Tent campsites near Fairview, Oregon range from riverside sites to lake-adjacent options, with most locations within a 60-mile radius of the city. Elevation varies from near sea level at Columbia River sites to over 3,000 feet at Mount Hood National Forest camping areas. Summer temperatures typically range from 50°F at night to 85°F during day, with mountain locations experiencing wider temperature fluctuations.
What to do
Water activities at riverside sites: Government Island State Recreation Area offers boat-in camping with direct river access. "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," notes a camper at this Columbia River destination.
Mountain hiking access: Burnt Lake provides backpacking sites with nearby trails. "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," explains one reviewer. The area features multiple numbered campsites around the lake perimeter.
Swimming opportunities: Three Bears Recreation Site on the Molalla River offers "great for swimming kids fishing an catching crawfish something for everyone," according to a recent visitor. The campground sits at mile 3.5 on the Molalla Recreation Corridor with multiple swimming holes accessible by short trails.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Canyon Creek in Gifford Pinchot National Forest offers secluded riverside camping. "Spaces were far enough apart that you couldn't even tell anyone else was out there," reports one camper, noting the sense of isolation despite being accessible by vehicle.
Lakeside settings: Cougar Park & Campground enforces a tent-only policy that "keeps the big guys out" according to a reviewer. The camp's location on Yale Reservoir provides direct water access: "The campground is right on a lake, which means I went for a swim at dusk - it was spectacular."
Urban-adjacent nature: Sites like Sand Island Marine Park provide natural settings with urban convenience. "Beautiful view, hosts very nice people. They will help take your things to your site. Island is lovely to walk around, our site had beach access," writes one visitor about this Columbia River option accessible via shuttle boat.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some dispersed sites requires patience and preparation. Canyon Creek campsites have "about 5 miles of rough rough gravel road" leading to the sites, with multiple reviews mentioning the challenging drive in. Standard passenger vehicles can make the journey but expect slow going.
Site limitations: Many campgrounds have specific restrictions. Cougar Park strictly enforces its tent-only policy, with one visitor noting they "showed up with our VW Eurovan (smaller than half the pickup trucks parked there) and were immediately lectured on not having a tent."
Water access issues: Sand Island Marine Park Campground requires boat transportation. "We waited over an hour on the dock in 90 degree heat to get to the island," reported one visitor, recommending campers "pack light, condense as much as possible" for the crossing.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water play: Three Bears Recreation Site provides accessible swimming for children. A visitor commented, "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!"
Site selection considerations: At Burnt Lake, one visitor suggests, "Take a walk around the lake first to find which one suites your needs and preferences. They all are great for families, groups, or just a single tent." Sites vary in privacy and access to amenities.
Safety awareness: Canyon Creek requires extra vigilance with children due to terrain. "We had a private trail (about a country block in length)," notes one camper, but cautions about potential hazards including steep dropoffs at some sites. Sites near water require additional supervision.
Tips from RVers
Limited access at popular sites: Most tent camping areas near Fairview restrict RV access due to road conditions or site design. Naked Falls has limited RV options, with a reviewer noting that "sites 1 & 2 seemed to work ok for small trailers or pop up campers." Most other sites at this location are tent-only.
Boat access for marine camping: Government Island State Recreation Area accommodates various camping styles. "Fishing, boating, campfires... it's a nice place to take a break from boating all day, maybe spending the night then getting back to the mainland," explains a visitor. While technically listed for RVs, access requires boat transportation.
Alternative parking arrangements: For those with smaller RVs visiting sites like Canyon Creek, one visitor recommends: "Once we found a spot right near the riverbank, you felt like you were deep in it... you're close enough to your car that you can just bring some [wood]." This flexibility allows for RV parking while still enjoying tent sites.
