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Ainsworth
Overview
Ainsworth State Park offers a quiet, forested retreat nestled within the iconic Columbia River Gorge. Known for its proximity to the region’s famous waterfalls, this park serves as a gateway to the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty. It provides a more intimate camping experience compared to larger commercial resorts, making it a favorite for those who value **lush surroundings** and direct access to rugged outdoor exploration throughout the year.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just outside Cascade Locks, Oregon, the park is positioned at the eastern end of the **Historic Columbia River Highway**. The environment is characterized by towering Douglas firs and vibrant ferns, creating a dense canopy that provides ample shade and privacy. While the sounds of the nearby interstate and railroad are a reality of the Gorge, the **majestic rock formations** and dramatic cliffs provide a stunning backdrop for your morning coffee.
Amenities & Park Features
This state park is well-equipped for various campers, featuring **full-hookup sites** that include water, sewer, and electricity. RVers will find the sites paved, though some may require leveling due to the natural terrain. Essential facilities are maintained for guest use including:
- Clean restrooms and **hot showers**
- A convenient RV dump station
- Firewood and ice available for purchase
The layout is designed to prioritize the natural landscape, offering a rustic feel without sacrificing modern necessities.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw for visitors is the incredible density of waterfalls nearby, including the world-renowned **Multnomah Falls** and the scenic Horsetail Falls. Hikers can access numerous trailheads within minutes, ranging from casual walks to challenging treks up the gorge walls. The town of Cascade Locks is just a short drive away, where visitors can cross the **Bridge of the Gods** or enjoy a meal overlooking the river.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for nature lovers and hikers who want to stay in the heart of the Waterfall Corridor. It is a perfect fit for **adventurous RVers** looking for a basecamp to explore the Gorge's extensive trail systems. It is especially great for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts. While not a luxury resort, its **unbeatable location** and easy highway access make it a top choice for travelers who prefer the forest.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Shannon Albert
This was a great place to stay to visit the Columbia River Gorge. We stayed in a pull through in the top row. We enjoyed it. The only problem was that we pulled in around 1:30 and the check in was at 4:00. The site was raked and cleaned, so we started setting up. The host got very upset and made us leave and pull to the parking lot until he finished cleaning the site. Kind of our fault for arriving early, but we aren’t used to the Oregon check in time. No other complaints. There is a lot to see in the area and I wish we had scheduled at least one more night, if not two. The area must have been so nice in its prime. It’s still nice, but many of the waterfall areas could use some funding to fix it up! We felt very safe here. Trains tracks were close by, but the noise didn’t bother us at night.
Pamela Andrade
Simply amazing. The camp sites are nice, good for RV and camping with tents too. The bathrooms and showers are SUPER CLEAN. Pet friendly park, so good for all the family. Park rangers nice and helpful. Close to Multnomah Falls which is a plus. The train can be heard, if awake. Not loud, just constant rumbling. Easily unheard if not proactively listening. Otherwise, you can't hear it. Can't start a fire or BBQ. There are some swings and tether ball set. Doesn't get better than this. Great place.
Emily Piper
Nice little state park campground. The Columbia River George Trail (bikeway) is located right outside- be sure to bring your bikes! Great location to explore the Columbia Gorge, and highly recommend a stop in at the fish hatchery and the hydro power station! The campground is very pretty, set in the forest below the escarpment and sheltered from the wind on the river. Unfortunately not a great location to set out on foot as you need to walk on the road to get anywhere; but certainly great for bikes and access to the falls and other attractions by car. Back in sites are quite tight for tow-behind trailers. Recommend site B06 for both easy back-in and a clear view of the sky for those wanting their starlink to work!
Denis LeBlanc
This is a very nice campground , mostly set up for RVs with a separate tent camping area. Most of the pull-through sites can accommodate a 35 ft. RV plus tow vehicle, all with full hook ups. The back-in sites on loop B are mostly shorter and probably have the loudest train noise. There is substantial tree cover and decent amount of privacy for the sites. The camp hosts are diligent and very available and the rangers drive through frequently. It is not a party campground and is very quiet (other than the trains!). We didn't use the showers or bathrooms. There is a small play area with a couple of swings and a tether ball pole. There is also a dog area that is not well-marked or easy to find. Overall a great location with many waterfall hikes nearby.
Monty Mann
A very lovely park with the added bonus of easy access via tour trolley, for a price) from the campsite entrance to the many waterfalls nearby. The campsites themselves are relatively small and tight (only one or two spots can really handle a 35 ft. Fifth wheel. This is also a very popular spot due to the distance from Portland and the closeness to the aforementioned waterfalls. If it wasn't for our overall size, I would go here again.