Dalles Campground

Star4.43
25 reviews

Quick Facts

4,000 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

April-September

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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Dalles Campground
$0.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not to any additional fee or campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass holder's party....
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.43

Recommended

Based on 25 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sites

"User reviews praise the campground for its beauty, seclusion, and proximity to Rock Creek. The serene atmosphere and opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing are commonly highlighted. However, the road leading to the campground is often described as narrow and rough, which can be a challenge for larger vehicles."

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Campground Map

Dalles Campground

46.5574, -113.7104

Driving directionsFrom Clinton, MT, take Interstate 90 east 4.7 miles to Rock Cr Rd. (Exit 126). At the end of the exit ramp, turn right onto Rock Creek Rd. and go 14.5 miles to campground sign. Turn right into campground. NOTE: Rock Creek Rd. goes from a wide paved roadway to dirt at 8.3 miles. It then deteriorates into a winding, single-lane road with few turnouts.
"Trailers, motorhomes and tow vehicles not recommended due to the narrow and rough road."
Nearby places
Clinton 14.5miles

Best Time to Camp at Dalles Campground

Experience four distinct seasons at The Dalles, where spring arrives with wildflower blooms and perfect hiking temperatures, while summer brings warm, dry days ideal for water sports and evening campfires under star-filled skies. Fall transforms the surrounding hills into a tapestry of golden hues, offering crisp mornings and comfortable afternoons, while winter provides a quieter camping experience with occasional dustings of snow and dramatic storm-watching opportunities along the river.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is warm/dry, peak season May–September and ideal for hiking/fishing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open in fall with good hiking; fewer specific fall reviews but four-season mention exists.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring brings wildflower blooms and good hiking temps; site opens in spring months.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed outside April–September; winter visits not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: April-September

About Dalles Campground

Nestled in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, The Dalles campground offers adventurers a perfect basecamp where the high desert meets the mighty Columbia River. This scenic haven combines the rugged beauty of Oregon's eastern landscape with convenient access to both water recreation and mountain trails, making it an ideal destination for those seeking diverse outdoor experiences in one remarkable location.
Dalles Campground provides a rustic camping experience with a total of 10 sites, including tent and combined sites. The campground is first-come, first-served, and offers a quiet and secluded atmosphere.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
14 days

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Dalles Campground offers a limited but rewarding array of outdoor activities. Fishing in the 'blue ribbon' Rock Creek is a highlight, with opportunities to catch rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and bull trout. Hiking is another popular activity, with the nearby Welcome Creek Trail leading 8 miles to the Bitterroot Divide. Wildlife viewing is exceptional, with frequent sightings of mule deer, moose, and bighorn sheep.
HikingThe Welcome Creek Trail is an 8-mile foot trail that begins near a suspension bridge close to the campground. The trail leads to the Bitterroot Divide and is popular among hikers seeking rugged wilderness experiences.
FishingFishing in Rock Creek offers anglers the chance to catch rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and bull trout, along with whitefish. Bull trout fishing is catch-and-release only. Rock Creek is renowned as a 'blue ribbon' trout stream.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a major draw, with frequent sightings of mule deer, bighorn sheep, and moose. Birdsong also adds to the tranquil environment.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Dalles Campground

Reviews

4.4
25 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Dalles Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise the campground for its beauty, seclusion, and proximity to Rock Creek. The serene atmosphere and opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing are commonly highlighted. However, the road leading to the campground is often described as narrow and rough, which can be a challenge for larger vehicles.
Review Summaries
Based on 25 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground is described as 'beautiful,' 'secluded,' and 'serene.' Several sites overlook the creek, and the proximity to the Welcome Creek Trail and suspension bridge is noted as a highlight....
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Based on 25 reviews

Common Concerns

The narrow and rough road leading to the campground is a common complaint. Some users have also mentioned the lack of potable water and the current use of porta-potties instead of vault toilets due...
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Based on 25 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing your own drinking water due to the lack of potable water on-site. It's also advisable to arrive early as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis....
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Based on 25 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular during the peak season from May to September, when fishing and hiking conditions are ideal. However, the lack of potable water and the rugged access road remain...
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Based on 25 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The road getting there is a little narrow and rough, but well worth it!' - Cara Pool 2. 'This is the 4th campground up Rock Creek road... it has the best sites available of the 4.' - R Brown ...
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Based on 25 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some sites are directly on the creek, while others are on the opposite side of the road. Sites overlooking the creek are particularly praised for their serenity and accessibility to fishing.
Based on 25 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 25 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 25 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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