How much does camping cost at Memaloose State Park?

Camping fees at Memaloose State Park range from $19-$38/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Memaloose State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Memaloose State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Memaloose State Park before I book?

Yes! Memaloose State Park 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 Memaloose State Park?

Memaloose State Park is open Memorial Day through Labor Day marks peak season, with additional programs like Junior Ranger activities during this time.. 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 Memaloose State Park?

Yes, Memaloose State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Memaloose State Park?

Cell phone service at Memaloose State Park is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Memaloose State Park have?

Memaloose State Park has 109 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Memaloose State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Memaloose State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Memaloose State Park?

Memaloose State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Memaloose State Park

Q: Can I have a campfire at Memaloose State Park?

Fire policies at Memaloose State Park: Campfires may be restricted or banned during high-fire-danger seasons. Burn bans are actively enforced.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.97

150 reviews

7880 Hwy 84, The Dalles, Oregon, 97058, United States

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

75 ft

Price

$19 - $38/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

109 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Oregon State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

75 ft

Price

$19 - $38/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

109 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Oregon State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Memaloose State Park

$19.00 - $38.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard campsites range from $19 to $38 per night. Visitors who bring a second vehicle must pay an additional $7 per night. Non-registered visitors...

Hookup Site Fee$33.00

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Provider

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

7880 Hwy 84, The Dalles, Oregon, 97058, United States

Memaloose State Park

7880 Hwy 84, The Dalles, Oregon, 97058, United States

Nearby places

The Dalles: approximately 10 miles, 15 minutes drive. Hood River: approximately 20 miles, 25 minutes drive.

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies for groceries, camping gear, and fuel can be found in The Dalles, 10 miles away.

Driving directionsEastbound drivers should exit at Rowena Exit 76 and follow signs to Memaloose. Re-enter I-84 West and travel 3 miles to Memaloose Rest Area and Campground exit. Westbound drivers can directly take the Memaloose Rest Area and Campground exit at milepost 73. Be cautious as GPS systems may direct incorrectly to Memaloose Overlook instead of the campground.

The campground is accessible via paved roads from I-84. However, access is limited to westbound travel and requires entering through a rest area. Eastbound drivers must backtrack approximately three miles via the Rowena exit. Seasonal closures may affect certain facilities and access.

Weather at Memaloose State Park

Current alert: Wildfires in the general vicinity have led to trail closures. Check the Oregon State Parks website for updates.

Best Time to Camp at Memaloose State Park

Fall is the sweet spot. Late September through October brings daytime temperatures between 50 and 70°F, thinner crowds, and clearer air for viewing the gorge. Winds calm down compared to summer, and the light improves for photography. Summer gets hot and crowded, though the gorge's wind provides some relief. Winter occasionally brings snow, and the park stays open for full-hookup RV camping. Wind is a constant across all seasons.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall called the 'sweet spot' with calmer winds, clearer air, and thinner crowds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day marks peak season, with additional programs like Junior Ranger activities during this time.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground operates seasonally, being closed from November 1 through mid-March.

About Memaloose State Park

Memaloose State Park sits along the Columbia River Gorge with 109 sites: 44 full-hookup RV spots and over 65 tent sites. Fees run $19–38 per night. Restrooms and showers stay clean, and views of the river and gorge deliver. The tradeoff is noise. Trains rumble past constantly, and I-84 hums in the background. Most campers treat this as a convenient overnight stop rather than a destination.

Memaloose State Park provides a mix of camping options, including full hookup RV sites, tent sites, and host sites. The park does not offer primitive camping, cabins, or glamping options.

Weather and SeasonsFall is the sweet spot. Late September through October brings daytime temperatures between 50 and 70°F, thinner crowds, and clearer air for viewing the gorge. Winds calm down compared to summer, and the light improves for photography. Summer gets hot and crowded, though the gorge's wind provides some relief. Winter occasionally brings snow, and the park stays open for full-hookup RV camping. Wind is a constant across all seasons.

ElevationPerched at the perfect vantage point within the Columbia River Gorge, the campground offers commanding views of one of the Pacific Northwest's most spectacular waterways.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Columbia River flows just beyond the campground, separated by an active railroad line that blocks direct water access but frames views of the water and surrounding cliffs. Vegetation clings to the gorge walls, and layered hills rise on both sides of the river. Squirrels move through the trees. The setting has the gorge's signature geology. Basalt cliffs and the river's wide channel. But the scenery competes with the constant presence of trains and highway traffic. Sunsets over the water earn consistent praise from campers.

Geological RegionMemaloose State Park claims its place in the heart of the Central Valleys Region, where the Columbia River has carved one of North America's most spectacular gorges. This geological masterpiece showcases millions of years of natural forces at work, with the campground offering front-row seats to the drama. The active railroad line that separates visitors from the river itself tells a parallel story of human determination to traverse this magnificent but challenging landscape, adding another layer to the gorge's rich tapestry of natural and human history.

Scenic ViewsCampers praise the stunning river views from certain sites. However, the proximity to the highway and rest area may affect the overall ambiance.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo official lodging options like cabins or lodges are mentioned in the authoritative or user-provided sources.

Programs & ActivitiesInterpretive programs and Junior Ranger activities are available from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Campers are encouraged to see park hosts for details.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in hours are self-registration
official times not specified.

Check-out

Check-out time complies with Oregon Administrative Rules.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay in Oregon State Parks is 14 nights within any 17-night period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 guests per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are close together with minimal privacy. Vegetation between spots is sparse, and multiple campers note the lack of screening. Loop A handles tent camping, Loop B has full hookups. Site lengths range from 34 to 51 feet for RVs.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at stateparks.oregon.gov or through the OPRD Information Center at 1-800-551-6949.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up, first-come-first-served availability exists. Sites marked as 'Reserved' or 'Open' are clearly displayed onsite.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies align with Oregon Administrative Rules; contact stateparks.oregon.gov for details.

AccessibilityPark has accessible toilets and pathways, but further details on other accessibility features are not mentioned.

Site SizeSites accommodate a maximum of 8 people and have varying lengths for equipment, from 34 feet to 51 feet. Some reviews describe the campsites as "large" and "spacious," though others note they are "close together.

PrivacyPrivacy is minimal, with several campers noting, "There is no privacy. Like, at all." Sites are described as "close together," and vegetation between sites is sparse.

Total Campsites109 campsites

Recommended SitesFor quieter accommodations, select sites farther from I-84. Sites in middle loops offer relief from train and highway noise.

Best CampsitesLoop B offers full hookups and is recommended by campers who want the convenience. Sites farther from the highway cut down on road noise, though train noise reaches every part of the campground. Some sites are described as spacious, but no specific site numbers stand out in reviews.

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Amenities available

Memaloose State Park offers a variety of amenities designed for camper convenience. "All camp sites are furnished with picnic tables and fire rings with cooking grates," and "flush toilets and hot showers are available." Showers are free for registered campers, while non-registered visitors can use them for a $2 fee. A dump station is also on-site. Firewood and ice are available for purchase from park hosts. However, during hot, dry seasons, campfires or outside cooking may be banned or limited. Campers are warned about the proximity to Interstate-84 and an active rail line, which generate noise that can be heard throughout the campground.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

While Memaloose offers basic camping amenities, recreational activities are limited. There are no hiking trails within the campground, and river access is unavailable due to railroad tracks. The park is often used as a convenient stopover rather than a destination for extended stays.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNoise from I-84 and the railway is frequently mentioned in user reviews. Wildlife such as squirrels may cause minor nuisances. Yellow jackets and foxtail plants have also been noted as potential hazards.

Fire PolicyCampfires may be restricted or banned during high-fire-danger seasons. Burn bans are actively enforced.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced, though specific times are not mentioned.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest hospital is Mid-Columbia Medical Center in The Dalles, approximately 10 miles away. Emergency services can be reached at the Ranger Station (5414783008).

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available within the campground, though no further details are provided in the source materials.

Water FeaturesThe campground overlooks the Columbia River but lacks direct access due to the railroad line separating the two.

Camp HostCamp hosts are noted for being attentive and enforcing rules during emergencies, such as burn bans.

Cell CoverageReliable cell phone service is available. A user mentioned, "Our Verizon Mifi worked well," and another noted, "Good Verizon cell 4 bars." However, Wi-Fi is not provided at the campground.

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.0

150 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Memaloose State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Memaloose State Park are mixed, with highlights including its cleanliness, spacious campsites, and scenic views of the Columbia River. However, many reviews mention the constant noise from trains and the nearby highway as significant drawbacks. Some users describe the park as more of a convenient stopover than a destination.

Review Summaries

Based on 150 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 150 reviews.

Site B51Loved
Site B51: Users praised the cleanliness but noted that the fire ring is on a slant, making it less usable.
Site B15Mentioned
Site B15: Back-in site with 30 amp, water, and sewer hookups, described as flat but sloping towards the front.

What Campers Love

Campers frequently praise the cleanliness of the park: "Restrooms are clean so is the campground" and "Clean restrooms, free showers, great stop." The scenic views of the Columbia River are another...

Based on 150 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints center around the noise from trains and the highway: "Noise from highway and train made for a restless night," and "Trains run nearly every hour." The lack of privacy between campsites is...

Based on 150 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Book online to secure your spot." Campers recommend choosing sites farther away from the highway to minimize noise. Additionally, plan for limited activities and bring supplies, as there are no...

Based on 150 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Memaloose is busiest in summer, with campers praising the weather and views but frequently noting noise and wasp issues. Off-season reviews mention closures and limited amenities, such as water being...

Based on 150 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms are clean and easy to use, quiet times are posted, and there is a train that comes buzzing through from time to time." - Brian Jones. "If you are bothered by traffic or train noise, then...

Based on 150 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were provided.

Based on 150 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Memaloose is pet-friendly, as noted in both official materials and user reviews. However, one user highlighted issues with foxtails affecting pets, which could lead to infections if not removed. "I...

Based on 150 reviews

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Go if

RVers cruising the gorge corridor who want full hookups and a scenic overnight without roughing it. Loop B handles rigs up to 51 feet, Verizon runs four bars, and the camp hosts keep things tidy. Fall weekends between The Dalles and Hood River don't get much more convenient at $3

Skip if

Train noise runs nearly every hour, and it reaches every site. Light sleepers who need quiet, tent campers wanting privacy, or anyone hoping to hike or touch the water will find this place actively frustrating. There are no trails, no river access, and almost no screening between

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