Clark County port city with a historic downtown and modern industries
Named for the deep-blue lilies that grow in the area, quickly growing Camas has earned the name ‘Lily of the West.’ The community is made up of apple orchards, small farms and a historic mill alongside numerous subdivisions, new industries and a vibrant downtown. Camus hugs the Washington and Oregon border, is on the outer edges of Portland and is along the banks of the Columbia River. Because of its location, the city has a variety of outdoor recreation options, thanks to several lakes, a regional park and nearly 60 miles of trails. “Camas itself is quite small. The population is around 30,000, so it still has a small-town feel. People began moving here around 6 years ago for more space, more land and more house for less money,” says Carrie Struss, a Broker with Living Room Realty with a decade of experience.
Camus has a population of 30,000, a small town feel and a vibrant downtown.
Camus is made up of apple orchards, small farms and a historic mill and numerous locally owned shops and restaurants downtown.
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Lakes, trails and Lacamas Regional Park
This small city has 19 parks covering hundreds of acres with playgrounds, a growing multi-use trail system and specialty parks for skateboarding and sports. Grass Valley Park has open grassy spaces, athletic fields and courts and a walking trail. There are also more unusual offerings, like bounce walls. Heritage Park, a 5.5-acre area adjacent to Lacamas Lake, is the place for water activities, such as paddle-boarding, skiing, fishing and boating. Occupying over 300 acres, Lacamas Regional Park partially encircles Round Lake, an offshoot of Lacamas Lake. The area is popular with wildlife and bird watchers, thanks to numerous deer, eagles, beavers and dozens of species of birds. Over 9 miles of rustic trails run through the park, eventually connecting to larger networks like the Lacamas Heritage Trail.
Lacamas Lake in Camus is the place for water activities, such as paddle-boarding, skiing, fishing and boating.
Camus is a small town that features 19 public parks and recreation areas.
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Farmers markets, pubs and Mill Plain Crossing
Downtown Camas is the city’s historic shopping area, with locally owned shops, eateries and annual events like art fairs, parades and cleanup days. The Camas Farmer’s Market is held next to City Hall every Wednesday from June to October, and people can take a self-guided walking tour of the area any day of the year. Most restaurants are found downtown, including Thai, Mexican, Japanese and American pubs. Camas is also near numerous malls, like Mill Plain Crossing and Columbia Crossing Shopping Center.
Downtown Camas is the city’s historic shopping area, with locally owned shops, eateries and annual events.
The Camas Farmer’s Market is held next to City Hall every Wednesday from June to October.
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Camas Paper Mill, new technology and Vancouver Clinic
Business in Camas has come a long way since the 1880s, when the first mill was built. The Camas Paper Mill has been a driving economic force in the area since 1883, employing a large percentage of the town. High-tech manufacturing for Hewlett-Packard, Linear Technology and Underwritten Laboratories has provided the city with a stable industrial base over the past few decades. Another driving force is the Port of Camas-Washougal, which includes a 300-acre industrial park. Retailers like Walmart, Costco, Walgreens, and transportation companies like UPS are also major employers in the area. Vancouver Clinic is Clark County’s largest healthcare provider, and its Camas clinic has family practices, pediatrics, laboratories and urgent care.
High-tech manufacturing for Hewlett-Packard, Linear Technology and TSMC has provided a solid economic base for decades.
The Camas Paper Mill has been a driving economic force in the Camus area since 1883.
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Increasing housing stock for a rising population beside the Columbia River
Single-family houses make up 83% of the city’s housing stock, with townhomes and manufactured housing making up another 10%. “A small section of downtown is still older homes, while Inner Camus has been developed in the past 30 years. There are some 1990s houses, but most are from 2014 forward. Actually, about 30% of Clark County is new construction,” says Struss. The rising population and a 2021 state bill have prompted the city to begin planning more than 7,700 affordable housing units over the next 20 years. Independent contractors are already building new developments, with seven new subdivisions in progress as of December 2024. The price of housing rose by 10% over 2024, and homes sell for a median price of $825,000.
Some of the most sought-after neighborhoods include Deerhaven and its custom-built luxury houses, as well as downtown for its proximity to highways and shops. The Village at Fisher’s Landing, sometimes called Fisher’s Village, partially belongs to Camas and partially to Vancouver. Whichever city its subdivisions fall into, they’re known as tranquil areas with well-maintained homes and landscaping.
Single-family houses make up 83% of Camus' housing stock.
Most homes in Camus an Clark County were built after 2014 and the city continues to add new construction.
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Chromebooks and robotics in the Camas School District
Camas School District oversees nearly 20 campuses, enrolling more than 7,200 students. It received an A-grade from Niche, which also named it Washington’s 11th-best school district. It boasts an impressive 91% on-time graduation rate, and students from sixth to 12th grades receive a Chromebook for research and classes. Every grade has STEM courses and activities, such as robotics, coding and the Science Olympiad.
Camas School District oversees nearly 20 campuses, enrolling more than 7,200 students.
Camas School District received an A-grade from Niche.
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State Route 14, bike trails and Portland International Airport
State Route 14, Northwest Lake Road and Northeast Everett Road are the community’s main roadways. Lake Road leads into Vancouver, and Everett Road intersects it before crossing Lacamas Lake. State Route 14 goes to Vancouver and joins Interstate 5 to Portland. Most people have a 27-minute one-way commute each day, even with the national average. C-TRAN operates bus routes throughout Camas. Downtown is very walkable, and the city is adding to its bike lane network. Downtown Vancouver is 14 miles west, and Portland International Airport is 15 miles away. Portland itself is around 20 miles southwest.
Mild temperatures, earthquakes and low crime rates
Camas has a mild climate, with dry summers and rainy winters. The city has 43 inches of rainfall and three inches of snow annually. Like most populated areas of the state, the region is at risk of earthquakes, and homes are constructed to withstand minor tremors. The city’s water tested above healthy levels of PFAS’ in 2020. Since then, Camas has taken steps to remove these contaminants, and as of December 2024, the drinking water is back to acceptable levels of PFAS. Camas experiences more than 23 days of unhealthy levels of air pollution each year. People are advised to wear masks to avoid breathing difficulties.
The overall crime rate here is half of the national average. According to FBI Crime Data, violent crimes are 92% below the national average, while property crimes are 42% below. The Camus Police Department reported crime rates of all types fell even further over 2023.
Written By
K.T. Phillips
Photography Contributed By
Brian Lee
Video By
Mallory Nolte
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lori Anderson-Benson,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Camas, WA sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Camas, WA over the last 12 months is $843,586, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Under construction. East-west orientation on a corner lot. The perfect backyard with just the right amount of space, privacy and easy upkeep. This brand new Phase 2 release boasts an airy foyer with a 12' ceiling. The great room seamlessly connects to a lovely covered patio through a sliding door, perfect for indoor-outdoor living and lots of light on dreary days. East facing backyard.
The Rockcress plan is 3,573sf of versatile living space. This home includes a multi-gen suite on the main floor, luxury outdoor living including exterior fireplace on the covered patio, and a service door off both garages (3-car). Primary and three additional secondary bedrooms upstairs with loft. Large lot. All finishes are selected so no worry about design center spends! EOC late summer
Our most popular plan and its the last one: the Quinault with Basement situated on a cul-de-sac and near protected greenspace! Beautiful views of trees and the top of Mt Hood! Model of this floor plan on site! This plan stuns with a dramatic 20' ceiling in the great room with lots of large windows for light. Spacious kitchen has an island and access to a covered deck with multi-slide door and
This impeccably maintained 4-bedroom + office home offers a rare blend of comfort, style, and location. Enjoy sweeping views of Portland, Mt. Hood, and Mt. St. Helens from the upper levels of the home—an inspiring backdrop for everyday living.Step inside to find brand-new carpet, fresh interior paint, and designer finishes throughout. The spacious kitchen features a granite island and opens
Situated in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Southwest Washington, we present this like-new luxury one level home built by Cascade West. The property enjoys privacy and views over the green space filled with natural wildlife and trees behind, while combining the ease of main level living. Walk in to an open floor plan with an expansive kitchen, perfect for entertaining. Large windows
Welcome Home! You found it! Positioned on a cul-de-sac street, backing up to city owned parkland, tastefully remodeled with timeless finishes and utilizing a favorable floor plan, this is not one to miss! From the cozy front porch, to the welcoming entry, feel right at home. The main level offers a beautiful centralized kitchen connecting the living room w/built ins around the cozy fireplace, to
Experience all that Camas has to offer when you live at The Oliveen. Located on Southeast 197th Avenue & Southeast 1st Street. This brand-new luxury community is designed to satisfy all of your needs with a collection of apartment finishes and amenities that are unmatched.
Trio Pointe apartments offer an exquisite fusion of natural tranquility and contemporary living conveniences. Situated at the gateway of the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge, these apartment homes provide a unique blend of serene surroundings and modern urban advantages. Positioned strategically near the vibrant energies of Portland and Vancouver, yet maintaining a refreshing distance that
Surrounded by soaring river views and nestled on the banks of the iconic Columbia River, Ninebark offers studio, one-, two-, and three-bed apartment homes near Washougal, WA. Thoughtfully designed with natural comfort and sustainability in mind. There's simply no place like it.
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