Camas expects about 10,000 new residents over the next 15 to 20 years (about 30% growth). This post covers the three areas where that growth will show up first:
- Downtown Camas 2045 (4th Ave)
- North Shore (north of Lacamas Lake)
- Columbia Palisades (near 192nd Ave)
Downtown Camas 2045
Downtown Camas has swung from boom to bust to busy again:
- Boom period: 1960s
- Vacancy around 2008: reported up to 60%
- Vacancy today: around 2%
- Downtown events: 25+ per year
The Downtown Camas 2045 plan is designed to handle more people while keeping downtown walkable and comfortable.
What the plan focuses on
- Safer walking and biking
- Better crossings and sidewalks
- Bike options that feel usable
- More housing near downtown
- Apartments, townhomes, and more ADUs
- More mixed-use buildings (shops plus homes)
- Greener, nicer streets
- Trees, parklets, and small public-space upgrades
Trails and parks
- Better links from Lacamas-area trails into town (including the Milish Trail, often described as a “secret” trail)
- A stronger pedestrian connection between 4th Ave and Louis Block Park
- More community gardens and small gathering spots
Public input is open, so watch for open houses, surveys, and planning commission meetings.
North Shore
North Shore is the main long-term growth area:
- About 990 acres
- Inside the urban growth boundary
- Planned for housing, retail, trails, and open space
Housing outlook
There will be some single-family housing (the Toll Brothers area is nearing completion), but most future units are expected to be higher density (apartments, townhomes, possibly cottage-style homes). That’s how the area can add more homes while keeping space for services, trails, and open areas.
Key items people are watching
- Ledbetter Road (proposal): Close to cars west of the north side boat launch and convert to a pedestrian and bike trail. This likely happens after another main road is built in the area. A rough estimate shared was 4 to 5 years.
- Villages at North Shore (project activity): HSR Capital, 108 lots/units plus some commercial. Permitting activity started in 2025, with visible movement expected in 2026.
- Legacy Lands (protected open space): 165 acres set aside long-term. Features are still being decided. Ideas include trails, picnic shelters, disc golf, coffee/food vendors, a developed park area, or a more natural space.
Columbia Palisades
This area near 192nd Ave is adding everyday services, jobs, and housing, so people do not have to drive as far for basics.
Tenants coming in
- Chipotle
- Starbucks
- Quarry Public House
- Clash Beauty Collective
- OnPoint Credit Union
Major projects
- 3-story Class A office building (diamond-shaped design)
- A-Lister apartments (Romano Capital): 102 units, 5 stories, described as luxury with river views, breaking ground soon
- Kirkland Tower: crane removed late summer/fall 2025, exterior progress continues, delivery date not shared yet (planned as apartments plus condos for sale)
- Vancouver Clinic: the second 2-story building has broken ground, services still TBD
Closing thoughts
Camas is planning for major growth, and these three areas are where you will feel it first. Downtown Camas 2045 focuses on safer streets, more housing near 4th Ave, and better connections to parks and trails. North Shore is the long-term growth area, with a mix of housing plus the 165-acre Legacy Lands open space. Columbia Palisades is the fastest shift for day-to-day convenience, with new dining, services, offices, healthcare, and new housing near 192nd Ave.
To stay ahead of the changes, follow city updates and project timelines, and drive or walk each area now so future construction and traffic changes make more sense.