We have been dreaming of returning to the Pacific Northwest ever since we came back from our monthlong trip a few years back. There was so much we didn’t get to see. Thankfully, our Pacific Northwest correspondent, Neil Potter is taking us back there on one of this week’s podcasts. Neil loves Boardman Marina & RV Park, which is located right on the backs of the Columbia River in Boardman, Oregon. So we asked him to come back on The RV Atlas podcast and give us a review!
Neil’s last review for The RV Atlas podcast was on the Astoria/Warrenton/Seaside KOA. He works for Columbia Sportswear and is the founder and creator of Potter Woodworks, a small batch woodworking studio in Beaverton, Oregon. His handiwork is beautiful and we hope you take a second to check it out!
To listen to Neil’s review of Boardman Marina & RV Park click on the media player above or subscribe to The RV Atlas podcast wherever you get your shows! Or read below to find out more!
Location of Boardman Marina & RV Park
photo by Neil Potter
Boardman Marina & RV Park is a bit of a “sleeper” in Neil’s opinion and something of an under-the-radar gem. It is located 3 hrs from Portland. So it is drivable for a quick weekend getaway, but far enough away to feel like a real escape. You wouldn’t really think there is a campground in this location at all. But there is, and it’s a good one. It would also be a great place to stop on your way into Portland from Montana, Yellowstone, or coming up from Moab on 84.
Sunsets and Kayaking at Boardman Marina
photo by Neil Potter
The main attraction at Boardman Marina & RV Park is its waterfront location and its direct access to the Columbia River. Neil and his family loves the “crazy sunsets” and launching their kayaks directly from their site. He described the waters as being gentle and family friendly. Additionally, his kids also loved the little “tucked away” beaches with pretty pebbles and river rocks.
Size of the Campground and Site Details
photo by Neil Potter
Boardman Marina & RV Park is a relatively small campground with only 63 sites. 20 of them are right on the water. Neil loved his site, and all of the sites in general. They are large, paved, and have full-hookups. There is also good space in-between the sites the roads are a bit curved which gives the sites extra privacy. The campground’s strategically placed privacy fences between sites were also on point and appreciated by Neil. So many other campgrounds would benefit from implementing fencing like this.
Price Range, Ease of Booking, and other Amenities
Neil found the prices here to be fair and less expensive than campgrounds that are closer to Portland. Booking sites here also seems to be pretty easy. The amenities at the campground are also very clean and user friendly. Boardman Marina & RV Park has clean restrooms, a state of the art play structure, and plenty of doggy rest stations that were loaded up with waste sacks. There is also a three mile walking trail and a basketball court, play numerous play structures, horseshoes, sandlot volleyball, a swimming area, and reservable pavilions and gazebos.
Wifi and cell service was also solid.
Oregon is an incredible state for RV travel and it is filled with off the beaten track gems like Boardman Marina & RV Park. We are hoping to return to the Beaver State, and booking a quiet site along the river here is at the top of our list!
See You at the Campground!!
–Jeremy and Stephanie
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