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What It’s Like To Live In Camas: Schools, Parks, And Community

February 19, 2026

Thinking about a move to Camas in 98607? You are not alone. Many people are drawn to its lake trails, engaged community, and practical access to Portland. In this guide, you will get a clear picture of schools, parks and outdoor life, daily routines, and what homes typically cost. Let’s dive in.

Camas at a glance

Camas sits in Clark County along the Columbia River, east of Vancouver and just across the I‑205 bridge from Portland. The city’s estimated population is about 27,313, with a large share of households that value schools, parks, and a quieter suburban feel. Owner‑occupied homes are common, and the city’s median household income is high relative to national figures.

  • Population: about 27,313, with roughly 28% under 18 and about 14% 65 or older.
  • Owner‑occupied share: about 77.6%. Median value of owner‑occupied homes: about $656,100.
  • Mean one‑way commute: about 24.6 minutes.

You can find these figures on the Census QuickFacts page for Camas, which is a helpful reference when you want an objective snapshot of local living patterns. Review the latest city stats on the Census QuickFacts for Camas.

Schools overview

If public schools are a priority for you, Camas School District No. 117 serves the city and nearby areas. The district includes multiple elementary schools (Dorothy Fox, Grass Valley, Helen Baller, Lacamas Lake, Prune Hill, Woodburn), three middle schools (Liberty, Odyssey, Skyridge), and Camas High School, along with alternative and online options. For boundaries, enrollment, and official performance data, start with the district’s state report cards and resources.

Reputation and programs

Camas School District is consistently well regarded in third‑party reviews. Niche gives the district a strong overall grade and favorable rankings within the region. Camas High School appears among the higher‑rated high schools on GreatSchools. These sources reflect strong academics, college‑prep pathways, and active extracurriculars. You can scan community reviews and grades on Niche’s Camas School District page.

On the program side, you will find Advanced Placement and college‑readiness options, plus alternative or choice pathways such as Discovery High, Hayes Freedom, and Camas Connect Academy. Graduation rates in recent years have trended above 90% based on district and state reporting. For the most current numbers, check the district’s report card link above.

How to research your address

School attendance zones can shift from time to time. Before you get attached to a specific campus, confirm the serving schools for a given property directly with the district. If you are comparing neighborhoods inside 98607, a quick call or a visit to the district’s report card and boundary pages will give you clarity early in your search.

Parks and waterfront access

Camas lives outdoors. Lakeside trails, forested parks, and riverfront spaces are part of daily life, which makes weekend planning easy.

Lacamas Regional Park and Round Lake

Lacamas Regional Park offers 300‑plus acres of trails and natural scenery right in town. You will find waterfalls and the Camas Potholes, along with paths that loop around Round Lake and connect into longer routes. It is a go‑to spot for hiking, mountain biking, dog walking, and after‑school runs. Explore trail maps and amenities on the Lacamas Regional Park page.

Lacamas Heritage Trail and Heritage Park

The Lacamas Heritage Trail is a hard‑packed path that runs along Lacamas Lake. It is stroller‑friendly, popular for family walks and long runs, and offers frequent water views. Heritage Park, on the lake’s south end, adds a boat launch, dock, and places to gather for picnics before or after a paddle. Get a feel for the route on the Lacamas Heritage Trail overview.

Columbia River waterfront nearby

For big‑river scenery, sunsets, and seasonal events, the Port of Camas‑Washougal maintains Marina Park and Washougal Waterfront Park near the Camas and Washougal downtown corridor. You can walk the paths, watch boats on the Columbia, and catch community programming during warmer months. See details on the Port of Camas‑Washougal parks and trails page.

Community runs and meetups

The outdoor culture shows up in local races and group walks. Examples include the Fallen Leaf trail race and informal community meetups along the Lacamas Heritage Trail. Dates change each year, so use event listings to confirm what is on the calendar. One example is the Fallen Leaf Trail Race listing.

Daily life, commute, and transit

If you work in Portland or Vancouver, the commute from Camas is practical with some peak‑time caveats. The most direct route into Portland is I‑205 across the Glenn L. Jackson Memorial Bridge. Under non‑peak conditions, typical drive times to central Portland are often in the 25 to 35 minute range. Peak congestion can add time, so plan around rush hours when possible. You can get a quick estimate on Travelmath’s Camas to Portland driving time.

Within Camas, most daily errands are car‑based. Downtown corridors and the lake parks feel walkable once you are parked, but many neighborhoods are car dependent. Typical addresses in 98607 show walkability in the low to mid 40s on Walk Score, with modest transit service compared to Portland’s network. Check a sample score for context on Walk Score’s Camas example.

Transit is available through C‑TRAN, which runs local and regional bus routes, express service into Portland, and on‑demand options known as The Current, along with paratransit through C‑VAN. Schedules and frequency vary by route, so plan your trip in advance. Learn more about on‑demand service on C‑TRAN’s The Current page.

Housing styles and budget ranges in 98607

You will find a wide mix of homes in Camas. Near the historic downtown, earlier‑era Craftsman homes and Papermaker‑period houses bring character and proximity to shops and restaurants. Around Lacamas Lake, some properties offer water views or frontage. Hillside subdivisions and newer neighborhoods built over the last two decades provide modern layouts and neighborhood parks. Townhomes and small new‑build communities round out the options.

Pricing varies by neighborhood, home size, and updates. Recent market snapshots from late 2024 to early 2026 show a range of medians depending on the source and measurement method. For example, one report placed the Camas median sale price around $712,500 in January 2026, while a separate listing‑price snapshot for 98607 showed a median near $924,900, and a June 2025 report noted a sold median around $849,997. Sources include market trackers such as Redfin and Realtor.com, which measure different data windows.

To set a practical budget, think in broad bands, then refine with current comps in your target area:

  • Entry options: townhomes, smaller single‑family homes, and some older bungalows often appear from the low to mid $400,000s up to the $700,000s, depending on location and condition.
  • Mid‑market: many 3 to 4 bedroom single‑family homes in established neighborhoods run about $700,000 to $1 million.
  • Upper tier: larger homes, newer construction, and many lakefront or view properties commonly list at $1 million and above.

Inventory and days on market change month to month. If you want the most current pulse, ask for an MLS snapshot that matches your exact search criteria, such as a specific school boundary or a commute shed distance to I‑205.

A typical week in Camas

During the week, you might do school drop‑off, head to the office in Vancouver or Portland, then return for a late‑afternoon trail loop by the lake. Evenings often center on school activities or youth sports. On weekends, it is easy to build your day around the outdoors, whether that is coffees downtown followed by the Heritage Trail, or a paddle from the Heritage Park launch. When you want a different waterfront scene, the Columbia River paths near the marina offer a change of pace and views across to Oregon.

Tips for choosing your spot

  • Start with your daily map. Circle your office, preferred activities, and school needs, then focus on neighborhoods that cut your weekly drive time.
  • Walk a route before you decide. Spend time on the Heritage Trail or in your target pocket near downtown to feel the morning and evening rhythms.
  • Verify schools early. Contact the district for boundary confirmation and program availability if you have a specific pathway in mind.
  • Plan for the seasons. Commute patterns and park use change with weather and daylight. Test your route at peak times if you can.

When you are ready to compare homes side by side, a clear price and location framework will help you act with confidence.

Ready to explore homes or map your move to Camas? We would love to teach you the process and guide each step so you can land in the right place for your life. Connect with Wings NW Real Estate to start your plan.

FAQs

Are Camas schools strong compared to nearby areas?

  • Third‑party rating sites place Camas School District highly in the region, and Camas High School receives strong marks; confirm the latest data on the district’s state report cards and review community ratings on Niche.

What is the commute from Camas to Portland like?

  • Off‑peak, many people report about 25 to 35 minutes via I‑205 and the Glenn L. Jackson Bridge, but peak congestion can add time; check a sample estimate on Travelmath.

Where do residents spend weekends outdoors in Camas?

How walkable is Camas if I do not drive?

  • Most neighborhoods are car dependent, with typical addresses showing walkability in the low to mid 40s on Walk Score; downtown and park areas are more walkable once you are there.

How much should I budget for a home in 98607?

  • Recent snapshots suggest entry options can begin in the low to mid $400,000s, many family homes run about $700,000 to $1 million, and upper‑tier or lakefront homes start near $1 million; ask for current MLS comps to match your criteria.

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