Benson State Recreation Area

5 reviews

P O BOX 100, CORBETT, Oregon, 97019, United States

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

7 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Day-use hours change...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Oregon State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Day-use hours change...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Oregon State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Benson State Recreation Area

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The park does not allow camping; shelter reservation does not waive the parking fee. Each vehicle must display a valid day-use pass or other OPRD...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 5 reviews

1102 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenerylake

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the park as an excellent destination for day-use activities such as birthday parties, small gatherings, and outdoor recreation. Visitors appreciate the scenic views and accessibility to lakes and waterfalls. However, some reviews note the noise from a nearby freeway."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

P O BOX 100, CORBETT, Oregon, 97019, United States

Benson State Recreation Area

P O BOX 100, CORBETT, Oregon, 97019, United States

Driving directionsBenson State Recreation Area is located at exit 30 on I-84 east, eastbound only, 30 miles east of Portland. The park is only accessible eastbound on I-84.

The park is only accessible eastbound on I-84, which may pose challenges for westbound travelers who might need to reroute.

Nearby places

Corbett (approximately 5 miles), Portland (30 miles east)

Nearby supplies

null

Best Time to Camp at Benson State Recreation Area

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the Columbia River Gorge at Benson State Recreation Area. Winter unveils the park's raw beauty, with heavy rains feeding the waterfalls and occasional snow dustings creating a pristine wonderland—though the cold temperatures make it best suited for hardy souls. As spring emerges, the landscape awakens with vibrant greens and flowing water. Summer truly brings the park to life, offering warm, sun-drenched days perfect for paddleboarding adventures and lakeside picnics. With minimal precipitation and comfortable temperatures, the summer months transform Benson into an outdoor playground where families splash in the water and anglers try their luck from dawn to dusk.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season June–August; reviews cite summer gatherings and warm-weather activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Seasonal transformations noted; fall offers scenic views though fewer mentions than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring likely strong for waterfalls and blooms; seasonal notes mention dramatic transformations.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Winter rains feed waterfalls and reveal raw beauty, but conditions are wetter and less social.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June to August.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Day-use hours change seasonally: June-August: 6am - 10pm; September-May: 6am - dusk.
Current Alerts: "Please visit Oregon State Parks or https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mthood/alerts-notices/?aid=89050 for a full list of closures."

About Benson State Recreation Area

Nestled along the scenic Columbia River Gorge, Benson State Recreation Area offers a perfect escape for day-trippers seeking outdoor adventure without the overnight commitment. This hidden gem, accessible exclusively from the eastbound lanes of I-84, invites visitors to discover a tranquil oasis where small lakes mirror the Oregon sky and waterfalls cascade in the distance. Whether you're casting a line into peaceful waters, gliding across the lake in a kayak, or gathering with loved ones under the shade of a picnic shelter, Benson provides the ideal backdrop for creating lasting memories. The park's thoughtfully placed amenities—including grills, tables, and multiple shelters—make it a favorite destination for family reunions, weekend picnics, and spontaneous adventures.

Benson State Recreation Area does not allow camping or overnight stays, so no standard campground types are available.

Historical Significancenull

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the Columbia River Gorge at Benson State Recreation Area. Winter unveils the park's raw beauty, with heavy rains feeding the waterfalls and occasional snow dustings creating a pristine wonderland—though the cold temperatures make it best suited for hardy souls. As spring emerges, the landscape awakens with vibrant greens and flowing water. Summer truly brings the park to life, offering warm, sun-drenched days perfect for paddleboarding adventures and lakeside picnics. With minimal precipitation and comfortable temperatures, the summer months transform Benson into an outdoor playground where families splash in the water and anglers try their luck from dawn to dusk.

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryBenson State Recreation Area captivates visitors with its diverse tapestry of natural wonders. The park's collection of intimate lakes serves as the centerpiece, their calm surfaces perfect for paddling and their depths promising exciting catches for patient anglers. Nearby waterfalls provide a stunning visual soundtrack, their misty veils visible through the trees. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in the variety of bird species that call this area home, from graceful herons stalking the shallows to melodic songbirds filling the air with their calls. Adding to the park's unique charm, the occasional rumble of passing trains serves as a nostalgic reminder of the gorge's transportation heritage, creating a perfect blend of natural beauty and human history that defines this special corner of Oregon.

Geological RegionCentral Valleys Region

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

6:00 AM

Check-out

10:00 PM

Stay Limit

Camping not allowed at Benson State Recreation Area.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Camping not permitted.

Groups

No group campsites are available as camping is prohibited.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe park hosts picnic shelters and is designed for day use with grills and tables.

Reservation PlatformsReservations for the picnic shelter can be made through the Oregon State Parks website.

Walk-in AvailabilityShelter reservations can be made for multiple days; no camping is allowed.

Cancellation PolicyPrior to booking the picnic shelter, please review the cancellation and reservation policies on the Oregon State Parks website.

AccessibilityAccessible facilities are mentioned to be available within 10 miles, but no further details are provided about accessibility features for disabled campers.

Site SizeNo specific campsite sizes are mentioned as there are no campsites available in the park.

PrivacyPrivacy is not applicable as camping is not allowed at the park.

Recommended Sitesnull

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

While camping is not permitted, the Benson State Recreation Area offers several recreational activities including bird-watching, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Visitors can also enjoy viewing waterfalls and the occasional passing train. Some trails in the Columbia Gorge are currently closed due to fire damage.

FishingOne of the small lakes in the park is used primarily for fishing, as highlighted in user reviews.

BoatingOne of the small lakes is used for kayaking or paddleboarding, making it suitable for non-motorized boating activities.

Wildlife viewingVisitors can enjoy bird-watching and viewing a waterfall from the park's vicinity, providing ample opportunities for wildlife observation.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsDue to the Whiskey Creek and Microwave Fire, multiple trails in the Columbia River Gorge are currently closed.

Active Alerts"Please visit Oregon State Parks or https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mthood/alerts-notices/?aid=89050 for a full list of closures."

Fire Policynull

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Emergency ServicesContact Rooster Rock ranger station at 503-695-2261 for emergencies.

Trash & RecyclingNo information about trash and recycling facilities is available.

Water FeaturesThe park is surrounded by small lakes, with one primarily used for fishing and another for kayaking or paddleboarding.

Camp HostVolunteers are described as helpful by users but further details are not available.

Weather at Benson State Recreation Area

Reviews

0.0

5 reviews

Limited Reviews

Benson State Recreation Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the park as an excellent destination for day-use activities such as birthday parties, small gatherings, and outdoor recreation. Visitors appreciate the scenic views and accessibility to lakes and waterfalls. However, some reviews note the noise from a nearby freeway.

Review Summaries

Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors frequently praise the park for its picturesque scenery, fishing and boating opportunities, and suitability for family gatherings. "Fun park/lake. Nice for a summer gathering" is a common...

Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mention noise from the nearby freeway as a minor inconvenience. Others note restrictions, such as the need for reservations to get closer to certain waterfalls.

Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Plan ahead for reservations if you aim to visit specific areas like waterfalls. The park is better suited for day-use activities rather than extensive outdoor adventures.

Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summertime seems to be the most popular time to visit, as indicated by user reviews mentioning summer gatherings and warm-weather activities. However, no specific seasonal issues are highlighted.

Based on 5 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Fun park/lake. Nice for a birthday party or summer gathering at the park." "You can see a waterfall on the side of the gorge from the park and other birds." "A tad of freeway noise, but not a big...

Based on 5 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Not applicable as there are no campsites in this park.

Based on 5 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is briefly mentioned in the authoritative content, citing accessible facilities within 10 miles, but no user reviews elaborate on accessibility experiences.

Based on 5 reviews