Amazing places to camp close to Vancouver, WA

The Vancouver, WA, area offers some beautiful camping spots that are just a short drive away. Here are a few options, from forested hideaways to riverside retreats, that locals and visitors often love:

1. Battle Ground Lake State Park

• Distance: ~30 minutes from Vancouver
• Features: Small but scenic lake for fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Several trails loop through lush forested areas. This spot is great for families and offers both tent and RV sites, along with cabins.
• Amenities: Picnic areas, restrooms, showers, and a playground.

2. Beacon Rock State Park

• Distance: ~40 minutes from Vancouver
• Features: Located along the Columbia River Gorge, this park has amazing views and plenty of hiking trails, including the famous Beacon Rock Trail, which offers panoramic views of the Gorge. Tent and RV camping are available.
• Amenities: Restrooms, picnic areas, and water.

3. Paradise Point State Park

• Distance: ~20 minutes from Vancouver
• Features: Located along the East Fork of the Lewis River, it’s ideal for river activities like swimming and fishing. The park has a mix of forest and open field areas, providing a variety of camping spots.
• Amenities: Picnic areas, restrooms, showers, and basic campsites for tents and RVs.

4. Gifford Pinchot National Forest

• Distance: ~1.5 hours from Vancouver
• Features: This sprawling forest has dozens of campgrounds to explore, many with views of Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, or nearby lakes. Popular spots include Lower Falls, Big Creek, and Iron Creek. There are both developed and dispersed camping options for those looking for a more remote experience.
• Amenities: Vary depending on the campground but often include restrooms, picnic areas, and fire pits.

5. Dougan Falls Campground

• Distance: ~1 hour from Vancouver
• Features: Dougan Falls is a beautiful waterfall along the Washougal River with popular swimming holes nearby. This area has dispersed camping but fewer amenities, offering a more rugged and private experience in nature.
• Amenities: No formal amenities, but vault toilets are available near the falls.

6. Mount Hood National Forest (Oregon)

• Distance: ~1.5 hours from Vancouver
• Features: Although a bit farther away, Mount Hood offers scenic mountain camping with a range of options, from lakeside sites to higher-elevation campgrounds with views of the mountain. Popular spots include Trillium Lake and Lost Lake, which also offer fishing and paddling.
• Amenities: Varies by campground, but typically includes restrooms, picnic tables, and access to trails.

Each of these spots is unique and offers something different, from waterfalls to mountain views, so you can choose the one that best suits your camping style!