Located just 25 miles west of Portland, Forest Grove offers access to a diverse range of camping landscapes spanning coastal mountains, river valleys, and dense forests. The area's elevation ranges from 180 feet in town to over 1,500 feet in the surrounding hills, creating microclimates that can change camping conditions dramatically between locations. Summer temperatures typically hover around 75-85°F during the day, with nights cooling to 50-55°F, making it comfortable for tent camping but often requiring extra blankets for glamping structures.
What to do
Disc golf courses: At L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park, visitors can enjoy disc golf while staying in their glamping accommodations. "What makes this CG so special is the multitude of hiking, biking, and horse trails. They even have a disc golf course within the park," notes one reviewer who appreciates the diverse activities available.
River recreation: The Sandy River at Oxbow Regional Park provides swimming, fishing, and water play options just a short drive from glamping sites. "Plenty of hiking, swimming, and fishing through the park. It's truly a great oasis just outside of Portland," shares one camper who enjoyed the water activities.
Horseback riding on beaches: For a unique coastal experience near Forest Grove, Nehalem Bay State Park offers horseback riding along the shoreline. "Great dune area. Always horses riding on the beach too. Super neat experience," reports a visitor who enjoyed watching the horses.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Glamping close to Forest Grove, Oregon often provides more seclusion than standard campgrounds. At Cape Lookout State Park, one camper notes, "We love how much privacy is usually found between sites. For the most part, trees and bushes are substantial enough to make your site feel like you have your own sanctuary."
Proximity to water: Many campers appreciate glamping locations that offer easy water access. "Just off highway 6 (between Portland and Tillamook) is a series of lovely campgrounds in the Tillamook State Forest. Gales Creek is the first one you'll find on your way coming from Portland, and it's one of my favorites. The sites are surrounded by trees, and, if you're lucky, you can grab one next to the cute river than runs through the camp," explains one visitor to Gales Creek Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to spot local fauna. "If you're lucky enough you will wake up to elk grazing in the grassy areas," mentions a camper from Trask River County Park, highlighting the unexpected wildlife encounters possible when glamping near Forest Grove.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most glamping sites near Forest Grove have limited connectivity. At Oxbow Regional Park, a camper reports, "Barely got 1 bar of 4g at the welcome center. There's a guest wifi in the parking lot there too but it's 2 miles further to the camp ground and texts hardly go through."
Weather preparation: The Pacific Northwest climate requires planning. "My husband and I have stayed here twice and both times it has rained. Which is fine but we find it very humorous (and actually really enjoy camping in the rain)," shares a visitor to L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, suggesting that waterproof gear is essential even for glamping structures.
Reservation necessities: Due to popularity, advance booking is often required at Champoeg State Heritage Area, especially for glamping options. "You can book sites online up to 24 hours in advance, or you can show up to camp one night at one of the few non-reservable first come sites," explains a camper about the reservation process at a similar park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water spots: Look for gentle water access points. "The river was cold yet summer had just started, This place was beautiful and nice as a weekend getaway," notes a visitor to Trask River County Park about the swimming opportunities.
Playground proximity: Some glamping locations feature play areas. "Nice swing set and grassy areas for kids or pets to run around," mentions a camper at Trask River County Park, highlighting amenities that keep children entertained.
Biking routes for children: Camp Wilkerson offers safe cycling paths for young riders. "Great trails near," comments one visitor, while another adds that it's "great camping if you go in groups," making it ideal for family glamping excursions close to Forest Grove.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: When glamping in an RV near Forest Grove, location within the campground matters. A camper at Milo McIver State Park advises, "I really appreciated other Dyrt reviews that said the shadier, more private sites are numbered below 40. We were in 38."
Seasonal access considerations: Weather affects road conditions to glamping sites. "The water and sewer hookups were in the middle of the site, with electric being at the back of the pad. The water pressure was not very good at around 35 psi," notes an RVer at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, providing specific details about utilities.
Amenity availability: Glamping facilities vary significantly by season. "Very nice campground with some full RV hookups. We prefer loop C. There is a man made burm that keeps some wind from coming into the campground," shares a visitor to Cape Lookout State Park about the protective features.
