Summer is over. The leaves are changing to vivid reds and bright yellows, and the frosty mornings are hinting at the coming of winter. Fall has arrived.
With the start of fall also comes the beginning of school. Before you know it, those spaces on your calendar are filling up quickly with homework, birthday parties, and sporting events. All you want is to take a break from the hectic schedule and get out in nature. But, you also don’t want to freeze your family out and make them hate camping – or you – forever. Plus, how are you going to find the time to get everything ready?
Thankfully, it’s easier than you think. There are plenty of great options for getting out and exploring the Pacific Northwest all within a few hours of Portland – even if someone in your family won’t go camping without a hot shower and a real bathroom. 😉Start with a fully stocked campervan from Roamerica*, pack up your clothing and food, choose one of these locations, and you’re good to go!
*Roamerica was generous to host us in one of their Campervans for our weekend in Detroit Lake in exchange for a blog post and social media posts. However, all opinions remain our own.
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Best Campgrounds to Visit Near Portland in the Fall
Detroit Lake State Park
Just under two hours from Portland, Detroit Lake State Park is open year-round and is an excellent jumping-off point for many amazing hikes in Opal Creek Wilderness and Willamette National Forest. Although the lake levels are lowered significantly during the fall and winter, it also means that you won’t have the crowds of summer. Plus, what kid doesn’t enjoy exploring a dry lakebed?
For a fantastic hike on a crisp, clear, fall day, head to nearby Stahlman Point Trail to find incredible, breathtaking views of Mt. Jefferson. In the opposite direction, you may even be able to spot your waterfront campsite! This trail was just over 4.6 miles round trip. We’d plan 2.5-3 hours to give yourself time to enjoy lunch or a snack at the top of the trail while you soak in the scenery.
Champoeg State Park
Less than 30 miles from Portland, Champoeg State Park has a little bit of something for everyone and is incredibly easy to access for a quick trip away. You can take your boat out on the river, ride your bike along the 4-mile bike path, explore the walking trails, or play disc golf. And, if you’re a history buff (or simply want to sneak in a little “secret school” like us), you’ll love the historic sites. Not to mention, the wide-open spaces in Champoeg make for great places for kids to run around and explore.
L.L. Stub Stewart State Park
When you just need a little peace and quiet but don’t have time for a big trip away, L.L. Stub Stewart State Park is another excellent choice. Less than an hour outside the city, you can camp, hike, and find beautiful fall colors for a perfect weekend getaway. Twenty-five miles of trails will keep you busy exploring the forest, and when you’re ready for a break, you can even squeeze in a round of disc golf!
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Silver Falls State Park
What’s better than hiking to a waterfall? Hiking to ten waterfalls on one trail! On the Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park, you’ll find a waterfall around just about every bend. And, the best part is, you can even walk behind several! Fall is the perfect time to visit, as the heavy crowds have begun to dissipate, but the colors are simply stunning. Grab yourself a campsite for the weekend and make it your goal to find them all.
The Lamp Camp
If beach camping is more your vibe, consider trekking just a little further to camp in Long Beach, WA. Just over two hours from Portland, you’ll find yourself steps from the beach in a small, quiet campground with a community feel. Meet new friends by the community fire pit, take a walk along the beach, play board games in the clubhouse, or head out for a perfect family bike ride along the coast.
Final Thoughts on Campgrounds to Visit Near Portland This Fall
The end of summer doesn’t have to mean the end of outdoor family weekends. Although the days are getting shorter and the nights are cooler, it is still entirely possible to have a spectacular weekend in nature. When you weatherproof your fall vacation in a heated campervan, you’re sure to have a wonderful weekend full of family fun and memories that last.
Do you have a favorite fall camping destination?
