Lovely setting...but way too loud to stay overnight. Decided to stay at the campground while exploring the area. The setting of the campground is really pretty, and felt quite peaceful until dark. I'd noticed the sign on the info board warning of noise. But honestly I assumed it would be the normal passing train noise we always experience when staying along the gorge. But this location was something different...train whistles were sounded throughout the entire night. No sleep was to be had for me here. Regardless, we prepped to roam the trails that morning. While I didn't have big expectations when we started off along the river we really ended up enjoying the trails. The hillsides around the Deschutes provide a simply stunning landscape. There are multiple, parallel levels of trails from which to choose. We opted to take about 5 miles round trip, starting on the lowest trail and looping back via the next level up. The trails are narrow & winding, with uneven surfaces. On that sunny day it was very serene, with only the sounds of the river and birds. I wouldn't consider using the campground again, simply due to the train whistles. The sites weren't at all private, some level/some not...but all with nice river views. I would definitely recommend use of the trail system, however. read more

See all

This is an ok park if you are stopping for a picnic or to take a hike. It's right on the river so there are great views, fresh air and all that the Gorge has to offer. However, being the Gorge it can get windy. Sometimes very windy. I don't camp but if I did it wouldn't be here. It's right on the rail line and five mile long freight rains pass by a few hundred feet away every five minutes..... literally. Other than that, it's a good State park with all the amenities. Easy to get to so if you are on the Interstate and need a break you'll find this area more refreshing than a highway rest area. read more

Nice small campground next to the river. It's located near the railroad, trains come by every few minutes. If you like the background noise, this is the place for you. Seems very family oriented park with kids riding bicycles like they are on a freeway. read more

This is a review for the river trails, not the other fine facilities offered in this park. Awesome trail. We stopped in here on the way to The Dalles because it looked cool on the map. The Deschutes River provides a picturesque backdrop to an amazing riverside trail. Along with the typical river terrain, you'll walk through gorgeous grasslands, boardwalk and even a beach. Add in the imposing and impressive bluffs to the east and across the river and you've got a trail worthy of a national park. We walked a couple of miles or so along the river - always looking out for rattlesnakes - before turning back and then jumping to the upper trail for the remainder of the way back. That trail has a more desert mountain feel to it and the views are even better. Parking is easy, there are restrooms and it's free if all you're doing is a day hike. Highly recommended. read more

See all

At first this doesn't look like it would be a great campground based on how close the sites are to each other but if you get the right one it's actually amazing. We had sites B44 & b45. They served us well! It was close to the water and kind of shady. The showers and regular toilets were a 2 minute walk. There are VERY clean toilets close by. read more

My husband and I needed to find a campsite to spend the night. We decided to check it out and were so pleasantly surprised! Beautifully situation right on the river. The campsite spots were relatively spacious and the sites are spread out. It was a bit windy as we expected but super comfortable weather for our night. Lots of bathrooms and everything is well kept up. Did wish the showers were closer to the tent camps, so did not bother using them. We hiked a bit on the Rivertrail, easy trail on the lower loop. Very enjoyable with river views Would definitely stay here it's only $10 a night. I will mention that the train does go by there, but I didn't think it was very loud at all and didn't seem to go by that often as others have commented on. I think it probably went by every hour or two. Had a great stay! read more

First, I'm a local. This is about a 45 minute drive for me. I know it's windy and dry here... I usually come just for the trail. It's a great hike in early spring, no wind and almost always sunny. This weekend we decided to camp here: The good: Clean, beautiful site. Nice, clean bathrooms and showers. We enjoyed a campfire and all was quiet by 10pm. This bad: the trains run ALL night and blow their whistles. It's beyond annoying. LONNNNG LOUD train whistles. You won't get a good night sleep. Won't stay here again- the trains ruined it. read more

This is just reviewing the camping facilities. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to visit any of the trails. We camped here July 2nd for one night in the "B" loop. It was extremely windy and I'm sure it's like that the majority of the time due to its location. Thank goodness for the trees that are located in the tent camping area; without them, it would be unbearably hot during the day. The layout in the tent camping area is not desirable. It's basically a square plot with people camping around the perimeter. This campground does have showers (4) stalls, but they're located in the area where RV's camp. This doesn't make sense, considering 99% of these people probably use their own shower. Overall, the experience is just "meh" but for $10 one can't complain too much, especially if you're just passing through and need a safe spot to rest. read more

The only negative is this time of year the bathrooms are closed and the outhouse is full to the brim. Everything else about our weekend camping trip was fantastic. Nice host and ranger, beautiful scenery, the river runs along the entire campground with beautiful hikes. I'm a light sleeper and the trains didn't bother me a bit. Great place to stop for a day trip or a weekend camping trip. read more

Just got here to the camp site. BEAUTIFUL place! My spot is next to the river. A lot of kayaks on the river. So far the only downfall is the train. They blow there horn when going through. They did post that on there web site. The bathrooms are absolutely clean. Nice green grass everywhere with tall trees for shade. The host is very nice. He came down after I got parked and level. I got here 2 hours before check in and they let me back right in. Plenty of hiking trails and bike pathways. For all you Pokémon people ( Myself included) there is a Pokémon gym and two Pokémon stops here. I would have to say so far on my journey, this has been the most Beautiful place yet. A lot of people in boats. There is a boat launch just before the park. The river is cool and felt good to get in. There is a current, so definitely adult supervision with the young people. Oh yah, I guess I should mention I'm In "A" Loop. Definitely check the length of the site before Reserving. Some are short and some long. If you get a short one, you can park your vehicle in overflow. I gave this place a 5 star because roads and sites are new asphalt. Very clean place, Friendly Host, and the most Beautiful and comfortable park I've stayed In yet! read more

This is my favorite dry-side park for early spring camping. The park is full of blooming honey locusts & the bird watching is outstanding. The Deschutes runs next to it-emptying out into the Columbia. There's something for everyone - hiking, biking, fishing & general camping activities. It is a family - oriented place with the usual Oregon amenities of showers & flush toilets. The full service area for RVs is small & the inner sites cramped, but most people gravitate towards the river with their folding chairs. There are two other areas on the grass that are for tent and dry camping. The group camp is also well used,--this weekend was a BMW motorcycle rally. Be warned that it is very windy here especially in the afternoon when the Gorge breezes blow. Our last trip here had our daughter & boyfriend retreating to the back of our pickup truck because the tent poles bent so much in the wind that they were hitting their heads. Also, there are the round the clock freight trains that blow through sounding their horns that take some getting used to if you're a light sleeper. Overall it's a great little get away place close to Portland that will jump start your outdoor season after all that damp grey! read more

For profit managment of public lands at its very worst! ---Avoid---Avoid---Avoid---Avoid---Avoid---Avoid---Avoid---Avoid---Avoid---Avoid My church had a fathers day gathering for food and baptisms at this beautiful state funded and owned but privately managed park. Getting there was easy we had been there several years in the past. We also did an annual family camp out in August every year. Last year that was difficult due to a change in managment. But this Fathers day was a never again experience. Upon arrival we were told we could only park 20 cars at the day use area the rest would have to be parked outside the park and walk in the .5 mile from day use, in the overflow overnight camping parking on the road. Then after we set up our picnic we were told that although day use is free if we were a group of over 50 people there was a fee of $100 for the first 50 and $1 for each additional, and when we set up a volley ball net we were told that nets were not allowed unless we rented it from the park but that another group was renting their net so none would be allowed. Needless to say if you look to use public lands for your non profit group go down the road to Celilo park they have nicer restrooms river frontage and completely free day use, parking, and camping for up to 14 days. read more

If you love camping near strangers and leashing your dog to a post (tree's not allowed) then this place is for you! The next time I travel through I will keep going. It is not worth the stop. Maybe to let your dog out to pee! But be sure to have them on a leash because the camp hosts will race you down on their gulf carts! Then scorning you with a blue card on safety for all in the park and why dogs must ALWAYS be on a leash! Even in the water if they want to swim (this is insane). Our neighbor's were using brickettes to cook dinner but had them in the fire pit (since fires weren't allowed) I thought this was safe. Well..... Sure enough the hosts were right there sniffing out to make sure they were really brickettes. Returning 3 more times! It looks like there are wild blackberries growing everywhere but be sure to be sneaky! If you want any piece of mind at this camp ground get out! Bring your bikes or kayaks. Be careful though in the summer it could be extremely windy and hot. Dog mittens might come in handy as the sand is really hot. There are hiking and biking trails. You could canoe or kayak but there could be some whitewater so be safe. This place has a large day use, grassy park area for kiddos, and the showers are free! -A mildly happy camper! read more

See all

Great camp site but the rangers have big egos. They need to take some communication classes if they will continue to interface with the public When we arrived they were hot dogging on their quad runners acting like young assholes. Then the next day, I had my 8 mo old puppy at the rivers edge. First time around water. Ranger Cody runs over to me and kids and gets in my face about the dog being off lease...in the water. He was completely unprofessional. I have reported his behavior. So hopefully he will get some lessons in customer service or get put in Sibeia read more

I have been bringing my dog here for 12 years to play in the water. Last week a fish and wildlife women and a man were sitting and watching the dog play in the water. They never said a thing just smiled. Tonight how ever when we got there the same lady was just sittings here agin. 30 minutes goes by and another one shows up and comes over to tell us thAt the dog has to be on a leash. No one else was there around the water at all. Maybe if they have time to sit on there butts they should do something like pick up the garbage or pull a few weeds. After all it is our tax money that pays them. read more