RV Parks In Goldendale, Washington
45.8207° N, 120.8217° W
Quick Overview
Goldendale sits on the sunny, dry east side of the Columbia River Gorge in south-central Washington, a high-desert ranching town with big skies, golden hills, and a couple of genuinely surprising attractions. For RVers it is a relaxed, affordable base for the eastern Gorge: you are minutes from warm-water swimming and boating on the Columbia, close to a full-size Stonehenge replica and an excellent art museum, and home to one of the best public observatories in the Northwest. The east-side climate means real sunshine when the western Gorge is socked in.
The camping here is unusually good for a small town, anchored by two state parks. Maryhill State Park spreads along 4,700 feet of Columbia River shoreline with about 50 full-hookup sites offering 30 and 50-amp service, water, and sewer, plus a swim beach and boat launch, open year-round, an outstanding public riverside park. Up in the pines north of town on US-97, the cooler Brooks Memorial State Park adds full-hookup sites with 50-amp service, a dump station, and showers. For a private riverfront option, Peach Beach RV Park sits right on the Columbia next to Maryhill. You can reserve the state-park sites through Washington State Parks.
April through October is the prime window, with hot, dry, sunny summers and warm, clear falls, though the eastern Gorge bakes and carries fire risk at the height of summer. Winters are cold and windy with some snow. The one constant is wind: the Columbia Gorge is world-famous for it, so expect strong afternoon gusts and secure your setup. Provision in Goldendale or across the river in The Dalles, where groceries, fuel, propane, and RV repair are all within easy reach. The town also makes a smart hub for the whole eastern Gorge: you can run Highway 14 along the Washington shore, cross to Oregon and the I-84 corridor for Hood River and the western waterfalls, and still be back at a riverside hookup site by evening. Add the dark-sky observatory, the Stonehenge replica, and the art museum, and Goldendale earns more than a single overnight, which is why we tend to settle in for several nights of swimming, stargazing, and Gorge day trips.
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Gear for Your Trip to Goldendale
All Dump Stations Near Goldendale
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goldendale Mh & RV Park | 0.3 mi | 4.2 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Stargazers RV Resort | 0.8 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Peach Beach RV Park | 9.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| A Whole RV Park | 9.7 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Rufus RV Park | 9.7 mi | 4.3 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Relax Park Company, Llc | 10.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Le Page Park | 10.4 mi | 4.4 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Wasco RV Park | 16.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| View Point Mobile & RV Park | 20.7 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Columbia Hills RV Village | 20.8 mi | 3.5 | Dump Station | Varies |
Goldendale Mh & RV Park
0.3 miStargazers RV Resort
0.8 miPeach Beach RV Park
9.4 miA Whole RV Park
9.7 miRufus RV Park
9.7 miRelax Park Company, Llc
10.1 miLe Page Park
10.4 miWasco RV Park
16.6 miView Point Mobile & RV Park
20.7 miColumbia Hills RV Village
20.8 miTraveling to Goldendale by RV
Goldendale sits at the junction of US-97 and Highway 142, a short drive north of the Columbia River and Highway 14, the Washington-side Gorge route. The nearest interstate is I-84 across the river in Oregon, about 20 minutes south via the bridge at Biggs Junction, which links you to the fast east-west Gorge corridor and the services of The Dalles. US-97 climbs over Satus Pass to the north and drops toward the river to the south, so expect a grade or two, but the highways are otherwise RV-friendly and uncrowded. The notable hazard is wind: the Gorge funnels strong, sustained gusts, especially in the afternoons, so mind a high-profile rig.
Services are split between Goldendale itself and the larger town of The Dalles across the river. Goldendale has groceries, fuel, propane, and basic RV repair, while The Dalles, about 20 minutes south, adds more shopping and service options plus the I-84 corridor. Fuel is also available at Biggs Junction by the bridge. For dumping and hookups, Maryhill and Brooks Memorial state parks both have facilities, and the private Peach Beach park offers full hookups on the river. Provision before heading out along Highway 14 or up into the higher country, where services are sparse.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Goldendale, Washington, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Goldendale
Goldendale is an affordable, high-value base for the Columbia Gorge, especially compared with the busier western end. The two public state parks are the headline deals: Maryhill State Park delivers full-hookup riverside sites with 30 and 50-amp service at standard Washington state-park rates, a genuine bargain for a waterfront spot with a swim beach, and Brooks Memorial offers similar full hookups in the pines. Both reserve through the public Washington State Parks system. The private Peach Beach RV Park sits a bit higher for its riverfront location next to Maryhill. For the truly budget-minded, primitive Army Corps and BLM dry-camping sites along the Columbia, like Sundale and Avery, cost little or nothing for self-contained rigs. Provision in Goldendale or The Dalles for competitive fuel and grocery prices. Summer is peak; spring and fall are cheaper and more comfortable.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Goldendale
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Best Time to Visit Goldendale by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
26F - 40F
Crowds: Low
Cold, windy, some snow; quiet and easy to book.
Spring
Mar - May
38F - 62F
Crowds: Medium
Windy with wildflowers; greening up, pleasant.
Summer
Jun - Aug
55F - 88F
Crowds: High
Hot, dry, sunny; watch heat and fire risk.
Fall
Sep - Oct
40F - 65F
Crowds: Medium
Warm, clear, harvest season; a great time to visit.
Explore the Goldendale Area
Camp riverside at Maryhill for the warm water. Unlike the cold coastal rivers, this stretch of the Columbia warms enough for genuinely pleasant summer swimming, and Maryhill State Park’s beach and boat launch make it a great spot for paddling, boating, and cooling off after a hot Gorge day. The park’s full hookups and year-round operation make it the obvious anchor for an eastern-Gorge stay. If summer heat is intense, the higher, pine-shaded Brooks Memorial State Park north of town runs noticeably cooler and is a fine alternative base.
Do not miss the local oddities. The Maryhill area holds a full-size replica of Stonehenge, built as a World War I memorial above the river, and the excellent Maryhill Museum of Art nearby. In town, the Goldendale Observatory State Park offers public telescope viewing under some of the darkest skies in the region, a standout evening outing. Plan around the wind, which builds in the afternoons and draws windsurfers to the Gorge, and in peak summer keep an eye on heat and fire conditions in this dry, sun-baked landscape.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Goldendale
When is the best time to RV in Goldendale?
April through October is the prime stretch, with the shoulder months especially comfortable. Spring brings wildflowers and greening hills, though it can be windy, while September and October deliver warm, clear, harvest-season days with thinner crowds. Summer is hot, dry, and reliably sunny on the Gorge’s east side, great for river swimming but carrying real heat and wildfire risk at its peak, so check conditions. Winter is cold, windy, and occasionally snowy, which keeps demand and prices low if you do not mind the chill. For the best balance of weather and comfort, target late spring or early fall.
Does Goldendale have full-hookup RV parks?
Yes, and the best are public state parks. Maryhill State Park on the Columbia River offers about 50 full-hookup sites with 30 and 50-amp electrical service, water, and sewer, open year-round, an excellent value for a riverside spot. Brooks Memorial State Park in the pines north of town also has full-hookup sites with 50-amp service, a dump station, and showers. For a private option, Peach Beach RV Park sits right on the river next to Maryhill with full hookups. So whether you want riverfront or forest, full hookups are readily available, and the state parks reserve through the public Washington State Parks system. Book ahead for summer weekends.
What is camping at Maryhill State Park like?
It is one of the best public riverside parks in the region. Maryhill State Park stretches along 4,700 feet of Columbia River shoreline with around 50 full-hookup sites offering 30 and 50-amp service, water, and sewer, plus standard sites, a swim beach, and a boat launch, all open year-round. This stretch of the Columbia warms enough for genuinely enjoyable summer swimming, and the park is popular with boaters and windsurfers drawn by the Gorge winds. Its full hookups, riverfront setting, and reasonable state-park rates make it the natural anchor for an eastern-Gorge RV stay. Reserve early for summer, when the hookup sites fill fast.
Is the Columbia Gorge wind a problem for RVers here?
It is a real factor to plan around. The Columbia River Gorge is world-famous for its wind, which is why it draws windsurfers and kiteboarders, and that same wind means strong, sustained afternoon gusts at Goldendale-area campgrounds and on the highways. When driving, slow down and keep a firm grip in crosswinds, especially on exposed stretches near the river. At camp, retract your awning whenever you step away and secure loose gear. Mornings are often calmer, so many RVers handle travel and setup early in the day. The wind is manageable, but ignoring it can damage awnings and rattle a high-profile rig.
What is there to do around Goldendale?
More than you would expect for a small town. The Maryhill area holds a full-size Stonehenge replica built as a World War I memorial above the river, plus the excellent Maryhill Museum of Art. In town, the Goldendale Observatory State Park offers public telescope viewing under some of the darkest skies in the Northwest, a memorable night out. The Columbia River itself provides swimming, boating, and windsurfing, and Highway 14 along the Gorge leads to waterfalls and scenic drives. Between the river, the quirky landmarks, the dark skies, and the Gorge scenery, Goldendale easily fills a multi-day stay rather than a quick overnight.
Where do I find fuel, propane, and RV repair near Goldendale?
Between Goldendale and The Dalles, you are well covered. Goldendale has grocery stores, fuel, propane, and basic RV repair, while The Dalles, about 20 minutes south across the river in Oregon, adds more shopping, services, and the I-84 corridor. Fuel is also available at Biggs Junction by the bridge. This split means you can provision efficiently before heading out along the Gorge or into the higher country to the north, where services are sparse. Maryhill and Brooks Memorial state parks have dump stations and hookups, and the private Peach Beach park offers full hookups on the river for tank service.
Is there free or primitive camping near Goldendale?
Yes, for self-contained rigs. Along the Columbia River near Goldendale, there are primitive Army Corps of Engineers and BLM sites, such as Sundale Park and the Avery Recreation Area, offering dry camping with vault toilets, boat ramps, and little or no fee. These have no hookups, so you need full fresh, gray, and black-water capacity and a pack-it-out approach. Back-road BLM land in the area offers additional dispersed options. For most travelers, the full-hookup state parks are more comfortable, but the primitive riverside sites are a genuine budget alternative if your rig is set up to dry-camp for a few days.
How does Goldendale compare with the western Columbia Gorge?
It is sunnier, drier, cheaper, and far less crowded. The western Gorge around Hood River and the famous waterfalls is lush, green, and frequently cloudy or rainy, and its campgrounds are busy and pricier. Goldendale, on the dry eastern side, gets reliable sunshine, warm-water river swimming, and a high-desert landscape of golden hills, with affordable state-park camping and room to breathe. The trade-off is fewer dramatic waterfalls and a more open, ranch-country feel. Many RVers prefer the east side precisely for the sunshine, the value, and the elbow room, then day-trip west when they want the green, waterfall side of the Gorge.
Are the Goldendale campgrounds open year-round?
The state parks are. Maryhill State Park operates year-round on the Columbia, and Brooks Memorial generally does as well, though you should confirm winter hours and which hookups stay active in the cold. Winter here is cold, windy, and occasionally snowy, with highs around 40, so come prepared for chilly conditions, but the upside is solitude and easy booking at a riverside full-hookup site that would be competitive in summer. Some private and primitive sites may close seasonally. For most travelers, the warm-season months are the draw, but a quiet winter stay at Maryhill is entirely possible for the well-equipped.
Is Goldendale a good base for visiting the broader Gorge?
Yes, an excellent one. From Goldendale you can explore the eastern Columbia Gorge along Highway 14 on the Washington side, cross to Oregon and the I-84 corridor for Hood River and the western waterfalls, and reach The Dalles and its services in 20 minutes. The affordable riverside camping at Maryhill, the sunshine, and the central position make it a comfortable hub for day trips in several directions. Add the unique local attractions, the observatory, Stonehenge, and the art museum, and Goldendale works as more than a stopover; it is a genuine multi-day base for exploring this stretch of the Gorge.
Should I choose the riverside or the forest state park?
It depends on the season and what you want. Maryhill State Park, right on the Columbia, is ideal for warm-water swimming, boating, and river views, and its lower elevation means hot summer days, which is great in spring and fall but can be intense in midsummer. Brooks Memorial State Park, up in the pines north of town on US-97, sits at a cooler, shadier elevation, making it the more comfortable choice during a summer heat wave. Both offer full hookups and reserve through Washington State Parks. We pick Maryhill for river time and Brooks for beating the heat, sometimes splitting a stay between the two.
How far is Goldendale from Portland and Hood River?
Both are easy reaches. Hood River, Oregon, the heart of the western Columbia Gorge, sits about an hour west across the river via Highway 14 or I-84, making it a simple day trip for the waterfalls, windsurfing, and orchards of the lusher side of the Gorge. Portland is roughly two to two and a half hours west on I-84. That accessibility lets you base affordably in sunny, uncrowded Goldendale and still sample the famous western Gorge and the city when you want them. Many RVers prefer the east-side value and sunshine, then drive west for the day rather than camping in the busier, pricier corridor.
Can I swim in the Columbia River at Goldendale?
Yes, and it is a real highlight. Unlike the cold coastal rivers, this stretch of the Columbia near Maryhill State Park warms enough in summer for genuinely pleasant swimming, and the park maintains a protected swim beach along with a boat launch. After a hot, dry Gorge afternoon, cooling off in the river is one of the best parts of camping here. The same steady Gorge winds that draw windsurfers can kick up chop and make the water lively, so keep an eye on conditions, especially with kids. For a warm-water river swim paired with a full-hookup site, Maryhill is hard to beat.
When is the best time to RV in Goldendale?
April through October is the prime stretch, with the shoulder months especially comfortable. Spring brings wildflowers and greening hills, though it can be windy, while September and October deliver warm, clear, harvest-season days with thinner crowds. Summer is hot, dry, and reliably sunny on the Gorge’s east side, great for river swimming but carrying real heat and wildfire risk at its peak, so check conditions. Winter is cold, windy, and occasionally snowy, which keeps demand and prices low if you do not mind the chill. For the best balance of weather and comfort, target late spring or early fall.
Does Goldendale have full-hookup RV parks?
Yes, and the best are public state parks. Maryhill State Park on the Columbia River offers about 50 full-hookup sites with 30 and 50-amp electrical service, water, and sewer, open year-round, an excellent value for a riverside spot. Brooks Memorial State Park in the pines north of town also has full-hookup sites with 50-amp service, a dump station, and showers. For a private option, Peach Beach RV Park sits right on the river next to Maryhill with full hookups. So whether you want riverfront or forest, full hookups are readily available, and the state parks reserve through the public Washington State Parks system. Book ahead for summer weekends.
What is camping at Maryhill State Park like?
It is one of the best public riverside parks in the region. Maryhill State Park stretches along 4,700 feet of Columbia River shoreline with around 50 full-hookup sites offering 30 and 50-amp service, water, and sewer, plus standard sites, a swim beach, and a boat launch, all open year-round. This stretch of the Columbia warms enough for genuinely enjoyable summer swimming, and the park is popular with boaters and windsurfers drawn by the Gorge winds. Its full hookups, riverfront setting, and reasonable state-park rates make it the natural anchor for an eastern-Gorge RV stay. Reserve early for summer, when the hookup sites fill fast.
Is the Columbia Gorge wind a problem for RVers here?
It is a real factor to plan around. The Columbia River Gorge is world-famous for its wind, which is why it draws windsurfers and kiteboarders, and that same wind means strong, sustained afternoon gusts at Goldendale-area campgrounds and on the highways. When driving, slow down and keep a firm grip in crosswinds, especially on exposed stretches near the river. At camp, retract your awning whenever you step away and secure loose gear. Mornings are often calmer, so many RVers handle travel and setup early in the day. The wind is manageable, but ignoring it can damage awnings and rattle a high-profile rig.
What is there to do around Goldendale?
More than you would expect for a small town. The Maryhill area holds a full-size Stonehenge replica built as a World War I memorial above the river, plus the excellent Maryhill Museum of Art. In town, the Goldendale Observatory State Park offers public telescope viewing under some of the darkest skies in the Northwest, a memorable night out. The Columbia River itself provides swimming, boating, and windsurfing, and Highway 14 along the Gorge leads to waterfalls and scenic drives. Between the river, the quirky landmarks, the dark skies, and the Gorge scenery, Goldendale easily fills a multi-day stay rather than a quick overnight.
Where do I find fuel, propane, and RV repair near Goldendale?
Between Goldendale and The Dalles, you are well covered. Goldendale has grocery stores, fuel, propane, and basic RV repair, while The Dalles, about 20 minutes south across the river in Oregon, adds more shopping, services, and the I-84 corridor. Fuel is also available at Biggs Junction by the bridge. This split means you can provision efficiently before heading out along the Gorge or into the higher country to the north, where services are sparse. Maryhill and Brooks Memorial state parks have dump stations and hookups, and the private Peach Beach park offers full hookups on the river for tank service.
Is there free or primitive camping near Goldendale?
Yes, for self-contained rigs. Along the Columbia River near Goldendale, there are primitive Army Corps of Engineers and BLM sites, such as Sundale Park and the Avery Recreation Area, offering dry camping with vault toilets, boat ramps, and little or no fee. These have no hookups, so you need full fresh, gray, and black-water capacity and a pack-it-out approach. Back-road BLM land in the area offers additional dispersed options. For most travelers, the full-hookup state parks are more comfortable, but the primitive riverside sites are a genuine budget alternative if your rig is set up to dry-camp for a few days.
How does Goldendale compare with the western Columbia Gorge?
It is sunnier, drier, cheaper, and far less crowded. The western Gorge around Hood River and the famous waterfalls is lush, green, and frequently cloudy or rainy, and its campgrounds are busy and pricier. Goldendale, on the dry eastern side, gets reliable sunshine, warm-water river swimming, and a high-desert landscape of golden hills, with affordable state-park camping and room to breathe. The trade-off is fewer dramatic waterfalls and a more open, ranch-country feel. Many RVers prefer the east side precisely for the sunshine, the value, and the elbow room, then day-trip west when they want the green, waterfall side of the Gorge.
Are the Goldendale campgrounds open year-round?
The state parks are. Maryhill State Park operates year-round on the Columbia, and Brooks Memorial generally does as well, though you should confirm winter hours and which hookups stay active in the cold. Winter here is cold, windy, and occasionally snowy, with highs around 40, so come prepared for chilly conditions, but the upside is solitude and easy booking at a riverside full-hookup site that would be competitive in summer. Some private and primitive sites may close seasonally. For most travelers, the warm-season months are the draw, but a quiet winter stay at Maryhill is entirely possible for the well-equipped.
Is Goldendale a good base for visiting the broader Gorge?
Yes, an excellent one. From Goldendale you can explore the eastern Columbia Gorge along Highway 14 on the Washington side, cross to Oregon and the I-84 corridor for Hood River and the western waterfalls, and reach The Dalles and its services in 20 minutes. The affordable riverside camping at Maryhill, the sunshine, and the central position make it a comfortable hub for day trips in several directions. Add the unique local attractions, the observatory, Stonehenge, and the art museum, and Goldendale works as more than a stopover; it is a genuine multi-day base for exploring this stretch of the Gorge.
Should I choose the riverside or the forest state park?
It depends on the season and what you want. Maryhill State Park, right on the Columbia, is ideal for warm-water swimming, boating, and river views, and its lower elevation means hot summer days, which is great in spring and fall but can be intense in midsummer. Brooks Memorial State Park, up in the pines north of town on US-97, sits at a cooler, shadier elevation, making it the more comfortable choice during a summer heat wave. Both offer full hookups and reserve through Washington State Parks. We pick Maryhill for river time and Brooks for beating the heat, sometimes splitting a stay between the two.
How far is Goldendale from Portland and Hood River?
Both are easy reaches. Hood River, Oregon, the heart of the western Columbia Gorge, sits about an hour west across the river via Highway 14 or I-84, making it a simple day trip for the waterfalls, windsurfing, and orchards of the lusher side of the Gorge. Portland is roughly two to two and a half hours west on I-84. That accessibility lets you base affordably in sunny, uncrowded Goldendale and still sample the famous western Gorge and the city when you want them. Many RVers prefer the east-side value and sunshine, then drive west for the day rather than camping in the busier, pricier corridor.
Can I swim in the Columbia River at Goldendale?
Yes, and it is a real highlight. Unlike the cold coastal rivers, this stretch of the Columbia near Maryhill State Park warms enough in summer for genuinely pleasant swimming, and the park maintains a protected swim beach along with a boat launch. After a hot, dry Gorge afternoon, cooling off in the river is one of the best parts of camping here. The same steady Gorge winds that draw windsurfers can kick up chop and make the water lively, so keep an eye on conditions, especially with kids. For a warm-water river swim paired with a full-hookup site, Maryhill is hard to beat.
Are there free dump stations in Goldendale?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Goldendale.
All Dump Stations Near Goldendale (42)
RV ParkGoldendale Mh & RV Park
RV ParkStargazers RV Resort
RV ParkPeach Beach RV Park
RV ParkRufus RV Park
RV ParkA Whole RV Park
RV ParkLe Page Park
RV ParkRelax Park Company, Llc
RV Park





