Beacon Rock State Park

Beacon Rock S.P., Skamania Co. Washington. Most of us have driven by this "Rock," which is actually the core of an extinct volcano. The thing is, it is also a great camping park. The main campground is well away from the highway with good views of the Columbia River Gorge. Add a group camp for up to 200 people, 20 miles of hiking trails, and a trail to the top of the "Rock" and this place is pretty special. For more info, contact http://campeverycountywa.com/skamania-county.html

Cons:
-only five space for RVs, first-come first-served
-very near the train tracks, and they run day and night
-the RV area does not directly access the part of the park where the bigger hiking trails are (a newer access trail has been completed since we visited in June 2014) If you take your toad to the upper lot, don't forget a copy of your camping receipt or a Discover Pass.
-during tick season, there will be ticks, so take precautions

Pros:
-nice walking path at the lower park
-plenty of great hiking trails
-very cool boardwalk trail to the top of Beacon Rock
-beautiful views of the Columbia River from the dock and the Rock
-facilities clean and stocked

Ok, so i pulled in on a Monday night, almost had the place to myself. VERY small little campground, only 5 RV spots. Yes on water and electric, unsure on sewer, didn't need it anyway. Park has picnic tables, fire rings, SUPER clean bathroooms with flush toilets and how showers starting at 50 cents for three minutes. Nice hiking and fishing. Fun views hiking up to Beacon Rock. I walked a total of 2 miles.
Dislikes: COST. I don't know why the heck Wa state parks are so expensive. $35 for hookups, and $30 for no hookups. $30 is rediculous. You are getting a place to park. Drives me nuts. I went out to silver falls and it was like $12 for dry camping. The only reason I haven't been back is; not much to do, but hike. No fishing allowed. Cool if you are a kayaker from what I've heard.
I know my whining won't change the state pricing, just be prepared.
One other gripe, park is about 200' from Hwy 14. You will get vehicle noise, all night. Wasn't a deal breaker as it wasn't obnoxious, just be aware it won't be peaceful quiet.

Beacon Rock was a campground with a love it, can't wait to move on experience about it. The scenery is absolutely beautiful. Especially being used to the lushness of the Smokies and driving across the barren midlands of the country. The hike up Beacon Rock, top notch. Even in the fog and rain.

Note: This review is for the five full hook up RV sites next to the boat landing. We did drive through the other campground on the other side of the road and wish we could have stayed at it as it was extremely beautiful, just no sites big enough. Look for the sun with the RV emblem and the tent, otherwise you will wind up in the tight twisty roads to get back out.

The sites are full hook up with 30 and 50 amp. We had a sewer hook up, whether there were some at the other sites I am not sure of, but the one next to us did not look like it had one. Access was easy since they are all off a single loop. Sites are level, though a bit muddy. Could use some more maintenance with trash pick up, campfire ring was littered with a roll of paper towels and a packaged sandwhich. Obviously bear are not an issue here! Wife said the bathrooms were nice, but the showers were pay at 50 cents for 3 minutes and a quarter a minute or so after that. Which personally after paying $30 is a bit much.

Now the cons of it. If peace and quiet is your desire, don't come here. The RV sites are tightly nestled in between Hwy 14 and the train tracks. Tightly as in both are mere yards from the sites. The trains will shake your camper. Constantly. All day. All night. With not much break in between. Had a few times where there were a line of locomotives ideling for long periods of time next to us. Kids loved it though. The Hwy is not much less noise with the log trucks testing their exhaust brakes.

Overall, beautiful spot. Just not much peace and quiet to relax to.

We went in February. This was our first ever RV spot with our rig! So everything was pretty brand new to us! The place was partially snowed over but very quiet and beautiful! There was a little noise from the passing traffic but we did choose the closest one from the road. But not too bad not a super trafficked highway so it was fine and we slept well! There was just a self pay station and trash with all the hook ups! We had a great first night! Would definitely come back! The drive there was the most beautiful part! The Oregon side was beautiful to see from Washington! We didn't get to see Beacon Rock but sure looks great from pictures!

We arrived after dark and started to set up at one of the 5 full hookup RV sites. Then a freight train went by about 25' away. Um, no thanks. We pulled up and went elsewhere.

Nice very small campground! There are only 5 sites with full hookups. Very clean and private showers and restrooms but showers are pay ones so make sure you bring quarters.

Cell service (AT&T) worked ok outside but not in the TT. One bar.

Make sure you turn in to the boat launch area on the River side of the highway. There is another camping area on the other side of the road for tents.

The train tracks are right behind the campground and trains are frequent. Honestly we find that it adds to the character of the place but some other reviewers found it problematic.

We stayed in one of the two primitive sites at the horse camp. Beautiful site, gorgeous, tall trees, lush greenery, non-potable water short distance from camp, vault toilets. Though the website said they have horse corrals, they do not. They have one nice long, high tie. There is a parking area by the two camp sites with hikers coming and going. No cell service. The trails were very nice and well-maintained. We only got to ride one day. We rode to the Hamilton Mountain saddle summit overlooking the Columbia River. Spectacular view! Well worth the ride or hike! Great overnight spot off Hwy 14 before or after Portland.
There was some unfortunate negativity to our stay, as well. When we came back from our ride, a male ranger berated us and gave us a warning ticket for not yet putting our fee in the payment dropbox. Though he was in the right we felt it was unnecessary for him to reprimand us so. He knew we had come in in the dark with much difficulties and his uncaring was very off putting. As we’d driven in the night before a female ranger flagged us down to let us know we were going the wrong direction, into the regular campground, not the horse camp, which is in a separate area. She kindly gave us directions. As we were turning around the male ranger showed up, also told us we were in the wrong place then followed us out. He saw that we had difficulty turning around and followed us as we turned and hit a large rock that ruined a tire, wheel rim and bent both living quarters trailer axles. He continued to follow us when we missed our turn to the horse camp, but did nothing. Later when we were stopped on the side of the road obviously lost, with no service, the female ranger came by and stopped again, this time after her work hours, in our own personal vehicle and lead us to the camp. This kindness in comparison to the male ranger’s lack of compassion the next day and treating us like we were going to skip out on our $12 payment was disappointing. He even told us he’d seen us hit the rock! That he knew damage was done! And he saw us miss our turn, but did nothing! His response was that people should read directions or signs or websites, something….like too bad, all your fault….
Sorry this is so long, but with our damage and his attitude is was so disheartening. ☹️ Hopefully he’ll get a job at the local prison soon and she’ll get a deserved promotion.

We are here to hike the rock! Camp with family and relax. This is vary important the RV sites are near the boat ramp on the south side of the hwy. we made a few u-turns in a 27” trailer not sure if it was skill or luck. The site was long and skinny had to break out my 2 hose to reach the city water. Site was clean toilet/ shower building was clean and checked more then twice daily. State park workers were vary present and friendly.

As for the rock early morning is best to beat the heat of the day. There was a lot of traffic with a very diverse crowd. The top is a little crowded but worth it. There are some great photo views ( Colombia River ) on the way up. The RV site are all by them self so if you have friends/family in a tent spot you will have to drive about 1/2 a mile to meet them.

The tent site are awesome surrounded by ferns and giant trees reminds me of the redwoods nice for a hot summer day.

The only negative is it’s right next to a train track. When we were outside you can definitely hear it. In the RV it wasn’t so bad.

There are a lot of activities you can enjoy here and also the trails and views are just amazing!