Best Tent Camping near Foster, OR

Tent campsites near Foster, Oregon range from established forest service grounds to primitive dispersed options along scenic waterways. The Quartzville Recreation Corridor offers free tent camping with drive-in access and basic amenities like fire rings, while Marion Forks Campground provides more established tent sites with wooden corral boundaries and access to nearby creek trails. Sweet Home Ranger District along US Highway 20 offers additional tent-specific options with toilet facilities, though many lack drinking water.

Most primitive tent campgrounds in this region feature dirt or forest duff surfaces with minimal site preparation. Fire rings are common at established sites, but campers should verify current fire restrictions as bans are frequently implemented during summer months. Vault toilets are available at some locations like Marion Forks and Cascara Campground, but many dispersed areas have no facilities whatsoever. Water access varies significantly—Quartzville sites offer stream access, while others require campers to bring their own supply or filter from nearby water sources. High-clearance vehicles may be necessary for accessing more remote tent sites, particularly after periods of rain.

The tent camping experience in the Foster area offers significant advantages for those seeking natural settings and solitude. Many sites provide direct access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and swimming holes, particularly along Fall Creek and the Quartzville corridor. Tree cover varies by location, with some sites offering ample shade while others provide more open views. Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for day hikes or fishing expeditions. Areas farther from highways tend to offer more seclusion, though weekend crowds can be substantial during summer months. As one visitor noted, "Multiple dispersed sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Not much shade at sites, can be dusty. Lake is great for swimming and floating."

Best Tent Sites Near Foster, Oregon (51)

    1. Sweet Home Ranger District (US Highway 20)

    3 Reviews
    Sweet Home, OR
    1 mile

    "All areas are secluded, you can choose any place to camp at many options, no phone service but great area to fish and explore the forests, it’s a bit of a ways in but the drive is quite nice."

    2. Quartzville Recreation Corridor

    6 Reviews
    Cascadia, OR
    14 miles
    Website

    "Bring it in Pack it out, be kind to others and take your trash. Nobody should pick up after messy campers who can camp FREE. Only thing you get is a Fire Ring and that shows where you can camp."

    "It is dispersed so only a few areas have bathrooms, and not being a regular campground some neighbors can get rather rowdy. But, overall it is a definite favorite."

    3. BLM Quartzville Wild and Scenic River

    1 Review
    Cascadia, OR
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 897-2406

    4. Upper Whitcomb Boat In Campsites

    Be the first to review!
    Cascadia, OR
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 967-3917

    $15 / night

    5. Santiam State Forest Rock Creek Campsites

    1 Review
    Gates, OR
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 859-2151

    $15 - $20 / night

    "Nice place to camp right by the creek the walk-up sites are $15 a night and the drive-up sites are $20 a night I personally have only camped at the drive-up sites and it's super pretty and peaceful there"

    6. Cascara Campground — Fall Creek State Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Lowell, OR
    30 miles
    Website

    "About 40+ spots, fire ring and picnic tables in each. Clean bathrooms. Fee is $19/night (Park Rangers check). It was empty when I went. No problems finding spots."

    "Nice that Cascara is close to so much to explore.  Found a place to dip into the water, to shoot, and exploring the forest roads was a fun afternoon in general."

    7. Whispering Pine Horse Camp

    2 Reviews
    Eugene, OR
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 323-1746

    $25 - $27 / night

    "They offer professional help that can elevate your academic experience. Enjoy the serene beauty of the forest and create lasting memories at Whispering Pine!"

    "Lots of great trails to hike."

    8. Marion Forks Campground

    10 Reviews
    Idanha, OR
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 854-3366

    "Located off Hwy 22, past the fish hatchery, far enough that you can’t hear road noise. Less than 20 sites total, all first come first serve, $12 a night or $6 with interagency pass."

    "The campground is right next to a fish hatchery, which is really interesting and worth a visit. However, most of the sites have pretty strict boundaries."

    9. Clark Creek Organization Campground

    3 Reviews
    Lowell, OR
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 226-3564

    "There is a great swimming hole right across the street and a good jumping platform just up the road at the next pullout.  The hike from the campground up to the butte is great too."

    "There was plenty to do, and plenty of space to eat or even hide from the rain."

    10. Big Pool Campground

    1 Review
    Fall Creek Lake, OR
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 937-2129

    "We have been here a few times and absolutely love the location. Being right on the water truly can't be beat!"

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Tent Camping Reviews near Foster, OR

924 Reviews of 51 Foster Campgrounds


  • l
    Jul. 22, 2022

    Rujada Campground

    Excellent Vintage Camp

    I had a great experience here The campground was clean, the leave no trace policy is followed here. Quiet hours are 10pm - 6am, it was quiet even during the non-quit hours. Very private. There are running water spigots strategically placed throughout the camp, each water station has a waste water dump, and trash can. There are flush toilets with running, a sink and trash can. The garbage was picked up daily. Each site was a tent pad, fire pit and large table. Each site was very private, I couldn't see the other campers unless they were passing by our site. There is no internet, no electricity, and no showers, bring your own. The only negative was the mosquitos - easily resolved with a netted day tent or pop-up with mesh. Laying Creek sounds heavenly all throughout the camp, the trails are great to walk, and you will eventually wander to a swimming hole. Beautiful campground, with a great history going back to 1933. Highly recommend!

  • Sara R.
    Sep. 5, 2018

    Marys Peak

    Very basic and secluded.

    This is one of the most primitive campgrounds I've seen. There were a few old picking tables, fire rings, and one vault toilet. We were the only ones there during the peak of camping season. There were lovely flowers and raspberries growing nearby. A few dead branches feel during the night, which was a little underling.

  • Mavrick S.
    Oct. 5, 2019

    Scott Lake Campground

    Stunning!

    So when I first found this campground I wasn't sure what to expect being as reviews and info were sparse so I'll do me best to sum it up. Things to know that arent stated. It is free may require NW forest pass. It's a drive, hike, bike and walk in. I didn't see any spots big enough for RV but there is space to park that isn't officially a site.

    Location: Beautiful sits about 5,000 feet right off McKenzie Pass Road (closed from November to June)

    Sites: I saw 6 drive in with fire ring, picnic table also 2 vault toilets.... There's more walk/ hike in but we had to much gear to do that.

    Directions: Very easy to find spots all along lake and Google maps took us right to spots.

    Activities: Great! Had a kayak/boat launch also had the Scott Mountain TH right there within 1/4 walking distance on dirt road. It seems that a forest fire was pretty recent ontop but the grounds seemed kind of untouched

    Warnings: This was my first time up this pass. Elevation is very high which means incremental weather. Aka woke up in October with snow which happened to us.

    Overall 5 stars must visit. We will be coming back next year when less snow and road reopens

  • Jill T.
    Sep. 5, 2019

    Piety Island Boat - In Campground Boat Landing

    Island camping

    Top reasons I love this campground: 

    - It’s an ISLAND! How cool is it to camp on an island! 
    - Beautiful views from the middle of the northern end of Detroit Lake. 
    - Great for swimming, boating, exploring, hiking, and fishing. 
    - I bet it’s amazing to stay there over the 4th of July. 
    - The firework display from the other side of the lake should be spectacular! 
    - Cheap-$10. 
    - Only 22 sites. 
    - I had cell service with AT&T. 

    **Things to note: **

    - This should be obvious but, you’ll need a boat to get to and from the island. It’s a quick canoe from either side. 

    - The vault toilets are maxed out. Hopefully, they will be serviced SOON! 

    - No drinking water, no shower, and no guarantee for the serviced toilets. 

    - Bring water and TP. 

    - Fires are allowed and there are several picnic tables.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2023

    Hult Pond

    Secluded Pond Great for a Quick stay

    Great spot for a quick stay. There are only a few flat spots for RVs but quite a few decent spots for tent camping next to the pond. The west side of the pond has at least 2 spots that are a good distance away from the others. At the moment, no fires or barbecues allowed but propane stoves and lanterns are fine. Look for Bandits blue squeaky disk! We lost it and never found it.

  • Kimberly C.
    Aug. 29, 2019

    Ice Cap Campground

    Perfect basecamp

    Friendly and knowledgeable camp hosts. Vault toilet, mix of tent sites including some walk-ins that are up against the reservoir- you can hear the peaceful running water all day and night. Brand new picnic tables, brand new fencing, and excellent trails. Perfect mix of sun and shade for many of the sites. We stayed at 15 and I can’t wait to go back. Very spacious sites can hold multiple tents of all sizes. Beautiful drive to and from campgrounds- the McKenzie River area is definitely worth exploring!

  • Kelly N.
    Sep. 25, 2018

    Yukwah Campground

    ADA access camping sites and great day use area

    Yukwah campground is found along hwy 22 East of Salem along the Willamette National Forest in Linn County. Most of the sites along this stretch are first come, first serve walk up sites - but you can reserve by connecting with Linn County Parks and Rec (see photo for info) for $18/night plus $5 additional vehicle fee and reservation fee. This campground has ada access camp sites and tent sites. Most of the RV sites along the Willamette National Forest can be used for tent camping. The day use area at this site is great for swimming, fishing, and possibly a small hike. I advise camping near the day use area (#3) if you have a large family or kids for larger sites and easy access. Yukwah is near wagon wheel bridge with access to trails for those wanting to hike while camping. Vault toilets are available (bring soap) - there are no showers or additional amenities. There is access to potable water at this location.

  • Kelly N.
    Sep. 30, 2018

    Whispering Falls Campground

    Camp above the Santiam riverbank

    Camp above the Santiam riverbank and enjoy a night of peace and rest listening to the water flow. This site has access to vault toilets, potable water. The sites are large enough for rv or tent sites with vehicle pull through. The sites have enough old forest growth to provide privacy for the family. If you camp near the river you cannot hear the road, even though you are only a skip away. I do not recommend camping in the sites near the road if you have kids/pets with you or if you are a light sleeper. The roads are paved which can be great for family cars or for little ones wanting to ride their bike or scooter around camp. The site that we stopped at would have been great for fishing trout or salmon. Don’t forget your fishing license!

    You can reserve this site through Linn County Parks & Rec: 1-877-444-6777 - And like most sites in the Willamette National Forest dogs are allowed as long as they are on leashes and check out time is 1pm.

  • Laura I.
    Jul. 22, 2021

    Paradise In Oregon

    Great spot

    I had read online that this camp ground had a really bad bug problem but I hardly saw any. Especially for being next to the river. My campsite (48) had a short path down to the river. Current is strong but could easily soak feet.

    My biggest complaint was that the picnic table was really close to the bench. A bigger person like myself can’t sit there. But I just pulled a camp chair up to the edge.

    Restroom was clean, even though I could see one of my camping neighbors there was plenty of space.

    Camp is very dusty.


Guide to Foster

Tent camping near Foster, Oregon features numerous dispersed sites along wilderness corridors and forestry access roads. Elevations range from 800 to 1,500 feet throughout the region, creating varied microclimates and camping experiences. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during daytime hours with nighttime lows often dropping into the 40s even in July and August.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Fall Creek offers year-round fishing with several campgrounds providing direct stream access. At Big Pool Campground, the location right on the water "truly can't be beat" according to camper Rose B., who notes it's "not overly developed but also not overly rustic - really hits the sweet spot!"

Trail exploration: Many tent sites serve as bases for hiking through old-growth forests. The Clark Creek Organization Campground features a "hike from the campground up to the butte" that visitors find "great," and sits across from "a great swimming hole right across the street," according to Joel D.

Gold panning: The Quartzville area permits recreational gold panning in designated sections. Visitors can bring basic equipment and try their luck in the streams. One camper at BLM Quartzville Wild and Scenic River notes "camping along side gravel road" with "some spots better than others," recommending you "go claim a spot early" during holidays.

Nature programs: The Sweet Home Ranger District hosts guided forest tours during summer months. Camper Cindy U. mentions they "do guided hikes check out recreation.gov Sweet Home nature and Heritage tours," providing educational opportunities for visitors.

What campers like

Swimming access: Multiple sites offer direct water access for cooling off during summer months. At Cascara Campground, camper Jessie S. appreciates that "they have life jackets for little ones," making it safer for families, while Tiv P. calls it "Beautiful. About 30 min away from groceries and stores."

Site privacy: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites than others. Justin S. notes that at Cascara Campground, "sites are decently taken care of," though there's "not much privacy at all between spots," but "there were a couple larger ones on the edge of the loop that were tucked in away from others."

Forest scents: The aromatic experience of the forest adds to the camping appeal. At Whispering Pine Horse Camp, Eric M. states, "The smell of the trees in the summer is my favorite part," adding that there are "lots of great trails to hike."

Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. Campers report seeing deer, small mammals, and numerous bird species throughout the region during quieter hours.

What you should know

Seasonal restrictions: Fire bans frequently affect the region during summer months. Check current restrictions before arrival as conditions change rapidly.

Limited facilities: Most tent camping areas have minimal amenities. At Marion Forks Campground, Elora notes there are "clean vault toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, trash, but no water" and that it costs "$12 a night or $6 with interagency pass."

Road conditions: Access to remote sites may require high-clearance vehicles. Sam C. at Sweet Home Ranger District warns, "If you have a Sedan watch for large rocks on the way up as they tend to be hazardous."

Campground boundaries: Some sites have strict area limitations. Bennett F. explains that at Marion Forks Campground, "There are logs fences around each campsite, which you are required to stay inside of. You can hear a river a ways back from the side of the campground, but is inaccessible because of the aforementioned fences."

Cell service: Most areas have limited or no connectivity. Kevin R. notes Marion Forks "has no cell service whatsoever" making it "a great place to wander around, do some trails near by then settle down by the campfire with a good book."

Tips for camping with families

Fish hatchery visits: The Marion Forks fish hatchery provides educational opportunities. Patty R. shares: "My boys and now my granddaughter love going to the the fish hatchery and seeing the baby fish and the HUGE fish."

Group accommodations: For larger family gatherings, organization campgrounds offer space for everyone. Emily C. describes Clark Creek Organization Camp as "amazing" and "the perfect place for families. The older teens loved sleeping in the shelters, while the parents preferred tents."

Site selection: Choose sites away from busy roads and water hazards when camping with small children. Corinna B. found Marion Forks "really fun for our boys to have a 'self-contained' site" due to the split rail fences.

Insect preparation: Pack ample bug repellent, especially during early summer. As Bennett F. warns about Marion Forks: "In June or July, the mosquitoes will eat you alive if they get the chance, so don't give it to them. Bring lots of bug repellent."

Tips from RVers

Pull-out selection: For dispersed camping along Quartzville, evaluate pull-outs carefully. Mark W. observes that "some spots have 2 or 3 fire rings per pull out and would be good for a small group."

Site preparation: Many tent camping spots near Foster can accommodate smaller RVs but require advance planning. Brian C. notes that Marion Forks has sites that are "fenced with a wooden corral" with "loads of shade as it's right in the forest," making it "very affordable for tent and RV."

Access timing: Arrive early to secure preferred spots, especially during peak season. According to Marie C. at Rock Creek Campsites, "the walk-up sites are $15 a night and the drive-up sites are $20 a night" with sites that are "super pretty and peaceful."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Foster, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Foster, OR is Sweet Home Ranger District (US Highway 20) with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Foster, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 51 tent camping locations near Foster, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.