Columbia Hills State Park

Star3.80
45 reviews
Columbia Hills State Park

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Washington State Parks site

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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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

3.80

Mixed Reviews

Based on 45 reviews

461 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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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."

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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.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

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.
    Historical SignificanceThe park contains important Native American rock art (petroglyphs and pictographs). Several reviews emphasize the cultural importance of these sites and mention preserved artifacts that are interpreted on guided tours.
    Weather and SeasonsSpring 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.
    Natural Features and SceneryKey features reported by visitors include petroglyphs and pictographs (She Who Watches), Horsethief Butte and Horsethief Lake, meadows with balsamroot and lupine in bloom, cliffs overlooking the Columbia River, creek views and historic ranch remnants. Visitors highlight panoramic riverfront views and extensive wildflower meadows in spring.
    Geological RegionColumbia River Gorge / Columbia River cliffs and plateau
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    Campsite details

    Total Campsitesnull campsites

    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
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    Reserving a campsite

    Tents
    Tents are allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are not allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are allowed

    Reservation Platformshttps://washington.goingtocamp.com

    Amenities available

    Showers
    Picnic tables
    Flush toilets
    Electricity hookups
    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.
    Hiking
    Multiple 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.
    Fishing
    Reviewers report bank fishing and fishing from boats; reviewers observed anglers getting bites.
    Swimming
    Visitors use the lake for swimming; reviewers described the water as calm but noted occasional algae.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are not allowed

    Hazards

    General hazardsTicks (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

    44
    °F
    Dec 14
    Sunday
    Foggy
    Precipitation: 0%
    Humidity: 98%
    Wind: 3 mph
    Foggy

    Weather History
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    Good to know

    Common complaintsVery crowded during spring wildflower 'super blooms'; campsites are close together with limited privacy; train noise near the park; reports of many ticks on dogs; some reports of algae in the lake; RV sites lack sewer hookups.

    Campground Map

    Columbia Hills State Park
    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.

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    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;...
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    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

    Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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    Last updated December 14, 2025
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