Tent camping near Keizer offers access to small, less-visited sites within 40 miles of town. The region features two distinct camping zones: the Willamette River corridor with flat riverside sites and the more rugged Tillamook State Forest with swimming holes and hiking trails. Summer temperatures average 80°F during July and August, with camping season typically running May through September when most facilities open.
What to do
River activities: Willamette Mission State Park provides access to river activities where visitors can enjoy swimming and fishing. "The area is pretty with lots of trails and paved paths. There are opportunities for fishing also," notes one visitor to the Hiker/biker Camping Area.
Hiking trails: Take advantage of forest trails near Keenig Creek Campground. "There is a 6 mile trail (12 miles roundtrip) that leaves right from the campground and goes to Footbridge. We did most of it and it's nice and moderate," writes a camper at Keenig Creek.
Wildlife viewing: Visit Willamette Mission State Park to see native plants and animals. "A lot of work has been done to keep this site up for public education and trails - we take elementary students to this site every spring to have a field science day. The largest Black Cottonwood tree resides at this park and is worth seeing!" mentions a reviewer.
Swimming: Three Bears Recreation Site offers excellent swimming options during summer months. "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!" recommends a visitor to Three Bears Recreation Site.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Jones Creek Campground offers well-spaced camping areas. "The campsites are spaced well apart with lots of room in each site," notes a camper at Jones Creek, adding that "The sites are pretty private, bathrooms within a short distance and the quiet hours are from 10pm-7am."
Affordability: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the low fees at some campgrounds. One camper at Keenig Creek mentioned, "Cheap- it was only $10 a night! Definitely a cheap adventure weekend."
Off-grid experience: Many campsites offer a chance to disconnect completely. "Phone Service is super bad so be prepared to go off grid!" explains a Jones Creek visitor, which many campers appreciate as a benefit rather than drawback.
Natural swimming areas: The Wilson River provides cooling relief during summer months. "There's a beyond perfect swimming hole, that we all quickly discovered was plenty deep enough to jump off the rock formation next to it," shares a Keenig Creek camper about the river access.
What you should know
Water availability varies: Many campgrounds have inconsistent water access. "The campground is clean with water sometimes available. There is spring water near milepost 7 when the pump in campground is not available," explains a camper at Three Bears Recreation Site.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds near roads experience traffic sounds. A Keenig Creek visitor warns, "Don't choose a campsite close to the highway...you will hear every car/truck that goes by! My advice would be to get as close as you can to the river."
Seasonal closures: Be aware that flooding affects availability in certain areas. "This park floods every winter. I advise planning your trip for the spring or summer knowing that there is a lot of shaded trails to keep you cool," cautions a Willamette Mission State Park visitor.
First-come basis: Most tent sites cannot be reserved. "They don't take reservations, which can be a good or bad thing. If you are a planner, not being able to make reservations would probably be hard," notes a Keenig Creek camper.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming spots: Cedar Grove offers calm water areas suitable for children. "Stunning river views and small with only 11 sites that are first come first served. Refurbished a few years ago," shares a visitor to Cedar Grove Recreation Site.
Educational opportunities: Take children to Willamette Mission State Park for learning experiences. "This site is soooo beautiful! stayed here a couple times and always enjoyed it. Has an area to go fishing but I never caught anything," mentions one camper about the park's accessibility.
Campsite selection: Choose walk-in sites for a quieter experience with children. "From the site we were in (K6) we could see no other campsites and could barely hear anyone else. Loved the cozy feel of our site," shares a Keenig Creek visitor about their private spot.
Activity options: Butte Creek Falls offers exciting exploration for families. "Near the campsite is the first fall that curtains over a little cave. You're able to walk in and under the fall which feels like you're in a movie," describes a visitor to Santiam State Forest Butte Creek Falls Campground.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most of the best tent camping near Keizer lacks RV amenities. "We were planning to bring our smaller RV, but found out they didn't have electrical hookups. We just brought tents, instead," mentions a Keenig Creek camper about their experience.
Road considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "The road up was a very narrow road. So careful if there's other cars coming through, especially the logging semis," warns a camper about the forest roads in Tillamook State Forest.
Tent-focused sites: Many campgrounds near Keizer primarily accommodate tent campers. "This is Santiam State campground that is for basically tent camping. Water and Pit toilet. Some sights next to Butte Creek," notes a visitor about the setup at Butte Creek Falls.
