Best Camping in the Gorge?

dsiskind2 · Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Posts: 25

Anyone have suggestions on where to camp in the Gorge? I'm headed up for the first time in early August. If possible I'd like to be close to sailing and my wife would strongly prefer showers and bathrooms. The more natural beauty of the spot the better. Thanks,

Dan

swchandler · Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588

Regarding showers, you should be aware that at the HR Marina has coin operated hot showers in the restroom facilities. Very convenient after sailing to freshen up before dinner and drinks in HR.

martyrosse · Joined: 10 Apr 2000 Posts: 118

Maryhill for close to sailing, but I don't know if there are showers. Lots of open space on a nice lawn where you can probably keep your sails rigged, though I've never experienced the camping scene there.

Tucker campground is a cool spot w/ showers and is popular, but it's a few miles south of Hood River. It's a nice wooded area w/ some great camping spots really close to the river. It's first-come, first-serve.

jlederer · Joined: 10 Aug 2001 Posts: 20

memaloose

kevinkan · Joined: 07 Jun 2001 Posts: 1661 Location: San Francisco

You might try Tucker Park up on Mount Hood. It's a few miles out of town which is nice, and there are no trains... just the Hood River flowing by. You're up in the mountain, lots of trees, the river, and did I say no trains? I've always enjoyed camping here. There are bathrooms and showers.

boggsman1 · Joined: 24 Jun 2002 Posts: 9120 Location: at a computer

....and poison oak.

MalibuGuru · Joined: 11 Nov 1993 Posts: 9300

If you are in an rv don't cross the hood river bridge! Otherwise there is a cool campground across the bridge and east a few hundred yards. Great if you have a nice van.

yeah there are trains, but nothing a pint of tequilla won't cure.

jayden123 · Joined: 08 Sep 2007 Posts: 40 Location: elk grove, ca.

what about the homeless windsurfer who wants to camp on the river with the board and rig ready to go. I can sleep in cap of my truck or pitch a tent if its not to windy. any spots? Is it legal? Is it posssible to spend the night and sail without paying any fees?

normally i go to sherman island and it doesn't cost me a dime except for gas to drive out there. Rolling Eyes

wmike · Joined: 20 Jan 2001 Posts: 207 Location: Maui

Quite a few stay at Celio Park on the Oregon side between The Dalles and Biggs Junction with rigs staying under the trees on the green grass. It is free with and rest rooms are there. Some people love the chop there. When the wind is out of the north and the Wall and Rufus are no good Celio can save the day.

You can also stay for free at Rufus or go a couple of miles closer to the John Day Dam and park in the shad. Restroom is there also.

In the Hood River area you have to seek out old logging roads for free areas to park over night. No campfires due to fire hazards.

gerritt · Joined: 06 May 1998 Posts: 632 Location: Redwood City, CA

What ever happened to the wind ranch?