Tent campsites near Boring, Oregon include options at elevations ranging from near sea level along the Columbia River to over 4,000 feet on the slopes of Mount Hood. Camping season typically runs from late spring through early fall, with most higher elevation sites closed during winter months due to snow accumulation. Summer temperatures often range from 50-85°F, creating comfortable camping conditions.
What to do
Swimming in mountain streams: At BLM Molalla River Recreation Area, campers can cool off in several designated swimming areas. "Great camp spot to keep kids busy! Very quiet and camp spots were perfect distance. The stream has some swim sections, but not entirely. Bring water shoes!" notes Kierra K.
Hiking nearby trails: The area around Burnt Lake offers trails with varying difficulty levels. One camper mentions, "If you put down your stuff at your site, you can do another 2 mile hike up the summit of East Zigzag Mt. and see a beautiful view of Mt. Hood."
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide access to fishing spots. At Rainbow Campground, you can "hike from Rainbow to another campground, walking mostly next to the water," according to Kevin L., making it easy to find good fishing locations along the river.
Water sports on Columbia River: For boating enthusiasts, Government Island State Recreation Area offers unique water access. "We love camping on the island, as you can only get to it via boat so it is not overly populated," shares Fatima H.
What campers like
Private swimming holes: Campers appreciate the secluded water access at Naked Falls. "The river was absolutely amazing and one of the best for swimming I've seen in the PNW! I'd recommend going on a weekday since the weekends get pretty busy," advises Heather P.
Scenic lakeside spots: At Serene Lake, the water is "clear and amazingly warm, considering that it's glacier feed," according to Thomas B. The lake provides a peaceful setting for overnight trips.
Easy access to ranger stations: Rainbow Campground earns praise for practical conveniences. Tony P. notes its "proximity to the Ripplebrook Ranger/Information Station. Being just a couple minutes down the road made it nice to access to extra firewood, bottled water, and candy."
Off-grid experience: Some campers seek more remote options. Chris H. recommends Kinzel Lake, saying, "This is one of my favorite places to camp near Mount Hood. The road leading into the campgrounds is primitive and just challenging enough to keep most folks away. You will want a motorcycle or 4WD vehicle to get here."
What you should know
Seasonal fire restrictions: Fire rules vary across campgrounds and change throughout the season. At Mount Hood National Forest Sunstrip Campground, fires are permitted in designated rings, but nearby areas may have complete bans during dry periods.
Water availability varies: Many tent sites require you to bring your own water. At Government Island, "There is 1 restroom and no designated camp sites. No potable water, so bring your own," warns Fatima H.
Road conditions: Access to some campsites requires appropriate vehicles. For Kinzel Lake, Tori L. reports, "Took the NF route out there was about 35-40 minutes in my husband and I's ford ranger 4x4. Pretty bumpy road all the way there and some deep dips."
Campsite spacing: Site privacy varies significantly between campgrounds. At Carter Bridge Campground, one camper noted, "Everything felt very small and close together. Just not for us but doesn't mean it wouldn't work for someone else."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with easy water access: Families with children appreciate shoreline access at Dougan Falls State Forest. Kimberly L. suggests, "Bring an inner tube or lounger the creek is shallow and wide. Explore along the creek by taking one of the trails along the north side of the campground."
Watch for hazards: Some sites require extra caution with children. At Rainbow Campground, Elizabeth R. warns, "Close to water, some places have drop of cliffs watch little ones."
Consider campsite layout: When camping with multiple families, site selection is crucial. At Naked Falls, Tzvi Y. shares, "We really loved this place and had a great spot for four tents and a few dogs. There are a few camp sites, some pretty small so check before hand if you have more than one tent."
Plan for weather changes: Mountain weather can shift quickly, especially at higher elevation sites. Burnt Lake can have snow into May, with one camper noting, "We went in May, so there was still snow, and the lake was so full it had flooded part of the trail, making the backside campsites inaccessible."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Few tent campsites near Boring, Oregon accommodate larger RVs. Most sites are best suited for tents or small trailers.
Consider tent sites with vehicle access: Some primarily tent-focused areas can work for small campers. At Sunstrip Campground, Christina E. notes, "Stayed in site 6 a few years ago, sites 5 and 6 have an incline, but flat space for tents."
Assess site privacy: When bringing an RV to primarily tent-focused areas, expect different privacy levels than dedicated RV parks. At Rainbow Campground, Tony P. found "space #10 to be extremely accommodating to our pop-up trailer, SUV, and one additional vehicle."
