 4,300-acre (1,740 hectare) park, situated two hours northwest of Portland at the mouth of the Columbia River. Its diverse natural habitats and spectacles include forests, wetlands, dunes, a military museum and the haunting Peter Iredale shipwreck. In the summer, you can also swim in freshwater Coffenbury Lake and tour the WWII gun battery. Explore these sites by foot or bicycle along the park’s 6 miles (10 km) of hiking trails and 9 winding miles (14 km) of paved paths. A total of 15 rustic yurts (each sleeping up to five people) are available (including one animal-friendly dwelling).

Nehalem Bay State Park

This lovely campground is located on a 4-mile (6.5 km) sand spit between Cannon Beach and Tillamook. From wildlife and frosted pines to undulating beach dunes, there’s plenty to see and do at Nehalem Bay State Park. When not snuggling up in the yurt, pass the time crabbing, clam digging and admiring driftwood on sandy strolls. And don’t miss the 1.8 mile-long (3 km) bike path with great views of the bay. Choose from 18 yurts, including two pet-friendly options.

Beverly Beach State Park

Located 2.5 hours southwest of Portland, the forested campground at Beverly Beach State Park is set back from the coastline and sandwiched between Yaquina Head and Otter Rock. Lighthouse viewing, beach combing, whale watching and tide pool exploring are easily accessible from the doorway of your yurt. Head 1.5 miles (2.5 km) north to marvel at Devil’s Punchbowl, a naturally carved bowl in the headland that fills with crashing Pacific Ocean waves. A total of 21 yurts are up for grabs, including two pet-friendly dwellings.

Silver Falls State Park

With tent camping sites, and even a few cabins spend a few days with the Trail of Ten Falls in this lush state park.

Pack Up

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