Jeff S.
Scout
ScoutOasis BLM Campground
River camping
Easy established camp site to pull off to and still have river access, site 1 is probably the best spot.. we had already set up in 2 before realizing
Best Campgrounds near Underwood, WA
Campgrounds near Underwood, Washington provide access to the scenic Columbia River Gorge with options for tent camping and RV sites on both the Washington and Oregon sides of the river. Nearby camping areas include Gorge Base Camp RV Park in White Salmon and Beacon Rock State Park, which offers views of the iconic rock formation along the Columbia River. The area features a mix of established campgrounds with varying amenities, from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV parks. Most campgrounds in the region are situated along the Columbia River or in the surrounding forests of the Cascade Range, offering both waterfront and forested settings.
Road conditions and campground access vary significantly by season, with most locations operating from spring through fall. "Memaloose State Park Campground is great for camping in October just before it closes. Wonderful view of the Columbia River and the Washington side. This last week it's mostly empty with campers," noted one visitor about late-season camping. The primary camping season runs from April through October, with many campgrounds closing during winter months due to snow and harsh conditions. Elevation changes dramatically in this area, from river-level sites to mountain campgrounds in the surrounding national forests. Cell service can be inconsistent in canyon areas, though coverage improves at higher elevations and near towns.
Mixed-use campgrounds throughout the region accommodate various camping styles, with many offering both tent and RV sites. Campers frequently mention the Columbia River views and proximity to outdoor activities as major draws. Several developed campgrounds provide good access to popular hiking trails and water features in the Gorge. According to reviews, sites along the river tend to be quieter despite occasional train noise, while campgrounds closer to Interstate 84 experience more consistent traffic sounds. The nearby communities of Hood River, Oregon and White Salmon, Washington provide services and supplies for campers. Many campgrounds in the area require reservations during peak summer months, particularly those with river access or proximity to popular attractions like Multnomah Falls and other Gorge waterfalls.
Best Camping Sites Near Underwood, Washington (344)
1. Tucker Park Campground
35 ReviewsHood River, OR6 milesWebsite+1 (541) 386-4477$25 - $60 / night
"Excellent faculties with easy access to amenities. Sat by a campfire pit in the evenings and went to sleep with the sound of the river surrounding us. What more could you ask for."
"It's an hour drive from our house in portland and though you feel like your out in the middle of the woods your only 10 mins from hood river and most of what it has to offer."
2. Memaloose State Park Campground
38 ReviewsMosier, OR9 milesWebsite+1 (541) 478-3008$22 - $36 / night
"Wonderful view of the Columbia River and the Washington side of the river. Easy drive to the Dalles to get anything you might need. Bathrooms are very clean, showers are hot and long."
"June 2021 this campground is full of trees that give shade all around most of the campsites."
3. Toll Bridge Park Campground
28 ReviewsHood River, OR14 milesWebsite+1 (541) 387-6889$35 - $80 / night
"2 DOLLARS TO CROSS EACHWAY BETWEEN OREGON AND WASHINGTON BUT WELL WORTH THE VISIT."
"That’s what led us to Tollbridge, a lightly used campsite 15 miles south of Ukiah on Highway 325."
4. Viento State Park Campground
20 ReviewsColumbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, OR7 milesWebsite+1 (541) 374-8811$20 - $29 / night
"Viento is a nice state park along 84 right outside of hood river. It is along the columbia river and has beach access."
"Short, 5 minute walk to the river.
A train track runs throught the middle of the campground. Trains run every hour or so. VERY loud.Tent spots were $8. Rv spots were $24."
5. Lost Lake Resort And Campground — Mt. Hood National Forest
54 ReviewsRhododendron, OR22 miles+1 (541) 386-6366$45 - $125 / night
"I have kind of a love/hate thing going on for Lost Lake Campgrounds. Pros: It is beautiful. There's a reason it's one of Oregon's most photographed sites."
"This campground is located on the shores of Lost Lake, with amazing views of Mt. Hood. "
6. Gorge Base Camp RV Park
9 ReviewsWhite Salmon, WA2 milesWebsite+1 (509) 493-1111$30 - $60 / night
"We picked this campground at the last minute as we were returning from a Christmas stay in central Washington. The reservation staff was very professional and helpful."
"The highway is at a higher elevation than the park, so that noise didn't particularly bother us either. Perhaps it is just that our van is well sound insulated or we're not light sleepers! "
7. Timberlake Campground & RV
11 ReviewsKeystone Harbor, WA12 milesWebsite+1 (509) 427-2267"A bit of a drive to get there but worth it. Extremely well-run campground in a beautiful setting with good access to the town of Hood River."
"Important to know … it is situated on a hilly property, so it’s not an easy stroll to the restrooms and showers unless one is young/athletic."
8. Cascade Locks KOA
22 ReviewsCascade Locks, OR17 milesWebsite+1 (541) 374-8668$27 / night
"This camp has RV sites, tent sites and beautiful cabins with porch swings and is located close to the Columbia River waterfalls."
"There is a train that runs along the back of the campground which can be loud if your site is close by. The train noise did not bother us in the center of the park where we were."
9. Wyeth Campground at the Gorge
11 ReviewsCarson, WA12 miles+1 (541) 308-1700$20 - $30 / night
"So nice to have first come/first serve campgrounds so close to Portland. I arrived around 2 on a Wednesday in August and grabbed one of 3 open sites."
"It's already lush and green but the trails running from the camp still haven't been cleared fully, and you hike at your own risk."
10. Moss Creek Campground
7 ReviewsUnderwood, WA7 milesWebsite+1 (541) 338-7869$25 / night
"It has a decent distance from other campers and I don’t feel like I’m crunched up in my camp ground. Water is around certain campsites. #3 unfortunately did not have running water near by."
"We loved our spot in the woods with water tap right outside. Friendly hosts delivered fire wood right to my campground."
Recent Camping Photos near Underwood, WA
635 Photos of 344 Underwood Campgrounds
The Dyrt
Gorge Base Camp RV Park
S. Renae M.
Tucker Park Campground
Shawn V.
Gifford Pinchot National Forest Moss Creek Campground
Brittney J.
Viento State Park Campground
Annie C.
Big Cedars County Campground
Alicia F.
Memaloose State Park Campground
Adam and Eve E.
WaterOak Campsite at The Garden of Eden
Richard C.
Oklahoma Campground
Michelle K.
Timberlake Campground & RV
S. Renae M.
Wind Mountain RV Park
Lanae
Wyeth Campground at the Gorge
Matt K.
Home Valley Campground
Recent Reviews near Underwood, WA
1771 Reviews of 344 Underwood Campgrounds
- Taylor P.Scout
Lower Falls Campground
Daddy Long Legs
We really enjoyed our stay, it's super close to the beautiful lower Lewis falls! We took a little swim in the icy cold water, and explored all over below and above the falls, very magical. I can't remember our site number but it was very spacious. A few negatives I feel are worth pointing out: walking to the ledge of the swim hole was extremely slippery, use caution. Also our site was basically infested with daddy long legs. We ended up with 20-30 crawling all over the inside the walls of our screened in canopy we put over the picnic table, then while sitting around the fire they were literally dropping on our heads from the trees above. They're not dangerous or super scary on their own but dealing with them constantly was kind of annoying. If you do come here be sure to make an appointment to check out the ape caves! Super interesting place.
Kathy B.
LegendColumbia Hills Historical State Park Campground
Came for the Petroglyphs!
She Who Watches - Tsagaglalal - had been on my radar to see for some time. This is the place to view this petroglyph. You need to sign up for a guided tour.
I was not disappointed. The campground itself was nice too. On the Columbia river Gorge, Washington side. A small lake with kayak rentals. Was here on a hot August day and the lake was refreshing.
The sites were basic, with no privacy between them. Picnic table and some trees for shade. Electric and water.
- Kathy B.Legend
Timothy Lake Meditation Point
Hike or Boat in
There are 31 dispersed sites along Timothy Lake. All are First come/First serve. You need to fill out a permit and leave it on a post at the site.
Most of the sites are free. The ones at meditation point cost $10--but that fee was waived in 2025 because the bathrooms were out of order. Not sure what will be in the future.
There's a parking lot less than a mile walk in and it costs either $10 to park there or free with one of the approved passes. America the Beautiful or NW Forest Pass.
Make sure you camp in a designated spot. Great views of the lake. Swimming. Boating. Fishing. Hiking. Back packing.
Can be busy--especially on summer weekends.
- Kathy B.Legend
Little Crater Lake
Love the Lake--Campground is Meh
It's always nice to have options when on Mt. Hood. Little Crater Lake is a pretty cool phenomenon. It's right on the Pacific Crest trail!
The beautiful blue lake is very small and blue. Not for swimming! When I was there, saw a group swimming in the lake, although it's clearly marked as No Swimming. Please respect or natural resources.
The sites are rough. And the bathrooms were pretty bad. Didn't see any camp hosts when I was there.
Not to far from busy Timothy Lake. A easy hike through the woods (or rough drive on FS roads) for swimming options.
- Kathy B.Legend
North Arm Campground
Best on Timothy Lake
I love coming to Timothy Lake in the summer and North Arm is a favorite campground. It's smaller and more rustic than the busy sites on the other side of the lake.
The area of the lake is almost like it's own small pond. The sites are wooded. Wonderful camp hosts. Clean pit toilets. Small boat ramp for launching kayaks.
Lots of water birds. Peaceful!
- Kathy B.Legend
Timothy Lake Dispersed Camping
FS Road 5740
There are a lot of spots just off the 5740 for free dispersed camping in the national forest, not too far from beautiful Timothy Lake
Camping here is free, but there is a day use fee for nearby Timothy lake. They do accept National Parks Pass and NW Forest pass. Otherwise $10 for day use.
Nice to have an area to camp when busy Timothy Lake is full.
- Kathy B.Legend
Little John Sno Park
Little John Sno Park
This was a nice spot to stop between Hood River and Government Camp. A big parking lot--mostly level. A few picnic tables scattered. FCFS. One other person here. Folks pull in from Hiway 35 to use the restroom in the night. Pretty quiet. No cell signal, but Starlink worked great.
- Kathy B.Legend
Stone Creek Campground
New Campground on Timothy Lake
Timothy Lake is popular, so it's great they built a new campground.
They have a generator loop and a non-generator loop, which is great for campers who do not want to hear generators when they are camping. No hook ups, but very new and clean pit toilets. Water is available in many spots around the campground--with buckets for putting out your fires. Yes!
Also sumps to dump your grey water.
There are not really good views of the lake from the campground, but the day use has the best views of Mt. Hood from the lake.
Guide to Underwood
Underwood sits at the eastern edge of the Columbia River Gorge at approximately 650 feet elevation where the climate transitions from the lush forests of western Washington to the drier landscapes of eastern Washington. Camping options near Underwood range from riverside sites with train noise to secluded forest settings at higher elevations. Summer temperatures can reach 90°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with occasional rain.
What to do
Hiking near waterfalls: Access the Gorge's trail system from Wyeth Campground, which connects to forest paths and waterfalls. "There is a trailhead at the top of the campground and the Rte 30 bike trail at the entrance," explains Erin A., who adds that once you "hike back into the forest, it gets quieter."
Water activities on Hood River: Spend time swimming or floating at Tucker Park Campground, where the river provides relief during hot summer days. "The camp sites had nice fire pits with grills. The sites by the river sit right on the water... There was a host who was friendly and helpful," notes Dennis H. The campground is "right on the Hood River, dog and family friendly."
Mountain biking: The area offers trails for all skill levels, with options ranging from forest paths to challenging descents. A camper at Timberlake Campground mentioned, "Our camp host (Harold) was great. He noticed we were traveling with mountain bikes and was kind enough to lead us to some great trails just outside of Hood River."
What campers like
River access: Many campers appreciate direct water access at Toll Bridge Park Campground. "Great playground. We decided to pack up and go camping with no reservations and where able to snag one of the last sites... We spend most of the time down by the river. There where many places to sit in the water and play and it doesn't move too terribly fast," reports Christi C.
Forest seclusion: Campers enjoy the privacy at Moss Creek Campground, where sites are well-separated. "Moss Creek is in prime middle south territory of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest wonderland... each site is so uniquely its own... the raw campsites right by the road, the dip down to #8, right by a creek, that #12 sits up with a beautiful forest view right out the door," explains Bjorn S.
Views of Mt. Hood: The iconic mountain is visible from several camping areas. At Lost Lake Resort, one reviewer noted: "The views of Mt. Hood are amazing from this lake. Spent the day in a canoe, exploring the lake... You can rent boats, canoes, etc, and there is a store that has anything you would need."
What you should know
Train noise affects riverside camps: Many of the best places to camp near Underwood, Washington sit between the river and railroad tracks. "Located on the Hood River, right off Highway 35 near the small town of Parkdale... We had a great tent site... The sites along the Hood River (West Fork Loop) are separated by trees and much nicer," notes Lee D. about Toll Bridge Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Underwood, WA?
What camping is available near Underwood, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Underwood, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 344 campgrounds and RV parks near Underwood, WA and 58 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Underwood, WA?
Which is the most popular campground near Underwood, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Underwood, WA is Tucker Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 35 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Underwood, WA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Underwood, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 58 free dispersed camping spots near Underwood, WA.
What parks are near Underwood, WA?
What parks are near Underwood, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Underwood, WA that allow camping, notably Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
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