If you’re looking for a great camping experience near Hood River, look no further. There are numerous camping spots near Hood River that range from a little over an hour away to a few hours’ drive.
The route will take you through stunning mountain vistas, which you can enjoy while driving.
However, there are some campgrounds that stand out above the rest. In this post, I will highlight the 9 best campgrounds near Hood River that you should check out. So pack your tent and get ready for some unforgettable memories.
Best Campgrounds Near Hood River
1. Ainsworth State Park Campground
Perhaps one of the most popular camping spots near Hood River, Ainsworth State Park Campground is an excellent choice for both day-use and overnight visitors who want to enjoy the amazing Columbia River Gorge views. This small campground located in a scenic forested setting has sites for both tents and RVs. There are 43 RV sites and six walk-in campsites. Also provided are picnic tables, hookups, fire pits, flush toilets, and drinking water. There are no showers.
Each campsite at Ainsworth State Park Campground is surrounded by trees offering shade and privacy, making you feel like you’re camping in your backyard. It’s a beautiful site, making it one of the best places to visit near Hood River.
Ainsworth State Park Campground also has a few hiking trails that are usually less crowded. There are many different options for hiking here, varying in levels of difficulty. This makes this location one of the best places to see wildlife and explore nature.
The staff is very nice and helpful. They provide a good balance of friendliness while giving you your privacy. So if you’re looking for Hood River campgrounds, you’ll definitely want to consider Ainsworth State Park Campground. It’s a great place to relax in the shade and enjoy the natural beauty of this area.
2. Memaloose State Park Campground
Memaloose State Park Campground is located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. The setting is beautiful and peaceful, surrounded by tall trees and a babbling brook. If you’re looking for a quiet place to camp right near Hood River, Memaloose State Park Campground might be what you’re looking for.
This campsite has 44 full-hookup sites with a 30 amp service. In addition, there are 65 developed tent sites with restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and fire pits included. Although these sites may seem small due to their proximity to each other, they are quite spacious.
The main attraction of this campground is the amazing view of the Gorge and river from all locations within the campsite. Each campsite has beautiful views of the river, which has contributed to making it one of the best campgrounds near Hood River to visit with your family.
The most amazing part is that each campsite has its private beach on the Columbia River, where you can swim and fish for hours without seeing another soul. There are also hiking trails here that will let you and your family experience the beauty of this park for days on end.
This is a great place to relax and enjoy nature while being close enough to Hood River. You can still get out and do some activities during your camping trip, which makes it one of the best campgrounds to visit near Hood River. During my visit, the campground host was extremely friendly and helpful, and she was quite knowledgeable about how to find some beautiful scenery in the Gorge.
3. Weyth Campground
If you’re looking for a camping spot near Hood River, Wyeth Campground is the perfect destination. This beautiful campsite is located 15 minutes west of Hood River and is close to many adventures.
The campgrounds are spacious, with plenty of room between each site. There are around 13 campsites and 3 group sites. There are flush toilets at each campsite but no showers, hookups, or modern facilities. However, I think this is what gives this campground a feel of remoteness. Each site comes with a picnic table and fire pit. It’s a good idea to bring your firewood as small dead and down wood does not burn well.
The most amazing part of Wyeth Campground is the view from your tent door. This site is located right in the middle of trees that surround each campsite, offering shade and privacy. The service is also very good: the staff who work here are very friendly. This makes it one of the best campgrounds near Hood River to visit.
In addition to all of these great features, Wyeth Campground has lots of hiking trails for you to explore right in your backyard. These trails run through the mountainside adjacent to the campsite, which is a great way to take advantage of this beautiful location. So if you’re looking for a quiet place to relax and enjoy nature, this may be the campground for you.
4. Bridge RV Park and Campground
Although any campground near Hood River is going to be a contender for the best, Bridge RV Park and Campground truly deserve the title. There are two main areas on the grounds: the tent camping and the RV section.
The tent camping area is located on an open grassy area with views of nearby mountains, waterfalls, and nearby farms. This gives you some pretty spectacular views that can’t be found on most campgrounds in this region. The RV area accepts RV’s up to 40 feet long. However, if you’re driving a larger RV, it’s best to call ahead and make sure the spaces are big enough.
The campground has modern facilities, including showers, bathrooms with flush toilets, and running water. And although it is located very near the highway, it is set in a heavily wooded area where you cannot hear any traffic noise.
This is an excellent choice for both RV travelers and tent campers looking for the best campgrounds near Hood River. I enjoyed my time at this campground, and I would recommend it to anyone looking to relax, disconnect, and take in some fresh air.
5. Nottingham Campground
Nottingham Campground is another great place to pitch your tent nearby Hood River. The tranquil setting provides an idyllic escape from the world, but still manages to be convenient for exploring many of the area’s most notable attractions.
This campground has 23 single-family campsites, with some right along the Hood River. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table, campsite tables, firewood, access to restrooms and showers. The good thing is that most sites have a decent amount of space around them for pitching a tent without feeling crowded. The campground host on-site is available to answer questions about surrounding recreation opportunities and give directions.
Popular activities at this campground include fishing, hiking, picnicking, sightseeing, and more. A day-use area is also available, as well as a boat ramp and fishing access. In addition, there are many hiking trails surrounding the campground for you to explore. These trails are popular with hikers, but also hunters in the winter season who come here to hunt.
This is by far one of the best campgrounds near Hood River, and you can’t beat the price. The only downside is that there are no hookups. But you can still get a great site right by the Hood River. Overall, it seems like a pleasant campground, so I recommend you check it out.
6. Sherwood Campground
The next campground on my list is the Sherwood Campground. This beautiful and secluded campground is located in the midst of an old-growth forest right next to Highway 35. It offers both rustic and modern camping opportunities.
Here you will find 16 sites that are suitable for tent or RV camping. For RV’s, it can allow access of up to 16 feet. The sites here are all very well maintained and level, so it is easy to spend your time enjoying other activities than leveling your tent or parking your RV. The sites are also spaced out nicely, so it never feels crowded, even when the campground is full.
While the campsites are lovely, Sherwood Campground is not for those looking for modern amenities or lots of facilities. There are pit toilets, and there is no potable water on-site (don’t forget to bring your water to drink). There are also no showers, which may be a plus if you’re looking for a rustic camping site.
There are a few extra amenities that make this a popular camping destination for both locals and travelers alike. You can enjoy hiking along the Tamanawas hiking trail, which takes you through some very pretty, old-growth forests. The forest here is beautifully made up of hemlock, cedar, and fir trees that really make you feel like you’re away from it all.
This was a very quiet campground which is another reason why it makes one of the best campgrounds near Hood River. Overall, this place has a lot to offer, and I would recommend visiting if you are looking for a simple and secluded camping experience.
7. Viento State Park Campground
The Viento State Park Campground is a great place to stay and is only 10 minutes west of Hood River. The campgrounds give you access to the river, and it’s an excellent spot for water activities.
The park sets in an open area along the highway, but there is a trail that takes you to the river if you need to use the water. Some sites are right on the river, but most of them are in wooded areas, so you’ll still get some privacy even though you’re not up against it.
The park features 56 RV sites, and 18 regular campsites tucked into the woods. All the sites have a picnic table and fire pit, but each site varies in size depending on its type. The only amenity here is the flush toilets, so you’ll have to bring your water if you need it.
But one of the best parts about Viento is the view. Each site gives you a beautiful view of the Columbia River, which is great if you enjoy camping with stunning scenery. The campsites are also nice and big, so you won’t feel too crowded in this beautiful park. In addition, there are great hiking trails around this area if you’re looking for something scenic and adventurous to find.
So if you’re looking to get away from it all and just want to spend some time with nature, this is a good spot for you.
8. Cascade Locks
Cascade Locks is a beautiful and lively campground. It’s located 20 miles west of Hood River and offers a wide range of camping options. From standard tent sites to pull-through and RV hookup sites with cable TV. They even have cabins available for rent. This is perfect if you’re looking for a more luxurious camping experience.
So if you’re looking for a family-friendly campground, this may be the one for you. They allow children and pets, with a playground available to enjoy at this location. Each campsite comes with a picnic table and fire pit. They also have bathrooms with running water, showers, WI-FI, and electricity available on site. This is definitely one of the best campgrounds near Hood River for convenience.
The real highlight at this campsite is what you can do here. There are so many activities available in the area that it’s hard to choose where to start. Some of the most popular activities include biking, playing the game of Ladder Golf, and climbing structures. This makes it one of the best campgrounds near Hood River for outdoor lovers.
With all the great services and nearby activities, it’s understandably not a secret. The campgrounds are always busy, and reservations need to be made well in advance. However, this makes this one of the perfect Hood River campgrounds for larger groups or people who like to have facilities nearby.
9. Tucker Park Campground
If you’re looking for a more developed campground near Hood River with all the amenities, Tucker Park Campground just might be your destination.
This campground features 94 sites that can accommodate RV’s and tent camping sites. Thirty of these sites have water hookups, while two have electrical hookups. The camping area is very well maintained, and the sites themselves have a picnic table, fire ring flush toilets, and showers. In short, this campsite has everything you need to have a wonderful vacation in nature.
This is a very popular campground, and it can get pretty busy on the weekends. And like other campgrounds near Hood River, this campsite is surrounded by beautiful trees and has a very secluded feel. You can go for lovely walks, and there’s also a nice river to fish in. There’s even a sandy beach on the campgrounds where you can relax and enjoy the water.
There are lots of other great features at Tucker Park Campground. It’s located very close to the Town of Hood River (only 10 minutes away). This means you’re never far from any supplies or food. This camping site is also quite close to other sites in the Gorge, so it’s easy to get to many different places in a short period. If you want a quiet place but still have lots of amenities, this is the perfect camping site for your needs.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best campgrounds near Hood River, I hope this article has given you some ideas. There are so many great camping spots that it’s hard to choose just one. But luckily, any of these places would be perfect for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. These sites offer beautiful scenery, plenty of space to stretch out and relax, and beautiful nature.