Ainsworth State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Visitors to Portland already know they have to check Multnomah Falls off their list. But if they continue their Columbia River Gorge exploration just a little bit further, they’ll be in for a treat: Ainsworth State Park is one of the most scenic wildlife areas in the Pacific Northwest, and it offers a full-service campground with hookups, playgrounds, and other convenient amenities. The campground has nothing on the landscape surrounding it, however, which is complete with lush hiking trails, tumbling waterfalls, and stunning views of the area’s rock formations.
Adventurers come to Ainsworth State Park to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life -- which gets old even in a city as cool as Portland. It’s also a great spot to view native northwestern wildlife, including the soaring eagles that give nearby Eagle Creek its name.
Whether you’re planning a stay inside Ainsworth State Park or you’re just adding it to a larger Portland-area itinerary, here’s what you need to know to enjoy your upcoming Pacific Northwest adventure!
Spring 42 F - 68 F
Summer 54 F - 83 F
Fall 44 F - 77 F
Winter 39 F - 52 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Ainsworth State Park
Looking for the most comfortable and convenient way to explore the Pacific Northwest -- or any destination? RVing combines all the freedom and flexibility of road tripping with the comfort and privacy of having your very own place to stay no matter where you go… and when you find your RV rental on the peer-to-peer market at RVshare, you’ll save a bundle of cash while you’re at it.
Ainsworth State Park offers a seasonal campground complete with 40 full-hookup sites, firewood, flush toilets, and showers. However, given its proximity to some of Oregon’s most prized attractions, those 40 sites fill up quickly -- so if you didn’t snag a reservation, never fear! Here are some alternative options.
Lewis & Clark Campground & RV Park
Weekly and monthly rates are available at Lewis & Clark Campground & RV Park, just in case the stunning Oregon scenery inspires you to stay a while longer. On-site facilities include showers and coin laundry, and it’s centrally located to a huge range of area attractions.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: n/a
Wifi: n/a
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: showers, coin laundry
Bridge of the Gods Motel & RV Park
Full hookups, free wifi, and a stunningly scenic spot characterize Bridge of the Gods Motel & RV Park -- which also offers onsite laundry facilities and showers. Do be aware that all sites are back-in and a size limit of 40 feet applies; most sites supply 30 amps of power with very limited 50 amp hookups available.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: laundry, bath house with shower, cable TV
Cascade Locks/Portland East KOA
Open seasonally between March and November, the Cascade Locks/Portland East KOA brings all the amenities you expect from America’s favorite campground, as well as some fun extras. Let Fido run amok at the on-campus dog park or make a splash in the swimming pool or hot tub. There’s also cable and wifi if Oregon’s weather has you stuck inside the RV for a day or three.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: pool, hot tub, propane and firewood sales, dog park, bike rentals
What to Do at
Ainsworth State Park
Inside Ainsworth State Park
Whether you’re staying for a week or a weekend, there’s plenty to keep you occupied at Ainsworth
Hiking trails criss-cross the park’s landscape, and offer gorgeous views of the gorge, the river, and nearby geological formations like St. Peter’s Dome.
Biking is also popular in the park, and its lush, tree-lined trails make for a beautiful space to get your workout.
Wildlife and bird watching is a popular pastime both on the trails and in the campground. Keep your eyes peeled well, and you might just spy an eagle!
Outside Ainsworth State Park
While we’d be happy to relax inside the park for days on end, there’s also plenty to see, do, and eat outside of its gates. Here are some spots you might want to check out while you’re in the area.
Restaurants
You’ve gotta eat, so you might as well eat well! Here are some restaurants in the area worth trying.
Thunder Island Brewing Company
Thunder Island Brewing Company offers comforting bites and handcrafted ales, all with a stunning view of the gorge and the river. Share a towering pile of nachos or enjoy a healthy fire roasted hummus wrap -- it’s all up to you!
Location: Cascade Locks, Oregon
Skamania Lodge
Skamania Lodge may technically be across state lines, but thanks to the Bridge of the Gods, it’s only a few minutes’ drive -- and its dining room is well worth your effort. With upscale eats including a legendary Sunday champagne brunch, if you’re in the mood to savor the finer things, head across the river.
Location: Stevenson, Washington
Eastwind Drive-In
Eastwind Drive-Inis a charmingly casual stop for burgers, fries, and ice cream. Be sure to bring your appetite, because those cones are huge -- especially given their affordable prices.
Location: Cascade Locks, Oregon
Shopping
While the Columbia River Gorge isn’t exactly known as a shopping destination, Portland is right nearby -- and has everything you could possibly want, from basic necessities to souvenirs and splurges. Here are a couple of noteworthy stops to add to your itinerary if a spree is in order.
The Lloyd Center
The Lloyd Center offers everything you’d expect to find at a mall, along with some ever-so-Portland extras -- like an ice skating rink, for starters. In fact, when it opened its doors back in 1960, it was the largest mall in America!
Location: Portland, Oregon
Powell’s City of Books
Powell’s City of Books is a mecca for bibliophiles -- and a sight to behold even if you’re not much for reading. With multiple levels of books including both bargains and rare finds, you could easily spend a whole rainy day here… especially since they serve hand-pulled espresso beverages on site.
Location: Portland, Oregon
Sightseeing
Don’t get us wrong: just kicking back by the campfire at Ainsworth is a great way to spend an entire weekend. But if you do feel motivated to roam further afield, these nearby sights are worth seeing.
Bridge of the Gods
Connecting Oregon to Washington with almost 2,000 feet of cantilevered steel, the Bridge of the Gods is a marvel of modern engineering -- and a sight to behold either on foot or by vehicle. Cash tolls are collected for those driving axle vehicles, but bicycles and pedestrians can cross for free… and besides, you’ll want to stop and take several photos along the way anyhow.
Location: Cascade Locks, Oregon
Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum
Offering informative and interesting exhibits on local history ranging from First Peoples to evolving transportation along the Gorge, this museum and interpretive center is a great way to get acquainted with the area -- particularly if one of Oregon’s famous rainy days keeps you from doing so first-hand on a hiking trail.
Location: Cascade Locks, Oregon
Portland, Oregon
We don’t often recommend an entire city; for one thing, it’s a vague suggestion, and chances are you’re looking to get away from city life. But Portland is a little bit different, and if you have time, we highly suggest leaving the rig at the campsite and taking a day trip to explore. From the meandering the rows at the International Test Rose Garden to tasting some world-famous pastries from Voodoo Donuts, we’re sure this is one metropole that’ll charm even the most urban-averse camper.
Location: Portland, Oregon
How to Get to
Ainsworth State Park
Ainsworth State Park is easy to navigate to from Portland, nestled in the Columbia River Gorge at the eastern end of Historic Highway 30. You can also find the park by simply searching for the following address with your GPS or navigational system:
Ainsworth State Park
Cascade Locks, OR 97014
Entering Ainsworth State Park
The vehicle fee to drive into Ainsworth State Park is $7, and camping costs start at $26 per night for full hook-up sites with a $7 surcharge for additional vehicles. Tent sites are available for $17 nightly, and hikers and bikers pay $7 per person.
No matter where you adventure this year, and whether or not you do it in an RVshare vehicle, we can’t wait to see and hear all about your vacation! Tag us in your social media posts or send details to us directly at [email protected] for the chance to be reposted on our own social media channels or blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ainsworth State Park
Ainsworth State Park has a very wet climate, with heavy rainfall between November and March. The temperatures typically range from 54 to 83 degrees during summer and from 40 to 51 degrees during winter.
The ideal times to visit Ainsworth State Park are between June and September. Not only will the weather be at its warmest, but you'll also have the best chance of staying dry during summer.
As long as you pick up after them and keep them under control at all times, you can bring your pets to Ainsworth State Park. Additionally, they must always be on leashes of no longer than six feet.
The park is home to a seasonal campground featuring 40 total designated RV camping spots. All 40 of the RV sites offer full hookups, but the campground typically fills up quickly.
Ainsworth State Park is inhabited by a variety of interesting species, including the yellow-bellied marmot, black-tailed deer, beaver, black bear, and Pacific tree frog. There are also over 200 species of birds in the area.