77 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campsites near Colton, Oregon range from established Forest Service grounds to primitive walk-in sites along creeks and rivers. The BLM Molalla River Recreation Area offers tent-specific sites with walk-in access, while Cedar Grove Recreation Site provides both boat-in and walk-in tent camping options. Mount Hood National Forest contains several tent campgrounds within driving distance, including Shellrock Creek with its creekside tent pads and Rainbow Campground, though some areas may be temporarily closed due to fire damage.
Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, but facilities vary significantly between sites. Shellrock Creek Campground provides composting toilets and trash bins but no potable water, requiring campers to filter from the stream or pack in their own supply. Walk-in tent sites at Three Bears Recreation Site include maintained paths to tent pads and vault toilets, though water availability is seasonal. According to one visitor, "The sites are roomy with nice tent pads and picnic tables. There are lots of trees around, so not great for solar, but there are some open areas." Many primitive tent areas implement 14-day stay limits and seasonal fire restrictions, particularly during summer months.
The tent camping experience in this region offers unique advantages over other camping styles. Areas farther from Highway 22 provide deeper seclusion, with several creekside tent sites offering natural sound barriers from other campers. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "A hand full of semi-private camping grounds along the crystal clear creek. Right off the road but not much road noise, lots of stream sounds." Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for day hikes, with several trailheads accessible directly from campgrounds. Sites at higher elevations may experience significant mosquito activity in early summer but offer cooler temperatures than valley locations. Most tent-only areas maintain some distance between sites, though privacy levels vary considerably between established campgrounds and dispersed options.
"Very quiet and camp spots were perfect distance. Plenty of restrooms. The stream has some swim sections, but not entirely. Bring water shoes!"
"I usually stay at Cedar Grove nearby, but stayed here this year (2020). The campground is clean with water sometimes available."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Water wz to low to fish nearby but had fun looking for rocks. Will go again next yr."
"We stayed within 50 yards of the water and was indulging in the river noise to destress to."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Stayed in site 6 a few years ago, sites 5 and 6 have an incline, but flat space for tents. Mostly, if not entirely shaded. Steep, short climb to river. Can access the river from other locations."
from $22 - $24 / night
Check Availability"The biggest perk for us was the awesome trail that leads from the campsite and heads down to the Clackamas River."
"Rainbow campground is a great little campground that is nestled up right next to ripplebrook."
from $19 / night
Check Availability"Near the campsite is the first fall that curtains over a little cave. You’re able to walk in and under the fall which feels like you’re in a movie."
"Beautiful little mountain lake on the slopes of Mt. Hood. We did the 12-mile loop in two days from the trailhead below Shellrock Lake."
"Limited campsites"
"Tent camping. Very steep final approach on dirt road. Very beautiful lake with Salomanders. If your lucky to have the lake to yourself it can be very quiet except for wildlife sounds."
"Right off the road but not much road noise, lots of stream sounds. We love camping near water."
"We visited again and it was completely full except for one spot where you have to hike in."
LegendCamped here for the second year in a row, and it did not disappoint. We got lucky with a nice spot on the creek this year, which I would recommend for the best experience. The sites are spacious and most are pretty private which is great. It is primitive, no showers and just one vault toilet. I will say that the site did have a fair amount of trash on it which was disappointing, but we cleaned it up before heading out. Remember to leave no trace!!
ScoutStayed just one night in site 1, which was the only one available. It’s very private being far from the trail and has good access to the shore but is very shady at all times, although also sheltered from the wind. There was a fire ring (although no fires allowed) and a table. Several viable tent spots on the site. The toilets were closed and, unfortunately, previous campers weren’t so great at “leave no trace” because we found a bunch of dog and human feces around.
ScoutI camped there in my RV several times and always tried to get slot A13. It’s all the way at the end and has a nice amount of space and only a potential neighbor on one side. I also tent camped and, after scouting the sites, chose C6. That site is a bit small but is away from the rest and above them on the slope so you don’t need your rain fly for privacy.
LegendRead up on this location with some good info. Flat paved sites for dry camping.
Lost Creek Campground has 10 single-family campsites and is located on one of the largest pyroclastic volcanic mudflows from Mt. Hood’s “Old Maid” eruption in the 1700s. Fortunately all of the mudflows have cooled. Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Two yurts are also available. Campground amenities include a picnic area, drinking water and vault toilets. Firewood is also available for sale from the camp host.
Lost Creek / Mt. Hood Area Recreation
Outdoor recreation includes fishing. Visitors also enjoy fishing, hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing. The Wild and Scenic Sandy River is also not far from the popular Ramona Falls Trailhead. Mt. Hood is just southeast of the campground offers visitors the opportunity for a nice a day trip.
AMENITIES
BBQ Grills
Campsite Tables
Comfort Station
Drinking Water
Fire Pit
Fire Rings
Firewood Available
Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
Grills
Pets OK
Picnic Tables
Restrooms (Vault Toilets)
ACTIVITIES
Biking
Bird Watching
Creek
Fishing
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Nature Trails
Photography
Picnicking
River
Walking Trails
Wildlife Viewing
RangerPeaceful riverside spot with a solid balance of privacy and access. Sites sit right along the Molalla River, giving you constant water sound, easy access for wading/swimming, and good wildlife activity. The layout is spread out enough that you’re not stacked on top of other campers, especially in the more tucked-away spots. 
Amenities are basic—no hookups—but you get essentials like toilets, potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings. This keeps it feeling more off-grid without being roughing-it level.
LegendTop reasons I love this campground:
- It’s an ISLAND! How cool is it to camp on an island!
- Beautiful views from the middle of the northern end of Detroit Lake.
- Great for swimming, boating, exploring, hiking, and fishing.
- I bet it’s amazing to stay there over the 4th of July.
- The firework display from the other side of the lake should be spectacular!
- Cheap-$10.
- Only 22 sites.
- I had cell service with AT&T.
**Things to note: **
- This should be obvious but, you’ll need a boat to get to and from the island. It’s a quick canoe from either side.
- The vault toilets are maxed out. Hopefully, they will be serviced SOON!
- No drinking water, no shower, and no guarantee for the serviced toilets.
- Bring water and TP.
- Fires are allowed and there are several picnic tables.
LegendNice spot to stop for a night or two. Easy bike ride down to Trillium Lake where there's an iconic view of Mt. Hood reflecting in the lake.
Very well used and loved. I picked up a bag of trash to take with me. Please, leave no trace so we don't lose access to these awesome spots!
RangerCamp above the Santiam riverbank and enjoy a night of peace and rest listening to the water flow. This site has access to vault toilets, potable water. The sites are large enough for rv or tent sites with vehicle pull through. The sites have enough old forest growth to provide privacy for the family. If you camp near the river you cannot hear the road, even though you are only a skip away. I do not recommend camping in the sites near the road if you have kids/pets with you or if you are a light sleeper. The roads are paved which can be great for family cars or for little ones wanting to ride their bike or scooter around camp. The site that we stopped at would have been great for fishing trout or salmon. Don’t forget your fishing license!
You can reserve this site through Linn County Parks & Rec: 1-877-444-6777 - And like most sites in the Willamette National Forest dogs are allowed as long as they are on leashes and check out time is 1pm.
RangerThe campground is pretty remote-don’t expect any cell service-I didn’t have any with AT&T. The last 15 miles on the road to the campground is very winding and narrow-you have to drive 25mph for safety. The road was in good condition though. The campground is also very hilly. The C loop that I was on was pretty steep but the campsites had some privacy and decent space between spots for the most part. My campsite had 3 different areas that you can set up a tent on. The parking area at my campsite was actually pretty flat despite having to back up the hill to get to the spot. My campsite had quite a bit of shade in the afternoon which was great since it was in the 80’s and kinda humid. The only complaint I had was the flies! There were TONS of them everywhere and bug-spray did nothing to keep them at bay-then again you are in the forest so it’s bound to happen. My suggestion is to bring a screen tent. Parking is a premium by the general store and the boat launch and lake. It was packed when I got here around 4pm on a Saturday (not surprised) and I couldn’t get a spot so I drove to my campsite and walked there on the trails instead. It is a lot longer of a walk than I really thought and I was exhausted by the time I got to the lake and then even more tired when I got back to camp. The old growth trail and rhododendron trail had some beautiful trees. I was the only one on the trails at the time. The walk along the lake itself by the north day use area was shaded, flat, and pretty nice. Lots of picnic areas that were tucked away just off the trail. Some picnic spots were literally right on the waters edge. There was a fire ban but I saw people with little propane grills or hot plate stuff to cook yummy food. Lots of people were swimming. You can rent kayaks and paddle boards. The water was super clear and clean and a bit chilly but refreshing on a hot day. The toilets in the campground loops are vault toilets but they are pretty clean and even had hand sanitizer in them-which was a first that I have seen this summer. The showers are near the general store and you have to pay to shower. It was $6. They give you a key and take your ID and when you give back the key they give you back your ID. The shower room was super nice. Definitely looked like something that would be in a fancy hotel and was very clean. For $46 for 1 night with no electric or water hookup I was hoping that the shower would be included so that was a bit disappointing-although I was just grateful for the shower so $6 was worth it. The general store had lots of souvenirs and clothes (I bought a lost lake puzzle, a new hat, and water shoes). The store also sold hot food, coffee, snacks, soft serve ice cream, and some basic camping gear-which is nice in case you forgot something. Overall I would come back here.
Tent campsites near Colton, Oregon occupy varying elevations ranging from 800 to 3,500 feet above sea level, creating significant temperature differentials between valley and mountain locations. Summer evenings at higher-elevation sites like Serene Lake can drop below 45°F even when daytime temperatures reach 80°F. The region receives approximately 70 inches of annual rainfall, concentrated from November through April, with summer camping typically dry except for occasional thunderstorms.
Swimming access: Three Bears Recreation Site provides excellent water activities with varying depths for different swimming abilities. "Great camp spot to keep kids busy! Very quiet and camp spots were perfect distance. Plenty of restrooms. The stream has some swim sections, but not entirely. Bring water shoes!" notes Kierra K.
Fishing opportunities: Cedar Grove Recreation Site offers productive catch-and-release trout fishing along its river access points. According to Jason B., "Stunning river views and small with only 11 sites that are first come first served. Refurbished a few years ago. This is my go to for during the week over nighters as it's never been full."
Waterfall hiking: Santiam State Forest Butte Creek Falls Campground features unique waterfall access within walking distance of campsites. "Near the campsite is the first fall that curtains over a little cave. You're able to walk in and under the fall which feels like you're in a movie," explains Dennysgrandsam O.
Creek sounds: Shellrock Creek campers value the natural noise barrier provided by running water. According to Aria R., "Right off the road but not much road noise, lots of stream sounds. We love camping near water. Big wooden picnic tables at all the sites, fire rings with a grill you can flip up for roasting."
Weekday solitude: Mid-week camping offers significantly better site selection and privacy. "Last year I went in June for a solo night and I had the place to myself," reports Jason B. about Cedar Grove Recreation Site, while Kevin M. adds, "Stayed here one night. Place was quiet!"
Mountain lake swimming: Serene Lake provides unexpectedly comfortable water temperatures despite its high elevation. "The water is clear and amazingly warm, considering that it's glacier feed," notes Thomas B., who completed the 12-mile loop hike to reach this remote tent camping location.
Water availability varies: Many campgrounds near Colton lack reliable drinking water sources. Shellrock Creek offers no potable water despite its creek proximity. "No water (or we couldn't find it) so pack your own or get some from the stream at your own discretion, no matter how good it looks we always filter," advises Aria R.
Seasonal openings: Most tent camping areas operate from May through October, with some sites closing earlier. According to heidi at BLM Molalla River Recreation Area, "The water pump has bacteria warnings so bring plenty of water," indicating even when facilities exist, quality varies seasonally.
Road conditions: Some access roads deteriorate significantly after winter, particularly at higher elevations. Chuck W. reports about Rhody Lake Recreation Area: "Very steep final approach on dirt road," making advance vehicle preparation essential.
Swimming spot selection: Choose camping areas with gradual water entry points for younger children. "Great for swimming kids fishing an catching crawfish something for everyone," says Michelle A. about Three Bears Recreation Site.
Site privacy considerations: Select tent sites that provide natural barriers between neighboring campers. Kathaleen notes at Shellrock Creek: "We loved this location! We pulled our car up right next to our tent. It was located right by the creek(river) with easy access to the water... This would be a great site for a family camping trip or multiple families as there are several sites that kinda intertwine but still are very separate."
Fire restriction planning: Summer campfire restrictions frequently affect tent camping areas near Colton, particularly July through September. Bring alternative cooking equipment and evening activities. Kevin M. notes at Cedar Grove: "Has grill and fire pit, but we're currently under a burn ban."
Limited RV options: Most tent camping areas near Colton cannot accommodate larger recreational vehicles. Carter Bridge Campground offers some RV sites but with significant limitations. Kathaleen warns: "Everything felt very small and close together. Just not for us but doesn't mean it wouldn't work for someone else. Did have trash bins fire rings, restrooms on site basic essentials."
Site leveling challenges: RV campers at Butte Creek Falls should bring substantial leveling blocks. Chuck W. explains: "This is Santiam State campground that is for basically tent camping. Water and Pit toilet. Some sights next to Butte Creek."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Colton, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Colton, OR is BLM Molalla River Recreation Area with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Colton, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 77 tent camping locations near Colton, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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