Oregon travel

[garyindaupeh]

We would like to make a trip to the Columbia River gorge area and the Oregon coast this summer but I have heard that reservations are a must in most locations. I really hate making reservation more than a few days in advance as we are then tied to the calendar. What are your thoughts and experience in this area?

[sp8gold]

Some of the towns along the coast have no overnight parking in their business parking lots. Just an FYI.

[morley]

This is our 3rd trip to the Oregon Coast planned for this September, we reserved State park sites up and down the coast already last month. Some parks still had sites for September others had nothing.
Clackamas County has some nice parks south east of Portland that may be in driving distance of the Gorge if you do not want to stay in the Gorge area itself.

[D_E_Bishop]

Gary, Don't forget the eclipse this summer. It seems a lot of one or two weeks ahead of and after the eclipse as parks didn't want a bunch of one day and gone. Lots of private campgrounds some are a bit from the beach but you're not going to be doing much on the beach that can't be done as day trips.

Good luck

[lanerd]

Be aware that the Gorge is very hot during the summer months, and the trains are running almost constantly. We made the mistake of staying there a few summers ago....never again. I would find a park out of the Gorge and then use your truck to visit the sites along the river.

As for the coast....yep, i would think getting a spot at one of the state parks would probably be very difficult without a reservation and you'll probably be restricted to private parks.

Good luck.

Ron

[rbtglove]

We have gone back to Oregon a lot over the years, I grew up in the Gorge and my wife is from Portland. There are a lot of RV parks both public and private in the Gorge. Most of the State parks have some sites they don't reserve if you get there mid afternoon you have a good chance of getting a site. There is also a county park near Hood river and plenty of private parks on both sides of the river. A few calls should locate something. They all have either train or highway noise or both. Over coast is a little harder and very busy in season but we have done it without reservations, in season, lots of options just don't wait to late in the day.

[ksg5000]

State Parks during the weekends will require reservations. Probably same goes for weekdays if you want to stay in same campsite for multiple days - however, if your going to stay one night chance are you can find a spot if you show up early. Just my 02.

[hugemoth]

In the gorge, if you don't mind dry camping, there is plenty of room right next to the river at Rufus. Trains, barges, kite boarders, freeways, always something going on. Close to Maryhill Museum and Stonehenge.

[donn0128]

You might be able to find spots at private parks, but the state parks are likely already booked solid

[samsontdog]

during July and Aug you pretty much need res during the week along the Coast also in June after School is out