Best Tent Camping near Detroit, OR

Tent campgrounds in the Willamette National Forest surrounding Detroit, Oregon provide varied options for overnight stays amid forested settings. Marion Forks Campground, located behind a fish hatchery off Highway 22, offers secluded tent sites with wooden corral fencing and nearby creek access. Pamelia Lake provides backcountry tent camping options requiring a 2.4-mile hike in and special permits obtained through a lottery system, with established campsites situated around the alpine lake.

Most primitive tent sites require campers to bring their own water or filter from nearby creeks, as drinking water is rarely available. Vault toilets can be found at some locations like Marion Forks, while backcountry areas typically lack facilities entirely. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with some areas implementing complete bans during dry periods. Many sites include established fire rings and picnic tables, though backcountry locations often provide only minimal amenities. Access roads to higher elevation campsites may require high-clearance vehicles, particularly for routes beyond Olallie Lake heading toward Breitenbush Lake Campground.

The tent camping experience near Detroit offers opportunities for seclusion and nature immersion. Walk-in tent sites at Rainbow Campground provide proximity to a creek that "provides good sound cover," according to one camper review. The locations vary in terms of privacy, with some sites offering substantial separation from neighbors while others place campers in closer proximity. Backcountry tent campers at Pamelia Lake enjoy spacious sites that can accommodate multiple tents, with good access to water sources approximately 0.4 miles from campsites. Late spring and early summer visitors should prepare for mosquitoes, especially at higher elevations. Many primitive tent areas serve as excellent basecamps for day hikes, with trails connecting to scenic destinations like Grizzly Peak, which offers views of Mount Jefferson from backcountry tent camping zones.

Best Tent Sites Near Detroit, Oregon (86)

    1. Marion Forks Campground

    10 Reviews
    Idanha, OR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 854-3366

    "A few are by a very small creek. but it’s an easy nice spot right of 22 and about 15 miles from Detroit lake. There are single and mutli tent sites, picnic tables and firepits."

    "Located off Hwy 22, past the fish hatchery, far enough that you can’t hear road noise. Less than 20 sites total, all first come first serve, $12 a night or $6 with interagency pass."

    2. Elk Lake Campground

    4 Reviews
    Detroit, OR
    6 miles
    Website

    "Our first time at Elk Lake Campground.  "

    "If your car can make it up the 6 miles of "road" you'll be glad that you found Elk Lake. I made it up the hill in a 2001 Rav4. You'll definitely want some clearance for the trek up."

    3. Tumble Lake

    1 Review
    Detroit, OR
    4 miles
    Website

    "I did this backpacking trip a couple weeks ago and too my surprise was a pretty fun little vacation."

    6. Pamelia Lake

    4 Reviews
    Idanha, OR
    16 miles
    Website

    $6 / night

    "We decided to hike to Pamelia lake as a labor day backpacking trip, and this trip did not disappoint! One of our friends was a beginner, so we decided to tailor the trip to his experience."

    "This is a hike in only spot (3miles) and special permits are required but it is a beautiful lake with great fishing."

    7. Santiam State Forest Rock Creek Campsites

    1 Review
    Gates, OR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 859-2151

    $15 - $20 / night

    "Nice place to camp right by the creek the walk-up sites are $15 a night and the drive-up sites are $20 a night I personally have only camped at the drive-up sites and it's super pretty and peaceful there"

    8. Quartzville Recreation Corridor

    6 Reviews
    Cascadia, OR
    20 miles
    Website

    "Bring it in Pack it out, be kind to others and take your trash. Nobody should pick up after messy campers who can camp FREE. Only thing you get is a Fire Ring and that shows where you can camp."

    "It is dispersed so only a few areas have bathrooms, and not being a regular campground some neighbors can get rather rowdy. But, overall it is a definite favorite."

    9. Jefferson Park Area - Mt. Jefferson Wilderness

    1 Review
    Idanha, OR
    17 miles

    "But before, this was likely one of the most beautiful places in Oregon. It's 2-3 hours to hike in, which is just about the right amount of time to feel like you've deserve to be there."

    10. Rainbow (OR) - TEMP CLOSED

    8 Reviews
    Welches, OR
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 630-5721

    $26 / night

    "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."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Detroit, OR

1475 Reviews of 86 Detroit Campgrounds


  • Alyson M.
    Aug. 14, 2023

    Camp Creek

    Perfect Spot

    Camped 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!!

  • Mavrick S.
    Oct. 5, 2019

    Scott Lake Campground

    Stunning!

    So when I first found this campground I wasn't sure what to expect being as reviews and info were sparse so I'll do me best to sum it up. Things to know that arent stated. It is free may require NW forest pass. It's a drive, hike, bike and walk in. I didn't see any spots big enough for RV but there is space to park that isn't officially a site.

    Location: Beautiful sits about 5,000 feet right off McKenzie Pass Road (closed from November to June)

    Sites: I saw 6 drive in with fire ring, picnic table also 2 vault toilets.... There's more walk/ hike in but we had to much gear to do that.

    Directions: Very easy to find spots all along lake and Google maps took us right to spots.

    Activities: Great! Had a kayak/boat launch also had the Scott Mountain TH right there within 1/4 walking distance on dirt road. It seems that a forest fire was pretty recent ontop but the grounds seemed kind of untouched

    Warnings: This was my first time up this pass. Elevation is very high which means incremental weather. Aka woke up in October with snow which happened to us.

    Overall 5 stars must visit. We will be coming back next year when less snow and road reopens

  • CJ S.
    Aug. 22, 2024

    Meditation Point Campground

    Beautiful, Private, Remote

    Stayed 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.

  • Jill T.
    Sep. 5, 2019

    Piety Island Boat - In Campground Boat Landing

    Island camping

    Top 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.

  • Eric H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2023

    Olallie Meadow Campground

    No cell service nor much else

    What a beautiful view! Luscious meadow filled with wildlife and mosquitos. No joke, they were able to bite through 3 layers in swarms.

    It was cloudy, 80° in the day, with very little wind and campsite #4 was bone dry. The soft ground was kind to the tent spikes and surrounding trees buffered the breeze, hence the mosquitos.

    NOTE: come in from the North, not the first road from the south (Detroit). Impassible without off road vehicle (Subaru Crosstrek didn't cut it)

  • C. W.
    May. 30, 2021

    Mount Hood National Forest Lost Creek Campground

    Clean dispersed camping

    Read 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

  • Kate S.
    Jul. 9, 2018

    Marion Forks Campground

    Butterfly central

    Great campsite, spots are at least somewhat secluded. A few are by a very small creek. but it’s an easy nice spot right of 22 and about 15 miles from Detroit lake.

    There are single and mutli tent sites, picnic tables and firepits. Facilities are very accessible and there is a nearby trail by the creek.

    During this time of year there are swarms of butterflies.

  • Kimberly C.
    Aug. 29, 2019

    Ice Cap Campground

    Perfect basecamp

    Friendly and knowledgeable camp hosts. Vault toilet, mix of tent sites including some walk-ins that are up against the reservoir- you can hear the peaceful running water all day and night. Brand new picnic tables, brand new fencing, and excellent trails. Perfect mix of sun and shade for many of the sites. We stayed at 15 and I can’t wait to go back. Very spacious sites can hold multiple tents of all sizes. Beautiful drive to and from campgrounds- the McKenzie River area is definitely worth exploring!

  • Thomas B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2021

    Deschutes River Overlook Dispersed Camping

    Handy Stopping Point

    We kind of stumbled into this free spot while heading to a more formal campground near Pelton Dam. As the daylight faded I spotted a pullout/turnaround area which then led to a rather private loop with a great view of the Deschutes River and Lake Simtustus. I had to confirm with the Dyrt BLM map overlay, but I was glad to find myself on public land. It’s not really a place I’d choose to spend more than one night, since it doesn’t really connect to any trails or walking areas, but it was a handy en-route overnight spot, complete with a nice view and bright sunset. It’s only a few miles off Rt. 26, following signs to Pelton Dam. There was plenty of room to turn around my 26’ skoolie. However, I didn’t really see a good place for a tent, but I didn’t look very hard. There were signs of previous users, including a fire ring (which I didn’t use). Since it was the eve of Earth Day, I did collect a bagful of empty cans and trash. Leave no trace, people!


Guide to Detroit

Tent camping near Detroit, Oregon offers access to serene forest landscapes at elevations between 1,500-5,000 feet in the western Cascades. The area receives heavy winter snowfall with summer daytime temperatures typically ranging from 70-85°F. Several campgrounds provide opportunities for stargazing due to minimal light pollution, though higher elevation sites can experience temperature drops of 20-30 degrees after sunset.

What to do

Fishing at fish hatcheries: Marion Forks Campground provides unique fishing education opportunities. "The camp site is just behind a fish hatchery which is pretty cool to check out with the kids," notes Brian C. The hatchery offers glimpses of various life stages of fish: "My boys and now my granddaughter love going to the fish hatchery and seeing the baby fish and the HUGE fish," shares Patty R.

Summit mountain peaks: From Pamelia Lake, hikers can attempt Grizzly Peak for spectacular views. "We summited Grizzly Peak and saw beautiful views of Mount Jefferson," reports Audrey M. The hike requires moderate fitness but rewards with panoramic vistas of multiple Cascade mountains.

Gold panning: Quartzville Recreation Corridor offers recreational mining opportunities along its designated Wild and Scenic River. "A little bit of luck head to the stream and find some gold," suggests Cindy U. Bring basic panning equipment and check current regulations before prospecting.

What campers like

Secluded forest camping: Marion Forks Campground offers a quieter alternative to busier sites. "I love this campground because it's tucked away off of the highway and doesn't have a lot of people," writes Kris O. The unique site layout provides added privacy: "Each spot has--and I'm not sure why this is--a split rail fence around it," notes Corinna B.

Alpine lakes for swimming: Elk Lake Campground provides refreshing swimming opportunities during summer months. "The lake is actually pretty warm in August - warm enough for swimming (and I don't ever swim in Oregon water)," mentions Stephanie Z. The lake's accessibility makes it ideal for cooling off after hiking.

Short backpacking experiences: For those new to overnight hiking, Tumble Lake offers an accessible introduction. "The hike itself is very short, and you can make a stop to Dome Rock on your way before heading down to the lake either before camping or after," explains Sonja O. The relatively flat terrain makes it manageable for beginners carrying overnight gear.

What you should know

Limited facilities at most sites: Most primitive camping areas have minimal amenities. At Rainbow Campground, "No water available, so make sure you bring your own, and there is only one double sided vault toilet for the campground," explains Katherine H.

Permits and reservations: Some destinations require advance planning. "Permits are awarded via lottery," for Pamelia Lake according to Audrey M., who adds "We were lucky enough to snag a permit the week before and we were very glad we did since we were asked to show proof of our permit twice during the 4 days we were staying there."

Road conditions: Accessing remote campgrounds often requires navigating rough roads. For Britenbush River Dispersed and other dispersed camping areas, high-clearance vehicles may be necessary during spring runoff periods when forest roads can develop deep ruts.

Seasonal pests: "Mosquitos are abundant June-July" at Pamelia Lake according to Mandy E. Similarly, Bennett F. warns about Marion Forks: "In June or July, the mosquitoes will eat you alive if they get the chance, so don't give it to them. Bring lots of bug repellent."

Tips for camping with families

Hatchery tours: The Marion Forks fish hatchery provides educational opportunities for children. "This can be a fun site for kids and sometimes the staff will give you a tour," mentions Kelly N. The self-guided interpretive signs make it accessible even without a formal tour.

Swimming holes: Detroit Ranger District offers family-friendly water access. "I kayaked into a channel and found the silence I was looking for," notes Sarah W., highlighting the possibility of finding quieter spots even on busy weekends.

Berry picking: Late summer visitors can combine camping with foraging. "If you do the Battle Axe Hike in the late summer, study up on your edible berries before you come, there are so many huckleberries here I could have filled a bucket," suggests Stephanie Z. about the Elk Lake area.

Butterfly watching: Specific times of year offer unique wildlife viewing. "During this time of year there are swarms of butterflies," notes Kate S. about Marion Forks Campground, providing a natural science opportunity for curious young campers.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most of the best tent camping near Detroit, Oregon isn't suitable for larger RVs. At Rainbow Campground, Tony P. notes their site "was extremely accommodating to our pop-up trailer, SUV, and one additional vehicle."

Limited facilities: Most campgrounds lack hookups or dump stations. At Santiam State Forest Rock Creek Campsites, Marie C. explains "the walk-up sites are $15 a night and the drive-up sites are $20 a night" but indicates only basic facilities: "there is 3 garbage cans and a porta potty."

Navigation challenges: Narrow forest roads can be challenging for larger vehicles. "Windy narrow road a couple state campgrounds and day use areas... limited places to turn around," warns Len S. about Quartzville Recreation Corridor, adding it's "well worth the adventure!"

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Detroit, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Detroit, OR is Marion Forks Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Detroit, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 86 tent camping locations near Detroit, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.