Top 10 Place’s to Camp In the Columbia Gorge
Near Portland Oregon
Top 10 Places to Camp In the Columbia Gorge
We don't just love Ford Econoline vans , we love camping in them too!
Looking for a way to explore the Columbia Gorge and get work done on your van while you're here? It can be a challenge to find the right balance. That’s where Country Offroad comes in. We’re based in Troutdale, Oregon—right at the gateway to the Columbia River Gorge, just northeast of the Portland metro area.
Below are our top recommended van camping spots that are not only safe and convenient, but also ideal for making the most of your trip. We’ve also included suggested gear to bring along to make your adventure even better.
Need an install while you’re in the area? Let us know—we’re happy to help.
1. Larch Mountain Road Dispersed Camping
Distance: ~35 min
Directions: Take Historic Columbia River Hwy east, then Larch Mountain Road south. Watch for open pullouts.
Suggested Gear:
- Leveling blocks (for those sloped forest pullouts)
- Headlamp (you’ll thank yourself if you arrive late)
- Propane heater or warm bag—temps can drop fast
2. Ainsworth State Park
Distance: ~20 min
Directions: East on I-84, take Exit 35 toward Ainsworth State Park. Follow signs to the campground.
Suggested Gear:
- Shore power cord (hookups available)
- Collapsible camp table
- Binoculars—great birding right from your van door
3. Oxbow Regional Park
Distance: ~25 min
Directions: Take SE Division to Oxbow Parkway. Drive slowly—windy road in.
Suggested Gear:
- Extra water (no fill-up at all sites)
- No-signal offline map app
- Hammock—the trees here were made for it
4. Mt. Hood NF – Wildwood Recreation Area
Distance: ~40 min
Directions: Head east on Hwy 26 toward Welches. Wildwood is well signed on the right.
Suggested Gear:
- Hiking boots
- Bug spray in summer
- Foldable solar panel (plenty of sun in open spots)
5. Cascade Locks Marine Park
Distance: ~50 min
Directions: East on I-84, Exit 44 into Cascade Locks. Park at the Port area. Overnight OK in designated spaces.
Suggested Gear:
- Cooler for local brews or snacks from the market
- Lockbox (small-town safe, but peace of mind)
- Bike or scooter—fun to cruise the waterfront path
6. Government Cove
Distance: ~45 min
Directions: I-84 East to Cascade Locks, Exit 44. Drive past the dam and take the gravel road to the right (before the bridge).
Suggested Gear:
- Stealth window covers
- Camp chair for sunrise watching
- Towel or blanket—it gets dewy overnight
7. Lost Lake (via Hood River)
Distance: ~1 hour
Directions: I-84 East to Hood River, Exit 62. Follow signs through Dee to Lost Lake Road.
Suggested Gear:
- Inflatable kayak or paddleboard
- Bear-proof food storage
- Firewood (no easy pickup nearby)
8. Sandy River Delta (Thousand Acres)
Distance: ~10 min
Directions: I-84 East to Exit 18. Left at the fork, then straight into the dirt lot.
Suggested Gear:
- Coffee kit for dawn patrol mornings
- Trash bags (no bins here—leave no trace)
- Slip-on boots—it gets muddy
9. Eagle Creek Trailhead (When Open)
Distance: ~35 min
Directions: I-84 East to Exit 41. Follow signs into the Eagle Creek day-use lot.
Suggested Gear:
- Hiking poles for the trail
- Jetboil or camp stove for early morning fuel
- Rain jacket—this is the Gorge, after all
10. Trillium Lake Campground
Distance: ~1 hour
Directions: Hwy 26 East past Government Camp. Turn right onto NF-2656 and follow signs to the lake.
Suggested Gear:
- Campfire cooking gear
- Fishing pole
- Mosquito net (summer swarms can be real)
Let us know what your favorite places to camp are? Mine is Trillium Lake!
