Campgrounds and RV parks near Dufur, OR

The Lower Deschutes River is the area's biggest draw. The river is known for steelhead, trout, and salmon fishing, and Heritage Landing, across the river from Deschutes River State Recreation Area Campground, is the main boat launch and a popular spot for rafting, kayaking, and jet boating. The park features more than 30 miles of trails, including the Deschutes River Trail along the east bank for hikers and mountain bikers. On the Washington side, Crawford Oaks and Dalles Mountain Ranch trailheads at Columbia Hills State Park offer miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails with views of Mount Hood, Mount Jefferson and the Columbia River Gorge, and in spring the hills bloom with arrow-leaf balsamroot and lupine. Climbing at Horsethief Butte and guided petroglyph tours are also popular. For families, Pine Hollow Lakeside Resort offers swimming, fishing, and boat access on the reservoir, and Memaloose State Park has a small playground and easy access to the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail.

Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons. Each spring, the Rowena Plateau bursts into bloom with native lupine, balsamroot and other wildflowers, and the Deschutes canyon turns green well before the western gorge dries out. Summer is hot and busy: Memaloose State Park sits in one of the warmest sections of the Gorge and can reach temperatures over 100 degrees in midsummer, and gorge winds are persistent. Fire restrictions shape summer trips. Due to high fire danger, the Lower Deschutes River corridor is closed to all campfires and charcoal fires from June 1 through October 15, though commercially manufactured propane and white gas stoves and shielded lanterns are permitted. Always check the latest agency alerts before lighting anything. Winter access shrinks sharply. Memaloose State Park's campground operates seasonally from mid-March through October. At Deschutes River State Recreation Area Campground, A Loop becomes first come, first serve from December 1 through March 31, while B Loop, T Loop and the group camps are closed November 1 through March 31, and the restroom building is closed late fall through mid March. Horsethief Lake at Columbia Hills is closed November through March.

Wind and noise are the two recurring trade-offs at gorge campgrounds. The Columbia River Gorge is often very windy, and the Horsethief Lake campsites at Columbia Hills State Park sit close to active train tracks, with trains passing along the edge of the park throughout the day and night. Memaloose State Park is located next to Interstate 84 and an active rail line, so train and road noise can be heard at all hours. RV setup is generally straightforward. Memaloose features 43 RV sites and 66 tent-only sites, with 40 paved back-in RV sites offering water, 30-amp electrical service, and sewer hookups; the largest site accommodates rigs up to 58 feet. At Deschutes River State Recreation Area Campground, A Loop is open year-round with 34 sites featuring electric and water hookups, paved pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. Expect dry, open terrain east of the Cascades, limited shade at riverside sites, and patchy cell service away from I-84. Carry extra water on Deschutes canyon trails.