Dabney State Recreation Area
00 reviewPO BOX 100, CORBETT, Oregon, 97019, United States
Dabney State Recreation Area
$5.00 - $5.00 / 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
A $5 day use fee is charged per vehicle. Parking fees are not included in reservations for events or shelters.
About this campground
Escape to Dabney State Recreation Area, where the mighty Columbia River meets verdant valley landscapes in Oregon's stunning Central Valleys Region. This beloved day-use park beckons families and friends with its spacious group picnic shelter, making it the perfect basecamp for memorable gatherings. When summer arrives, the park transforms into a refreshing oasis where visitors flock to enjoy invigorating swims in cool waters and endless outdoor adventures beneath towering trees.
Dabney State Recreation Area is primarily a day-use facility that caters to group gatherings at a picnic shelter site.
Historical SignificanceWhile the whispers of history echo softly through these lands, Dabney State Recreation Area invites visitors to create their own stories and traditions. Each gathering beneath the shelter, every splash in the water, and all the laughter shared along these riverbanks adds to the park's living legacy.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the park's dramatic seasonal transformations as Pacific Northwest weather paints different moods throughout the year. Summer months from June through August bring warm, golden days perfect for swimming and picnicking under azure skies. As autumn approaches, the landscape shifts to amber and crimson hues. Winter visitors discover a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere with crisp air and gentle rains that nourish the lush surroundings, though shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures create a more intimate experience.
ElevationThe park's gentle terrain welcomes visitors of all abilities, offering easy access to recreational areas and scenic viewpoints throughout the grounds.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty where the legendary Columbia River Gorge unfolds before your eyes. Dabney's prime location showcases nature's masterpiece—emerald forests cascade down to meet the river's edge, while dramatic gorge walls frame distant vistas. The interplay of water, stone, and verdant vegetation creates an ever-changing canvas that captivates photographers and nature lovers alike. Riverside trails wind through towering Douglas firs and cottonwoods, offering glimpses of the mighty Columbia as it journeys toward the sea.
Geological RegionNestled within Oregon's diverse Central Valleys Region, Dabney State Recreation Area sits at the gateway to the world-renowned Columbia River Gorge, where millions of years of volcanic activity and massive floods have sculpted one of the Pacific Northwest's most spectacular landscapes.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park features accessible toilets, but further details regarding other accessibility options are not provided.
Sites SizeThis site appears to be a group picnic shelter rather than traditional campsites.
Sites PrivacyThere is no detailed information available about site privacy.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early to secure parking. Reserve the group shelter in advance for events.
Best CampsitesThe only available campsite is a group picnic shelter, site SHE5C.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
7:00 AM for day use.
Check-out
Closing time varies based on season: 10:00 PM (June-August) or dusk (September-May).
Stay Limit
Day-use only.
Guests Allowed Per Site
50 people for the group picnic shelter.
Groups
The group site, designated as SHE5C, can accommodate up to 50 people. This site is listed as a picnic shelter.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutOne group picnic shelter and general day-use areas. Parking is first-come, first-served.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Site hours vary seasonally: June-August (7am-10pm); September-May (7am to dusk).
Reservation PlatformsReservations managed via Oregon State Parks website or by calling the listed numbers.
Walk-in AvailabilityParking is first-come, first-served and may fill up quickly. Group shelter availability by reservation only.
Cancellation PolicyThis site has an extended cancellation window. Users must consult the Oregon State Parks cancellation policy guidelines.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The recreational activities at Dabney State Recreation Area are limited as this is a day-use park. Specific activities like swimming and summer enjoyment have been positively mentioned in user reviews.
Winter Activities
The campground does not provide specific winter recreation options.Water Sports
Water sports activities are potentially accessible as there is a boat ramp within 10 miles, but further details are not provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Not explicitly mentioned. Visitors should check with the park for day-use regulations.
- Quiet hours are Not applicable for a day-use-only site.
Hazards
General hazardsParking is limited and may fill up quickly. The area is subject to closures due to natural events like fires (e.g., Whiskey Creek and Microwave Fire).
Active alertsMultiple trail closures due to Whiskey Creek and Microwave Fire. Visitors are advised to check Oregon State Parks for updates.
Weather forecast
86
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 1.5 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Ranger Station contact: 503-695-2261. Nearest hospital and emergency services: null.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune to August (summer months with extended hours till 10pm).
Trash and recyclingA recycling station is available within 10 miles of the facility. Details about trash facilities on-site are not provided.
Proximity to water featuresNear the Columbia River Gorge, suitable for swimming (user reviews mention swimming as a highlight).
Common complaintsLimited parking availability is a recurring issue. User review from May 2020 mentions COVID-19-related closure.
HostRanger Station contact: 503-695-2261.
Campground Map
PO BOX 100, CORBETT, Oregon, 97019, United States
Driving directionsFrom I-84, take exit #18, head east 3.4 miles on the Historic Columbia River Highway (hwy 30). Dabney is .25 miles east of the Stark St. bridge on the right. From Portland, go east on Stark St. to the Stark St. bridge, go across and turn right onto the Historic Columbia River Highway (hwy 30), go east .25 miles. The entrance to Dabney is on the right.
The campground is easily accessible from Interstate 84 and the Historic Columbia River Highway, with paved roads leading directly to the site.Nearby places
Portland (approximately 15.4 miles, ~20-25 minutes drive), Corbett (local).
Nearby supplies
General supplies and groceries likely found in Corbett or Portland, exact locations and distances unavailable.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Dabney State Recreation Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews provide a mixed perspective. One user mentioned the park being closed due to COVID-19 in May 2020, while another fondly recalled swimming there during the summer.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Users have highlighted the park as a great place for enjoying summer days and swimming, creating nostalgic and fun experiences.
Common Concerns
One user expressed concern about the park's closure during the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating potential impacts on accessibility during certain periods.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early as parking is limited and fills up quickly. Adhere to specific rules such as the prohibition of pets and restricted smoking areas.
Seasonal Insights
Summer is highly praised for recreational swimming, but closures during the pandemic show that access can be unpredictable.
Camper Quotes
"Great park but as of today May 22, 2020 it is closed due to COVID-19." - Joseph Crandall. "It brought me back to when I was a young boy swimming there...great park for enjoying your summer days." -...
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Site-Specific Reviews
The group site SHE5C has a capacity of 50 people and is a designated picnic shelter.
Accessibility Features
Accessible toilet facilities are mentioned, but no user feedback specifically addresses accessibility experiences.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed, except for service animals.
Last updated August 10, 2025