Raab Campground

Hey, are you planning a group campout? It’s harder than it seems, right? To find a place nearish to Portland, with enough room for everyone, without costing a million dollars. Depending on your needs, Raab might hit the spot.
Ten things about camping at Raab, in no particular order:
1. Don’t know from where the name came, and don’t know how to pronounce it. Also uncertain about the broccoli by the same name.
2. It’s on a bend of the Callowash River. Bring your floaties and river shoes. You may end up walking through or around other people’s campsites to get to the water, but they’ll understand. If you explore, you can find several private spots, too.
3. The sites are divided into loops, and you rent a whole loop, not individual sites. Depending on your loop, your tent sites might be somewhat small and far apart, divided by lots of old-​growth trees and wild rhodies. If you want a big group space with a nice gathering area, pick site E. It would be great for a group of 30 or more.
4. There’s one can for each side of the campground. It’s fairly clean and decently maintained for a vault toilet, but you’ll occasionally experience a small line.
5. I found four geodes! Four! On the ground!
6. It’s close to Bagby Hot Springs. Only like 10 miles away, and on the same stretch of road. If you get up early, you might be able to beat the crowds.
7. There are otters! They make really cute squeaky noises.
8. The nearest store is the Ripplebrook Ranger Station. They cannot run a credit card when someone is talking on the phone. They have ice and firewood, but sometimes run out of both.
9. There’s no cell service. If you take walkie-​talkies, be sure to charge them before you leave.
10. If you leave a light on in your car for four days, make sure someone in your group has jumper cables and know-​how.
Hope that helps! Best of luck out there, campers!