Camp in the Heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley
Portland-Woodburn RV Park: A gateway to Beaver State bliss
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After a long day on the road, most RVers I know want something they can rely on. Whether that’s a meal at a favorite restaurant or simply somewhere peaceful to call it a night. That’s where the Portland-Woodburn RV Park in Woodburn, Oregon, comes in. A classic RV campground with a focus on customer service and convenience, Portland-Woodburn is ideal on a number of levels. For one, it’s right off I-5, about 30 miles south of Portland and 15 miles north of Salem. Its central location makes it perfect as a jumping-off point for some of the best attractions and adventures in the state. It’s also within walking distance of the Woodburn Premium Outlet Stores, Oregon’s top shopping destination.
Photo courtesy of Portland-Woodburn RV Park.
And that’s just a start. The campground itself features 150 well-maintained sites that many visitors adore for their cleanliness and easy access. There’s also a heated swimming pool, barbecue area, and play field, as well as a designated pet area so any four-legged friends will have plenty of room to roam. It might not be the flashiest campground in the country, but when you want things done right, right away, and with a smile, it’s a tough one to beat.
Photo: Zach Spear
Cultural Capitals
On top of its reputation as a classic campground in all the best ways, Portland-Woodburn’s access to some of the state’s top destinations truly sets it apart. Portland, just thirty miles to the north up I-5, is Oregon’s — and indeed one of America’s — most unique cultural capitals with more music, restaurants, and arts than you could possibly enjoy in a single visit. Head to Distillery Row on the city’s Eastside for innovative cocktails and craft brews, or tuck into some fresh fruit pie at Petunia’s downtown. The arts are everywhere in Portland, but it’s hard to beat an afternoon amid the wonder at Powell’s, arguably the West Coast’s best bookstore. From there, you can explore the many farmers’ markets or monthly festivals downtown, not to mention the city’s outdoor attractions like the famed Forest Park, the world-class Rose Garden, or the ever-relaxing Japanese Garden.
The iconic Oregon Pioneer statue stands atop the State Capitol. Photo: Dan Meyers
Sublime Salem
Even closer than Portland is the sublime city of Salem, Oregon’s state capital, with its focus on simple, accessible attractions and family fun. The museums here are noteworthy, including the must-see Deepwood Museum and Gardens, the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, and the nearby Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, however it’s the city’s green spaces and Willamette Valley wine that are the real draws. Enjoy a stroll in the picturesque Riverfront Park before crossing the beautiful pedestrian bridge to explore the quiet trails, perfect picnic spots at nearby Minto-Brown Island Park, and Wallace Marine Park. After you’ve worked up an appetite, or at least gotten thirsty, head to one of the many wineries or tasting rooms right outside the city’s downtown. Some of the best include Willamette Valley Vineyards, Sokol Blosser Winery in Dayton, and the beautiful views at the Bethel Heights Vineyard.
Woodburn Premium Outlets. Photo courtesy of Portland-Woodburn RV Park.
Hard to Beat Shopping
Boasting more than 110 brand-name stores as well as coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants, the Woodburn Premium Outlets Stores shopping center is really the only one of its kind in the state. It’s a one-stop shop for all things retail and sure to keep you busy for, well, pretty much as long as you want. It’s also within easy walking distance of the campground, so repeat visits are a no-brainer. Other nearby shopping destinations include Pacific Hazelnut Farms and Candy Factory, where you can enjoy gift shop fare as well as watch the process of creating high-end chocolate confections, and the famous antique shops of nearby Aurora, where hidden gems abound. Try the Aurora Mills shop for some of the rarest treasures.
A field of tulips in the Willamette Valley. Photo: Shane Vaughn
Floral Adventures
As it turns out, Portland-Woodburn is the place if you’re looking for a bit of local floral fun. In the spring and summer months, enjoy the beautiful surroundings at the Adelman Peony Gardens, where you can cut your own flowers while exploring the incredible gardens, as well as nearby Heirloom Rose Gardens and March’s always popular Woodburn Tulip Festival. If flowers aren’t your thing, fear not! Silver Falls State Park has all the outdoorsy adventure you’ll need. The Trail of Ten Falls is a true wonder that winds behind – yes, behind – the 177ft tall South Falls, not to mention weaving through a dense forest and rocky canyon ledges. It’s truly breathtaking. The one-mile and very well-maintained North Rim trail is another must, as are the canyon views from the easily accessible North Falls trail.
Greg Donahue
James Donahue is a writer and outdoors enthusiast whose travels have taken him to 45 states and nearly as many countries around the world. When he's not hiking, biking, or fly fishing (or writing about all three), you can usually find him exploring the beaches up and down the East Coast with his wife and daughter.
