Viento State Park Campground

Hood River is devoid of RV campgrounds. But Viento State Park worked for us. It’s smack dab between the interstate and the railroad tracks… and you know it. But it’s also clean, with lots of trees, and there is a nice trail to a lake. It’s also a quick walk to the river, where we watched some kite surfers & windsurfers out on the water.

The campground itself including amenities were just fine — plenty of space, large, clean bathrooms, and showers available. However, for a State Park, I can’t understand why there is a campground 30 yards from interstate 84 and 50 yards from the railroad. I will never stay here again simply because of the noise, despite it being 10 miles from Hood River.

Nestled between I84 and the rail line, this is a heavy sleepers dream. A real estate agent would tell you to think of the rumble of the nearby freeway as an ocean… If that is the case, then the rattling trains on the other side of you, blaring their horns as they approach the convenient river access road that crosses the tracks, must be the fleet of ship liners making their way through the fog every hour or two. Camping spots are tucked closely together, the economy airline seats of camp grounds, you will definitely have the potential of meeting new friends — you are so close it is difficult to ignore them. That being said, it is an economic and close place to spend a night or two near Hood River, river access and several great hiking spots. Power and water is available for camper trailers in some spots and there are tent spots available too.

Ok. Viento State Park. Very nice Park. Horrible location. Train tracks with crossing which mean every hour toot toot day and night. 50 yards to the south, the freeway. So very nice that Oregon allows double trailers. Extremely grumpy old bastard that can barely walk as a host, drives his John Deere cart (through) camp sites to get where he is going. To empty trash in women’s shower room he beats on the wall with his cane to alert you he is coming, parks his atv 2 feet from the front door. Bathrooms are flush yet still wreak of crap, with bugs and urine in them, mold on the shower stall seats. Disabled access site is only one with no 30 amp power. Host waits for people to leave gathers their firewood and resells it I’m sure to no benefit of the state parks. Park info sign has no info in the holders. Park garden areas are in ruins. River access is about a ¼ mile walk across the tracks. Nothing but giant rocky shoreline. Upside is good access to trails and falls. Will never come back again

A few facts to consider before choosing this site:
1) Literally right next to an ACTIVE freight railroad operating ²⁴⁄₇. The ground rumbles. You are also located at a crossing area of some sort, so in addition to regular train rumbles, each train will repeatedly blow its horn as it approaches and passes. I strongly suggest BRINGING EARPLUGS. There are few tent camping sites (which we used), on either side of the highway. We tried both sides, and although both are noisy, the south side is indeed slightly better.
2) Very nice amenities (for women anyway). Clean bathrooms and showers. We visited in mid-​Oct, so the camp was pretty empty, in case that makes any difference.
3) $ 17 for RV hookup with water & electricity, $ 13 for tent site with picnic table and fire grate.
Assuming you’re ok with the trains, then I would recommend this as a good jump off point to do lots of great hiking nearby!

We stayed here because our first choice campground was full. We stayed here because we wanted to hike Multnomah Falls the following day. Viento has 56 RV sites and 18 tent sites. They charge $ 17/​night for their tent sites and they accept cash, charge, or check. We camped here on a Saturday night. When we got there at around 4, there were a few sites available. I would consider this campground to be on the luxurious side because they have flushed toilets, a faucet, soap dispenser, and paper towel dispenser in the women’s bathroom. They don’t have soap in the men’s bathroom though. Sorry, guys. Our site was very loud due to the trains that run nearby. I think there are quieter sites, but we weren’t able to snag one of those.
Would I camp here again? I would but I’ll probably bring earplugs to block off the train and other noises.