This Might Just Be The Most Beautiful Campground Close To Portland

While you will have to leave the city to find a campground, at just 25 miles away, you won't have to go far. Oxbow Regional Park is a gem just waiting for your weekend getaway into nature. Featuring many curves of the Sandy River, this sprawling park is loaded with old growth forest and plenty of trails to keep you busy during a rustic camping trip without the hassle of a long drive.

When the weather warms up, this stretch of the Sandy River is perfect for all your day activities. Swimming, kayaking, rafting and fishing are all great here.

The views of the Sandy River Gorge are pretty majestic at any time of the year.

Once you have had you fill of water activities, there are 12 miles of trails just waiting for you to explore.

Beavers, raccoons, foxes, osprey, deer and cougars all call the area home and if you are careful, you may get the chance to view one in its natural habitat.

In spring, the biggest show of all takes place as the salmon return to these spawning grounds to lay their final eggs.

Camping at Oxbow allows you to really escape into nature with over 50 campsites available for use year round.

To make the camping experience even more enjoyable, there are heated bathrooms and free hot water showers here, making this a great location for new campers to start their adventure.

Spending a little time dining and playing in this natural setting is a great way to enjoy time with family and friends, and the amazing scenery will not disappoint.

If you don't want to camp, there is also a large day-use parking lot that allows for a day trip into nature. A $5 parking pass is required.

Visit the website for more information and to make reservations at Oxbow Regional Park.

Have you camped here? How was your trip? Let us know in the comments below.