What Is a Good Camping Spot for Family Around Vancouver, Portland Area?

I don't know how Private these sites are but I recommend Milo McIver (has a river and kid friendly). Also any campground around Timothy Lake, near Mt Hood and somewhat primative, but more private and very beautiful.
Just saw the comment about Lake Merrill in WA. Yes that is BEAUTIFUL up there...If I recall, it's 1st come-1st served so don't get your hopes up... There are several good campgrounds near Cougar, WA.
Good luck and hope you find something perfect. Happy camping!

Look up Forlorn Lakes on the Washington side of the Columbia River, near White Salmon. The campsites were very far apart, and the lakes were small, mucky but kayak-able. There was a port-a-potty and nothing else. We had to haul our water in, but it was fun and pretty and felt fairly private.

One note, now that I think of it--the lakes were used to recreate by the locals, but it was certainly better than most campgrounds!

Battleground Lake is a really small place with a lake and a cozy feel.

Camping......Well our favorite spot it Merrill Lake. We have been going there since out youngest was 2yrs he is now 6. There is a lake that you can only fly fish in. You cant take motor boat into this lake only paddle boat,kayaks,rafts. There is no fresh running water you need to bring it with you. They do have bathroom but they are not flushable. I know that it sounds a little woodsy but you will have fun there. There are only 8 spots and it is very private. Your kids will love it. Our kids would rather go there then any where else. Merrill lake is only a few miles from the cougar store. You will see a turn off for it. Im sure you can look it up on the web. It is way different from Swift or cougar camp way more private. Merrill is in Washington.

Good luck and happy camping : )

We go to the Mt Hood RV Resort in Welches. We go their every Memorial weekend. It is mostly for RVs but their is tent camping too. Actually the tent camping is the most private. There is your typical slab RV sites and then their is your more woodsy RV areas that just have electric and cable hook-ups. We stay in the woodsy area because its more like camping. All the site have a picnic table too, which makes it nice. As for the kids, each weekend has different activities going on. Your guys might be a tad to little for most of them. They have an indoor pool and hot tub with a workout room. They have a small store if you for get anything. They have a playground that would be great your little ones. They do have river nearby that you can either walk too or drive. We always drive...were lazy. Sometimes they have a band that plays in the main courtyard area. They have showers and bathrooms. I know it doesn't sound much like camping but we really like it. I have 3yr old twins and we really had a good time camping their. If you decide to check it out, we (our group)feel that Hemlock is the best camping area. If your are in an RV then I think the back spot of the background are the best. Good luck and have fun.