RV Parks In Dallesport, WA -- Columbia Gorge Camping

45.6173° N, 121.1795° W

Quick Overview

Dallesport sits on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, where the massive river cuts through the Cascade Range in one of America's most dramatic landscapes. This small community offers front-row seats to the gorge's legendary windsurfing action and towering basalt cliffs, while serving as a gateway to both Mount Hood's southern slopes and the high desert country of eastern Washington. The area has several RV campgrounds and parks, with some offering free camping options for budget-conscious travelers.

Both of the area's paid RV parks focus on providing comfortable base camps for exploring the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. You'll find full hookup sites that can handle big rigs, plus amenities designed for extended stays as you explore everything from Multnomah Falls to the Maryhill Museum of Art. The parks here understand that RVers come for the outdoor recreation – windsurfing, kiteboarding, hiking, and fishing – so they're set up to handle wet gear and provide easy access to boat launches.

From your campsite in Dallesport, you're perfectly positioned to experience both sides of the gorge. Drive fifteen minutes west to reach the tourist hub of Hood River, Oregon, with its craft breweries and windsurfing shops. Head east and you'll hit the wide-open spaces around The Dalles, where Lewis and Clark made their famous portage around the river's rapids. The Maryhill Stonehenge replica sits just across the river, while the Columbia Hills State Park offers hiking trails with petroglyphs and wildflower meadows.

This area works well for RVers who want full amenities without the crowds of more popular gorge destinations. The parks here cater to longer stays, making them ideal for snowbirds exploring the Pacific Northwest or families using Dallesport as a base camp for gorge adventures. You'll get better rates than the premium spots closer to Portland, but you're still within striking distance of major attractions.

Spring through fall offers the best camping weather, with summer bringing the strongest winds for water sports enthusiasts. Winter camping is possible but expect occasional ice storms that can make driving challenging.

Top Rated Dump Stations in Dallesport

No rated stations yet. Be the first to leave a review!

All Dump Stations Near Dallesport

Station Name	Distance	Rating	Category	Cost
Columbia Hills RV Village	1.6 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Blue Barn & RV Park	2.2 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Harvest RV Park	2.4 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
View Point Mobile & RV Park	2.8 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Memaloose State Park	9.4 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Memaloose State Park Campground	9.7 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Dufur RV Park	11.7 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Gorge Base Camp	16.6 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Peach Beach RV Park	18.1 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Lockit Campground	18.8 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies

Traveling to Dallesport by RV

Dallesport sits right off Highway 14, the scenic Columbia River Highway that runs along Washington's side of the gorge. This two-lane road offers spectacular river views but can get busy with recreational traffic during summer weekends. From the west, you'll drive through some of the most photographed scenery in the Pacific Northwest, passing Beacon Rock and the Bridge of the Gods. RVers should note that Highway 14 has some tight curves between Washougal and Cascade Locks, so take your time if you're pulling a large trailer.

From Interstate 84 on the Oregon side, cross the river at The Dalles Bridge (US-197) and you'll reach Dallesport in about five minutes. This is often the easier approach for big rigs coming from Portland or points east. The bridge has good clearance and the Washington approach road is well-maintained. If you're coming from the east on I-84, this crossing avoids the tighter sections of Highway 14.

Fuel up before you arrive – the nearest major truck stops are in The Dalles, Oregon, or back toward Hood River. There's a small market in Dallesport for basic supplies, but serious grocery shopping means a trip across the river to The Dalles or west to Hood River. Both cities have Walmart and Safeway stores that can handle RV parking. Cell service is generally good throughout the area, though some spots along the river can have dead zones depending on your carrier.

Useful Links

More Dump Stations Nearby

Find additional dump stations near Dallesport

RV Parks Near Dallesport

Browse RV parks and campgrounds in Washington

RV Tips & Guides

Helpful articles for RV travelers

Get Directions

Navigate to Dallesport, WA

Detailed Forecast

National Weather Service forecast

Federal Campgrounds

Recreation.gov campground search

Nearest Hospital

Find emergency medical care nearby

Grocery Stores

Find grocery shopping nearby

Dump Station Costs in Dallesport

RV camping rates in Dallesport typically run $35-50 per night for full hookup sites, which puts them in the middle range for Columbia River Gorge camping. You're paying less than the premium spots in Hood River or Cascade Locks, but more than basic state park camping. Since a portion% of the area's campgrounds are free and a portion% charge fees, you'll need to budget for paid camping if you want full amenities in this area.

Summer rates peak during windsurfing season (June through September), when weekend spots can book weeks in advance. Spring and fall offer better rates and easier availability, though you'll trade some weather predictability for the savings. Winter rates drop significantly, but call ahead since some parks reduce services or close sections during the coldest months.

Good Sam and Passport America discounts are honored at area parks, typically saving 10% on nightly rates. If you're planning an extended stay to explore the gorge, ask about weekly or monthly rates – many parks offer significant discounts for longer commitments. Fuel costs here run slightly higher than major cities due to the rural location, but you're close enough to The Dalles for competitive grocery prices at major chains.

Budget extra for activities like windsurfing lessons ($75-100) or guided fishing trips on the Columbia. The area's outdoor recreation opportunities are the main draw, so factor activity costs into your camping budget.

Free: 1 station (100%)

Paid: 0 stations (0%)

Contact station for pricing details.

Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.

What RVers Are Saying About Dallesport

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!

Best Time to Visit Dallesport by RV

❄️

Winter

December-February

35-45°F

Crowds: Low

Some parks close or reduce services. Ice storms possible but brief. Best rates of the year.

🌸

Spring

March-May

50-70°F

Crowds: Medium

Wildflower season in Columbia Hills. Variable weather but fewer crowds. Good availability and rates.

☀️

Summer

June-August

75-90°F

Crowds: High

Peak windsurfing season with strongest winds. Book ahead for weekends. Highest rates but best weather.

🍂

Fall

September-November

55-75°F

Crowds: Medium

Excellent weather continues through October. Good wind for water sports. Shoulder season rates return.

Explore the Dallesport Area

Both RV parks in Dallesport offer river access, but if you're here for windsurfing or kiteboarding, ask about which sites have the easiest gear access to the water. The Columbia River Gorge produces some of the most consistent wind in North America, and you'll want to be ready when conditions are right. Most parks here understand the water sports crowd and provide hose-down areas for rinsing gear.

For hiking without crowds, check out the Dallesport Road trail system that climbs into the hills behind town. You'll get panoramic views of the gorge without the tourist buses that pack the Oregon side viewpoints. The trail connects to longer routes in the Columbia Hills, where you can see Native American petroglyphs and seasonal wildflower displays.

Dining options in Dallesport itself are limited, but the short drive to The Dalles opens up everything from Mexican food to classic American diners. Baldwin Saloon in The Dalles has been serving travelers since 1876 and still pulls a good beer. For groceries and RV supplies, The Dalles has a well-stocked Bi-Mart that locals swear by for outdoor gear and camping basics.

Dog owners will find plenty of river access for swimming, but watch for strong currents during high water periods in late spring and early summer. The Columbia moves fast here, and even strong swimming dogs can get into trouble.

National Parks Nearby

Other Cities in Washington

Port Angeles (12)Concrete (7)Republic (7)Leavenworth (7)Moses Lake (5)Poulsbo (5)Arlington (5)Shelton (5)Vancouver (5)Tonasket (5)Quincy (5)Mossyrock (5)

View all cities in Washington →

RV Tips & Articles

Secure Your Site: A Guide to FootLoose RV Sewer Caps and Grip-N-Lock Well Caps

Understanding AASHTO M306, H20, and EN 124 Load Ratings: What They Really Mean for Manhole Covers

Anti-Tamper & Locking Solutions for Public Utility Access Points: Keeping Manholes Secure and Compliant

Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Dallesport

What are the best RV campgrounds in Dallesport?

Dallesport has two RV parks that both offer full hookups and river access for water sports enthusiasts. Both parks cater to the windsurfing and kiteboarding crowd with gear washing areas and easy water access. The parks focus on longer stays rather than overnight stops, making them ideal base camps for exploring the Columbia River Gorge.

Is there free RV camping near Dallesport?

Currently there are no free RV camping options directly in Dallesport, as both local parks charge nightly fees for their full amenity sites. However, you can find free camping at Columbia Hills State Park about 20 minutes east, which offers basic sites without hookups. Boondockers should also check Bureau of Land Management areas further inland from the river.

What is the best time of year to camp in Dallesport?

Summer offers the best weather and strongest winds for water sports, but it's also the busiest and most expensive season. Spring and fall provide excellent camping conditions with fewer crowds and better rates. Winter camping is possible but expect occasional ice storms and some parks may reduce services or close sections during the coldest months.

Are there full hookup RV parks in Dallesport?

Yes, both RV parks in Dallesport offer full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections. These parks are designed to handle larger rigs and provide the amenities needed for extended stays while exploring the Columbia River Gorge. Most sites can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet with slide-outs.

Can I launch a boat from Dallesport RV parks?

Both local RV parks provide river access, and there are public boat launches nearby for larger watercraft. The area is famous for windsurfing and kiteboarding, so the parks are well-equipped to handle water sports gear. The Columbia River here offers excellent fishing for salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon depending on the season.

How close is Dallesport to major Columbia River Gorge attractions?