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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Jolie Hooper Torres,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Camas, WA sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Camas, WA over the last 12 months is $494,995, down 30% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful home that checks all the boxes: 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and a large lot with a 3-car garage. The gourmet kitchen features 3cm Quartz countertops, a large island, gas cooktop, built-in oven & microwave, SS appliances, Alder cabinets, and walk-in pantry. Upstairs you will find a large bonus room with lots of natural light, laundry room & utility sink, (2) secondary bedrooms, and a
Still time to personalize at our design center! Award-winning Camas School District! This home features guest suite: full bed & bath on main, 9 Ft. high ceilings with open concept. Upstairs features double door entry to primary suite w/ large bath boasting free-standing soak tub, mud-set tile shower, large walk-in closet, (2) large bedrooms, laundry and additional upstairs bonus room. Home boasts
Starting APRIL 2026! Beautiful ONE level home with 3 bedrooms AND A DEDICATED DEN/OFFICE. Gourmet kitchen includes built-in gas cooktop, SS Appliances, painted Alder cabinets, pantry, 3cm slab countertops & large kitchen island with eating bar for 5. Enjoy the outdoor space with a large 10 x 20 covered patio with stairs with fully landscaped and fenced yard to enjoy views. Other features include
Big main house with Duplex below. Three homes on one tax lot. Each rental below has 2, bedrooms, kitchen, utility,courtyards, grassy area, private parking and panoramic river and Mt. Hood views . The main residence features 3 bedrooms, including two luxurious main-level en-suite suites, each with a fireplace and private deck access to enjoy the spectacular scenery. A spacious upper-level bonus
Experience refined Pacific Northwest living in this exceptional custom home perched in the sought-after Camas community—named one of Money Magazine’s 2024 Top 50 Best Places to Live.Located within the highly acclaimed Camas School District, with Camas High School ranked among the top in Washington by U.S. News & World Report, this home offers the perfect blend of lifestyle, location &
Just WALKING distance away from Downtown Camas & CROWN PARK! (Under 10 min walk). This unit is only attached at the garage, offering the privacy of a single-family home with the low-maintenance living of a Condo. This home features the primary room on the main floor with a full private bathroom & walk-in closet. Two more bedrooms can be found upstairs with a private Jack & Jill bathroom setup,
Prune Hill Park living with views, generous space and room to make it your own! This updated home with A/C is in one of Camas’ most sought-after areas and has recent improvements include a new roof, exterior paint and main-level flooring. Large kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The spacious primary suite features an en-suite bath, soaking tub and walk-in closet. The
Beautifully maintained, low-maintenance home in desirable gated Parker Village with one of the lowest HOA dues in Camas! The open-concept great room features high ceilings, hardwood floors and a cozy gas fireplace. The stunning kitchen offers granite counters, stainless steel appliances, a large island and pantry. A main-level bedroom and full bath provide flexibility for guests or
Location, Location, Location! Ideally situated in a prime Camas location 15 minutes to PDX. One level home set on one-third of an acre backing to private greenspace with no public access. NO HOA fees. The property provides a peaceful setting in a quiet cul-de-sac. Built in 2000 with an expanded floor plan, the home features a spacious great room, an oversized kitchen and dining area, and a
Craftsman style meets easy, modern living in this beautifully appointed two-story Camas home, featuring 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, an open & airy floor plan, high ceilings and gorgeous laminate flooring throughout the main level. The living room centers around a gas fireplace, while the large open kitchen offers ample cabinetry, slab granite countertops, a substantial island with eating bar and
Updated, inviting, and backing to private green space — welcome home to 3238 NW Pacific Rim Drive, a beautifully refreshed 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offering 1,493 square feet in one of Camas' most desirable neighborhoods, within the top-rated Camas School District.Step inside to find tall ceilings and an open great room layout that fills the home with light and creates an easy, natural flow
Rarely does a property this unique come to market in close-in Camas. Offered for the first time in nearly 30 years, this extraordinary estate is truly set apart from the rest.Situated on more than 10.5 beautifully landscaped, lush acres, the property offers an incredible sense of privacy and space while remaining remarkably close to everything. With its own private pond, in-ground pool, and room
Unlock the potential of this unique Camas property, ideally located near Lacamas Lake and surrounded by the charm and convenience of a highly sought-after area. Zoned Mixed Use (MX), the property offers exciting possibilities for buyers looking for land with future development potential. The existing home is a fixer, making this an opportunity for someone ready to bring their vision to life. With
Set at the top of Prune Hill in Camas' Columbia Summit Estates, this custom home pairs foothill views and colorful sunsets with a generous lot and a private, landscaped backyard. Large windows, soaring ceilings, and skylights bring natural light throughout the home, while the open and functional floor plan offers plenty of space for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen features a walk-in
Stunning contemporary remodel to an already high-end home backing to 5 acres of greenspace with views for miles of the Columbia River & territories. This prize home is perfectly situated on a quiet cul-de-sac, in one of Camas' premier view neighborhoods, feeding into Dorothy Fox, Skyridge and Camas High Schools. This home has been re-imagined for the most of demanding buyers & car/toy collectors.
Discover refined comfort and everyday ease at The Oliveen—a brand-new apartment community offering stylish one-bedroom, one-bedroom with den, and two-bedroom homes. Located in charming Camas, WA, The Oliveen blends small-city charm with big-city access, just a short drive from Vancouver and Portland. Enjoy upscale amenities like a resort-style pool, EV charging stations, and a fully equipped
Located in the vibrant heart of Camas, our community at Thrive at Green Mountain provides seamless access to major employers like Clark Community College and Peace Health Vancouver. Whether you're drawn to the natural beauty of Lacamas Lake Trail or prefer exploring shopping and cultural attractions like the Downtown Camas Theater, you'll find it all within easy reach. Contact us today to learn
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.
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
Welcome to this beautifully remodeled gem nestled atop Crown Point in charming Camas. This home boasts 3 spacious bedrooms and a full bath upstairs, plus a cozy 1-bedroom, 1-bath suite downstairs perfect for guests or extra privacy. Every detail has been thoughtfully updated with all-new appliances for modern efficiency, and the full-size washer and dryer make laundry a breeze. The generous 2-car
Conveniently located along the Columbia River and Lewis and Clark Highway there is no better place to call home than Rockwood Terrace. Our one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes offer a fireplace to keep you warm in the winter and a patio to enjoy the rest of the year. Schedule a tour with our friendly leasing staff today, income restrictions may apply.
Motivated Sellers! NO HOA DUES! WANT LOWER ENERGY COSTS, 3 CAR TANDEM GARAGE, POSSIBLE RV PARKING, PLUS FULLY PAID OFF SOLAR! Located in highly desirable Camas, this beautifully maintained 2,502 sq ft home combines style, space, & energy-efficient living in one of the areas most sought-after neighborhoods with top-rated schools. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a main-level office, & an oversized
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
