RV Spotlight: Detroit Lake State Recreation Area

RV spot: Detroit Lake State Recreation Area

Location/distance from Vancouver: Along Highway 22 just west of Detroit, Ore.; 102 miles southeast of Vancouver.

Cost/reservations: Prices start at $31/night for sites with water, sewer and electric. oregonstateparks.org; 800-551-6949

Why go: This large campground lies in a beautiful grove of trees along the north shore of Detroit Lake. Boating, fishing, swimming and just relaxing are on most campers’ minds.

But know: The nearby town of Detroit and much of the surrounding area were severely damaged in a 2020 fire, and the scars are evident. The park escaped with minimal damage. Sites that back onto Highway 22 are noisy, and less private due to fire damage.

Personal observations: The fire didn’t take the fun out of this spot, which offers all the great Oregon State Parks amenities such as free showers.

The water level can fluctuate greatly in the lake, which is actually a reservoir, impacting water activities and reducing the quality of the view. You can check the water level at waterdata.usgs.gov.