Are you planning a tent camping trip to Happy Valley? We've got you covered. Find the best information on tent camping near Happy Valley, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Oregon tent camping excursion.
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.
Camping, fishing, swimming, hiking and biking on nearby trails (Hardy Creek TH closest)
Molalla Wild and Scenic River and forested environment.
For facility specific information, please call (503) 375-5646.
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.
Standard fees apply and are non-refundable. Visit https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies for more information.
$15 - $30 / night
Campground closed due to the 2020 Riverside Wildfire Sunstrip Campground is a primitive campground on the banks of the Clackamas Wild and Scenic River. It provides access to a variety of outdoor activities, but retains the look and feel of true nature, with only a few amenities.
Fishing is very popular in the Clackamas and anglers can expect winter Steelhead, spring Chinook and late summer Kokanee salmon, as well as other species of freshwater fish. Whitewater rafting is also a favorite activity among visitors. The Clackamas River provides miles of wild water as it snakes through the scenic Cascade range. A hiking trail meanders along the riverbank, north and south of the campground. Scenic driving is available on the nearby West Cascades National Scenic Byway, which follows the river.
The campground is nestled in a wooded area of the Mt. Hood National Forest, thick with moss and greenery, at an elevation of about 1,000 feet. The river provides habitat for the federally protected bald eagle and northern spotted owl, as well as the occasional peregrine falcon. A variety of wildlife make its home in the area.
The Clackamas River, just below nearby Indian Henry Campground to the North Fork Reservoir, provides 12.5 miles of class III-IV whitewater. Outfitters are located in the town of Estacada.
$22 - $24 / night
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.
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.
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.
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.
$20 - $22 / night
$50 / night
No cash, check, or cards are accepted on site. Make a reservations online or use the mobile app. Cedar Grove 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 6 miles south of Glen Avon Bridge, the site has 10 tent campsites, each equipped with a tent pad, metal fire ring, BBQ grill, and picnic table. The campground also has vault toilets and river access.
Camping, fishing, swimming, hiking and biking on nearby trails (Hardy Creek TH closest)
Molalla Wild and Scenic River and forested environment.
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.
Standard processing fees apply and are non-refundable. Visit https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies for more information.
$15 - $30 / night
This trail enters the Mt. Hood Wilderness on the west side of Mount Hood. This trail accesses Burnt Lake and Zigzag Mountain with views above treeline. The north side also has wonderful old cedar snags showing remnants of a wildfire that came through around 1900.
Starting from the north Burnt Lake trailhead, this trail begins at Forest Road 1825-109 (2,680’) and ends at Forest Road 2627-207 (3,320’). From Forest Road 1825-109, the trail climbs steadily up to Burnt Lake (4,120’). There is a nice loop trail around the lake accessing several campsites. From the lake the trail continues up a steep climb 0.6 mile and reaches Zigzag Ridge (4,720’). Soon after, the trail reaches Zigzag Mountain Trail #775. Turn right onto Zigzag Mountain Trail #775 and follow the ridge westward 0.3 miles until Burnt Lake Trail #772 drops over the south side of the ridge descending to Devil’s Meadow area. From Devil’s Meadow the trail follows an easier grade down an old roadway to West Zigzag trailhead at Forest Road 2627-207.
Sand Island St. Helens Campground is located just 25 minutes from Portland, Oregon and Longview, Washington. This 31.7 acre offshore overnight camping experience offers docks, nature trails, beaches, picnic tables, campsites, restrooms, kayak connections, water adventure rides and more. This brand new camping facility is fun for the entire family and sure to become a frequent camping destination. Upon arrival for overnight stays first check in at the St. Helens Marina. Our courtesy shuttle will unload your gear and take you to the parking lot for your vehicle and bring you back to the marina. Once you arrive on the island via our boat shuttle our staff on the island will take you to your campsite and even take your gear to your campsite with our speedy people mover. Each overnight camping group is offered this free shuttle to and from the St. Helens, Marina daily. Overnight guests can receive a phone number for late night check in if you plan to arrive after 5 p.m. Please ask for this in your booking description area online. Bathrooms are on the island, showers are a 3 minute shuttle ride to the main land. The island offers spectacular views of Mt. St. Helens in Washington State and Mt. Hood in Oregon State plus stunning river views. Huge commercial ships will take your breath away as they grace the river on the east side of the island. The sandy beach point is a wonderful place to take it all in. Horseshoes, corn hole, and other games are available to check out and enjoy. Pets in your control are welcome as long as you clean up after them and do not disrupt other guests. A dog that barks at strangers or just because…will be politely asked to go home. A peaceful experience is our goal for all guests. Additionally, the island is just a shuttle ride away to the City of St. Helens river front district complete with lovely dining experiences, fun shopping, buying souvenirs at local gift shops or at the famous 2 C’s Vendor Mall. You can even take in a movie at the historic Columbia Theater or savor a wonderful cocktail or craft beer if the mood hits you.
$30 / night
Meditation Campground is a small walk-in campground on the shores of Timothy Lake. Campers should park at the Westshore Day Use area to access the campground. The rustic sites are limited to groups of six campers each. It has 7 sites and is accessible by boat, bike or hike-in only. There is a toilet there and each site is equipped with a table and fire ring.
Hi and welcome. We have forty beautiful acres of pasture and forest halfway between Portland and the Oregon coast. We are above the small community of Buxton Oregon and easy to get to one a little more than two miles off of hwy 26 Accessible through a dirt farm road. Each campsite has a fire pit and picnic table. A couple of chairs. and a hammock We also have an RV toilet in a small tent and provide five gallons of spring water in a BPA-free container We have cows, goats, lama chickens, ducks geese, and turkeys. They are friendly and you can visit and hike in our property Gardens. Geodesic dome greenhouses berries and fruit trees We also have rooms available at our home and retreat center and a sauna hot tub flotation tank. Hyperbaric oxygen chamber Pulse electromagnetic therapy Red light therapy and Pandora star light entrainment device,
I do energetic healing work with an ability I was born with. I help people with physical healing work that can take out the pain and resolve physical issues through deep emotional work and strengthen your connection to source. My wife does past life regression sessions and dreamwork and teaches meditation
$45 / night
Scout
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.
Legend
Out of the way, a bit, but that was part of what we enjoyed. Felt far removed from "The City" and the drive was scenic.
Very popular campground. We tent camped at this one. Good tent sites shared in our site.
Clean shower facilities. Boat rentals, Great walk around the lake.
Our site seemed very private in amongst the trees, even though the resort was busy. Would recommend!
Traveler
We tent camped at a drive-in site (8) in October 2020 and loved our experience. The whole campground felt small and peaceful, the tent sites were well spaced and surrounded by trees. It seemed to be popular with families and there were quite a few kids riding their bikes around the loop. The walk around the lake was beautiful and quiet - we did not pass many people at all.
I think next time we’ll try the walk-in sites for the privacy and the above view of the lake.
Would recommend, absolutely.
Scout
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!
Traveler
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.
Legend
The Dairy Creek Campground at Stub Stewart is a two loop campground. The sites are spacious, but there isn't much character. The East loop is pretty much an open field. The west loop has a few more trees but still not much privacy or space between sites.
Dairy Creek is clean and well maintained, and has great access to the trails and disc golf around the park. If you're in an RV this is a good set up. If you're camping with kids, there's a play area here.
There are a few "walk in" sites where you don't park your car next to your tent, but rather in the parking lot next to the grassy area where the open tent sites are. If you're looking for a better tent camping experience that actually feels like it's in the woods, you're better off going to the hike in campground in the park.
The loops are big and there is parking near the bathroom. This is great if you don't want to walk a long way, but it's bad if you've got the campsite near the bathroom with all the cars coming and going.
GuideNot 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.
Legend
Campground Review:
There are at least four different campgrounds within Beacon Rock State Park in Washington. This review is for the Boat Launch "Moorage Camp" at the base of Beacon Rock, which has a small 2-tent area and 5-RV space down by the boat launch.
From Camas/Vancouver, you'll come to the sign for Beacon Rock Boat Launch on your right hand side, just before passing the actual Beacon Rock. There's a large day-use area on your right, an RV area that can hold up to 5 RVs (we never actually went to this since we were more interested in tent camping), and just two tent sites right next to the parking lot and boat launch. I've also heard that if everything is full, you can spend the $10 "unattended vehicle overnight" fee and car/RV camp in the parking lot, though I'd check with one of the many rangers who come through frequently first.
There's another day-use area right at the boat launch with grass and picnic tables, and on the lovely Spring weekend we were there many people were picnicking, kayaking, laying in the sun and fishing. The Columbia River, while protected here, is still quite fast going under (and over) the dock, so we never let the boys go in the water since we didn't bring life vests, and we didn't see anyone else swimming either. The two tent sites right at the dock are large, though not super private, and they would be great if you wanted to get up super early with your boat and go fishing. Otherwise, I wouldn't consider this a "destination" campground since, in addition to it being so small, there's a train that passes by loud and frequently enough to be annoying. That said, the flush toilets, showers and bathrooms were some of the cleanest I've visited while camping, so that's a definite plus. And the view of Beacon Rock from this spot is pretty spectacular.
Pros: Great views, perfect for launching a boat or early-morning fishing.
Cons: Loud annoying train and only two tent spots, though when we came only one was in-use.
Gear Review:
Last year we won a Leatherman gift certificate in The Dyrt camping contest, so this year we decided to try out some of our new purchases: two Leatherman Leaps (in blue and green) for my two kiddos, ages 6 and 11:
https://www.leatherman.com/leap-358.html
Summary/Pros: I have to admit we are biased toward Leathermans. The company is based in Oregon (where we live), completely stands behind their products, and make quality multi-tools. We even gave engraved Leathermans as bridesmaid/groomsmen gifts at our wedding 17 years ago. That said, there's some that I use more frequently than others, and for the most part we've limited the boys' Leathermans to smaller multitools with scissors and such, so this is their first larger tool. I love the fact that we can have the large blade put in or taken out depending on how comfortable we are with having them have the blade. And the boys have had a surprisingly easy time opening and closing the different attachments.
Cons: The only downside I've found with the Leap so far is that there's no nail file, but that's my personal preference and not one that's bothered the boys so far.
Video Review: The boys decided they wanted to create their own review, so be sure to watch the attached video to see what they think.
Legend
The campground at Ainsworth State park feels more like an RV parking lot than an exotic Columbia Gorge camping experience. The majority of the camground it rv hookups with just a few walk in tent sites. Yet, while the campground isn't impressive in itself, it is in an amazing location for exploring neighboring Eagle Creek and the rest of the gorge just steps away!
The parking for the tent sites is close to the walk in trail. There are only 6 tent sites and they can be reserved online so it is not easy to roll up to a free spot in hiking season.
The sites themselves are basic and offer much more privacy than your neighbors in the RV section of the park are getting. There is water near the tent site entrance. Toilets are a bit of a walk from the tent sites.
This site does take credit cards for campground registration.
Ranger
We stayed here as part of a camping trip for my son's cubscout troop. It seemed like a moderately used small campground at the time. My visit was a year ago. They have a large shelter used for weddings. Adirondacks that didn't seem used much, a tent camping area and cabins. We tent camped. They also have restrooms that have since been updated since my initial visit. It's a decent basic campground with a small stream running through it.
Traveler
Tent camping sites looked amazing next to the river! Sadly, RVs are only allowed in a handful of sites which were all very sandy and less shaded. We stayed at site #5 which was probably the worst site for both issues but it was also the only one left on a weekend. We tried to cross the river to access to Tamanawas Falls trail but the water was too deep. Moral: tent camp in the highest # site available and reserve your spot!
Scout
You never see any stinking trailers at this campground. It's perfect for tent camping.
Scout
Always tent sites.
Guide
Nice little campground. Sites are a little uneven for tent camping. Clean beach but very cold water.
GuideThis small campground has just 2 tent sites and 5 rv sites. We stayed at the biggest of the two tent sites and enjoyed complete privacy and easy access to water, toilet and shower. While the train track is very close and trains are frequent, they do not usually use their horns or break at night, so they are not really a bother, even at night (and I'm a light sleeper). Overall a pleasant experience.
ScoutWe 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.
Traveler
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.
LegendThe campsites are spread out and private. There are tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. Quiet lake with two trails around it.
TravelerThis 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.
TravelerGreat location for exploring Columbia River waterfall area. Clean and nicely laid out bathrooms and showers. Tent camping experience not great and we were in the tent only section. Road and railway noise. Our site smelled like urine. Lights from the info board and neighboring sites shining into our tent all night long.
GuideUp 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.
Guide
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. 
Guide
Away from the railroad tracks. Great sites for tent camping. RV spots are a little close. Clean bathhouse. Don’t be scared away because there are no pull through spots. The management can coach you into the site. They were great.
Traveler
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
TravelerWhat an incredible campground. Nice shaded, private spots. Enough distance between campers that it feels secluded. Though we were in our RV the tent camping looked spectacular! Kind front desk team. Magical, large grassy lawn that our Bernedoodle loved. We will be back!
Scout
Incredible, free, private. Tent sites only, short hike in from parking lot, bring your own everything. Pit toilets, lake access, close to Mt. St. Helens activities. Four miles from Cougar.
GuideWent tent camping. Was expecting a bit more of a campsite, but it was just a big field with everybody together. No privacy or trees even blocking other campsites. Not suitable for more than 1 tent or groups. Bathrooms okay, and water was close so thats a plus. Would only stay again if desperate.
Tent camping near Happy Valley, Oregon, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. With several well-reviewed campgrounds in the area, you'll find the perfect spot to set up your tent and unwind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Happy Valley, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Happy Valley, OR is BLM Molalla River Recreation Area with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Happy Valley, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 77 tent camping locations near Happy Valley, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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