Top 6 Places to Stay in Camas, Washington — Lodging Guide
Camas' lodging scene is intimate and characterful: a handful of boutique inns, lakefront cottages, family-run B&Bs and modern vacation rentals sit within walking distance of the town's tree-lined main street and minutes from riverfront trails. This guide highlights places that pair restful rooms with easy access to outdoor play — hiking, paddling, cycling and scenic drives — and gives practical notes to help you choose the right base for your itinerary.
Top Lodging Trips in Camas
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Why Camas Is a Standout Lodging Destination
Perched at the eastern edge of the Columbia River Gorge and threaded by the reflective arms of Lacamas and Round lakes, Camas is a small town with a large appetite for calm. The lodging choices here are less about high-rise luxury and more about place: timber-frame cottages with porches that face quiet streets; updated historic homes converted into guest suites; compact inns where the owners hand you a map and point out the best sunrise overlook. Staying in Camas feels like clearing space from the tourist scramble and letting the rhythm of the river and the seasons set the pace.
The area's human history is woven into its stays. The town grew around the Camas lily and later its paper mill industry, and that legacy shows up in design touches — repurposed mill artifacts, locally crafted furnishings and placards that point to nearby industrial heritage trails. But nature moves fast here, and most lodging sells an equal measure of convenience to the outdoors. Paddleboards stack in garages, bike tunes are available on request, and many hosts will steer you toward short, scenic hikes that are perfect for afternoons spent between check-in and dinner.
For travelers the draw is twofold. First, Camas is small enough that staying anywhere in town places you within a short walk or bike ride of cafés, restaurants and brewpubs, yet close enough to the Gorge and Portland to serve as a quiet base for day trips. Second, the accommodation types skew intimate — fewer than a dozen boutique properties and a compact collection of vacation homes — so choices are curated rather than overwhelming. That means instead of scrolling through hundreds of listings, you can match your priorities — waterfront mornings, easy trail access, family-friendly layouts, or pet-welcoming yards — to a manageable roster of options.
Seasonality shapes the experience more than the architecture. Summers fill with kayaks and children on the lake; autumn invites quiet, vivid foliage walks; winter brings crisp mornings and a slower tempo, often with the benefit of off-season rates and quieter trails. Thoughtful hosts equip rooms with blankets, local guidebooks and suggestions for weather-proofed outings, making Camas lodging a practical complement to the adventurous side of the Columbia River Gorge. Whether you want to fall asleep to the sound of boat wakes on Lacamas or wake for a coffee run to a bakery on Broadway Street, Camas offers a hospitality experience that is rooted in the landscape and respectful of the town's modest, outdoor-minded character.
Small-town scale is the advantage: walkable downtown lodging means cafés, galleries and morning runs can be part of your stay without driving.
Lodging types are diverse yet intimate: lakeside cottages, renovated historic homes, boutique B&B rooms, and modern rentals that accommodate families and groups.
Proximity to the Gorge and Portland makes Camas a strategic, quieter base for waterfall circuits, wind-swept viewpoints, and river recreation.
Best Time to Visit
Best Months
Weather Notes
Late spring through early fall offers the most reliably dry weather for outdoor activities. Summer brings warm, sunny days and busy weekends; autumn is crisp and scenic for hikers and leaf-peepers. Winters are cool and quieter, with occasional rain and shorter daylight hours.
Peak Season
Late June through September and early October (summer weekends and fall color weekends are busiest).
Off-Season Opportunities
Winter and early spring provide lower rates, greater availability, and a quieter town experience—good for solitude-focused stays and photography outings, though some outdoor activities will be wetter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is parking readily available at most lodging properties?
Yes. Many inns and vacation rentals include on-site parking; downtown spots are generally available but can fill during special events—check property listings for specifics.
Can I find pet-friendly places in Camas?
Yes. Several rentals and a few inns allow dogs, but policies vary (size limits, additional fees, and rules about furniture). Always confirm with hosts before booking.
Are there lodging options for larger groups or families?
There are a handful of vacation homes that accommodate families and groups, with multiple bedrooms and kitchens. Book early for summer and holiday weekends.
Choose Your Experience Level
Beginner
Simple, comfortable stays with easy access to downtown amenities and short walking routes—ideal for travelers seeking convenience and low planning effort.
- Strolls along Downtown Camas and Broadway Street
- Short lakeside walks at Lacamas Lake Park
- Casual dining at local cafés and brewpubs
Intermediate
Boutique inns and updated historic homes that pair quiet comfort with host-driven local knowledge—good for travelers who want recommendations for active days.
- Half-day hikes in the Columbia River Gorge
- Paddleboarding or kayaking on Lacamas Lake
- Scenic cycling routes around town and along nearby country roads
Advanced
Larger vacation rentals and curated properties that serve as operational bases for multi-day adventures—suitable for groups coordinating climbing, long-distance cycling, or photography expeditions.
- Day trips to Gorge waterfalls and Beacon Rock
- Early-morning summit runs and technical climbs nearby
- Multi-day bike touring with an overnight home base
Insider Tips & Local Knowledge
Confirm check-in times, parking details, and any seasonal amenity changes directly with hosts.
Book early for summer and fall weekends—there are only a handful of highly rated places. If you plan to use the lake, ask hosts about on-property storage for boards and about the best launch points that avoid crowded parking. Downtown Camas is very walkable; aim for properties near Broadway Street to be within easy reach of restaurants and morning coffee. For a quieter stay, select a lakeside cottage or a rental on the town's edges. Consider midweek stays to enjoy trails and eateries with fewer visitors, and always pack a light rain layer—Pacific Northwest weather can shift quickly.
What to Bring
Essential
- Comfortable layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons
- Daypack for local hikes and lake outings
- Reusable water bottle and basic toiletries
- Compact first-aid kit and any personal medications
- Phone charger and backup battery (cell signal can be spotty at trailheads)
Recommended
- Light travel towel if you plan to paddle or swim
- Earplugs for light sleepers in older houses
- Small set of kitchen staples if staying in a vacation rental
- Waterproof daypack or dry bag for paddling excursions
Optional
- Binoculars for birdwatching around Lacamas Lake
- Portable speaker for quiet evenings (be considerate of neighbors)
- Cycling gear if you plan to ride local routes
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