Camp Calvin

For Oregon locals seeking a truly unconventional and remarkably accommodating camping experience, "Camp Calvin" in The Dalles stands out from typical public campgrounds. The provided information and customer reviews paint a picture of a private property that offers a highly flexible and welcoming environment, particularly noted for its role during events like the Oregon Trail Rally. This isn't your average state park or commercial RV resort; it's a testament to the generosity and hospitality of its owners, creating a memorable stay for those in the know.

As one grateful camper noted, "Stayed during Oregon Trail Rally. Private property that we were allowed to stay on. I want to thank the owner for allowing us to stay especially for the extra night. It was easy access and even though the grass was not mowed this last time it was still wonderful to have a place to park the trailer and have someplace to stay at night while in the area. Hopefully we got it all cleaned up with our final walk through and will be able to return again." This highlights the core appeal: a convenient, accessible, and flexible place to park and stay, especially when other local options are overbooked.

This article is specifically crafted for Oregon residents who appreciate a laid-back atmosphere and a place that goes above and beyond to make guests feel at home. While the phrase "Bring your own restrooms, water, and sleeping arrangements" from one review might suggest a truly primitive experience, another review offers a surprisingly contrasting perspective, mentioning "shrimp cocktail," a "well-stocked bar," "soft beds," and even a "mini bike track," along with a pool and friendly staff, particularly the camp manager Kevin. This stark contrast suggests that "Camp Calvin" might be a highly dynamic or multifaceted property, possibly offering different experiences or facilities depending on the context of the stay (e.g., specific events vs. general camping).

Given the nature of the reviews, it appears that "Camp Calvin" might be a private venue that opens its doors to campers during specific events or under special arrangements. The "private property" aspect means it likely operates outside the typical public campground regulations, offering a more personalized and less formalized experience. This can be a huge benefit for locals who find public campgrounds booked solid, especially during popular events in the area.

The flexibility regarding extended stays, as highlighted by the Oregon Trail Rally participant, demonstrates a level of accommodation that is rare. This makes it an invaluable resource for those who need a reliable and understanding host when traveling for specific local events or needing a convenient stopover in the region around The Dalles.

The diverse amenities mentioned in the second review (shrimp cocktail, bar, soft beds, mini bike track, pool, friendly staff) are highly unusual for a standard "campground" and suggest a more developed hospitality or event-hosting component. This indicates that "Camp Calvin" offers much more than just a patch of grass to park a trailer. It points towards a unique blend of casual camping paired with unexpected creature comforts and recreational opportunities, making it a truly distinctive spot in Oregon.

For Oregon locals, "Camp Calvin" represents a valuable, albeit unconventional, resource. It caters to those who value a friendly, accommodating environment, and who might be seeking alternatives to traditional camping options. Its ability to provide parking and lodging during peak event times, coupled with surprisingly rich amenities, makes it a noteworthy contender for your next visit to The Dalles area. It embodies a spirit of flexibility and generosity that resonates with the practical needs of many travelers.

Camp Calvin is located on Ward Mill Rd, The Dalles, OR 97058, USA. This address places it in the scenic Columbia River Gorge region of Oregon, just outside the city of The Dalles. The Dalles is a hub for history, outdoor recreation, and a strategic point along the Columbia River. Accessibility to Camp Calvin from major routes like I-84 is likely straightforward, making it an easy destination to reach for Oregon locals traveling from various parts of the state. Its proximity to The Dalles means convenient access to local services, fuel, grocery stores, and restaurants, which is a significant advantage for campers who may be operating without full on-site amenities.

Based on customer reviews, Camp Calvin appears to offer a highly unique and flexible set of services, likely varying depending on the nature of the stay (e.g., event-specific versus general accommodation). Please note the contrasting nature of the reviews suggests a diverse offering or different modes of operation:

• Basic Parking/Camping Space: Provides ample space for parking trailers and potentially setting up tents. This is highlighted as a primary service during events like the Oregon Trail Rally.
• No On-site Restrooms/Water (Potentially for Basic Stays): One review explicitly states to "Bring your own restrooms, water, and sleeping arrangements," indicating a primitive camping experience for some arrangements.
• Potential for Developed Amenities (for specific guests/events): Contrasting reviews mention:
  • Bar (well-stocked)
  • Soft Beds (suggesting indoor lodging options or highly comfortable tent/RV setups)
  • Pool (though noted as "out of service" on one visit)
  • Mini Bike Track (for recreation)
  • Food/Beverage Service (e.g., "shrimp cocktail")
• Flexible Stays: Owners are noted for allowing extra nights, demonstrating flexibility.
• Friendly Staff/Management: Consistently praised for being friendly, pleasant, and going "out of his way to make sure the guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay."
• Event Hosting/Accommodation: Clearly serves as a valuable location for accommodating visitors during large local events.

• Unique & Flexible Accommodation: Operates as a private property offering highly accommodating stays, especially during peak event times.
• Owner/Manager Hospitality: Exceptional friendliness and willingness of staff/owner to ensure guest comfort.
• Convenient Location for Events: Ideal parking and staying spot for attendees of events like the Oregon Trail Rally.
• Unexpected Amenities: The potential for amenities like a well-stocked bar, comfortable beds, a mini bike track, and even a pool sets it apart from traditional primitive campgrounds.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: Described implicitly as a laid-back and low-stress environment.
• Private Property Access: Offers a unique alternative to often crowded public campgrounds.
• Proximity to The Dalles: Easy access to town for supplies, dining, and other services.

Address: Ward Mill Rd, The Dalles, OR 97058, USA

Phone: (707) 865-2024 (Note: This phone number is associated with "Duncans Mills Camping Club" from a previous query, which is in California. This discrepancy suggests the provided phone number might not be correct for Camp Calvin in The Dalles, OR, or there might be a connection between entities. It is highly recommended that locals verify contact details directly through local search or event organizers if attempting to reach Camp Calvin.)

Mobile Phone: +1 707-865-2024 (Same note as above.)

For Oregon locals, "Camp Calvin" in The Dalles represents a truly distinctive and highly advantageous camping or lodging option, particularly for those attending local events or seeking a less conventional experience. Unlike regulated public campgrounds, its nature as a private property allows for an impressive level of flexibility and personalized hospitality, as evidenced by accommodating extended stays during popular events like the Oregon Trail Rally.

The conflicting reviews, portraying both a primitive "bring your own everything" setup and a place with a "shrimp cocktail," "well-stocked bar," and a "mini bike track," suggest that Camp Calvin offers a remarkably diverse and dynamic experience. This could mean it adapts its offerings based on the specific needs of guests or events, providing anything from simple trailer parking to more comprehensive, amenity-rich stays. This adaptability is a significant asset for Oregonians whose needs might not fit neatly into traditional campground categories.

The consistent praise for the friendly staff and camp manager, Kevin, underscores a commitment to guest satisfaction that can transform a simple overnight stay into a truly enjoyable experience. For locals who value a relaxed atmosphere, convenient access to The Dalles, and a host willing to go the extra mile, Camp Calvin stands out. While the provided phone number may require verification, the potential for such a uniquely accommodating and surprisingly amenity-rich private space makes Camp Calvin a hidden gem worth exploring for any Oregon resident seeking an unconventional, highly flexible, and genuinely welcoming place to stay in the Columbia River Gorge region.

Camp Calvin

Ward Mill Rd, The Dalles, OR 97058, USA