How much does camping cost at Benson State Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Benson State Recreation Area range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Benson State Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Benson State Recreation Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Shelter reservations can be made for multiple days; no camping is allowed.

Can I see photos of campsites at Benson State Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Benson State Recreation Area has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Benson State Recreation Area?

Benson State Recreation Area is open June to August.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Benson State Recreation Area?

Benson State Recreation Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Benson State Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Benson State Recreation Area: null. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Benson State Recreation Area?

Pets are not allowed at Benson State Recreation Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Benson State Recreation Area?

Benson State Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Benson State Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Benson State Recreation Area include Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Benson State Recreation Area

5 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Oregon

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Day-use hours change...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Oregon State Parks

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Day-use hours change...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Oregon State Parks

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

Nearby places

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

Nearby supplies

null

Best Time to Camp at Benson State Recreation Area

Summer delivers the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to upper-80s°F and evenings cooling to the 50s–60s. Dry weather from June through August makes paddling and fishing most comfortable. Calm mornings work best for spotting wildlife. Weekend and holiday crowds increase during summer. Winter brings heavy rain and cold temperatures that limit appeal for most visitors. The park operates shorter hours outside summer months.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season; warm, dry weather and many reviews cite summer gatherings and paddling.

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

Benson State Recreation Area sits along the Columbia River Gorge as a day-use park, accessible only from eastbound I-84. No camping is allowed. The park centers on small lakes suitable for fishing and small-boat launching, with picnic shelters, grills, and tables for gatherings. Summer hours run 6am–10pm from June through August. Freeway noise carries into the park but doesn't dominate the experience.

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

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to upper-80s°F and evenings cooling to the 50s–60s. Dry weather from June through August makes paddling and fishing most comfortable. Calm mornings work best for spotting wildlife. Weekend and holiday crowds increase during summer. Winter brings heavy rain and cold temperatures that limit appeal for most visitors. The park operates shorter hours outside summer months.

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryThe park's main feature is a collection of small lakes that connect to Columbia River shoreline access. The calm water suits kayaking and fishing. Waterfalls are visible in the surrounding area. Wildlife viewing opportunities focus on bird species around the lakes and shoreline. Elevation at 7 feet means the terrain is flat and lakeside. The nearby freeway hum is audible but reviewers consider it minor.

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

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.

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

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

Pet-Friendly Features

No information or user comments about pet policies or pet-related experiences are provided.

Based on 5 reviews

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Nearby Campgrounds

PO Box 100, Corbett, Oregon, 97019, United States

Ainsworth State Park sits beneath a canopy of ancient trees in the Columbia River Gorge, offering 46 sites split between A and B loops. Full hookups are available for RVs, though pull-throughs can be tight for larger rigs. Fees run $7–26 per night, and the campground's main draw is its proximity to Multnomah Falls and other gorge landmarks. Trade-off: train and highway noise is constant.