Columbia Hills State Park

Star3.80
45 reviews
Columbia Hills State Park
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

423 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Washington State Parks site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Columbia Hills State Park
No fees available
Campsite Fees
A Discover Pass is required for parking or day use (per multiple reviews). Specific campsite fees not provided in source materials.
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

3.80

Mixed Reviews

Based on 45 reviews

461 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersrestroomslake

Some mention

noisecrowdedtrain

"Overall reviewers are very positive — highlights include ranger-led petroglyph/pictograph tours, spring wildflower displays, Columbia River views, lake activities and friendly camp hosts. Common negatives reported are crowding during spring blooms, tightly spaced campsites, train noise, ticks on dogs and lack of sewer hookups for RVs."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Columbia Hills State Park

Columbia Hills State Park

45.6490, -121.1239

Driving directionsMultiple reviewers note Google Maps directions may be incorrect; one review advises to 'go past the ranch' (details unspecified).
Nearby places
Maryhill referenced as ~30–45 minutes east (per a reviewer)
The Dalles is visible across the Columbia River.

Best Time to Camp at Columbia Hills State Park

Spring is a highlight for wildflower blooms and attracts large crowds; reviewers note cool spring weather but also warn it can be very hot in summer. The area is frequently windy. Bugs and ticks can be an issue at dusk and on trails.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer offers lake activities but can be very hot, windy and occasional algae/crowds.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fewer crowds and good views; fewer explicit notes but generally favorable shoulder-season conditions.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 1% in WA

Spring wildflower displays and ranger-led petroglyph tours are a major seasonal draw.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Winter not emphasized; colder, fewer activities and lower visitation implied.

Planning Tips

    About Columbia Hills State Park

    Columbia Hills State Park features important Native American petroglyphs (including the She Who Watches site reachable by guided tour), riverfront cliffs and meadows with expansive Columbia River views. The park is known for spring wildflower displays, small campgrounds with friendly hosts, and outdoor recreation including fishing, swimming and kayaking.
    Campground offers RV and tent camping; reviewers note RV sites have electric and water hookups but no sewer hookups.
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    Amenities available

    Showers
    Electricity hookups
    Flush toilets
    Picnic tables
    Water hookups

    Activities you can enjoy

    Offers hiking (including wildflower meadows and viewpoints), ranger-led petroglyph/pictograph tours, lake activities (swimming, fishing, boating/kayaking), and rock climbing at nearby Horsethief Butte; stargazing is also frequently mentioned by visitors.
    HikingMultiple well-maintained trails and routes are mentioned (examples include Mountain Ranch Road, Vista Loop, 8 Mile Creek and Horsethief Butte); reviewers report hikes up to ~8 miles and extensive wildflower displays in spring.
    FishingReviewers report bank fishing and fishing from boats; reviewers observed anglers getting bites.
    SwimmingVisitors use the lake for swimming; reviewers described the water as calm but noted occasional algae.
    Boating
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsTicks (highly reported), occasional snakes when sunny, strong winds (can be severe), crowded conditions during peak wildflower season, and proximity to cliff edges. Train noise was noted as a disturbance by some visitors.

    Weather at Columbia Hills State Park

    Reviews

    3.8
    45 reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Columbia Hills State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Overall reviewers are very positive — highlights include ranger-led petroglyph/pictograph tours, spring wildflower displays, Columbia River views, lake activities and friendly camp hosts. Common negatives reported are crowding during spring blooms, tightly spaced campsites, train noise, ticks on dogs and lack of sewer hookups for RVs.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 45 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Pictograph/petroglyph tours (seasonal ranger-led tours to 'She Who Watches'), outstanding spring wildflowers and viewpoints, lake for swimming/fishing/boating, clean restrooms and coin-operated...
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    Based on 45 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Bring a Discover Pass or pay day-use fee; reserve or call ahead for ranger-led petroglyph tours (reviewers emphasize reservations are required); check with the camp host for kayak rentals and wood;...
    Show more
    Based on 45 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "The pictograph and petroglyphs tour is incredible." — reviewer; "Mind bogglingly pretty park, especially in spring when the Balsamroot and other wild flowers are in bloom." — reviewer.
    Based on 45 reviews

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    Last updated February 17, 2026
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