TC camping near Tigard, OR

Francesca Knowles wrote:


But this time of year, if I were headed back to the Coast from Tigard, I'd overnight at the Baldock rest area at I-5 sb exit 281. It may look out of the way by a bit, but there's an easy route through Wilsonville back to 99 and thence to the Coast. As you can see from the aerial photo at this link, there's a big area at the back where RV's can park right next to a wooded picnic ground. I've spent many a night there.

The rest stop itself has a unique history- it's one of the biggest in Oregon and is the location of an effort in the sixties to plant a tree from each of the fifty States. I forget how many trees have survived, but I understand there are efforts underway to restore the grove to the full fifty.The Grove of The States

I have used that same rest area since approximately 1976.... When camping with my family while traveling from the Puget Sound area to Northern California, that was always a favorite place to stop and camp for the night. Frequently, we would stop in relatively early, have dinner in the RV, then hang out with the folding chairs and card table and enjoy cribbage! That is where I learned to play at the age of 10... Haven't been there in a few years since moving to Alaska, plan to visit when we travel back!
Garry in Kodiak, AK

Truck stops, rest areas, and a Camping World right around Wilsonville if you're looking for a free spot to sleep near Portland, that's pretty much it, there's very few Walmarts and all of them are no-overnight.

There's several RV parks, but I don't know how many have openings, we have a lot of folks in the area right now for the big Intel build in Hillsboro.

Your welcome anytime.

Thank-you for the offer covered wagon. We may take you up on it if we drive that way. Or, we may be able to pick it up on the coast.

You can camp at my place if you want... I'm 15 mins off I-205 in Oregon. Some secluded forest land. PM me if interestested... many others on this and other forums have overnighted here.

Thank-you all for your answers. You have given me many choices. When we camp on the Oregon Coast, we usually camp at state parks as Oregon's are superb and not too many places on the coast to boondock unless you go inland. I didn't really think about having it shipped to an RV park. We did use the Sea and Sand or Sea and Surf or whatever (a Good Sam Club facility) north of Depoe Bay once when Beverly Beach was full. Our favorite state park is Fogerty Creek which has no camping and the Good Sam park is a mile or 2 away. There is always someone there so I can ask them if they would accept a package and sign for it. They may not want to be responsible for it. I kinda got the impression that they didn't bend over backwards much.

If not, then your suggestions about other places like the Walmart, Lowes, Target and even the Washington Square Mall by Sears Tire would work. And, I am intrigued by Francesca's suggestion of the Baldrock Rest Area that has the 50 state trees. That sounds like the kinda off beat places we like to see.

Thanks again for your suggestions. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I have been parking over night at the Washington Square Mall in Tigard ( with a tractor trailer) for many years and have never been hassled. I park near the Sears Auto/Tire shop alongside 217. Further out Hwy 26 I have spent the night at the back of the Old Spaghetti Factory's lot in Hillsboro a couple of times in a camper, because I like their food. I have also parked the big truck at the Tanasbourne Target (same exit) many times.

Check out Stub Stewart State Park...off of highways 26/47 on the way over to the coast...about 35 miles west of Tigard. Not free...but better looking than a parking lot...and quieter too.

There is both Lowes and Home Depot in Tigard. Lowes did allow overnighting.

Portland Metro area boondocking's a tough one, especially on the west side. Seems like development is creeping farther and farther out towards the ocean!

If you were going after Memorial Day I'd recommend the BLM campgrounds on the Nestucca River out of Carlton (link), but since you'll be there before they open:

There's a Walmart in Mcminnville...overnighting policy unknown to this camper.

But this time of year, if I were headed back to the Coast from Tigard, I'd overnight at the Baldock rest area at I-5 sb exit 281. It may look out of the way by a bit, but there's an easy route through Wilsonville back to 99 and thence to the Coast. As you can see from the aerial photo at this link, there's a big area at the back where RV's can park right next to a wooded picnic ground. I've spent many a night there.

The rest stop itself has a unique history- it's one of the biggest in Oregon and is the location of an effort in the sixties to plant a tree from each of the fifty States. I forget how many trees have survived, but I understand there are efforts underway to restore the grove to the full fifty.The Grove of The States