Best Tent Camping near Gates, OR
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Best Tent Sites Near Gates, Oregon (66)
1. Marion Forks Campground
10 Reviews•39 Photos•20 SavesIdanha, OregonAdjacent to the Marion Forks Fish Hatchery, Marion Forks Campground is a great 15 site (one pull through) campground tucked away from Highway 22 and a quiet place to relax. Enjoy a 1/4 mile leisurely stroll along Marion Creek on a paved loop path through the picnic area and fish hatchery and learn about spring Chinook salmon and the history of the area. Nearby, on Forest Service Road 2255, you can find the little used trail (#3431) to Independence Rock for a short hike. If you drive further up to the end of Road 2255, you'll reach the trailhead to Marion Lake (Trail #3436) leading to the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness.
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2. BLM Molalla River Recreation Area
6 Reviews•18 Photos•112 SavesMolalla, OregonOverview
No cash, check, or cards are accepted on site. Make a reservations online or use the mobile app. Three Bears campsites are only available by making a reservation. Reserve a campsite on recreation.gov or Recreation.gov Mobile App prior to entering the Molalla River Recreation Corridor. There is no cell reception in the drainage. Situated in a picturesque grove of western red cedar 4 miles south of Glen Avon Bridge, the site has 15 tent campsites, each equipped with a tent pad, metal fire ring, BBQ grill, and picnic table. The campground also has vault toilets and access to a beautiful cobble beach and swimming hole.
Recreation
Camping, fishing, swimming, hiking and biking on nearby trails (Hardy Creek TH closest)
Natural Features
Molalla Wild and Scenic River and forested environment.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (503) 375-5646.
Nearby Attractions
Enjoy a scenic drive along the Molalla Wild and Scenic River which offers easy river access and opportunities for picnicking, swimming, camping, whitewater boating and fishing. The Molalla is one of the few undammed tributaries of the Willamette River and cuts a picturesque gorge on its way to the valley floor. Table Rock Wilderness is further up the canyon and accessible through three trailheads.
Charges & Cancellations
Standard fees apply and are non-refundable. Visit https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies for more information.
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- Reservable
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$15 - $30 / night
3. Quartzville Recreation Corridor
5 Reviews•9 Photos•205 SavesCascadia, Oregon- Pets
- Fires
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- Dispersed
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- Alcohol
4. Elk Lake Campground
4 Reviews•20 Photos•96 SavesDetroit, OregonThis 17 site tent-only campground, located adjacent to the Bull of the Woods and Opal Creek Wildernesses, is full of beauty in the summer. Wildflowers are a beautiful sight in the campground's meadows around July.__ Swim or paddle in the quiet waters of the non-motorized lake, go for a great hike with views of multiple Cascade peaks, or just kick back and relax in the campground.
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5. Santiam State Forest Rock Creek Campsites
1 Review•17 SavesGates, Oregon- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
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- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
$15 - $20 / night
6. Santiam State Forest Butte Creek Falls Campground
2 Reviews•13 SavesMehama, Oregon- Fires
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- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
7. Rainbow (OR) - TEMP CLOSED
7 Reviews•13 Photos•40 SavesWelches, OregonOverview
Campground closed due to the 2020 Riverside Wildfire Rainbow Campground provides ample access to the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River. The campground offers a great location to enjoy peace and quiet in the beautiful mountains of northern Oregon. Visitors enjoy fishing, hiking, biking and rafting.
Recreation
Fishing is very popular in the Oak Fork and anglers can expect a catch of winter steelhead, spring Chinook and late summer Kokanee salmon, as well as other species of freshwater fish. The Clackamas River also provides miles of wild water as it bends through the scenic Cascade range, making whitewater rafting a popular activity. The 5-mile Riverside National Recreation Trail, popular for hiking and mountain biking, is located not far from the campground. The surrounding area provides numerous additional opportunities for hiking.
Natural Features
The campground is located in Mt. Hood National Forest along the Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River at an elevation of about 1,400 feet. Huge maple and Douglas fir trees cover the area, and dense shrubbery provides some privacy between campsites. The campground is not far from the Ripplebrook Ranger Station and Ripplebrook Pond. The river provides habitat for the federally protected bald eagle and northern spotted owl, as well as an occasional peregrine falcon. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area.
Nearby Attractions
Bagby Hot Springs is located about 14 miles southwest of the campground. A popular site for soaking and relaxing, the springs are in a heavily wooded area in the scenic Cascade Range. The available bathhouses are fed by three major hot water springs and several minor outlets in the area. A historic guard station was built there in 1913.
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- Reservable
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$20 - $22 / night
8. BLM Quartzville Wild and Scenic River
1 Review•7 SavesCascadia, Oregon- Pets
- Fires
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- Group
- Dispersed
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9. Santiam State Forest Rhody Lake Recreation Area
1 Review•2 Photos•26 SavesGates, Oregon- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Toilets
- Alcohol
10. Tumble Lake
1 Review•2 Photos•89 SavesDetroit, OregonThis quiet and remote lake hidden in a high valley above Detroit Lake is a perfect family day hike or overnight getaway.
From the trailhead, the first few steps of the hike start steeply, up a short embankment, but once you clear the ridgeline, it will be a gently rolling easterly walk past an interesting rock pinnacle and a nice viewpoint down to the lake. After about a half mile, you will reach the Tumble Ridge-Tumble Lake Trail Junction. Turn right to head south down into the Tumble Lake basin (going straight leads to Dome Rock). The first downhill portion consists of forested switchbacks, and then a short section of the trail requires some scrambling within a rugged rocky stream bed. You will then traverse cross two steep open meadows which will be in bloom late June through August. As you flatten out into the basin, you will begin seeing the shaggy forest of Alaska Cedars, dripping with moss. Prolific huckleberry bushes fill the understory. Several shaded campsites are available at the lake edge.
Once you arrive at the lake, continue on a faint user trail south and follow the lake outlet stream to some mossy rock ledges that give the viewpoint of Detroit Lake seen in the photo above. Here you will see the water disappearing over the cliff edge to form Tumble Falls.
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Recent Tent Reviews near Gates, Oregon
1231 Reviews of 66 Gates Campgrounds
- TTyson C.
Scout
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.
- CCarole M.
Traveler
Belknap Hot Springs Lodge and Gardens
Lovely stay in a gorgeous setting
We loved our stay here. We started on site 2 but it has zero shade so they were able to give us site 8. Right on the river with the beautiful sights and sounds of that majestic McKenzie. We moved up to the upper campground to site 14 for the next couple days. Also shady with sight and sound of the river. They sites aren’t very big but have a table and fire pit. The tent sites across the river that you hike to are amazing!! I want to tent camp there!! So wooded and many have direct river access. They also have cabins to rent. The hot mineral pools were wonderful and the staff friendly. They have a small store with a few essentials but no real food available. Lovely place.
- LLaurielle A.Scout
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!
Kelly N.
Ranger
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.
- Bear G.Traveler
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.
Jason G.
GuideMt 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.
Laura M.
Legend
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.
- JJames M.Scout
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.
Lindsey T.ScoutMilo 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.
- JJessica M.Traveler
Sunnyside Park
Seems more like a parking lot not a campground
Not super geared toward tent camping, if you have an RV or trailer it may be better. Super open with sites right on top of one another.
Heather H.Traveler
Trillium Lake
Beautiful!
This campground gets really crowded from the day use/dam side of the lake. Great for tent camping/swimming. The lake actually gets pretty warm starting in August.
- CChuck W.Traveler
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.
Cody T.Traveler
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.
- Noelle F.Scout
Belknap Hot Springs Lodge and Gardens
Love this place
Great for any kind of camper or non-camper. Tents, RVs, cabins, the lodge, they have it all. Staff is friendly and the hot spring pools are wonderful. We have tent camped here and have rented a cabin and had a great experience both times.
- MMallory R.Traveler
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**
- BBill I.Guide
Paradise Campground
Campsite 55
Beautiful spot right on the river, but all the tent sites are on a slight slant and the parking is too steep for in vehicle sleeping.
Steve H.GuideMt 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.
- PPam B.Traveler
Allen Springs Campground
Lovley!
Clean and quiet. Many sites along the beautiful Metolius River. A few incredible tent sites with lots of privacy. There’s no water, but campsites with water are nearby.
Kevin L.Guide
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. 
- CChuck W.Traveler
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
- Jaymz G.Traveler
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
- Nicole R.Guide
North Arm Campground
Stayed a week! So pretty!
This was so peaceful. We tent camped for a week in the summer. Took nice long hike around the lake twice with the kids. The spots are huge, the toilets smell so bad though. Make sure to bring sanitizer definitely. The views in the morning make it worth it though.
Lady L.GuideMilo 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.
- Laura M.Legend
Ikenick Sno-Park
Free Camping and Hiking
Right off Hwy 126 is this dirt parking lot where camping is allowed. There is access to multiple hikes from this point.
Over night parking without permit May - Oct ok, but inside a vehicle only, no tent camping allowed per sign in winter as snowplow drivers cannot see tents as well.
No toilets or trash in this area so pack in and pack out. No cell reception.
- Faith F.Scout
Whitcomb Creek County Park
Great Family Campground
My family and I have stayed here multiple times and have always enjoyed it. Camp hosts and rangers are always nice and helpful. Tent sites don’t have electric or water but water spickets are located around the park if needed. Clean and decent sized sites.
Sarah H.GuideSilver 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.
- PPatricia F.Traveler
Belknap Hot Springs Lodge and Gardens
Remote tent sites right on the water!
Nice tent sites removed from the lodge and RV sites. Lovely walking trails and accessibility to soaking pools with hot spring water. Staff as very friendly, but the one bathroom was very dirty. They do sell firewood and ice at the checkin - which was nice.
Overall - a lovely getaway.
Guide to Gates
Tent camping near Gates, Oregon offers a variety of scenic spots where nature enthusiasts can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from tranquil riverside sites to rugged mountain retreats, there's something for everyone.
Some prices for tent camping range from $15 to $20
- The Cedar Grove Recreation Site provides a peaceful atmosphere with well-maintained sites and access to river views, making it a great choice for a relaxing getaway.
- At Elk Lake Campground, you can enjoy beautiful lake access and a rustic experience, with sites priced around $20 for a night of camping.
- Santiam State Forest Butte Creek Falls Campground offers a unique experience near stunning waterfalls, with tent sites available for a modest fee.
Local activities to enjoy while tent camping
- BLM Molalla River Recreation Area is perfect for families, featuring swimming spots and opportunities for fishing and catching crawfish.
- The Quartzville Recreation Corridor is a favorite for fishing enthusiasts, offering year-round fishing in a beautiful river setting.
- Santiam State Forest Rhody Lake Recreation Area provides a serene environment for kayaking and wildlife watching, making it ideal for nature lovers.
Tips for tent camping near Gates
- Bring plenty of water, especially when camping at BLM Molalla River Recreation Area, as the water pump has bacteria warnings.
- Be prepared for a rustic experience at Elk Lake Campground, where you’ll need to bring in all your supplies, including water and food.
- If you’re camping at Round Lake Campground, be ready for a bit of a trek, as access can be challenging due to fallen trees and rugged terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Gates, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gates, OR is Marion Forks Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Gates, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 66 tent camping locations near Gates, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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