CAMPING

Maybe your version of “out there” ends with s’mores around the campfire. Or you might gravitate towards a terrific Pinot and a comfy chair. Tualatin Valley is minutes from Portland, with easy access to the great outdoors, and plenty of choices for how to spend time off the trail.

If you plan to set up camp in the outdoors near the Oregon Coast, the Tillamook State Forest,  L.L. Stub Stewart State Park and urban RV parks can be part of that plan. Below are some favorite sites for camping in Oregon, located near Portland.

TENT, CABIN AND HIKE-IN CAMPING

A portion of the Tillamook Forest is located in the Tualatin Valley, and there are a few camping options if you want to sleep under the stars.

Browns Camp, located along the Wilson River Highway (a.k.a. Highway 6) and with access to trails, is a popular destination for those with motorcycles, ATVs and 4x4s.

Just off the Wilson River Highway, 20 miles west of Forest Grove, is Gales Creek Campground. Open May to October, this rustic campground has is perfect for those who like to fish.

Another option is Reehers Camp is a rustic camp located above the Nehalem River, with 6 regular campsites and 10 horse campsites.

L.L. Stub Stewart State Park offers a wealth of camping options, including drive-up and hike-in campsites, rustic cabins, and an RV park. L.L. Stub Stewart State Park also has a designated full-service horse camp area with 16 campsites: Hares Canyon.

RV CAMPING & PARKS

In addition to the state park, there are also two designated urban RV parks in Tualatin Valley: Roamers Rest in Tualatin and Sun Outdoors Portland South in Wilsonville.

Traveling to Tualatin Valley via RV? The following is a list of RV Dump Stations for your convenience.

• Rock Creek Station (3125 SE River Rd., Hillsboro; 503-547-8000), open 24/7, $5
• Durham Station (16580 SW 85th, Tigard; 503-547-8150), open 24/7, $5
• Forest Grove Elks Lodge (2810 Pacific Ave., Forest Grove; 503-375-2440), open 24/7