Rufus Landing Recreation Area

This is a large packed stone clearing that's about 20 acres. There are some white lines painted onto the stones to mark a sort of road through the area. You can park up against the Columbia River or elsewhere in the area. There were RVs of all types there in April; from large 5th Wheels to Class B vans to cars. Because it is free, lots of different types of campers were there. It has great sun coverage (for solar). It has very good cellular coverage (AT&T). The city of The Dalles is about 20 minutes away if you need supplies. People say it gets very warm here in the summer, but seems great in the fall and spring. There is some traffic noise from I-84 and also train noise from the tracks that parallel the 84. Not a big deal for us.

It’s free. COE/BLM land. Main entry road is paved. When you get off the freeway there is parking left or right for RV’s and cars. We went left less than a mile into a very large gravel lot. Parking on the Columbia River is beautiful. Pick a spot. Hard gravel. Kept clean. Pit toilet. Great place for the kids to run. Be careful of the river though. Water is easily accessible. There are safe spots to swim. Good walking area. Trains are an issue but no horns blowing. Interstate traffic noise is an issue. Overall a great spot even for a few days. No ground fires allowed. Fishing allowed with license. See satellite view for the other parking areas. Would give it a five if not for the traffic noise and jake brakes. Summer is probably very crowded.

Giles French Park is a great place to overnight. We pulled in about four this afternoon and found a perfect spot on the river above the Indian fishing platforms. It’s now about 6:30 pm and we’re watching the red, white, and blue lights wink on across the John Day Dam. Soon the red beacons on the wind generators across the Columbia River to the North will all turn on simultaneously for as far as you can see up and down the river. It’s a magical day in early October.