Tent camping near Bridal Veil, Oregon offers access to multiple forest service roads with dispersed camping sites throughout the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood National Forest. Most sites sit between 1,500-4,000 feet elevation, creating significant temperature differences between the gorge and higher mountain locations. Summer temperatures at higher elevations typically run 10-15 degrees cooler than Portland, with overnight lows sometimes dropping into the 40s even in July.
What to do
Water activities at lakes: Wahtum Lake provides quiet swimming opportunities in a mountain setting. "Wahtum Lake itself is beautiful but the campground is a bit far from it. It's about a 10 minute walk down a steep path and stairs to actually get to the lake," notes Sarah S. about Wahtum Lake Campground.
Hiking trail access: Multiple tent camping areas serve as perfect basecamps for day hiking. "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," writes Sonja O. about Burnt Lake, accessible via a 4-mile hiking trail.
Creek exploration: Wading and small-scale fishing opportunities abound in creek-side camping areas. "We love camping on the island, as you can only get to it via boat so it is not overly populated. There are no fire pits but you can burn. No potable water, so bring your own," shares Fatima H. about Government Island State Recreation Area.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At many campgrounds, spacing provides decent isolation from other campers. "Really enjoyed the peaceful feeling of this campground. It is tiny - only 4 spots. Sites 1-3 are on the right side as you pull up and 4 is on the left. We stayed in 3, which was great, but I think 4 is the most private of the sites," writes Sarah S. about Rainy Lake Campground.
Lake views: Several campgrounds offer direct water views from tent sites. "There are multiple numbered sites around the lake. Once the trailhead pops you onto the water, you can either go east or west around the lake. Spots are marked with wooden numbered posts. Spots with letters are day sites with views," says Connor J. about Burnt Lake.
Cooler temperatures: Higher elevation campgrounds provide relief from summer heat. "Visited in late June, and the weather was amazing, 15 degrees lower than in town, but the bugs and mosquitoes were overwhelming (even with deet)," reports Jonathan H. about Rainy Lake Campground.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many forest roads leading to tent camping sites require careful driving. "The road to the trailhead has potholes, but we made it there just fine in a sedan. Parking can get tight, so plan to arrive early, and don't forget to display your permit," advises Amanda J. about Burnt Lake.
Bug preparation: Insects can be intense during summer months at many sites. "Beautiful lake and quiet camp spots. Bugs were a bit rough in June," warns Jonathan H. about Black Lake Campground—Mount Hood National Forest.
Weekend crowds: Proximity to Portland means some sites fill quickly on weekends. "The prior reviews are incorrect. This is a heavily trafficked trail, parking is a zoo," cautions Naomi E. about Burnt Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose campsites with enough flat space for multiple tents when camping with children. "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," recommends Tzvi Y. about Naked Falls.
Safety considerations: Some sites have natural hazards requiring extra supervision with young children. "While it's a large site, there are not a lot of space to park, so I'd say no more then 3 cars. Also, if you have small children I'd not recommend this site since there is a drop off at the edge of the campsite that kids could fall down easily," warns Heather P. about Naked Falls.
Beginner-friendly options: Some locations work well for first-time backpackers or young campers. "4 in our group, two of us were first time backpackers. This was a great intro to backpacking. 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," shares Trena E. about Burnt Lake.
Tips from RVers
Small trailer access: Limited space makes most tent camping areas near Bridal Veil unsuitable for large RVs, but some accommodate small trailers. "Naked Falls is a private campground with primitive sites. I'd recommend tent only, although sites 1 & 2 seemed to work ok for small trailers or pop up campers," advises Heather P. about Naked Falls.
Alternative accommodations: For those seeking tent camping comfort with better amenities, some areas offer glamping options. "Our family has had the privilege of enjoying Columbia Gorge Getaways on three separate occasions and each time was a joyous and exceptional experience. We stayed in a Bell tent and I have never slept so soundly as I did for this cozy glamping weekend," shares Amy C.
Limited hookup warnings: Most tent camping areas near Bridal Veil lack RV-specific amenities. "Fishing, boating, campfires. There aren't any hookups for electricity or running water, but really, it's a nice place to take a break from boating all day, maybe spending the night then getting back to the mainland," notes Eva W. about Government Island State Recreation Area.
