Tent camping options surrounding Gresham, Oregon include established campgrounds and dispersed sites within driving distance of the city. Government Island State Recreation Area offers tent camping that is accessible only by boat, while Mount Hood National Forest provides several tent-specific sites including Burnt Lake and Sunstrip Campground, though the latter has been temporarily closed due to fire damage.
Most tent campsites feature basic amenities with variations in facilities. Government Island allows campfires but lacks designated fire pits, and campers need to bring their own drinking water. At Burnt Lake, primitive tent camping is available with no toilets or running water. The Canyon Creek dispersed camping area in Gifford Pinchot National Forest provides free tent camping from May to October with picnic tables but no facilities. One camper noted that "Sites were far enough apart that you couldn't even tell anyone else was out there," though they recommended sleeping mats as "the ground's rather hard."
Tent camping experiences vary significantly by location and season. The Clackamas River sites offer riverside tent pads with natural shade, though highway noise can be audible at certain campgrounds. Sites near water bodies like Sand Island Marine Park and Government Island require boat access, creating more secluded tent camping environments. According to a visitor, Government Island is "not overly populated" due to boat-only access. Canyon Creek dispersed sites require navigating approximately five miles of rough gravel roads, which naturally limits crowds but requires careful planning. Many tent-only sites in the area feature private trails to water access points, though campers should be prepared for variable conditions including limited wood gathering options at some locations.
"No potable water, so bring your own. There is 1 restroom and no desinated camp sites. But we love it!"
"Discover Pass or Discover Day Pass is required to stay there. Would recommend!"
"No cell service or Starlink, but if you drive to a clearing nearby you can find a satellite ."
"Naked Falls is a private campground with primitive sites. I’d recommend tent only, although sites 1 & 2 seemed to work ok for small trailers or pop up campers."
"I got site number six and it was an amazing place with a gate that gave you the sense of privacy and also to make sure that your spot wasn’t going to be taken, we were able to pull our SUV to all the way"
from $50 / night
"Explore along the creek by taking one of the trails along the north side of the campground. Toilets only; water and wood (no g'tee) at host site."
"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 next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 - $24 / night
"Road got a little bumpy getting out here but once we found a spot right near the riverbank, you felt like you were deep in it. Saw a few people on the way out."
"Site I picked had a trail down to the creek that was nice. Would recommend the area for just a nice quiet disconnect. No service."
"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 next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $30 / night
"Sites are primitive, no tables. This is on the columbia river water kayak trail."
"Island is lovely to walk around, our site had beach access. Site to reserve has pictures. Will definitely return!"
from $30 / night
"My group and I had a great overnight backpacking trip here last weekend! A good, well-maintained trail for beginners. It is clearly defined and not overly challenging, with only one blowdown."
"I highly recommend this backpacking campsite to anyone who has explored around the Mt. Hood area. This is a hidden gem that I had never been to!"
ScoutI have to admit I’m a little biased. I was the Campos there for three years so I was there all summer long matter fact I was there the year that it got burned down. Met some great people there had a lot of fun enjoyed taking care of the place. I will always remember it finally
ScoutStayed here for elk hunting, and everything was quiet and the host even gave us some info on the area
ScoutThere airport noise is so loud all day everyday! But the price is right and the park is very clean. There is security overnight.
ScoutGreat campsite and close to the river
TravelerSeveral reservable, paid spots near the lake, but if your vehicle can make it there is free dispersed camping farther down a forest road. Took a long time to find but there was a gorgeous clearing I could back my truck into and a rock fire-ring I found that I improved upon. Beautiful woods all around the spot and very secluded.
GuideSuper clean bathrooms and showers, rangers patrol the campground constantly so it feels pretty safe.
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.
GuideThe 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.
ScoutI tent camped and had half the campground to myself. Water and toilets in good condition. Nice and quiet. I booked on their website beforehand, was about $26 after fees.
Tent camping near Gresham, Oregon offers diverse experiences from May through October, when average rainfall drops below 2 inches per month. Located at the confluence of the Columbia and Sandy rivers, this area serves as a gateway to both Mount Hood wilderness and Columbia River water recreation. While summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F, campers should prepare for occasional nighttime temperatures that can drop below 50°F even in July.
Fishing opportunities: At Rainbow Campground, visitors can access excellent fishing spots along the Clackamas River. "We hiked from Rainbow to another campground, walking mostly next to the water," notes Kevin L., highlighting the campground's connectivity to water activities.
Swimming holes: Three Bears Recreation Site offers natural swimming areas perfect for summer cooling. According to Kierra K., "Great camp spot to keep kids busy! The stream has some swim sections, but not entirely. Bring water shoes!" This site remained open as of June 2021 despite nearby fire closures.
Backcountry hiking: Tent campers seeking more solitude can hike to remote sites at Burnt Lake, which requires a 4-mile trek from the trailhead. "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," suggests Sonja O., describing additional day hiking options from camp.
Island seclusion: Government Island State Recreation Area offers a unique boat-in camping experience. Amanda M. reports, "I'll go again!" while Eva W. notes the practicality: "It's a nice place to take a break from boating all day, maybe spending the night then getting back to the mainland."
Riverside campsites: Some tent campers appreciate the Sand Island Marine Park for its waterfront access. Lisa D. shares, "Our site had beach access. Site to reserve has pictures." The campground provides boat access and tent-specific areas.
Privacy between sites: Canyon Creek dispersed camping in Gifford Pinchot National Forest attracts campers seeking space from neighbors. One camper observed the spacious layout: "Spaces were far enough apart that you couldn't even tell anyone else was out there."
Road conditions: Access to dispersed camping areas often requires navigating rough forest roads. Vanessa T. warns about Canyon Creek: "The coordinates here were incorrect coming from Hood River Oregon. It sent me down a rough dead end forest service road. I ended up lost on the mountain for 3 hours."
Seasonal availability: Many tent sites close during winter months. Burnt Lake typically has snow into May, with one camper reporting: "We went in May, so there was still snow, and the lake was so full it had flooded part of the trail, making the backside campsites inaccessible."
Boat-only access: Naked Falls and other water-adjacent sites require planning for equipment transport. Heather P. advises, "Please make sure to read the reviews of each site on Hipcamp before making your reservation," noting that site layouts and access vary significantly.
Site selection: Choose locations with natural features that entertain children. At Three Bears Recreation Site, "Great for swimming kids fishing an catching crawfish something for everyone," according to Michelle A.
Safety considerations: Watch for natural hazards at riverside locations. At BLM Molalla River Recreation Area, Elizabeth R. cautions about Rainbow Campground: "Close to water, some places have drop of cliffs watch little ones."
Water access planning: Most family-friendly sites offer water activities but require preparation. At Three Bears, Shay Renee B. notes, "Great swimming hole, a little noisy at night when we stayed on a Thursday but other than that, a great spot to enjoy nature."
Size limitations: Most tent camping areas near Gresham have restrictions for larger vehicles. Naked Falls campers report: "I'd recommend tent only, although sites 1 & 2 seemed to work ok for small trailers or pop up campers."
Campsite layouts: At Dougan Falls State Forest, RVers should note the primitive nature of sites. Kimberly L. describes, "Toilets only; water and wood (no g'tee) at host site," indicating limited amenities for those accustomed to hookups.
Parking access: Many tent sites require walking gear in from parking areas. Ashley L. shares about Rainbow Campground: "Not sure of the number, think it was 1 or 2. We got the first site at the entrance. I enjoyed the spot since it was more secluded."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Gresham, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gresham, OR is Government Island State Recreation Area with a 4.0-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Gresham, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 83 tent camping locations near Gresham, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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