Memaloose State Park
00 review7880 Hwy 84, The Dalles, Oregon, 97058, United States
Memaloose State Park
$19.00 - $38.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$33.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard campsites range from $19 to $38 per night. Visitors who bring a second vehicle must pay an additional $7 per night. Non-registered visitors can use showers for $2. Discounts for Oregon residents are available through state programs.
About this campground
Nestled along the dramatic Columbia River Gorge, Memaloose State Park welcomes adventurers with an impressive array of camping options—44 full-hookup sites for RV enthusiasts and over 65 tent sites for those seeking a more traditional outdoor experience. While the rhythmic rumble of trains and the distant hum of I-84 serve as reminders of the modern world, this well-appointed haven compensates with pristine facilities including sparkling flush toilets, complimentary hot showers for registered campers, and a convenient dump station. Park rangers bring the gorge's stories to life through engaging interpretive programs that reveal the secrets of this remarkable landscape.
Memaloose State Park provides a mix of camping options, including full hookup RV sites, tent sites, and host sites. The park does not offer primitive camping, cabins, or glamping options.
Historical SignificanceWhile the campground's modern amenities serve today's travelers, the surrounding Columbia River Gorge whispers ancient stories waiting to be discovered through the park's interpretive programs and your own explorations.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the Columbia Gorge's dynamic personality throughout the year at Memaloose. Summer transforms the park into a sun-drenched paradise where warm days invite endless exploration, though the gorge's famous winds provide nature's own air conditioning. As autumn arrives, crisp air signals the transition to winter's dramatic moods—where snow occasionally dusts the landscape in pristine white, creating a wonderland for hardy cold-weather campers. The gorge's legendary winds dance through every season, adding an element of wild energy to your camping adventure.
ElevationPerched at the perfect vantage point within the Columbia River Gorge, the campground offers commanding views of one of the Pacific Northwest's most spectacular waterways.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Columbia River Gorge, where emerald vegetation clings to dramatic cliffsides and the mighty Columbia River carves its ancient path below. Playful squirrels dart between towering trees, adding life to the verdant landscape. Though the historic railroad tracks create a barrier between campers and direct river access, they frame spectacular views of the water and serve as a reminder of the gorge's role as a vital transportation corridor. The surrounding scenery offers a photographer's paradise of layered hills, dramatic light, and the ever-changing moods of the river.
Geological RegionMemaloose State Park claims its place in the heart of the Central Valleys Region, where the Columbia River has carved one of North America's most spectacular gorges. This geological masterpiece showcases millions of years of natural forces at work, with the campground offering front-row seats to the drama. The active railroad line that separates visitors from the river itself tells a parallel story of human determination to traverse this magnificent but challenging landscape, adding another layer to the gorge's rich tapestry of natural and human history.
Campsite details
AccessibilityPark has accessible toilets and pathways, but further details on other accessibility features are not mentioned.
Sites SizeSites accommodate a maximum of 8 people and have varying lengths for equipment, from 34 feet to 51 feet. Some reviews describe the campsites as "large" and "spacious," though others note they are "close together."
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is minimal, with several campers noting, "There is no privacy. Like, at all." Sites are described as "close together," and vegetation between sites is sparse.
Total Campsites109 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor quieter accommodations, select sites farther from I-84. Sites in middle loops offer relief from train and highway noise.
Best CampsitesLoop B with full hookups is recommended by users for convenience and amenities. Sites further from the highway may provide quieter stays.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Check-in hours are self-registration
- official times not specified.
Check-out
Check-out time complies with Oregon Administrative Rules.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay in Oregon State Parks is 14 nights within any 17-night period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 guests per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features multiple loops, including Loop B for full-hookup sites and Loop A for tent camping.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground operates seasonally, being closed from November 1 through mid-March.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at stateparks.oregon.gov or through the OPRD Information Center at 1-800-551-6949.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up, first-come-first-served availability exists. Sites marked as 'Reserved' or 'Open' are clearly displayed onsite.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies align with Oregon Administrative Rules; contact stateparks.oregon.gov for details.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Activities you can enjoy
While Memaloose offers basic camping amenities, recreational activities are limited. There are no hiking trails within the campground, and river access is unavailable due to railroad tracks. The park is often used as a convenient stopover rather than a destination for extended stays.
Cultural and Educational Programs
Interpretive programs and Junior Ranger activities are available from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Campers are encouraged to see park hosts for details.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires may be restricted or banned during high-fire-danger seasons. Burn bans are actively enforced.
- Quiet hours are enforced, though specific times are not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsNoise from I-84 and the railway is frequently mentioned in user reviews. Wildlife such as squirrels may cause minor nuisances. Yellow jackets and foxtail plants have also been noted as potential hazards.
Active alertsWildfires in the general vicinity have led to trail closures. Check the Oregon State Parks website for updates.
Weather forecast
100
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 20%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.4 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
The nearest hospital is Mid-Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles, approximately 10 miles away. Emergency services can be reached at the Ranger Station (5414783008).
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day through Labor Day marks peak season, with additional programs like Junior Ranger activities during this time.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available within the campground, though no further details are provided in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground overlooks the Columbia River but lacks direct access due to the railroad line separating the two.
Common complaintsNoise from the highway and trains is a frequent complaint. Other issues include cleanliness of bathrooms, uneven campsites, and wasp infestations.
HostCamp hosts are noted for being attentive and enforcing rules during emergencies, such as burn bans.
Campground Map
7880 Hwy 84, The Dalles, Oregon, 97058, United States
Driving directionsEastbound drivers should exit at Rowena Exit 76 and follow signs to Memaloose. Re-enter I-84 West and travel 3 miles to Memaloose Rest Area and Campground exit. Westbound drivers can directly take the Memaloose Rest Area and Campground exit at milepost 73. Be cautious as GPS systems may direct incorrectly to Memaloose Overlook instead of the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads from I-84. However, access is limited to westbound travel and requires entering through a rest area. Eastbound drivers must backtrack approximately three miles via the Rowena exit. Seasonal closures may affect certain facilities and access.Nearby places
The Dalles: approximately 10 miles, 15 minutes drive. Hood River: approximately 20 miles, 25 minutes drive.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies for groceries, camping gear, and fuel can be found in The Dalles, 10 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Memaloose State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Memaloose State Park are mixed, with highlights including its cleanliness, spacious campsites, and scenic views of the Columbia River. However, many reviews mention the constant noise from trains and the nearby highway as significant drawbacks. Some users describe the park as more of a convenient stopover than a destination.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Campers frequently praise the cleanliness of the park: "Restrooms are clean so is the campground" and "Clean restrooms, free showers, great stop." The scenic views of the Columbia River are another...
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Common Concerns
Complaints center around the noise from trains and the highway: "Noise from highway and train made for a restless night," and "Trains run nearly every hour." The lack of privacy between campsites is...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
"Book online to secure your spot." Campers recommend choosing sites farther away from the highway to minimize noise. Additionally, plan for limited activities and bring supplies, as there are no...
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Seasonal Insights
Memaloose is busiest in summer, with campers praising the weather and views but frequently noting noise and wasp issues. Off-season reviews mention closures and limited amenities, such as water being...
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Camper Quotes
"Bathrooms are clean and easy to use, quiet times are posted, and there is a train that comes buzzing through from time to time." - Brian Jones. "If you are bothered by traffic or train noise, then...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site B51: Users praised the cleanliness but noted that the fire ring is on a slant, making it less usable. Site B15: Back-in site with 30 amp, water, and sewer hookups, described as flat but sloping...
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Accessibility Features
No user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were provided.
Pet-Friendly Features
Memaloose is pet-friendly, as noted in both official materials and user reviews. However, one user highlighted issues with foxtails affecting pets, which could lead to infections if not removed. "I...
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Last updated August 10, 2025