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Enjoy a breathtaking sunrise over Mount Hood while camping at Trillium Lake.

Credit: Photo by Karl Johnson

Camping Near Portland

These six Portland-area campgrounds make it easy to bask in Oregon’s natural beauty.

Updated Sept. 30, 2019 3 min read

Molly Woodstock

Molly 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

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.

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 habititat.)

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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.

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.

Where to go

More outdoors

Oregon Coast

Where Oregon meets the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find rocky vistas, mile upon mile of public beaches, artistic enclaves, working fishing towns, family attractions, microbrews, seafood and, yes, even surfing.

Columbia River Gorge

Starting just 30 miles east of Portland, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area offers amazing vistas, trails and more than 90 waterfalls.

Mount Hood

Mount Hood offers scenic recreation ranging from camping, hiking and fishing to nearly year-round skiing.

Campgrounds

• 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.

• 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/bicycle trail and a four-foot horse trail.

• 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.

• 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.

• Beacon Rock State Park

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

• 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.

• Milo McIver State Park

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

• 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.

• 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.