Dalles Campground
4.5710 reviewsDalles Campground
$0.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not to any additional fee or campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass holder's party. https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes Please be prepared to pay with CASH or CHECK. *Sites may be reservable and reservation fees apply.* $15 per night. Limit 2 vehicles per site. Fees charged from April through September.
Share this campground
USFSProvider
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, The Dalles campground offers adventurers a perfect basecamp where the high desert meets the mighty Columbia River. This scenic haven combines the rugged beauty of Oregon's eastern landscape with convenient access to both water recreation and mountain trails, making it an ideal destination for those seeking diverse outdoor experiences in one remarkable location.
Dalles Campground provides a rustic camping experience with a total of 10 sites, including tent and combined sites. The campground is first-come, first-served, and offers a quiet and secluded atmosphere.
Historical SignificanceStep into thousands of years of history at The Dalles, once a major trading hub for Native American tribes who gathered here to fish for salmon and exchange goods along the Columbia River. This ancient meeting place later became a critical stop on the Oregon Trail, where pioneers made the fateful decision to float their wagons downriver or take the treacherous Barlow Road around Mount Hood. Today, visitors can explore this rich heritage through nearby petroglyphs, historic sites, and interpretive trails that tell the stories of the indigenous peoples and settlers who shaped this legendary crossroads.
Weather and SeasonsExperience four distinct seasons at The Dalles, where spring arrives with wildflower blooms and perfect hiking temperatures, while summer brings warm, dry days ideal for water sports and evening campfires under star-filled skies. Fall transforms the surrounding hills into a tapestry of golden hues, offering crisp mornings and comfortable afternoons, while winter provides a quieter camping experience with occasional dustings of snow and dramatic storm-watching opportunities along the river.
ElevationPerched at a moderate elevation along the Columbia River, The Dalles campground sits at the dramatic transition zone where the Cascade Mountains give way to the high desert plateau. This unique positioning creates a natural wind corridor that has made the area famous among windsurfers and kiteboarders, while the gentle elevation provides comfortable camping conditions and stunning panoramic views of Mount Hood to the west and the rolling wheat fields stretching endlessly to the east.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover a landscape of striking contrasts where ancient basalt cliffs tower above the flowing Columbia River, creating a dramatic backdrop for your camping adventure. The surrounding terrain showcases the raw beauty of the Columbia Plateau, with its distinctive rock formations, hidden waterfalls, and expansive vistas that change color with each passing hour. Native bunchgrasses and wildflowers paint the hillsides in seasonal hues, while majestic birds of prey soar on thermal currents above, and the ever-present river provides a ribbon of blue through this enchanting high desert environment.
Geological RegionCamp atop one of North America's most fascinating geological stories at The Dalles, where massive basalt flows from prehistoric volcanic eruptions created the dramatic Columbia River Gorge. These ancient lava flows, part of the Columbia River Basalt Group, tell a tale of cataclysmic events from 15 million years ago, while evidence of the more recent Missoula Floods reveals how massive walls of water carved out the spectacular gorge you see today. The exposed rock layers serve as a natural textbook, showcasing millions of years of Earth's history in their stratified cliff faces and sculpted formations.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for this campground. Wheelchair-accessible toilets are not available.
Sites SizeThe source materials do not specify the exact dimensions of sites, but the campground is described as rustic, with tent and combined sites that accommodate a small number of campers.
Sites PrivacySites are described as secluded with some overlooking the creek and others located on the opposite side of the road. Informal paths lead down to the creek, and the sites offer a tranquil environment.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 days
Groups
No designated group camping sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonApril-September
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Dalles Campground offers a limited but rewarding array of outdoor activities. Fishing in the 'blue ribbon' Rock Creek is a highlight, with opportunities to catch rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and bull trout. Hiking is another popular activity, with the nearby Welcome Creek Trail leading 8 miles to the Bitterroot Divide. Wildlife viewing is exceptional, with frequent sightings of mule deer, moose, and bighorn sheep.
Hiking
The Welcome Creek Trail is an 8-mile foot trail that begins near a suspension bridge close to the campground. The trail leads to the Bitterroot Divide and is popular among hikers seeking rugged wilderness experiences.Fishing
Fishing in Rock Creek offers anglers the chance to catch rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and bull trout, along with whitefish. Bull trout fishing is catch-and-release only. Rock Creek is renowned as a 'blue ribbon' trout stream.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a major draw, with frequent sightings of mule deer, bighorn sheep, and moose. Birdsong also adds to the tranquil environment.Winter Activities
The source materials did not mention any winter activities.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
Weather forecast
89
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 13%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo details are provided about trash and recycling facilities. Campers should plan to pack out what they pack in.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Clinton, MT, take Interstate 90 east 4.7 miles to Rock Cr Rd. (Exit 126). At the end of the exit ramp, turn right onto Rock Creek Rd. and go 14.5 miles to campground sign. Turn right into campground. NOTE: Rock Creek Rd. goes from a wide paved roadway to dirt at 8.3 miles. It then deteriorates into a winding, single-lane road with few turnouts.
"Trailers, motorhomes and tow vehicles not recommended due to the narrow and rough road."Nearby places
Clinton 14.5miles
Camper Reviews
4.6
10 reviews
Dalles Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise the campground for its beauty, seclusion, and proximity to Rock Creek. The serene atmosphere and opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing are commonly highlighted. However, the road leading to the campground is often described as narrow and rough, which can be a challenge for larger vehicles.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground is described as 'beautiful,' 'secluded,' and 'serene.' Several sites overlook the creek, and the proximity to the Welcome Creek Trail and suspension bridge is noted as a highlight....
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The narrow and rough road leading to the campground is a common complaint. Some users have also mentioned the lack of potable water and the current use of porta-potties instead of vault toilets due...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing your own drinking water due to the lack of potable water on-site. It's also advisable to arrive early as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis....
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is most popular during the peak season from May to September, when fishing and hiking conditions are ideal. However, the lack of potable water and the rugged access road remain...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'The road getting there is a little narrow and rough, but well worth it!' - Cara Pool
2. 'This is the 4th campground up Rock Creek road... it has the best sites available of the 4.' - R Brown ...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Some sites are directly on the creek, while others are on the opposite side of the road. Sites overlooking the creek are particularly praised for their serenity and accessibility to fishing.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025