Best Campgrounds near Donald, OR

As one of the closest state parks to Portland and in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, Ainsworth can get busy during the summer months, but sometimes you can get a reservation during the week. I like to come in the off season. 

There 40 full hook-up sites, 6 walk-in tent sites and a hiker/biker campground with no reservations required. The campground itself unremarkable, with a bathroom/shower house, dump station and play ground, but it is a great jumping off point for exploring all things Columbia River Gorge.

Dump station and water available

Elk Creek Campground in Oregon is a real paradise for those looking for peace and unity with nature. I stumbled upon this place quite by accident when I was vacationing on the LuckyTrunk website. I saw a photo of this campsite in the ad block, and something inside me made me immediately add it to the list of places worth visiting. And I was right- this place left an unforgettable impression. Elk Creek is located near Highway 6, which makes it easily accessible even for those who are not used to long-distance travel. The campsite is located in the heart of the Tillamook State Forest, surrounded by majestic Douglas firs that create an atmosphere of comfort and harmony. There is no city noise or bustle here- only nature, fresh air and tranquility. The peculiarity of this campsite is its simplicity and convenience. All tent sites are pedestrianized, which adds to the sense of privacy. Each campsite is well screened by trees, has its own parking, a fire pit with a grill for cooking, and a special platform for a tent. Although there are no RV hookups, many sites are suitable for small trailers or campers.

Just starting to plan my summer trips and Dyrt is very helpful

This spot requires a good climb up Mt Hebo. The road is paved but quite narrow in places. We came up in the dark and had to take it pretty slowly around the turns.

Once we got to the spot we actually thought the large pull off was it until we saw the logging road that curves downward. Follow that road down in a C shape to a large open, flat area.

This is a wicked spot. Secluded and tucked into the trees. Might be hard for some folks towing a trailer but for our truck camper it was an easy fit.

Great little spot. Watch your GPS and use some dead reckoning with the topographic map. There is a little side road that gets a bit narrow and then opens into a beautiful spot.

Picked up a small bag of someone else’s trash. Don’t leave trash in the woods — pick up after yourself

Road is fine and easy. AWD is nice but isn’t necessary if the road is fairly dry.

What can I say? Silver Falls is a magical place and everyone should experience it.  You can just get lost in the beauty of it all.  The cabins are small but comfortable with heat, lights, and beds.  Covered porch is nice to sit and listen to the rain.

I had researched this park quite awhile beforehand and was interested based on the reviews posted here. It looked pretty nice. Unfortunately when we were able to preview it by driving through I was surprised to find out it was not at all what I had seen in reviews. This place is on the edge of a small town and it looks like it is occupied by long term tenants with a lot of paraphernalia and personal belongings strewn about. For us, traveling for vacation and sightseeing it would not be a place we'd wanna stay. We did have dinner and really enjoyed it in the little town of Vernonia where it is located and that was great. The park is also adjacent to a fantastic walking biking trail and it's next to a city park.

I was contacted by the company who owns this site. Automatically the individual had threatening words to me as in, you need to go buy a tent now. We have the right to remove you from premises right now. Terrible customer service, and after spending money for the service they provide. They will just take away everything from you and kick you off the princess. The owner also likes to redefine what objects and vehicles are. Also, like to redefine vocabulary words. I would stay away from this place due to helter-kelter atmosphere.

The place is clean and has a rain forest feel. Trees close in. Amazingly dark and quiet at night. A bit muddy for walking the dog.

One spot with its own driveway. A nice flat and private spot. A legit pack in pack out spot. Too bad there is trash everywhere and a big puddle on one side. If you have a rake and shovel then may be a good one day or 14 day spot after a few hours of TLC. Nice trails for walking.

Coordinates 45.230277,-123.777780. Across street from Horse Trailhead about half way up Mt Hebo. A good flat spot with nice trails around. Too much trash and glass left at the site though.

As of Oct 2024 - still shut No access to bathrooms but can pay 5 for day use of their picnic benches

Diamond Milld rd is a tight logging rd with a kinda steep danger zone cliff on this edge. If you get to spot (the coordinates on dyrt arent exact but close) you will see basically the only part of the rd with a pull aside areai prob for two vans or cars. Its a nice view but kinda creepy if alone IMO. The dispersed camping for this St Forest applies to tenters mainly being 1 mile away from a paid campground. But for just car and van camp youd have to chance it at day area or drive way in to the forest down a rd.

The campground itself is nice, but there's the near constant hum of interstate I-5 traffic less than a hundred yards away.

If you enjoy hiking, this is a great campground with many beautiful trails to explore. The bathroom is clean and there's free hot shower.  There's a country store 2 miles west of here you can get firewood and some supplies. Sites are a little less private and occasionally I heard train passing by from the nearby railway (bring ear plugs if you are a light sleeper).  Check our videos for details: https://youtu.be/BrSpGhdefQ0?si=dVS7YPTZX8AplUVL

Tillamook Forest has so many amazing dispersed camping opportunities! We turned onto Ben Smith road and then took logging trails up the peaks. We found a perfect spot that looked like we were on the edge of a cliff but was actually still very safe for our toddler. No cell service, so we just unplugged for 3 nights and enjoyed the time together. We could see the northern lights the first night we were there, and it was absolutely incredible. We had a lot of privacy. One hunter walked by, I assume he was using the nearby trail. We heard some ATVs over the days, but it wasn't disruptive. Totally recommend it, and we'll definitely be back.