CELILO PARK, The Dalles, OR

CELILO PARK, The Dalles, OR

RUN BY: Corp of Engineers

LOCATION: The Dalles, OR

UTILITIES: NONE

COST: $0

DISCOUNTS: n/a

OUR RATING (1-5):  II - 4.5

NOTES: This is one of those little gems we seek out. Who would think to find such a pleasant place to stay if you look at the map or read that you have an interstate and three rail road tracks right up against you and you'll park in a parking lot? There are even more tracks across the river. We had almost no awareness of interstate traffic and the frequent trains didn't bother us. If you have to have absolute silence to sleep and have trouble going back to sleep if awakened, you might not want to stay here. However we found Celilo Park a very enjoyable place to stay. There is a 14 day limit. It is actually a lovely picnic area with a boat ramp that is extremely popular with fishers. This is the famous spot that has been known for its phenomenal fishing for thousands of years. Native tribes over the millenium have come to this place to fish and trade. The Oregon Trail portage goes right above the park. You are at the east end of the famous Columbia River Gorge, which provides some marvelous scenery. They ask that you camp within lines and only take two parking spaces. We were fortunate enough to get the corner spot nearest the river, so we actually had privacy. We were here in late April. Rangers told us that it can be pretty crowded during late Spring and Summer months.

Environment: a clean and pleasant grassy park, with lots of trees and a boat ramp on the Columbia River.

Amenities: none

Dump: No.

Public Water: Yes

Toilets: Yes - both flush and pit

Showers: No

Laundry: No

Phone Service: excellent Verizon (best we've ever had!)

Location: Exit 97 on I-84 between The Dalles, OR and Bigg, OR

Proximity to shopping: The Dalles is about 10 miles away

Camping Population: Lots of people fishing. Some full-timers and a few indigent. No safety issues.

Safety: Park Rangers keep a close eye on the place and the Oregon State Police swing through a couple of times during their sifts. The Rangers said that about the worst complaint they get here is a dog off leash.

Sites: Being a picnic area and boat launch, camping is permitted at the end of the parking lot. They ask that you park within the lines and only take two spaces.

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RATING KEY: category - score

Categories: I - established campgrounds where one might spend a vacation or several days

II - boondocking, dry camping where there are no designated sites and no amenities but

one might choose to stay for more than a night.

III - over-night areas

You must remember that we are scoring 1 thru 5 according to things which are important to us: the environment, cost, amenities, location, safety, camping population, site, phone service