RV Campgrounds In Goldendale, WA -- Find RV Parks

45.8207° N, 120.8217° W

Quick Overview

Goldendale sits on a high plateau in south-central Washington, where the Columbia River Gorge meets rolling wheat country and wide-open skies. This small town of 3,400 people offers something most RV destinations can't: some of the darkest night skies in the Pacific Northwest, thanks to the Goldendale Observatory State Park. The surrounding landscape blends basalt cliffs, oak woodlands, and prairie grasslands that stretch toward Mount Hood's distant peak.

The area has several RV campgrounds and parks, with some offering free camping options. Most parks here cater to travelers seeking full hookups and reliable amenities rather than primitive camping experiences. You'll find a mix of privately-owned RV parks and public campgrounds, many designed for both short stopovers and extended stays during the region's peak stargazing and wildflower seasons.

From your campsite in Goldendale, you're positioned perfectly for exploring the Columbia River Gorge's eastern reaches, where crowds thin out but the scenery remains spectacular. The Maryhill Museum of Art sits just 20 minutes south, housing an unexpected collection of Rodin sculptures and chess sets in a mansion overlooking the Columbia. Brooks Memorial State Park offers hiking trails through oak groves and seasonal wildflower displays that peak in April and May. The nearby Klickitat River provides excellent steelhead fishing, while the John Day Dam area offers wildlife viewing and river access.

This destination works well for RVers who appreciate small-town hospitality without sacrificing modern conveniences. Most local parks offer full hookups with 30 and 50-amp service, making them suitable for larger rigs and extended stays. The town's compact size means you're never more than five minutes from groceries, fuel, or dining options. However, if you're seeking primitive camping or extensive recreational facilities, you might find the options limited compared to larger resort destinations.

Visit between April and October for the most comfortable weather and reliable campground operations. Summer brings warm, dry days perfect for exploring the gorge, while spring offers wildflower blooms and fewer crowds. Winter can be harsh with occasional snow and ice, though the clear skies make for exceptional stargazing when conditions permit.

Browse our listings below to find the right campground for your Goldendale adventure, whether you're planning a quick overnight stop or a week-long exploration of this unique corner of Washington state.

Top Rated Dump Stations in Goldendale

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All Dump Stations Near Goldendale

Station Name	Distance	Rating	Category	Cost
Goldendale Mh & RV Park	0.3 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Stargazers RV Resort	0.8 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Peach Beach RV Park	9.4 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
A Whole RV Park	9.7 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Rufus RV Park	9.7 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Relax Park Company, Llc	10.1 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Le Page Park	10.4 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Wasco RV Park	16.6 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
View Point Mobile & RV Park	20.7 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Columbia Hills RV Village	20.8 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies

Traveling to Goldendale by RV

Goldendale sits along US Highway 97, the main north-south route connecting Oregon to central Washington. From the south, you'll drive through the scenic Deschutes River canyon and cross the Columbia River at Biggs Junction before climbing into Goldendale's plateau country. This route offers stunning river views but includes several steep grades that larger rigs should take slowly, especially the climb from the Columbia River up to town.

From the west, State Route 14 follows the Columbia River Gorge before connecting to US 97 via Highway 142. This scenic route passes through Lyle and includes some narrow sections with limited shoulder space, so check your rig's dimensions before committing to this approach. The eastern approach via US 97 from Yakima provides the most RV-friendly access with gentler grades and wider shoulders.

Fuel up before arriving, as Goldendale has limited gas stations and diesel can be pricey compared to larger towns. The Cenex station on East Broadway handles larger rigs well, while the 76 station downtown has tighter maneuvering space. Stock up on groceries at the local IGA or drive 30 minutes south to The Dalles, Oregon, for more shopping options including a Walmart with RV parking.

Cell service can be spotty in the surrounding canyons and rural areas, so download offline maps before leaving main highways. The town itself has reliable coverage, but plan for dead zones if you're exploring the Klickitat River area or heading toward remote parts of the Columbia Gorge. Winter travelers should carry chains and check road conditions, as Highway 97 can close during severe weather events.

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Dump Station Costs in Goldendale

Nightly rates in Goldendale typically range from $35-45 for basic full hookup sites at privately-owned parks, while state park campgrounds charge $25-35 per night depending on amenities. Premium sites with extra space or scenic views can reach $50-55 during peak summer months. Of all camping options in the area, a portion% are free while a portion% charge fees, reflecting the limited public land camping compared to other Washington destinations.

Seasonal pricing varies significantly, with summer rates running 20-30% higher than off-season prices. Many parks offer weekly and monthly discounts for extended stays, with monthly rates often dropping to $400-600 including utilities. Good Sam and Passport America memberships provide 10% discounts at several local parks, making them worthwhile for multi-night stays.

Grocery costs run slightly higher than urban areas due to limited competition, so stock up in larger towns if you're budget-conscious. Fuel prices typically exceed state averages by 10-15 cents per gallon, making it worth filling up in The Dalles or Yakima if you're passing through those areas.

Consider timing your visit during shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) for the best combination of reasonable rates and pleasant weather. Winter rates drop significantly, but many parks reduce services or close entirely from November through March, limiting your options for extended stays during the coldest months.

Free: 4 stations (100%)

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

What RVers Are Saying About Goldendale

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Best Time to Visit Goldendale by RV

❄️

Winter

December-February

25-45°F

Crowds: Low

Many campgrounds close or reduce services; excellent stargazing but harsh weather conditions possible.

🌸

Spring

March-May

45-70°F

Crowds: Medium

Wildflower season peaks in April; some parks may still have limited services early in season.

☀️

Summer

June-August

70-90°F

Crowds: High

Peak season with highest rates; observatory programs run regularly; book ahead for weekends.

🍂

Fall

September-November

50-75°F

Crowds: Medium

Excellent weather continues through October; lower rates return and crowds thin after Labor Day.

Explore the Goldendale Area

Goldendale Observatory State Park offers the area's most unique camping experience, with sites specifically designed for astronomy enthusiasts. The park's interpretive center hosts public telescope viewing sessions on Saturday evenings from April through September, making it worth timing your stay around these events. Book well ahead during summer months when astronomy clubs often reserve multiple sites.

For boondocking, check out the dispersed camping opportunities along Forest Service roads in the nearby Gifford Pinchot National Forest, about 45 minutes north of town. These free sites require high-clearance vehicles and offer no services, but provide solitude and mountain views that paid campgrounds can't match.

The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center in The Dalles makes an excellent day trip from Goldendale, offering indoor activities during hot summer afternoons or rainy weather. Pack a picnic and explore Horsethief Lake State Park for Columbia River access and petroglyphs viewing, just 20 minutes south via Highway 14.

Dining options center around Main Street, with the Glass Onion serving solid American fare and generous portions that work well for hungry campers. The Hometown Pizza offers decent pies and is one of the few places open past 8 PM. Stock up on camping supplies at Ace Hardware on East Broadway, which carries propane, basic RV parts, and outdoor gear.

Bring your dog to explore the extensive trail system at Brooks Memorial State Park, where leashed pets are welcome on most paths. The park's day-use area includes picnic tables and restrooms, making it a good spot for lunch between hiking sessions.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Goldendale

What are the best RV campgrounds in Goldendale?

Goldendale Observatory State Park offers the most unique experience with astronomy-focused camping and dark sky viewing opportunities. For full amenities, Peach Beach RV Park provides reliable hookups and easy access to town services. Brooks Memorial State Park combines natural beauty with hiking trails and makes an excellent choice for families.

Is there free RV camping near Goldendale?

Free camping options are limited in the immediate Goldendale area, with most sites requiring fees for services and maintenance. However, dispersed camping is available on Forest Service roads in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, about 45 minutes north of town. These sites require self-contained rigs and offer no hookups or services.

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

Late spring through early fall (April through October) offers the most comfortable weather and reliable campground operations. Summer provides the warmest temperatures and regular astronomy programs, while spring brings wildflower blooms with fewer crowds. Winter camping is possible but many facilities close or reduce services significantly.

Are there full hookup RV parks in Goldendale?

Yes, several parks in Goldendale offer full hookups with water, sewer, and electric service including both 30 and 50-amp connections. Most privately-owned RV parks provide these amenities along with additional services like Wi-Fi and laundry facilities. State parks typically offer partial hookups with electric and water but may lack sewer connections at individual sites.

Can I boondock near Goldendale?

Boondocking opportunities exist primarily on Forest Service lands north of town in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest area. These dispersed camping sites require high-clearance vehicles to access and offer no services or facilities. The terrain can be challenging, so scout locations during daylight hours and ensure your rig can handle rough forest roads.

What attractions are accessible from Goldendale RV parks?

The Goldendale Observatory State Park offers world-class stargazing just minutes from most campgrounds, while the Columbia River Gorge provides scenic drives and hiking opportunities within 30 minutes. Maryhill Museum of Art showcases an impressive collection including Rodin sculptures, and the nearby Klickitat River offers excellent fishing for steelhead and salmon depending on the season.