Dismal Nitch Rest Area | Informal Campsite
United States
Details
- Verified:
- about 1 month ago
- GPS:
- 46.24921, -123.86066
- Altitude:
- 1.7 masl
- Contributor:
-
Fabian Pickel
Amenities
- Electricity:
- No
- Wifi:
- No
- Kitchen:
- No
- Restaurant:
- No
- Showers:
- No
- Water:
- Potable
- Toilets:
- Running Water
- Big Rig Friendly:
- Yes
- Tent Friendly:
- No
- Pet Friendly:
- Yes
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Description
MODERATOR NOTE: 8 hour parking limit.
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Very scenic rest area right by the highway, free and legal to overnight. Beautiful view across the Columbia River, to Astoria and the bridge. Picnic tables. A paved walkway takes about 15 minutes to do the loop - stretch your legs and watch the river.
Some traffic noise during the day, quieter at night. Level.
Photos
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Latest Check-Ins
We arrived at about 830 pm and there were several cars and a couple RVs here. Filled up more overnight. Clean bathrooms. Right by the water, close to highway. Wasn’t too noisy and traffic was almost zero after a while. Great place to stay. Left by about 7 am.
Report Check-InNice views of the water. Parking up to 8 hours permitted. Heated bathrooms.
Report Check-InGreat rest area. I've stayed many nights here (not all at once). Road noise. Occasional road honking, yelling etc. Beyond that, and the occasional person pulling in late with music blasting, or revving the engine to make noise, very peaceful and safe place to spend some time.
Report Check-InDOT rest area at historical Lewis and Clark expedition location. 1,4,8 hour limited parking. Beautiful spot for sunrise/sunset. Can see bridge to Astoria. Birdsong from the forest above. Clean restrooms.
Report Check-InGreat spot to stop, some spots have 8 hour parking and some say no camping… make sure to watch which spot you pull into. Big potholes on the east side pull out.
Report Check-Instill a nice spot to sleep for a night. lots of others around, in cars, vans and RVs. everybody is laying low and the place is still clean, including the restrooms. please keep it that way. good TMobile signal.
Report Check-InDwcent spot foe a night or 2.
Parking spots have designated time you are allowed to park(15 min,1 hr, 4 hrs, 8hrs). Road noise can be a bit loud if you can't find spots facing water.
Many other campers and picnic benches.
No coverage.
We arrived on the day it closed for a week (until May 5, '23) due to renovations on the bathroom floors. They closed the whole rest area with barriers. We parked just outside the barriers for the night anyway and no one bothered us. Lots of highway noise though so we didn't stay there any longer than we needed to.
Report Check-InRest stop, stayed before. No issues other than a semi coming to unload 30 portapottys for a marathon event in Astoria on Sunday. Full coverage and traffic picks up around daylight
Report Check-InCool little rest stop right on the water. All of the spots were marked with maximum time limits, from 15 minutes to 8 hours. The bathrooms and water fountain were both clean, and there was many RVs, vans, and cars staying the night.
Report Check-InAt this point, just updating it to let people know it’s still okay to sleep overnight. Slept here with a few trailers, vans and Rv’s as well as a bunch of normal cars. Great views!
Report Check-Ingreat resting area. we slept here fine no issues. i would suggest coming in 7-8 as it does fill up fast later at night. decent bathroom area has a water fountain
Report Check-InAs described by others.
If you are traveling in anything bigger than a van you may have trouble finding a spot. Stayed here 3x each time the spots for RVs and trailers were all taken. Always had plenty of spots open for vans and cars until 8-9pm.
Report Check-InAwesome spot! Ignore the no camping signs, I talked to the maintenance people in the morning and they were cool with people respectfully boondocking here. There were about five RVs and several cars who spent the night. Absolutely beautiful spot, fairly clean restrooms and no trouble at all. Highly recommend.
Report Check-InSuper quiet, level rest area. Stayed here overnight with no issues. Only a few other vehicles parked overnight.
Report Check-InFantastic place to spend the night. Slept in my car without any issues. Beautiful views of the water and the bridge. Arrived after 6:00 p.m. left at 9:00 a.m. Lots of other campers, RVs, trailers. There's also a bathroom there.
Report Check-InFinally a safe place. Pretty views. Lots of greenery, water and distant mountains.
Report Check-InNot a bad spot. Got here after dark, and there were quite a few other folks already stopped for the night. Bathrooms weren't terrible, but not great. Really nice view of Astoria across the canal.
Report Check-InNo Overnight Parking and 8 hrs max signs . We arrived at 6:00pm and left at 09:00am and nobody bothered us . We were here with 2 more vans and 1 pick up with trailer . At around 07:30 a maintenance truck drove by without saying anything. Quiet night. Clean restrooms.
Report Check-InThis was a nice stay. We felt safe the whole night. There was a few other campers around and a handful of cars. Some cars looked like they lived there. A worker came by in the morning and looked at the bathrooms. He didn't disturb anyone.
We would stay again.
had a great night here! says 8 hour parking but its not enforced. a ranger of sorts did show up at abosut 8 in the morning however so we headed out then just to be safe. bathrooms stay open all night!
Report Check-InGreat place to sleep, super quiet, clean bathrooms, really very good.
Ótimo lugar para dormir, super tranquilo, banheiros limpos, realmente muito bom.
Report Check-InFine for one night. Quiet at night, and Tuesday mornings is when the workers were there to clean. Gotta love a freshly cleaned bathroom first thing in the AM.
Report Check-Invery nice place to stay overnight. quite and safe with a couple of RV and car campers
Report Check-InI would recommend avoiding this small rest stop, unfortunately. It was clearly overrun with campers and unhoused living in their cars, there was trash everywhere, and it’s clearly become a problem for local officials. There is lots of signage limiting different parking spots to 15 mins, 1 hour, 4 hours, and 8 hours, with “no camping” signs. Unfortunately, people have been taking advantage of this place, not quietly and unobtrusively staying no longer than 8 hours, and it is an example of why good boondocking sites get shut down. The place was packed when we arrived at about 10:30 pm. There were unhoused hoarders with hammocks and grills set up, a guy sleeping in a bag on the lawn with his barking dog, and the cops had to come and roust people. Too bad.
Report Check-InNice spot with bathrooms. Lots of campers and RVs here and saw some sea otters frolicking on the rocks below after the sun set
Report Check-InRest area with toilet, sink, picnic tables, grass, a dog walk area, and history boards. 8 hours is the posted limit “no tents or camps”. Some traffic noise, as it’s right next to the road. A few other vans and an rv here. Seems chill thus far. Nice view of the river and the Astoria bridge. 3 bars LTE cricket.
Report Check-InAs others mentioned, sign says “no camping” and “limit stay to 8 hours.” I just don’t think they want people whipping out their tents and camping on the lawn. Since there’s really no other overnight parking nearby I stayed the night along with a few other vans and RVs and no problems. Quieter in the evening and a beautiful spot right on the water.
Report Check-Inthey must have changed the rules recently because this lot is very clearly marked with no overnight camping signs. they do have 8 hour parking signs as well but we did not stay.
Report Check-InCrowded but still lot of spots. Lot of different people and all quiet. Different hours to park and nobody seems caring. Running water toilets with hot water only.
Report Check-InVisited 5/15/21 and stayed the night. Nice little rest stop with sprawling views of the Columbia river. Has restrooms and a nice little walking trail. Slept well, quiet and was not bothered by anybody. Boat photo is a 2 minute drive east from the rest stop.
Report Check-InIt's open despite passing two signs on the way in saying it's closed. I used a pull off nearby but checked in the morning
Very high winds where I stopped but it's a lovely area.
Temporarily closed because road is blocked, but there is a good pullout closer to the bridge where a few units can park. not much traffic because of closed road.
Report Check-InAs described and still a good place to stay. Second time here, a little more car noise made louder by the wet road but slept okay.
Report Check-InJust as good as everyone else said. Felt completely safe overnighting as a solo female traveler.
Report Check-InGood spot, spacious n safe with a view of Astoria across the water. Intermittent cars going by. As described. I’d stay again.
Report Check-InThis is the spot! A Lot of people sleeping here! No one bothered us. Very one was very quite and respectful. The highway is right there so it was a bit loud. It did quit down but then picked up agin in the morning.
Report Check-InPopular area! Beautiful views of the River and Bridge. Definitely recommend. Many other "car Campers".
Report Check-InStopped by to see if we could spend the night as we were passing through but there is a sign clearly posted “No overnight camping”
Report Check-InBeautiful spot the stay overnight ! Not much traffic and there are several cars staying overnight here. It’s bright and feel safe. There’s a bathroom and picnic tables perfect for the next day making breakfast and seeing sunrise or just enjoying the view
Report Check-InSolid and convenient spot right on the water. Felt quite safe and many of the other rigs and vans were sleeping here overnight as well.
Report Check-Inas clean as to be expected, great view of water front, couple stone picnic tables, rv parking
Report Check-InA decently sized rest stop with unbeatable river views. Lot was almost full throughout the whole night but was never bothered and felt pretty safe. A little loud being right next to the highway, but didn't bother me. they have the nicest sign saying "please keep your visit to no more than 8 hours" which I'm guessing they don't enforce. stayed overnight and would def again. men's bathroom was closed but women's bathroom was decently clean. lighting throughout the parking lot.
Report Check-InHad a good night's sleep. No issues. Nobody bothered us. Was actually really quiet.
Report Check-InSmaller rest area that is more quiet, therefore I felt weird making noise to open and close my squeaky door to pee at night. A sheriff drove through around 8pm. Seems to be a mix of locals and travelers. Saw an RV and two vans at the Walmart nearby in Oregon but didn't stay as I read of the cops giving tickets out during the night.
Report Check-InAs described, right on the water, and totally fine to stay the night. Parking was actually almost full. I moved my car to the side next to the road so I wouldn’t be right next to two other cars (felt very invasive to have people that close). Almost left because there was a couple fighting until midnight and as a solo woman I didn’t feel super super safe but I don’t think that’s the usual here. I only stayed because I had nowhere else to sleep.
Report Check-InThe name describes it all if you want to get a good rest make sure you bring your plugs and blinders because it’s quite the soap opera... first off it it it is definitely a place to spend the night it does have restrooms it is on the water and is beautiful and there are picnic tables beyond that you’re ready for some entertainment.
Report Check-InAbsolutely gorgeous view of Astoria at night from across Columbia River, other friendly RVers, adequate washrooms, clean and quiet at night with park picnic benches
Report Check-InAwesome! Right on the Columbia and close to Astoria. Did not feel unsafe and several types of rigs showed up by evening. Traffic until 9 or 10pm, then quiet until 7:30a or so. Great for passing through or a couple of nights. Be sure to visit Fort Clatsop!
Report Check-InBusy during the day. Right next to highway so yeah cars all hours of the night. Has bathrooms. Plenty of parking. Beautiful views. Not bothered. Cool little pathway you can take too.
Report Check-InStayed on a Thursday night, very noisy and busy. But nice to have cell service and flushable toilets!
Report Check-InGood boondocking site. Light traffic on 101, and a beautiful view of the Columbia River. Also popular! Also, it feels very safe.
Report Check-InLove this place!! Best rest area I have ever stayed at!!
See pics!
Stayed here 3 nights no problem, police do drive by randomly but don’t enforce 8 hour limit
Report Check-InAbsolutely perfect rest stop. Bathrooms with water fountain, great views of the bridge to Astoria, relatively minimal traffic late at night, other vehicles were quiet. No complaints!
Perfect place for one night; don't let the name dissuade you.
Thought we’d stay the night to see what the fuss was about and it was worth it. Very pretty views, toilets and plenty of other campers around. Wasn’t disturbed but for being on the side of a highway it was pretty loud. But can never complain when it’s free for a night I guess
Report Check-InNice rest area (and free). Stayed 1 night. We had about 3 other vans around us. Weren’t bothered. The street lights are super bright so make sure you park the right way or can block them out. As others have said there are a few loud trucks that go past but it was pretty quiet between 6pm-7am.
Report Check-InAs described good place for overnight. Nice scenery, clean restrooms. When I was here in early December, it was really quiet, except for a few trucks coming through using engine break (also as mentioned before). "Limit your stay to 8h" like most rest areas.
Report Check-InNot sure why people think this is quiet? Had a terrible night sleep as trucks were driving past the whole night putting their loud brakes on.
Despite that it’s a good spot.
Pretty poor rest stop for sleeping. Right off of 101 with trucks driving by with engine brakes all night long. Lots of traffic in and out as well. In a pinch, it's fine, but would not come back here again.
Report Check-InReally calm at night. They are remodeling the restrooms so only porta pots available.
Report Check-InGood area for a night. Lots of vans and cars, noise level up after 6am. Toilets clean
Report Check-InGood place to sleep, quiet, clean bathroom and nice view, lots of people in cars, vans, RVs and some even pitched a tent.
Report Check-InGreat view of Columbia River, lots of Lewis and Clark 1803 to 1805 historic, very quiet, serene and very clean parking lot, dog run, and bathrooms, fills up fast with trucks, cars, campers and RV’s. Follow the posted rules you cannot go wrong. RV parks nearby are very expensive and Some members only
Report Check-InGreat overnight stop. Surrounded by a dozen other vans, RVS, and car sleepers. Very comfortable and beautiful morning view. Will definitely add this to our list of overnight stays when visiting surrounding beaches.
Report Check-InReminds us a bit of a RV Park, different size camper vans parked next to each other, but it is free! Official rest area and no „no overnight parking“ sign. Restroom with running water open all night, picknick tables/benches, mobile reception and nice bay view.
Report Check-InAs others have said, this is relatively quiet overnight spot with some other rv, van and car campers. Just 15 minutes across the Columbia River from Astoria, Oregon. Seems to be legal to overnight here!
Report Check-InExcelenteeeee!!!! Great rest area, after having a couple of beers in Astoria, this is a great option!
Report Check-InConvenient rest area just off the highway, awesome views of the bridge to astoria. Surprisingly quiet given the location.
Report Check-InAlthough a rest stop right by the road and not screened by any trees, I slept great. We were in our glamper van and there was a camper and 2 cars all night with us. Felt secure. Bathrooms fine. No problem being there from about 7:00 pm until 9:30 am. Walked the dog and the cat. A great no-cost option for what it is.
Report Check-InNice place for overnight! We saw an otter in the morning:) just a little loud at the morning.
Report Check-InFree overnight friendly rest stop.
Bathrooms open all night, not the nicest but not nasty. Water currently not potable due to contamination.
It's along a road so not the quietest but great in a pinch. Beautiful view in the morning across the water to Astoria.
As mentioned in another comment, check out the sea lions on the piers (near Safeway - you can park there to avoid parking fee at piers), and the Astoria column had nice views.
Quiet place. Was a couple other cars/campers over night. No problems. Apparently no camping or tenting - see pic. Clean bathrooms.
Report Check-InLots of other dwellers sleeping in their cars and a great view of Astoria just on the other side of the river. Police patrolled just to check on things which reassured us it's a safe area. Was a great place to park for the night.
Report Check-Inawesome spot better than a few campgrounds we have stayed at. highly recommended. (someone even put flowers in the women's room)
Report Check-InGood stop for overnight. Couples of RV and cars with us.
Restroom clean
Quiet on night until trucks begin to pass in the morning
Very scenic rest area right by the highway, free and legal to overnight (sign says 8hrs max.). Beautiful view across the Columbia River, to Astoria and the bridge. Picnic tables.
Some traffic noise during the day, quiet at night. Level. And probably rainy. ;-)