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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $30 / night
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $30 / night
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 - $24 / 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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $26 / night
"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."
RangerNot a camping spot. Just a rest area with no camping signs throughout the parking areas. Bathroom was open and fairly decent. We did stop after dark, rested a few hours and were gone again by sun up.
TravelerThe spot we chose was a nice and wooded pull off, however most of the sites are smaller. The road gives access to a few hiking trails, so the road can be loud during the day.
TravelerWe camped here for 4 days, rangers were nice we hauled in our wood since we didn’t want to buy a lot, and can’t gather wood there. Plenty of trees between campsites, The Bathroom and showers were really nice and clean!! lake was also nice but small. Enjoyed our stay!!
RangerThis site is great! Lots of rules listed but not enforced, would recommend having the discovery pass though as signs are prevalent. If you can avoid going the route alongside the correctional facility, you’ll have much less dirt roads and pot holes. There isn’t room in the non horse sites for a rig more than say 25 feet long. No cell service or Starlink, but if you drive to a clearing nearby you can find a satellite .
TravelerPlanes, trains and automobiles....oh did I mention nosy neighbors and rude office staff? Sharon and Erika are unapproachable and judgemental office slime. Skip this place. And the pictures LIE!
ScoutBeautiful camping sites. Very busy. Lots of families and people. Roads are very windy and curvy be extra cautious. Wish we had more time so much to explore. If you bring your dog, you will be very limited on where you can hike too. RV sites are pretty private. Bathrooms and showers look brand new. And Camp post are extremely kind and polite.
GuideThis spot is split between burnt areas, old growth, & highway. This particular spot has a camping area with a magical mermaid style water fall private to its own camping area equipped with a fire ring. It has a spectacular cliff jumping area right across from the waterfall. We did have to work around other peoples trash, local sheriff stopped by to check the area and suggested dumping trash at the group camp up the road. Tried to help with that but couldn’t pick the remainder of the trash left from others. Buried lots of human waste left from others, reminder to not sh*t by the water per forest service regulation standards. Keep our water clean. The water is crystal clear, cooling crisp & absolutely beautiful. Only saw a couple fish which seemed strange due to the depth of water available. The nearby town officials states water pollution will contaminate the lake, rivers & even drinking water during the current construction. The neighboring town is small & quiet. This spot I would occasionally receive service for AT&T but don’t place any faith in its consistency. The waterfall / swimming area made this the 4 stars alone, just glorious. There are near 5-6 other camping areas along the river, this one had the most trash because of the swimming area it’s likely more popular. Easy access, down a small dirt road, kinda secluded but still visible from street.
LegendWe had a great day and one night stay here in late September. The site was right on the hood river that runs thru the campground. Many hiking trails and also an awesome campground overall. Clean restrooms. Awesome camp hosts. This is our second Time in the campground but first on the river. Will return for sure!
TravelerGreat lil spot had absolutely no issues finding a spot there are a lot in the area free dispersed. You can hike to trillium lake from this area as well…
Not quite apot and not super private but cool
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 78 tent camping locations near Colton, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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