Tent camping near Happy Valley, Oregon offers access to forested sites along the Clackamas and Molalla Rivers where summertime temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during peak season. Many camping areas sit at elevations between 700-1,200 feet, providing cooler evenings than the Portland metro area. Seasonal closures affect some sites from late October through April due to snow and high water conditions.
What to do
Swimming and fishing access: BLM Molalla River Recreation Area provides excellent water activities with spots for kids. "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.
Hiking nearby trails: At Rainbow Campground, campers can access riverside trails. Ashley L. shares, "There is also a little trail at one end of the campsite which was nice." Another camper mentions, "We hiked from Rainbow to another campground, walking mostly next to the water."
Crawfish catching: The Molalla River system offers summer opportunities for catching crawfish. One camper at BLM Molalla River notes it's "Great for swimming kids fishing an catching crawfish something for everyone."
What campers like
River sounds for sleeping: Many tent campers appreciate the natural white noise at Cedar Grove Recreation Site where a camper mentioned they "stayed within 50 yards of the water and was indulging in the river noise to destress to."
Secluded spots: Some Happy Valley area campgrounds offer privacy between sites. At Three Bears Recreation Site, Kierra K. notes "Very quiet and camp spots were perfect distance," while Jason B. at Cedar Grove Recreation Site appreciated that it's "small with only 11 sites that are first come first served."
Clean facilities: Despite being primitive, some sites maintain good standards. Jason B. describes Cedar Grove as a "Great clean place" that was "Refurbished a few years ago."
What you should know
Water availability concerns: At many tent sites, drinking water access is limited. At Sunstrip Campground, heidi notes "The water pump has bacteria warnings so bring plenty of water."
Primitive nature means variable conditions: Facilities vary significantly between sites. One camper at Sunstrip notes it "has the most weeds and the grossest bathrooms. Perhaps this will help keep the crowds away?"
Highway noise: Some riverside campgrounds have road noise issues. Brian C. notes at Sunstrip, "sites are not far from the road, so while you're next to the river, you can still hear the highway."
Logging truck traffic: At Cedar Grove, Jason B. warns "Only issue I have found is the logging trucks run all night."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with easy river access: Government Island State Recreation Area provides boat-in camping where "you can only get to it via boat so it is not overly populated," according to Fatima H., who adds "There are no fire pits but you can burn. No potable water, so bring your own."
Watch for cliff hazards: At Rainbow Campground, Elizabeth R. warns to watch children around "drop of cliffs" noting "Close to water, some places have drop of cliffs watch little ones."
Scout tent pads before setting up: Hahns R. describes Three Bears Recreation Site having "roomy sites with nice tent pads and picnic tables" but notes "The sites are walk in with well maintained paths."
Pack essential supplies: Since many campgrounds have limited facilities, one camper advises "There is spring water near milepost 7 when the pump in campground is not available."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access at most tent sites: For RVers wanting to camp near Happy Valley, options are restricted. At Healing ponds farm retreat, Bobby S. notes it's "Quiet and convenient. Reasonably priced, for the situation," though he rated it only 3 stars as "Average but works."
Select sites carefully: Site selection matters for small RVs. At Rainbow Campground, Tony P. found "space #10 to be extremely accommodating to our pop-up trailer, SUV, and one additional vehicle."
Check road conditions: Many forest roads leading to tent campgrounds have rough sections unsuitable for trailers. Katherine H. mentions Rainbow Campground access requires preparation: "No water available, so make sure you bring your own."
Consider alternatives during peak season: Summer weekends fill quickly at established campgrounds. Jason B. notes at Cedar Grove, "This is my go to for during the week over nighters as it's never been full. Last year I went in June for a solo night and I had the place to myself."
