Best Tent Camping near Donald, OR

Recent Tent Reviews near Donald, Oregon

1014 Reviews of 48 Donald Campgrounds

• T

  Tyson C.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 10, 2017

  Mt Hood Village Resort

  Good family spot

  This was a good family camping spot. Pros - there is a playground, swimming pool, small store, cafe, bathrooms with showers (and warm water) and activities during the day for kids. Cons - if you're tent camping the bathrooms are quite the hike, the tent sites are crammed together, there's only one working faucet in the entire tent camping area and the facilities are starting to look worn down.

  The most utterly confusing part to me is that there were two huge RV areas that were virtually empty and would be perfectly suitable for tent camping. I'm not sure why they retrofit a dozen or so of those sites for "premium" tent camping? I'd gladly pay a few extra bucks a night for a 110 outlet, more space my own personal water supply.

  We were in site T4. In my opinion it's the best site in the circle. If you can get T1, that looked like the best spot.

• 

  Evan F.

  Traveler

  

  Mar. 4, 2021

  Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground

  Quiet and Beautiful

  We tent camped at a drive-in site (8) in October 2020 and loved our experience. The whole campground felt small and peaceful, the tent sites were well spaced and surrounded by trees. It seemed to be popular with families and there were quite a few kids riding their bikes around the loop. The walk around the lake was beautiful and quiet - we did not pass many people at all.

  I think next time we’ll try the walk-in sites for the privacy and the above view of the lake.

  Would recommend, absolutely.

• L

  Laurielle A.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 30, 2018

  Milo McIver State Park Campground

  Incredible River Oasis

  Granted, it's been 90 degrees everyday so anything near water feels incredible. BUT nothing quite as incredible as the ice, rushing Clackamas river!!!!!

  We stayed at this park for 3 days and it was such a trip. 2 adults, 2 kids and a pup had plenty of space on a tent site. The bathrooms were great and not to far of a trek, but for convenience they set up and ADA accessible portapotty near the tent camping area. The rangers were kind and helpful, as were the park hosts.

  Whether you're going for a full day of floating down the river (rentals offered at one of the boat launch areas) or want to climb your way down to a secluded chunk of river bend and hitch your float to a tree or rock, there is so much this park has to offer!

• 

  Bear G.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 23, 2021

  Silver Falls State Park Campground

  Absolutely beautiful

  If you want to camp in Oregon this is the place to go. There are several waterfalls and hiking trails. You can see wildlife and you can't beat the beauty. You can tent camp and they also have yurts.

• 

  Stephanie Z.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 21, 2019

  Dairy Creek East - L L Stub Stewart State Park — L.L. Stub Stewart State Park

  A Pretty Boring Campsite at a Great Park

  The Dairy Creek Campground at Stub Stewart is a two loop campground. The sites are spacious, but there isn't much character.  The East loop is pretty much an open field. The west loop has a few more trees but still not much privacy or space between sites. 

  Dairy Creek is clean and well maintained, and has great access to the trails and disc golf around the park. If you're in an RV this is a good set up. If you're camping with kids, there's a play area here.

  There are a few "walk in" sites where you don't park your car next to your tent, but rather in the parking lot next to the grassy area where the open tent sites are. If you're looking for a better tent camping experience that actually feels like it's in the woods, you're better off going to the hike in campground in the park.

  The loops are big and there is parking near the bathroom. This is great if you don't want to walk a long way, but it's bad if you've got the campsite near the bathroom with all the cars coming and going.

• 

  Jason G.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 14, 2024

  Mt Hood Village Resort

  The Ultimate Mt Hood Base Camp

  Not my normal camping scene, but decided to for an early summer ski session with the kids, we didn't want to completely rough it, but also didn't want to pay hotel prices. So, one of the standard cabins here was the perfect compromise. Roof over our heads, actual beds, room for three of us to be able to gear up for the day. But still had a fire pit outside, and picnic table for outdoor cooking. (Also the standard cabins don't have bathrooms, so you still need to go to the shared restrooms.)

  The property overall was really nice, lots of amenities. We also took a walk through the RV/Tent camp sites. Its very similar to a KOA style of resort. We enjoyed it for what it was.

• 

  Robert D.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 10, 2021

  Big Buck Campground

  A free nice campground to stay at for 10 days.

  We camped here again in July. Drive 6 miles up a paved road then 1/2 mile on a dirt road. Spent 5 days in spots RV1 and RV2. They were doing some log pickup close to our spot so during the day it was sort of noisy but after 3PM things got really quiet and peaceful. Trees were very plentiful and keep us cool during the 90* days. We went up the hill to tent site#13 where there was water, but you had to pump your own. The water was very clean and tasty. They had 2 buildings that had pit toilets and 1 port-potty by the day use area by us. We walked a trail beside the day use area that went for about 1.5 miles by on of the creeks. There were many other roads that went to other trails that were longer. All was very quiet except for the cars, trucks and Jeeps that sped down the road by our camp going to the trail to the right from 7PM until 1AM. I have no idea why they were here at all because they we not camping here and drove very fast for a gravel road. Be advised even though there are 15 camp sites only(2) RV-1 and RV-2 are actually designated for motorhomes and travel trailers under 32 feet in length. Most all other sites are up a steep road but can accommodate very small RV's but mostly tent camping area. Little to no cell service right at the base of the campground. Just a 1/2 mile back to the asphalt road there is 1 bar at the very least. This campground is 6 miles up a small paved road from Grand Ronde then a half mile on a gravel road in a heavily wooded area to the first RV camp site#1 and#2.

• 

  Corinna B.

  Legend

  

  May. 31, 2018

  Moorage Camp and Boat Launch — Beacon Rock State Park

  Ranger Review: Leatherman Leap at Beacon Rock Moorage Camp and Boat Launch

  Campground Review:

  There are at least four different campgrounds within Beacon Rock State Park in Washington. This review is for the Boat Launch "Moorage Camp" at the base of Beacon Rock, which has a small 2-tent area and 5-RV space down by the boat launch.

  From Camas/Vancouver, you'll come to the sign for Beacon Rock Boat Launch on your right hand side, just before passing the actual Beacon Rock. There's a large day-use area on your right, an RV area that can hold up to 5 RVs (we never actually went to this since we were more interested in tent camping), and just two tent sites right next to the parking lot and boat launch. I've also heard that if everything is full, you can spend the $10 "unattended vehicle overnight" fee and car/RV camp in the parking lot, though I'd check with one of the many rangers who come through frequently first.

  There's another day-use area right at the boat launch with grass and picnic tables, and on the lovely Spring weekend we were there many people were picnicking, kayaking, laying in the sun and fishing. The Columbia River, while protected here, is still quite fast going under (and over) the dock, so we never let the boys go in the water since we didn't bring life vests, and we didn't see anyone else swimming either. The two tent sites right at the dock are large, though not super private, and they would be great if you wanted to get up super early with your boat and go fishing. Otherwise, I wouldn't consider this a "destination" campground since, in addition to it being so small, there's a train that passes by loud and frequently enough to be annoying. That said, the flush toilets, showers and bathrooms were some of the cleanest I've visited while camping, so that's a definite plus. And the view of Beacon Rock from this spot is pretty spectacular.

  Pros: Great views, perfect for launching a boat or early-morning fishing.

  Cons: Loud annoying train and only two tent spots, though when we came only one was in-use.

  Gear Review:

  Last year we won a Leatherman gift certificate in The Dyrt camping contest, so this year we decided to try out some of our new purchases: two Leatherman Leaps (in blue and green) for my two kiddos, ages 6 and 11:

  https://www.leatherman.com/leap-358.html

  Summary/Pros: I have to admit we are biased toward Leathermans. The company is based in Oregon (where we live), completely stands behind their products, and make quality multi-tools. We even gave engraved Leathermans as bridesmaid/groomsmen gifts at our wedding 17 years ago. That said, there's some that I use more frequently than others, and for the most part we've limited the boys' Leathermans to smaller multitools with scissors and such, so this is their first larger tool. I love the fact that we can have the large blade put in or taken out depending on how comfortable we are with having them have the blade. And the boys have had a surprisingly easy time opening and closing the different attachments.

  Cons: The only downside I've found with the Leap so far is that there's no nail file, but that's my personal preference and not one that's bothered the boys so far.

  Video Review: The boys decided they wanted to create their own review, so be sure to watch the attached video to see what they think.

• 

  Stephanie Z.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 1, 2017

  Ainsworth State Park Campground

  Convenient Location

  The campground at Ainsworth State park feels more like an RV parking lot than an exotic Columbia Gorge camping experience. The majority of the camground it rv hookups with just a few walk in tent sites. Yet, while the campground isn't impressive in itself, it is in an amazing location for exploring neighboring Eagle Creek and the rest of the gorge just steps away!

  The parking for the tent sites is close to the walk in trail. There are only 6 tent sites and they can be reserved online so it is not easy to roll up to a free spot in hiking season.

  The sites themselves are basic and offer much more privacy than your neighbors in the RV section of the park are getting. There is water near the tent site entrance. Toilets are a bit of a walk from the tent sites.

  This site does take credit cards for campground registration.

• 

  Laura M.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 1, 2024

  Humbug Campground

  Love it here

  Humbug is one of our favorite campgrounds. We love the easy access to the beach and the beautiful hikes.  Showers are hot and free, rangers are always friendly.

  Cell service is pretty iffy here, but we manage to make it work with the cell booster.

  There's a dump station and water fill, trash and recycling, water spigots throughout campground, and firewood for sale.

  Tent sites in Oregon don't currently have the 25% non-resident surcharge (though I've heard that's changing soon) and there are plenty of non-hookup/tent sites that will fit RVs. There are also FHU and pull through sites.

• J

  James M.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 12, 2019

  Ripplebrook Campground CLOSED INDEFINITELY DUE TO FIRE

  Great small campground right on a creek.

  You never see any stinking trailers at this campground. It's perfect for tent camping.

• N

  Nathaniel O.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 28, 2021

  L.L. Stub Stewart State Park Campground

  Great camping has everything.

  Always tent sites.

• C

  Chantal S.

  Guide

  

  May. 13, 2021

  Moorage Camp and Boat Launch — Beacon Rock State Park

  Tiny but adequate

  This small campground has just 2 tent sites and 5 rv sites. We stayed at the biggest of the two tent sites and enjoyed complete privacy and easy access to water, toilet and shower. While the train track is very close and trains are frequent, they do not usually use their horns or break at night, so they are not really a bother, even at night (and I'm a light sleeper). Overall a pleasant experience.

• 

  Lindsey T.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 3, 2017

  Milo McIver State Park Campground

  Wish we could have stayed longer

  We didn't stay even 24 hours. We only stayed for a place to sleep overnight, but I'm eager to return and stay longer. I was super impressed with the size and location of the tent sites. The tent sites were also secluded and flat. (But a far walk to the bathrooms/showers). There seemed to be a lot of hiking trails. I couldn't check them out because of our schedule, but I would 100% return. We drove to the boat launch area and it was easily accessible.

• C

  Chuck W.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 10, 2020

  Santiam State Forest Butte Creek Falls Campground

  Just down the road

  This is Santiam State campground that is for basically tent camping. Water and Pit toilet. Some sights next to Butte Creek. The best part is that you very close to Butte creek water falls.

• 

  Rich M.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 5, 2019

  Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground

  Nice spread out sites

  The campsites are spread out and private. There are tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. Quiet lake with two trails around it.

• 

  Cody T.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 12, 2021

  Detroit Lake State Recreation Area

  Beautiful place

  Beautiful place right next to the lake! Wasn’t a fan of how open the sites are and the noise from the highway. We were tent camping however so your mileage may vary with a camper/trailer set up.

• 

  Kate M.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 28, 2022

  Ainsworth State Park Campground

  Convenient location and nice facilities

  Great location for exploring Columbia River waterfall area. Clean and nicely laid out bathrooms and showers. Tent camping experience not great and we were in the tent only section. Road and railway noise. Our site smelled like urine. Lights from the info board and neighboring sites shining into our tent all night long.

• M

  Mallory R.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 27, 2020

  Detroit Lake State Recreation Area

  Beautiful Lake Campground

  Had a wonderful time tent camping here with our 4 month old baby. Great place to cool off on hot summer days. Love the trail that goes around the lake!

  **Might have been affected by fires in September 2020**

• 

  Steve H.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 8, 2019

  Mt Hood Village Resort

  Large TT/Encore Campground

  Up at the base of Mt Hood, this large resort style campground (operates by Thousand Trails/Encore) offers various areas for camping. There are full RV hookup sites, tent sites, group tent sites, E/W RV hookups and cabins/yurts throughout. It seems most, of not all, RV sites have room for at least a small tent or more and they do allow that. There also is a few group tent sites that I saw.

  As for amenities, the campground has a small store that sells the basics and some RV parts, a deli/restaurant, playground and pool.

  There are trails to get to the Salmon River, not difficult by any means.

  Being just a dozen miles or so from Government Camp, there are so many things to do when you want to get out of the campground.

  It’s open year round, and many folks use Mt Hood Village RV Resort as a basecamp for activities for all seasons.

  Overall, I enjoyed my stay, though the limited restroom and showers are oddly placed, with access only by walking the loop. There are no trails to get to them, so if you are at the other end, it’s a small hike. The plus is that the restrooms are clean and well stocked.

• 

  Kevin L.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 18, 2023

  Kiwanis Road Free Camping

  Tent sites

  This is a decent choice for tent camping. Most spots are just off the road. Park on the side of the road and pack your tent into the trees. Camping on both sides of the road. The east side of the road has a creek running through it Very beautiful. 

• 

  Jaymz G.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 8, 2018

  Promontory Park

  Tight sites

  TThis is a great lil campground on the shores of the North Fork Reservoir! The sites are tightly spaced with cabin, yurts and tent camping available. There is trout fishing starting May 22 and continues through October. Cheap way to get out of the city

• 

  Erin P.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 6, 2017

  L.L. Stub Stewart State Park Campground

  Closest campsite to Portland

  Went tent camping. Was expecting a bit more of a campsite, but it was just a big field with everybody together. No privacy or trees even blocking other campsites. Not suitable for more than 1 tent or groups. Bathrooms okay, and water was close so thats a plus. Would only stay again if desperate.

• C

  Chuck W.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 10, 2020

  Santiam State Forest Rhody Lake Recreation Area

  Worth the drive

  Very crowded in summer. Pit toilet. 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. It is possible to kayak with easy access

• 

  Erin P.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 12, 2017

  Dairy Creek East - L L Stub Stewart State Park — L.L. Stub Stewart State Park

  Big field with little privacy

  I was unimpressed. Okay local if you need to camp in Portland. Not so nice bathrooms. Tent camping was in a big field with weird gravel bits that got louder in the morning. No barriers between campsites. I would pass and find a nicer place to pitch your te t

• 

  Lady L.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 3, 2021

  Milo McIver State Park Campground

  Nice campground

  Tent area is separate from RVs and it has lots of privacy. Camp host is very sweet, he brought fire wood to my tent. Nice trails and lake, nice bathroom/shower. It is about 100 yard walk through forested trail to showers and you can't park your car in your tent camp but it is small so the parking is very close. I like how forested the area is.

• 

  Sarah H.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 27, 2016

  Silver Falls State Park Campground

  Fun Inland Waterfalls

  We tent camped two nights at Silver Falls. Tree lined campgrounds were well maintained. Sites are close together and the grounds are very social (which we like). Ranger led evening program was educational and interactive. The highlight of the trip was the 8+ mile hike to explore 10 different waterfalls. The hike was easy enough for our seven year old to complete, but tough enough to wear us out. We very much enjoyed a swim with other families in one of the final falls. The drive from Portland was gorgeous! It was nice to get a glimpse of rural Oregon.