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Boondocking along the Columbia River Gorge


dennisvr

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Planning a trip that will take me along the Columbia river east of Portland Or and then heading to Spokane Wa.  Checked freecampsites.com and it shows a lot of places to overnight along the river.  One distraction was the sounds of trains.  So has anyone camped along the river and would be able to give some info of what's available in the area for boondocking?
Thanks

"It is better to have more truck than you need than to need more truck than you have"

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This is a favorite of ours:   https://freecampsites.net/#!2580&query=sitedetails

It is on the WA side a few miles from MaryHill, WA. 

The road is paved all the way to the boondocking area.  How far you drive on the gravel is dependent on where you want to park. 

The train does run about 150-200 yards from the BD spots, but they do not blow their horn, so you just hear muted rumbling of the railroad tracks.  We sleep with our windows open and the trains are not bothersome.  

It can be hot in July/Aug.  Sometimes it is windy.  

We like to park right after the pavement ends, almost under the huge power line towers, right on the river and right where the barges & boats enter/leave the locks for John Day dam.  45.714443, -120.709094

There are many BD spots heading west on the gravel road.  Also there is an old 1/2 mile long runway at 45.710738, -120.722473 with room for probably 50 large rigs.  Google Maps satellite view shows lots of fishermen camping along the river. 

No drinking water.  Free.

Edited by Al F

Al & Sharon
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2020 Chevy Colorado Toad
San Antonio, TX

http://downtheroadaroundthebend.blogspot.com/

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Thanks for the replies.  Probably wont stay but a night or two.  Don't think we'll like the wind and trains.  

"It is better to have more truck than you need than to need more truck than you have"

2001 Volvo 660, Cummins 400 ISX, Eaton 3 Peddle Auto Shift    
2014 Fuzion 40' Toyhauler
2015 Smart Car                                                                                                                                                                          

                                                                                                            

 

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We've boondocked at several places along the Oregon side of the river, mainly around the Rufus area. If you stay on the Oregon side, trains and Interstate noise shouldn't be a problem -- the trains are on the other side of the river and don't toot their horns...in fact, we can barely hear them...the Interstate in the area where we park is above the camping area, so Interstate noise is negligible.  If you travel the Columbia River corridor, whether on the Oregon side or the Washington side, you'll likely run into wind since there are hills on either side of the river that act like a wind tunnel.  The wind doesn't always blow, but does so frequently.  In the direction you're traveling, if there is wind, it will more than likely be behind you; i.e., the wind blows from west to east...great for fuel mileage! 

Edited by LindaH

LindaH
2014 Winnebago Aspect 27K
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20 minutes ago, LindaH said:

We've boondocked at several places along the Oregon side of the river, mainly around the Rufus area. If you stay on the Oregon side, trains and Interstate noise shouldn't be a problem -- the trains are on the other side of the river and don't toot their horns...in fact, we can barely hear them...the Interstate in the area where we park is above the camping area, so Interstate noise is negligible.  

Thanks Linda,  I thought I read somewhere that the trains were on both sides of the river.  I'm thinking on going along the Oregon said, so by what you say the trains should be farther away.  I think I could put up with them just going by, but if they blow their horns all night that may be a problem...….

"It is better to have more truck than you need than to need more truck than you have"

2001 Volvo 660, Cummins 400 ISX, Eaton 3 Peddle Auto Shift    
2014 Fuzion 40' Toyhauler
2015 Smart Car                                                                                                                                                                          

                                                                                                            

 

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  • 3 weeks later...

Check out Tucker Park which is just south of Hood River.  $25 a night but well worth it.  Quiet with the Hood River running right next to the park.  Stayed there for four nights while visiting family.  Avoid camping close to the gorge if you hate trains.  We camped one night at the KOA in Cascade Locks and could not stand the train rumble and horns every hour or more!

Edited by Dak
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