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Eagle Creek Campground
Spend a night outdoors in the Forest Service's first developed campground, which originally opened in 1916 at the dawn of America's love affair with car camping! Located in the central Columbia River Gorge, the campground is great for a weekend of hiking, boating, fishing, and other adventures in one of the most scenic places in the Pacific Northwest. Campsites are situated between large trees atop a bluff above Eagle Creek and the Columbia River. Interstate 84 and a railroad run nearby, so the campground may be too noisy for some (especially sites 7-14).
Out of the 17 campsites, 14 must be reserved at www.recreation.gov and three are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserve early -- up to six months in advance -- to ensure a spot at this popular campground, which books up early between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Reservations are strongly encouraged, as the three walk-up sites fill quickly on summer weekends.
Each site has a paved parking spot, and most are fully accessible. A full-time host is on site. The site is best for tent camping, as there are no RV hookups and a 20 foot trailer limit due to small spaces and tight curves on the road leading up to the campground. A new vault toilet constructed in 2018 preserves the site's historic charm with its rugged Cascadian architecture.
The campground is part of the Eagle Creek Recreation Area which also features the Historic Eagle Creek Trail. The trail was built along a cliff overlooking Eagle Creek, starting in 1916, and still considered one of the most popular and scenic hikes in the Gorge. Several other area trails, including Buck Point, Ruckel Creek #405, and Wauna Point #402, are still closed from the 2017 fire.
In fall, the nearby picnic area is a good site to watch spawning salmon, and there are fishing opportunities nearby, but campers must possess a valid Oregon fishing license and follow state rules. The Gorge has many other adventures to offer, including water sports, agricultural tourism, museums, and day hikes.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | 5/1/23: Open for the season; make reservations at Rec.gov. |
|---|---|
| Operational Hours: | Open May 13, 2022- September 29, 2022 |
| Reservations: | Sites must be reserved at http://www.recreation.gov at least 72 hours in advance and are available for reservation as early as 6 months in advance. Please note the following occupancy rules:
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| Fees: |
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| Open Season: | May 1 - Sept 30 |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Restrictions: |
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| Closest Towns: | Cascade Locks, OR |
| Water: | No potable water |
| Restroom: | Vault Toilets (3) One accessible |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area |
General Information
Directions:From Portland, OR: Travel east on Interstate 84 to exit #41 which is just past the interstate tunnel...make sure you are in the right lane before entering the tunnel. Take a right at the end of the off ramp and follow the signs to Eagle Creek Campground. The campground is located south of Eagle Creek Overlook Group Campground.
From Cascade Locks, OR: Travel west on Interstate 84 approximately 3 miles to Bonneville Dam exit #40 (there is no westbound exit #41). Turn left at the stop sign, go under the interstate and then turn left onto the eastbound freeway entrance. Travel east approximately 1 mile on Interstate 84 to exit #41 which is just past the interstate tunnel...make sure you are in the right lane before entering the tunnel. Take a right at the end of the off ramp and follow the signs to the campground.
General Notes:
Campsite at Eagle Creek Campground
Parking:
Parking in the campground is for paid campers only. First vehicle is free, additional vehicles are $5 each. Number of vehicles is limited to what will fit on the paved parking apron at your site.
Activities
Campground Camping
Seventeen individual campsites are situated between large trees atop a bluff above Eagle Creek and the Columbia River.
| No. of Sites | 17 |
| Fire Information | Campfires allowed within fire rings at each site, but all material must fit within the ring. No wood for sale, may gather dead downed woody materials. |
Day Hiking
Most nearby hikes closed due to the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire.
Areas for Day Hiking at Eagle Creek Campground
Viewing Scenery
Catch glimpses of the spectacular National Scenic Area.
Areas for Viewing Scenery at Eagle Creek Campground
Visitor Programs
Several interpretive talks are offered during the summer. Check News & Events for upcoming programs.
Alerts & Warnings