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
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Camas, WA sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Camas, WA over the last 12 months is $503,845, down 45% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Our former model home in Phase 1 is now available at a great price! Located in the highly desired CAMAS SCHOOL DISTRICT with access to the community pool and clubhouse. The 2928 plan is one of our largest and most popular floor plans, offering 4 bedrooms and 3 baths, including a main-floor guest suite with full bath and a formal dining room. The open kitchen features 3cm slab quartz countertops,
The Overlake is a stylish three-story townhome at the brand-new Camas Meadows Crossing community, located in the top-rated Camas School District. Experience convenience plus modern, low maintenance living in the heart of Camas – just minutes from Lacamas Lake and its 300+ acres of nature and 20 minutes from PDX Airport. Featuring a thoughtful open concept design, the Overlake provides a perfect
Welcome to luxury living in the highly sought-after Two Creeks at Camas Meadows Golf Club! This beautifully situated 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhome offers exceptional quality, spacious design, and unmatched amenities in one of Camas’ most desirable communities. Step inside to discover oversized rooms, nice high ceilings, and top-tier energy-efficient stainless steel appliances, including a SUBZERO
Luxury at its Finest! This immaculate, Custom Built Modern property is A must see! European high end finishes. As you walk in, you will be greeted with an open floor plan of 2 Story High Ceiling! 5 Bd/3.5 Bths. Step into a the spacious Living room boasting a cozy fireplace! The Primary Suite awaits on the Main level and includes a spacious walk in closet, a jetted tub, walk in Tiled shower and a
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,
This one checks all the boxes! CAMAS SCHOOLS, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, bedroom/office and full bath on main and 3 car garage. Better than new and thoughtfully upgraded home. Located in The Glades at Green Mountain in Camas, this stunning home offers the perfect blend of style, function, and convenience—without the wait to build. Inside you will find a light-filled, open layout featuring plantation
Remodeled bungalow in the heart of Camas. 2 beds, one bath. Fully updated. New roof, new kitchen, new bath, new floors and paint inside and out. Great off street parking and HUGE 2 car garage with bonus space above.
Highly sought after Camas community offers this detached condominium boasts numerous upgrades, rendering it an attractive option for immediate occupancy or a valuable addition to an investment portfolio. The gas fireplace serves as a cozy focal point during colder months, while the expansive 2000+ sqft layout features four+ bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a divided loft, ideal for multigenerational
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 &
This is the one you’ve been waiting for: Immaculately kept, beautifully designed, and perfectly perched on a premium lot with the most stunning views Camas has to offer! Welcome to your dream home, where breathtaking sunsets and panoramic views create an awe-inspiring backdrop to everyday life. Bursting with natural light, well-maintained spaces, and incredible attention to detail, this 4
Don't miss out on touring this STUNNING custom tri-level home in the heart of Dove Hill! With thoughtfully crafted custom features, custom built-ins, tandem garage and spacious exterior parking - you'll find the space you've been dreaming of here! Relax next to the gas fireplaces in one of the gorgeous living rooms, find peace and rejuvenation in your luxe spa and sauna area, or take a step
A Move-In-Ready Home in the Desirable Camas area featuring 3 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths, an Open Concept of a Great Room with Laminate Floors throughout and Decent Size of Side Yard. Refrigerator, Washer and Dryer are included. Park rent fee ($780/month) includes water, sewer & garbage. Park does not allow rentals. All other furniture are negotiable. Buyer to verify all information.
Some homes are built. This one was composed. Perched above Crown Park on a lush, forested hillside in one of Camas’ most coveted neighborhoods, this 3 level sanctuary offers something the new developments spreading across Clark County simply cannot manufacture: soul. Mount Hood commands the view from nearly every room, its iconic silhouette rising above rooftops and tree canopies in a tableau
Our former model home in Phase 1 is now available at a great price! Located in the highly desired CAMAS SCHOOL DISTRICT with access to the community pool and clubhouse. The 2928 plan is one of our largest and most popular floor plans, offering 4 bedrooms and 3 baths, including a main-floor guest suite with full bath and a formal dining room. The open kitchen features 3cm slab quartz countertops,
Family living is effortless in the Eldridge, a spacious home plan featuring 2,601 square feet, 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths. Exterior details are full of charm and curb appeal, while a 2-car garage with a third-car option offers plenty of space for parking and storage. A covered porch welcomes you home and opens to an inviting entryway and full bath down the hall. Also off the hallway, a secondary
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
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
Nestled on 5 lush acres, Casey Apartments offers a serene, rugged ambiance without compromising on comfort and accessibility. Enjoy peace of mind with our onsite secure gated access parking lot, featuring EV charging stations and reserved parking spaces for your convenience.We're arguably the most pet-friendly community in Camas WA, with three pet relief areas, two dog parks, and a dog wash
Welcome home to Camas Ridge Apartments, Prune Hill's apartment community. Now offering apartment homes at a reasonable price. Where you can choose from a number of innovatively designed apartment homes. Surrounded by luxurious green spaces, sunlight, and wonderful views, you'll find unlimited possibilities to reflect your lifestyle. Camas Ridge boasts open floor plans. Discover the many ways to
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.
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.
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