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Columbia Hills State Park Washington (WA) RV Rentals

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Introduction

Columbia Hills State Park is a fantastic spot for RV camping due to its unique natural features, rich history, and cultural significance. The park is home to the famous Horsethief Lake petroglyphs, which are ancient rock carvings created by native tribes over a thousand years ago. The park’s landscape was also shaped by the cataclysmic Missoula Floods that occurred during the last ice age, which resulted in the stunning basalt cliffs and rock formations that you can see today.

The park’s weather can be unpredictable, with warm summers and cold winters, so RV renters should come prepared with appropriate clothing and gear. During the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and there is little to no shade in some areas of the park, so it’s essential to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen. In the winter, temperatures can drop below freezing, and snowfall is common, so RV renters should ensure that their vehicles are winterized and equipped with snow tires.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Columbia Hills State Park. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Columbia Hills State Park.

Camping Accommodations

37

'

Max RV length

37

'

Max trailer Length

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Generator use

Food storage

Sewer hookup

Dogs & cats

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Transportation

  • Driving/Transportation

Visitors to Columbia Hills State Park have several transportation options available to them. The park is easily accessible by car with several entrances located off of State Route 14. RV renters should be aware that there are restrictions on rig sizes with a maximum length of 35 feet and a maximum height of 13 feet. The park also offers a shuttle service during the peak season which runs from the Dallesport Marina to the Horsethief Lake day-use area. Visitors can also access the park by bike or on foot with several trails connecting to the nearby communities of Dallesport and Lyle.

  • Parking area

RV parking is available at the park but only in designated areas. Overnight RV parking is limited to specific campsites. It’s recommended to camp with an RV and use alternative transportation methods like hiking or biking to explore the park.

  • Public Transportation

Public transportation within the park includes shuttle buses and walking paths. The shuttle bus service runs seasonally while the walking paths are available year-round for visitors to explore the park’s scenic beauty on foot.

Top Campsites in Columbia Hills State Park

  • Reservations camping

The top 4 most popular campsites near Columbia Hills State Park that require reservations are

Hood River County RV Park

This park is located just a few miles from Columbia Hills State Park and offers 115 full-hookup sites for RVs of all sizes. The park features amenities such as free Wi-Fi cable TV and a heated pool. It’s also pet-friendly and open year-round.

Brooks Memorial State Park

This state park has 45 campsites with electrical hookups and is located about 15 miles from Columbia Hills. The park offers hiking trails horseback riding and fishing. It’s open from April to October and is pet-friendly.

Maryhill State Park

This park is located about 20 miles from Columbia Hills and has 85 campsites with electrical hookups. It features a swimming beach boat launch and fishing pier. The park is open year-round and is pet-friendly.

Columbia Hills RV Park

This park is located just across the Columbia River from Columbia Hills State Park and offers 72 full-hookup sites for RVs of all sizes. The park features amenities such as free Wi-Fi cable TV and a hot tub. It’s also pet-friendly and open year-round.

  • First-come first-served

Here are 3 campgrounds that are first-come-first-served in Columbia Hills State Park

Dalles Mountain Ranch

This campground has 18 sites and is open from April to October. It can accommodate RVs up to 25 feet in length and is pet-friendly. There are no hookups but there is a potable water source nearby.

Crawford Oaks

This campground has 32 sites and is open from April to October. It can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet in length and is pet-friendly. There are no hookups but there is a potable water source nearby.

Horsethief Lake

This campground has 52 sites and is open from May to September. It can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length and is pet-friendly. There are no hookups but there is a potable water source nearby.

  • Alternate camping

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The top 4 most popular campsites near Columbia Hills State Park that require reservations are

Hood River County RV Park

This park is located just a few miles from Columbia Hills State Park and offers 115 full-hookup sites for RVs of all sizes. The park features amenities such as free Wi-Fi cable TV and a heated pool. It’s also pet-friendly and open year-round.

Brooks Memorial State Park

This state park has 45 campsites with electrical hookups and is located about 15 miles from Columbia Hills. The park offers hiking trails horseback riding and fishing. It’s open from April to October and is pet-friendly.

Maryhill State Park

This park is located about 20 miles from Columbia Hills and has 85 campsites with electrical hookups. It features a swimming beach boat launch and fishing pier. The park is open year-round and is pet-friendly.

Columbia Hills RV Park

This park is located just across the Columbia River from Columbia Hills State Park and offers 72 full-hookup sites for RVs of all sizes. The park features amenities such as free Wi-Fi cable TV and a hot tub. It’s also pet-friendly and open year-round.

  • General activities

Here are 3 campgrounds that are first-come-first-served in Columbia Hills State Park

Dalles Mountain Ranch

This campground has 18 sites and is open from April to October. It can accommodate RVs up to 25 feet in length and is pet-friendly. There are no hookups but there is a potable water source nearby.

Crawford Oaks

This campground has 32 sites and is open from April to October. It can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet in length and is pet-friendly. There are no hookups but there is a potable water source nearby.

Horsethief Lake

This campground has 52 sites and is open from May to September. It can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length and is pet-friendly. There are no hookups but there is a potable water source nearby.

  • Alternative activities

If the campsites inside Columbia Hills State Park are full RV renters can consider alternative camping options such as

Private Campgrounds

There are several private campgrounds near Columbia Hills State Park including the Hood River County RV Park and the Maryhill RV Park. These campgrounds offer full hookups amenities such as Wi-Fi and cable TV and are open year-round.

Backcountry Camping

For a more rugged camping experience RV renters can consider backcountry camping in the nearby Gifford Pinchot National Forest. There are several designated campsites but they are first-come-first-served and do not offer hookups or amenities. Backcountry camping is only allowed in certain areas so be sure to check with the forest service before heading out.

Season-specific experiences in Columbia Hills State Park

  • Spring activities

Hiking at Columbia Hills State Park

Hiking is the most popular outdoor activity at Columbia Hills State Park. With its scenic trails nature lovers can explore the park’s diverse landscape including forests meadows and rocky cliffs. The Dalles Mountain Ranch Trail is a favorite among visitors offering breathtaking views of Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge.

Biking at Columbia Hills State Park

Biking is a great way to see the park’s natural beauty. The park offers several trails for biking including the Crawford Oaks Trail which winds through oak woodlands and offers stunning views of the Columbia River. RV campers can bring their own bikes or rent them from local shops.

Fishing at Columbia Hills State Park

Fishing is a popular pastime at the park’s Horsethief Lake. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout making it a great spot for fishing. Visitors can rent fishing gear and boats from the park’s marina.

Camping at Columbia Hills State Park

Camping is a popular activity at the park with several RV campsites available. The campsites offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and easy access to the park’s trails and waterways.

Horseback Riding at Columbia Hills State Park

Horseback riding is a unique way to experience the park’s natural beauty. The park offers several trails for horseback riding including the Dalles Mountain Ranch Trail which offers stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge. Visitors can bring their own horses or rent them from local stables.

  • Summer activities

Alternative activities at Columbia Hills State Park

Sightseeing at Columbia Hills State Park

The park offers several scenic viewpoints including the Dalles Mountain Ranch Overlook which offers stunning views of Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge. Visitors can also take a scenic drive through the park’s winding roads.

Nature Watching at Columbia Hills State Park

The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife including deer elk and eagles. Visitors can take a guided nature walk or explore the park’s trails on their own to spot wildlife.

Photography at Columbia Hills State Park

The park’s natural beauty makes it a popular spot for photography. Visitors can capture stunning images of the park’s landscapes wildlife and historic sites such as the Horsethief Lake Petroglyphs.

Picnicking at Columbia Hills State Park

The park offers several picnic areas including the Horsethief Lake Day Use Area which offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding cliffs. Visitors can bring their own food or purchase snacks from the park’s marina.

Stargazing at Columbia Hills State Park

The park’s remote location and lack of light pollution make it a great spot for stargazing. Visitors can enjoy the night sky from the park’s campsites or take a guided stargazing tour.

  • Fall activities

Spring in Columbia Hills State Park is a delight for RV campers with a variety of recreational activities to enjoy. One popular activity is hiking the Dalles Mountain Ranch Trail which offers stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge and blooming wildflowers. This 3.5-mile trail is rated as moderate and is accessible from the park’s campground.

Another must-see attestation in the spring is the Horsethief Lake Petroglyphs. This ancient site features Native American rock art dating back over 5 000 years. Visitors can take a short hike to view the petroglyphs and learn about their historical significance.

For those interested in fishing the park’s Crawfish Creek is a prime spot to catch rainbow trout. Anglers can also fish in the nearby Columbia River which is known for its salmon and steelhead runs.

Birdwatching is another popular activity in the spring with a variety of migratory birds passing through the area. Visitors can spot species such as the Western Meadowlark Bullock’s Oriole and the Lazuli Bunting.

Finally the park’s amphitheater hosts ranger-led programs and events during the spring including nature talks and guided hikes. These programs offer a great opportunity to learn about the park’s history wildlife and ecology.

  • Winter activities

Summer is the peak season for RV camping in Columbia Hills State Park with warm weather and long days perfect for outdoor activities. One popular summer activity is boating and kayaking on the Columbia River. The park offers a boat launch and visitors can rent kayaks and paddleboards from local outfitters.

Another must-see attraction is the park’s historic stone shelter which was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The shelter offers sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge and is a great spot for a picnic or photo op.

Hiking is also a popular summer activity with trails ranging from easy to challenging. The park’s flagship trail the Dalles Mountain Ranch Trail offers breathtaking views of Mount Hood and the surrounding landscape.

For those interested in wildlife viewing the park is home to a variety of animals including deer elk and bighorn sheep. Visitors can also spot a variety of bird species including the Bald Eagle and the Peregrine Falcon.

Finally the park’s amphitheater hosts ranger-led programs and events during the summer including nature talks guided hikes and evening campfires. These programs offer a great opportunity to learn about the park’s history wildlife and ecology.

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