Rooster Rock State Park

4.29

14 reviews

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

Quick Facts

46 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Day-use hours vary s...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Rooster Rock State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

46 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Day-use hours vary s...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Rooster Rock State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Rooster Rock State Park

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

There is a $5 day-use fee per vehicle. Reservations do not cover parking fees, and all vehicles must display a valid OPRD pass or permit.

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

4.29

Satisfactory

Based on 14 reviews

2636 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanwell-maintained

"User reviews of Rooster Rock State Park are generally positive, emphasizing its scenic beauty, variety of activities, and suitability for group events. Many visitors praise the park's views, bird-watching opportunities, and special events like meteor-viewing parties."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Rooster Rock State Park

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

Driving directionsI-84, 25 miles east of Portland- exit #25.

Accessible via Interstate-84, 25 miles east of Portland. Exit #25 provides direct access to the park. Road conditions and accessibility issues are not specified.

Nearby places

Portland, OR (25 miles, approximately 30 minutes).

Best Time to Camp at Rooster Rock State Park

Experience the Columbia Gorge's dramatic seasonal transformations at Rooster Rock. Summer arrives like a gentle friend, bringing comfortable temperatures between 66°F and 76°F—perfect for beach lounging and outdoor activities under clear blue skies. As autumn paints the gorge in golden hues, crisp air signals the transition to winter's theatrical display. When winter settles in, the park becomes a moody masterpiece with temperatures hovering in the mid-40s, punctuated by misty rains and occasional snow dustings that transform the landscape into a photographer's dream. Spring emerges with renewed energy, as wildflowers push through the warming earth and the river begins its seasonal dance.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season: longer hours, beaches and popular events (but also crowds).

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Late summer/fall lower river levels expose beaches; good viewing and fewer peak crowds.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Seasonal hours change; spring offers milder weather but fewer highlighted benefits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Winters are colder, fewer activities; reviewer noted it was too cold for some visits.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June–August. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Day-use hours vary seasonally. Open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM during summer (June–August) and from 6:00 AM to dusk from September–May.
Current Alerts: Several trails in the Columbia River Gorge are closed due to the Whiskey Creek and Microwave Fire. Visit the Oregon State Parks website for updates.

About Rooster Rock State Park

Escape to Rooster Rock State Park, where the mighty Columbia River carves through ancient basalt cliffs just 25 miles east of Portland. This beloved day-use destination invites you to experience the raw beauty of the Columbia River Gorge through leisurely picnics beneath towering shelter pavilions, challenging rounds on the scenic disc golf course, or launching your boat into the legendary waters that have shaped the Pacific Northwest. While overnight camping isn't available, each visit promises a full day of adventure and natural wonder that will leave you planning your return before you've even left.

Rooster Rock State Park is a day-use only facility and does not offer any camping accommodations.

Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of America's most famous explorers at Rooster Rock, where the Lewis & Clark Expedition made camp not once, but twice during their epic journey to the Pacific. As you stand on these same shores, imagine the Corps of Discovery gazing upon the same dramatic river views, their journals filled with wonder at the natural abundance surrounding them. This sacred ground connects modern visitors to a pivotal moment in American history, where indigenous cultures met westward expansion along these ancient waterways.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the Columbia Gorge's dramatic seasonal transformations at Rooster Rock. Summer arrives like a gentle friend, bringing comfortable temperatures between 66°F and 76°F—perfect for beach lounging and outdoor activities under clear blue skies. As autumn paints the gorge in golden hues, crisp air signals the transition to winter's theatrical display. When winter settles in, the park becomes a moody masterpiece with temperatures hovering in the mid-40s, punctuated by misty rains and occasional snow dustings that transform the landscape into a photographer's dream. Spring emerges with renewed energy, as wildflowers push through the warming earth and the river begins its seasonal dance.

ElevationNestled at river level where the Columbia flows between towering gorge walls, the park offers an intimate connection with the water's edge and easy access to recreational activities.

Natural Features and SceneryRooster Rock reveals nature's artistry at every turn, from the dramatic Columbia River vistas framed by towering basalt cliffs to the hidden beaches that emerge like secrets when late summer and fall lower the river's flow. Bird enthusiasts find themselves in paradise here, where eagles soar on thermal currents, herons stalk the shallows, and seasonal migrations bring an ever-changing cast of winged visitors. The interplay of water, stone, and sky creates a living canvas that shifts with each passing hour, offering photographers and nature lovers endless inspiration.

Geological RegionPositioned within the spectacular Central Valleys Region at the gateway to the Columbia River Gorge, Rooster Rock showcases one of North America's most dramatic geological stories. Here, ancient lava flows meet the relentless force of the Columbia River, creating a landscape of sheer cliffs, verdant valleys, and unique microclimates that support an incredible diversity of plant and animal life. This natural corridor serves as both a recreational playground and a living museum of the powerful forces that shaped the Pacific Northwest over millions of years.

Best Campsites

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Guests Allowed Per Site

No overnight camping is allowed in this park.

Groups

Group areas are available for picnic and event reservations, but they are not for camping.

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 includes group areas, picnic tables, a playground, and open spaces. There are no designated campsites.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be coordinated directly with the park for group areas or special use permits.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe picnic areas and group sites are accessible for walk-up use unless otherwise reserved.

Cancellation PolicyThis site is subject to a longer cancellation window. Special conditions apply for modifying or canceling reservations.

AccessibilityToilets are accessible, but additional details about other accessibility features are not provided.

Site SizeThe park does not offer campsites, so site size is not applicable here.

PrivacyPrivacy is not applicable as there are no campsites.

Recommended SitesVisitors recommend arriving early to secure a picnic spot and to avoid crowds during events.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Rooster Rock State Park provides a variety of activities suitable for day-use visitors. These include fishing, bird watching, boating, and disc golf. Star gazing and meteor shower events are particularly well-loved attractions, as highlighted in numerous reviews.

FishingFishing is a popular activity at Rooster Rock State Park, as noted by user Cathy: 'Many people like to fish here.'

BoatingThe park features a lightly used boat ramp for boating activities.

Wildlife viewingBird watching is a popular activity, with one user stating, 'If you're a bird enthusiast, this is the place to find many different types.'

Beach activitiesBeaches are highlighted as an attraction during late summer and fall when the Columbia River is running low, providing opportunities for sunbathing and relaxation.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo specific hazards are identified other than potential overcrowding during events and weather-related issues.

Active AlertsSeveral trails in the Columbia River Gorge are closed due to the Whiskey Creek and Microwave Fire. Visit the Oregon State Parks website for updates.

Fire PolicyNo information on fire policies is available.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No specified quiet hours are mentioned for this day-use park.

Trash & RecyclingA recycling station is available within 10 miles of the park, but trash and recycling facilities within the park itself are not explicitly detailed.

Water FeaturesLocated directly along the Columbia River, offering water access, a boat launch, and seasonal beaches.

Camp HostNo campground hosts are specified since this is a day-use park.

Weather at Rooster Rock State Park

Reviews

4.3

14 reviews

Satisfactory

Rooster Rock State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Rooster Rock State Park are generally positive, emphasizing its scenic beauty, variety of activities, and suitability for group events. Many visitors praise the park's views, bird-watching opportunities, and special events like meteor-viewing parties.

Review Summaries

Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

1. Scenic views of the Columbia River and surrounding areas. 2. Clean and well-maintained facilities. 3. Availability of group areas and picnic tables. 4. Opportunities for bird watching, boating,...

Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

1. Overcrowding during special events like meteor showers, leading to long wait times for entry. 2. Presence of a clothing-optional section that some visitors found off-putting. 3. Limited...

Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

1. Visit during late summer or fall when the river is low for the best beach experience. 2. Bring picnic chairs, mats, and food for night events, as amenities are limited. 3. Consider early morning...

Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months (June-August) bring longer hours and popular events like star gazing, but also crowds. Late summer and fall offer the best beach experiences. Winter months are less crowded, providing a...

Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The day park allowed the people to spend the night instead of kicking us out after the evening. Very nice park.' - Christine Bryant. 2. 'I really enjoy this park for the fact that I can pull...

Based on 14 reviews