Benson State Recreation Area
00 reviewP O BOX 100, CORBETT, Oregon, 97019, United States
Benson State Recreation Area
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
The park does not allow camping; shelter reservation does not waive the parking fee. Each vehicle must display a valid day-use pass or other OPRD permit. Water is off and restrooms are closed from mid-November through mid-March.
About this campground
Nestled along the scenic Columbia River Gorge, Benson State Recreation Area offers a perfect escape for day-trippers seeking outdoor adventure without the overnight commitment. This hidden gem, accessible exclusively from the eastbound lanes of I-84, invites visitors to discover a tranquil oasis where small lakes mirror the Oregon sky and waterfalls cascade in the distance. Whether you're casting a line into peaceful waters, gliding across the lake in a kayak, or gathering with loved ones under the shade of a picnic shelter, Benson provides the ideal backdrop for creating lasting memories. The park's thoughtfully placed amenities—including grills, tables, and multiple shelters—make it a favorite destination for family reunions, weekend picnics, and spontaneous adventures.
Benson State Recreation Area does not allow camping or overnight stays, so no standard campground types are available.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the Columbia River Gorge at Benson State Recreation Area. Winter unveils the park's raw beauty, with heavy rains feeding the waterfalls and occasional snow dustings creating a pristine wonderland—though the cold temperatures make it best suited for hardy souls. As spring emerges, the landscape awakens with vibrant greens and flowing water. Summer truly brings the park to life, offering warm, sun-drenched days perfect for paddleboarding adventures and lakeside picnics. With minimal precipitation and comfortable temperatures, the summer months transform Benson into an outdoor playground where families splash in the water and anglers try their luck from dawn to dusk.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryBenson State Recreation Area captivates visitors with its diverse tapestry of natural wonders. The park's collection of intimate lakes serves as the centerpiece, their calm surfaces perfect for paddling and their depths promising exciting catches for patient anglers. Nearby waterfalls provide a stunning visual soundtrack, their misty veils visible through the trees. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in the variety of bird species that call this area home, from graceful herons stalking the shallows to melodic songbirds filling the air with their calls. Adding to the park's unique charm, the occasional rumble of passing trains serves as a nostalgic reminder of the gorge's transportation heritage, creating a perfect blend of natural beauty and human history that defines this special corner of Oregon.
Geological RegionCentral Valleys Region
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible facilities are mentioned to be available within 10 miles, but no further details are provided about accessibility features for disabled campers.
Sites SizeNo specific campsite sizes are mentioned as there are no campsites available in the park.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is not applicable as camping is not allowed at the park.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
6:00 AM
Check-out
10:00 PM
Stay Limit
Camping not allowed at Benson State Recreation Area.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Camping not permitted.
Groups
No group campsites are available as camping is prohibited.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe park hosts picnic shelters and is designed for day use with grills and tables.
Open and Closed SeasonDay-use hours change seasonally: June-August: 6am - 10pm; September-May: 6am - dusk.
Reservation PlatformsReservations for the picnic shelter can be made through the Oregon State Parks website.
Walk-in AvailabilityShelter reservations can be made for multiple days; no camping is allowed.
Cancellation PolicyPrior to booking the picnic shelter, please review the cancellation and reservation policies on the Oregon State Parks website.
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
While camping is not permitted, the Benson State Recreation Area offers several recreational activities including bird-watching, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Visitors can also enjoy viewing waterfalls and the occasional passing train. Some trails in the Columbia Gorge are currently closed due to fire damage.
Fishing
One of the small lakes in the park is used primarily for fishing, as highlighted in user reviews.Boating
One of the small lakes is used for kayaking or paddleboarding, making it suitable for non-motorized boating activities.Wildlife viewing
Visitors can enjoy bird-watching and viewing a waterfall from the park's vicinity, providing ample opportunities for wildlife observation.Winter Activities
No information about winter-specific recreational activities is provided.Water Sports
Kayaking and paddleboarding are available on one of the small lakes, making it suitable for non-motorized water sports.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
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- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsDue to the Whiskey Creek and Microwave Fire, multiple trails in the Columbia River Gorge are currently closed.
Active alerts"Please visit Oregon State Parks or https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mthood/alerts-notices/?aid=89050 for a full list of closures."
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 51%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4.5 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
Emergency Services
Contact Rooster Rock ranger station at 503-695-2261 for emergencies.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune to August.
Trash and recyclingNo information about trash and recycling facilities is available.
Proximity to water featuresThe park is surrounded by small lakes, with one primarily used for fishing and another for kayaking or paddleboarding.
Common complaints"A tad of freeway noise but not a big deal."
HostVolunteers are described as helpful by users but further details are not available.
Campground Map
P O BOX 100, CORBETT, Oregon, 97019, United States
Driving directionsBenson State Recreation Area is located at exit 30 on I-84 east, eastbound only, 30 miles east of Portland. The park is only accessible eastbound on I-84.
The park is only accessible eastbound on I-84, which may pose challenges for westbound travelers who might need to reroute.Nearby places
Corbett (approximately 5 miles), Portland (30 miles east)
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Benson State Recreation Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the park as an excellent destination for day-use activities such as birthday parties, small gatherings, and outdoor recreation. Visitors appreciate the scenic views and accessibility to lakes and waterfalls. However, some reviews note the noise from a nearby freeway.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Visitors frequently praise the park for its picturesque scenery, fishing and boating opportunities, and suitability for family gatherings. "Fun park/lake. Nice for a summer gathering" is a common...
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Common Concerns
Some users mention noise from the nearby freeway as a minor inconvenience. Others note restrictions, such as the need for reservations to get closer to certain waterfalls.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Plan ahead for reservations if you aim to visit specific areas like waterfalls. The park is better suited for day-use activities rather than extensive outdoor adventures.
Seasonal Insights
Summertime seems to be the most popular time to visit, as indicated by user reviews mentioning summer gatherings and warm-weather activities. However, no specific seasonal issues are highlighted.
Camper Quotes
"Fun park/lake. Nice for a birthday party or summer gathering at the park." "You can see a waterfall on the side of the gorge from the park and other birds." "A tad of freeway noise, but not a big...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Not applicable as there are no campsites in this park.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility is briefly mentioned in the authoritative content, citing accessible facilities within 10 miles, but no user reviews elaborate on accessibility experiences.
Pet-Friendly Features
No information or user comments about pet policies or pet-related experiences are provided.
Last updated August 10, 2025