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Best Tent Camping near Lafayette, OR

1,236 Reviews

Tent campers in Lafayette, Oregon have access to several tent-specific sites in the surrounding Willamette Valley and coastal range. Willamette Mission State Park offers dedicated tent camping areas, including a hiker/biker camping area with walk-in tent sites ideal for cyclists traveling the Willamette Valley Bikeway. Tillamook State Forest also provides tent camping options within a reasonable drive, with both established campgrounds and dispersed tent camping areas.

Most tent campsites near Lafayette provide basic amenities appropriate for primitive camping experiences. Campers should plan to bring sufficient water, as several sites like the hiker/biker area at Willamette Mission State Park do not offer potable water. Sites in established campgrounds typically include picnic tables and fire rings, though fires may be restricted during dry summer months. Vault toilets are available at many locations, though Tillamook State Forest dispersed camping areas have no toilet facilities. Tent pads vary from compact dirt surfaces to more natural forest settings, with minimal site preparation or grading.

Tent camping in this region offers distinct advantages over other camping styles. The areas near Willamette River provide easy water access, while forest sites offer increased shade and privacy. A review mentioned that "there are plenty of large areas for company picnics or larger family gatherings" at Maud Williamson State Recreation Site, which sits across the Willamette River from the Wheatland Ferry. Walk-in tent sites typically provide more seclusion and distance from vehicle traffic. Seasonal considerations affect the camping experience, with one camper noting that Willamette Mission State Park "floods every winter," making spring and summer the optimal seasons for tent camping there. The largest Black Cottonwood tree resides in this park and is worth visiting. Jones Creek Campground in Tillamook State Forest features tent campsites with good privacy between sites and easy access to hiking trails, making it a popular option for weekend tent camping trips.

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Best Tent Sites Near Lafayette, Oregon (41)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Lafayette, OR

51 Photos of 41 Lafayette Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Lafayette, OR

1236 Reviews of 41 Lafayette Campgrounds

  • Nathan R.
    May. 28, 2018

    Dairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park

    Serenity in Fauna-Great for Groups too!

    I love this campground.

    Specifically, I love site number 10.

    There are 23 sites at this campground, though sites 10-23 are reservable, leaving sites 1-9 ‘first come, first served’. To get to the campground, you’re going to be working on the far left side of the Welcome Center parking lot. They have allotted several parking spots there, as well as a huge parking area for other cars and trailers. Once you park, grab your gear and hike on down that path straight ahead! If you have. A lot of gear they have three carts available to haul everything out in one go.

    The trail to the camp is about 1/4 mile, it’s dirt in some places and gravel in others. The trail is very easy, you go down a ways, and then hit a gradual short climb to the few station. If you haven’t paid online (reserved spot), you will need to fill in the information on one of the provided permits, write down your car infix, put the fee in, and drop it in the box. (Right now the sites are $11/night). Place the white top copy on your dashboard (yes, you have to hike back out there. I know, I know.) OR: You can skip all of that, set up camp in your chosen (non-reserved) spot, and go pay at the welcome center drop box. Saves you a trip.

    When you’re done with all of that and want to find your spot, there are two trails; one on each side of the fee board. The left goes through sites 23 and up. The right side starts with site 1. It's just one gigantic loop so whichever way you choose will lead you to the right spot.

    I was in site 10, and took the left: this ended up being the long yet scenic choice.

    There are communal fire rings in the back section (which is great for groups!). There are no trash cans: pack it in, pack it out. There are pit toilets available: aka, outhouses. The doors lock, there's hand sanitizer provided. Going into the pit toilets, and then coming out really makes you appreciate the fresh air of the great outdoors.

    The tent pads are a typical woodsy mix of pine straw, leaves, and loose gravel. Sleeping pads are a blessing, but so are nicely stacked lead piles in a pinch. Tent stakes require a little oomph, I just use the ball of my shoe to push it into the ground.

    If there's one thing you want to pack, it's bug spray. It's not overly buggy, but the mosquitoes are there, and you don't want them to dampen your experience! Be on the safe side.

    There are no food storage lockers, you cannot leave food out on the tables. You are still in the wilderness, and you are in bear/cougar territory. Hang your bags, or go throw your food back in trunk of your car. Best case scenario is you wake up to some trash pandas ransacking your site if you leave food out.

    Overall, this has become one of my favorite spur-of-the-moment camping spots and I come back twice a week.

  • Stephanie Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 3, 2019

    Dairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park

    Ranger Review: PRIMUS LITE+ Backpacking Stove at Brooke Creek Hike-in

    Campground Review: Brooke Creek Hike-in Camp

    Brooke Creek Hike-in Camp is one of 3 campgrounds within Stub Stewart State Park, and the only one that really feels like you’re actually camping out in the woods – because you are.

    The tent only hike in camp isn’t a long haul from the parking area at the welcome center – it’s about ¼ mile and the trail into the campground is mostly gravel. There are carts available for hike in campers to use at the campground trailhead if needed. Note that if you’re using a cart, that the walk in is uphill.

    The campground area is wooded and each site has a picnic table. There are pit toilets and a water point. There are not fire pits in the sites—the fire pit areas are shared in central places in the campground. Some of the sites have a lot more privacy than others. I was camping in an unusually warm mid-week in May so the campground was mostly empty.

    I chose Site 1 because it had a good place for my hammock. If the campground had been full, I’d have picked a site a lot further in since the first few sites are right along the single trail that all campers/hikers would be using.  Some of the sites can be reserved in advance, and some are always open for walk ups.

    The self-registration is at the campground, NOT at the trailhead, so you’ll have to hike in, register, and then return your camping receipt to your car. If you’re paying with cash, bring your money on the first hike in. You can also pay with your credit card number.

    There are lots of trails directly accessible from the campground including the Banks-Vernonia Bike Trail as well as other hiking, biking and equestrian trails. I had a nice run on the Bumping Knots Loop.

    Product Review: The PRIMUS LITE+ Backpacking Stove

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt I sometimes get to test and evaluate quality products from amazing sponsors. On this camping trip, I tested out the Primus LITE+ backpacking stove. https://primus.us/products/eta-lite-7?variant=38436885010

    I’ve been in the market for a backpacking stove for awhile, looking for a lightweight and simple to setup option, so I was excited to get to test out the Primus LITE+. I opted for the .5L pot because I often camp solo (there is also a PRIMUS LITE XL version with a 1L pot available), Also, you can purchase the XL pot separately as an accessory which will give me more options when camping with a partner.

    Here are my opinions on the PRIMUS LITE+ after using it for one camping trip to make dinner and breakfast:

    PROS:

    Boils Fast: The PRIMUS LITE+ stove is incredible at the most basic things it needs to be good for: boiling water fast! In under 2 minutes start to finish you can assemble the stove and bring your water to a boil. Plus, fast boiling means you aren’t using a lot of fuel.

    Size/Weight: The whole stove system packs into itself and is about the size of a large mug including the fuel canister. I can fit the entire thing into the side pocket of my backpack. With the canister it weighs about a pound.

    Pot Versatility: The pot that comes with the PRIMUS LITE+ locks to the stove giving it a good wind shield, and allowing you to hang the pot to boil if you don’t have even terrain. The XL pot which is sold separately also attached to the same setup.  If you aren’t backpacking and want to use another pan or pot, there are small pegs which screw into the stove top to allow you to use any cooking set up. The pegs are stored in the handle of the stove so you don’t lose them.

    Accessories: I haven’t gotten it yet, but the LITE+ has a coffee press attachment so you can brew a cup straight in the pot. Always a bonus when a simple attachment means one less thing to carry for your perfect camping setup.

    CONS:

    Fuel Canister:  The smaller canisters needed if you want to pack your fuel into the kit  aren’t as readily available at places like Target or Walmart where I can more easily pick up my camping fuel when I’m on the road to camp. If I want to pack it all in to the pot, I’ll need to shop in advance at REI or a specialty outdoor store that carries the smaller canisters.

    Insulation: The insulated sleeve on the pot makes it easy to hold and to drink from, but after just a couple of uses it was already getting pretty dirty with coffee and soup debris. It isn’t as easy to keep clean, and since the handle is actually part of the insulation sleeve, you can’t effectively use the pot without it.

    It’s Small: Being small is one of the benefits of the stove, but the .5L mug/pot is smaller than I anticipated. While it’s perfect for a solo trip, you’ll want the 1L pot if you’re cooking for more than one.

    Overall, Primus LITE+ is a great stove that’s efficient. I’d opt for the bigger size if I were to buy it again, since it would be more versatile with only a little added weight and easier to fit the more readily available fuel cartridge.

  • Stephanie Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2019

    Dairy Creek East — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park

    A Pretty Boring Campsite at a Great Park

    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.

  • Aria R.
    Jul. 7, 2017

    Cape Lookout State Park Campground

    Cape Comfy

    In brief: quieter campground, good for families, small groups, dog owners and hikers.

    If you love being lulled to sleep by the sound of waves, this is your spot. The Pacific ocean sang us to sleep each night. 

    But enough poetics, this is one of the comfiest beach access campgrounds within an hour-ish of Portland. Large tent sites leave plenty of room for you to bring a buddy or to pop out extra lawn chairs. 

    When we were there the only showers available were over in the RV area but they were clean, private and warm - car camping jackpot! We saw the park staff cleaning the restroom at regular intervals and there was always toilet paper. Fire rings have grill bars on top for hotdogs and that perfect baked potato.

    There are always lots of dogs here and while the rangers try to get everyone to keep their pups on leash in camp, be prepared for a surprise sniff or two. Plenty of firewood for sale - and the ecological importance of not bringing your own is pretty big unless you live nearby.

    In the summer months expect kids to be riding their bikes and scooting through the park loop Dawn to dusk but at least they are outside! 

    We've been here in the winter months and it is much quieter, if a cloudy day is your thing then that's a good time for you to go as well.

    We always scout out the whole grounds for future trips and take notes on our favorite spots, I'll include some of those below:

    D circle

    55 and 54 spacious private

    42 full shade lots of trees full shade smaller Camp pad

    32 Shady Tree filled has a climbing log. Room for multiple tents privacy longer driveway

    27 much wider cement pad room for at least three tents 26 right next door both pretty open and connected

    67 has hammock trees and room from multiple tents.

    Backside of D loop will be great for summer heat

  • Aria R.
    Jul. 17, 2017

    Tillamook Coast RV Park

    Good In a Pinch

    Great spot to go if everything else is full which it was, first time we've ever headed to the coast with no reservations in an act of "spontaneity" or "adventure". I advise against doing that in the summer, lol.

    Key Points:

    • Bring Cash. Cash only.
    • First come first serve.
    • We got conflicting rate info from another source, it is $25 a night.
    • Firewood is $5 a bundle but it is much more than you normally get for $5 at other campgrounds; it's a plastic tub that you just stuff with wood.
    • Ice available $2/bag.
    • Hot showers are 50 cents for three minutes. Shower area is kept clean and fresh smelling, restrooms are gender specific and each have two toilets and a shower stall.
    • There was no check out time as long as we didn't stay another full night.
    • Traffic noise is moderate, you are near the hospital so you may hear sirens which then trigger the coyotes to get in a yelling match with each other.
    • Dog friendly, lots of dogs, on-leash only but lots of 'em.
    • Mixture of sites with shade and full sun, not level but you're not sleeping on slope either.
    • Close to town so getting extra marshmallows is easy.

    For an RV oriented place, the campgrounds are pretty okay. There aren't site numbers or designators, it's just pretty much anywhere on the grass that has a picnic table. There were at least a dozen sites that we could see and we got the impression that you could really pitch a tent anywhere as long as you didn't try to move the fire rings or disturb the RV folks, we were literally instructed "just stay on the grass".

    There is definitely a mixture of long-time residents and short term weekend warriors in the RVs themselves which I always find interesting. In one site we had a family in a rental RV rolling in from Cali and in another site, there was a shirtless old man playing with bubbles and blasting Spanish opera music. If you use the expression "variety is the spice of life" then you might enjoy it here. If camping alongside folks who live in their older RVs 24/7/365 makes you uncomfortable, then this won't be the place for you. There is a Harley riding resident who seems to make a lot of motorcycle trips in the day but not late into the night and not early AM, everything was peaceful and quiet by 10pm.

    Additionally, if you are a camper that doesn't want nature too much in their face, this may not be the place for you either, there are a butt-ton of coyotes in the area and we had some stubborn garter snakes in the site that didn't seem fazed by us at all.

    This fella did a great drone video of the grounds, you can get an idea of all the options for water play options with the river:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTkGoLyQv_g

    Lots of fishing access though we didn't get a chance to try it, we could see 'em swimming which is always promising.

    We will probably come back here if we have plans to kayak as it is easy, gentle access to the river and we know we'll have a basecamp and a hot shower (albeit a paid one) to paddle back to. Other than that, we'll probably only come here if Cannon is full.

  • Stephanie Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 1, 2021

    Cape Lookout State Park Campground

    Yurt for late spring, Tent for the Summer

    I camped twice at Cape Lookout this season - in June in a yurt, and in July at the campsite right behind the dune.  

    In June, it was freezing, rainy and windy, and the yurt was fantastic. The most amazing feature of the yurt was the heater. It really kept the place warm, and the yurt was spacious. We were 3 adults, and could easily have slept another one or two. Each yurt has a small patio as well as a fire ring- and inside was electricity and a power outlet. Best of all, you were still just steps away from the sunset on the beach.

    For camping, there are so many different kinds of sites at Cape Lookout - Sites closer to the entrance are very woodsy, the sites closest to the beach frontage (behind the dune) are very very open, and sites along the furthest perimeter are a little more spacious and some have trees (important to note if you want to hand a line or a hammock!)

    We camped at the site right behind the dune where the beach access is. It was a little noisy since everyone passed our site on the way to the beach, but very lovely to be just steps away. Each of the tent sites has a fire ring and picnic table. In both June and July when I visited there was no fire ban.

    Hiking is great in the area. You're also close to Pacific City, Jacobson's Salt, the tunnel at the Oceanside Beach, and Tillamook if you're staying here longer and want to take day trips outside of the State Park.

    Recommend booking early for summer campsites. The yurt I booked in June was available for booking same day.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2021

    Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area Campground

    Close to the lake and the beach and town

    No lake views here, but there is access down a long point/dock for non motorized(kayaks) boats. The staff was very friendly and helpful and the campground was super clean. Best part was the No Generators rule!!! It is kinda loud as you are really close to the highway and on the edge of a busy town, but if you can get a tent site in the tent only area (towards the back with lots of trees) or a hookup site along the back, it’s not too bad. And you can hear the ocean.

  • Savannah S.
    May. 9, 2019

    Trask River County Park

    Private and Peaceful

    Trask River Campground is 20 minutes away from Tillamook. There is not a lot of service around the area going to Tillamook so go straight to Tillamook town center and start your GPS for accurate directions (or until you get good service). You will have no service whatsoever up at the campground but that’s what camping is for, to enjoy your time outdoors! You might as well get all of your needs in town before you head up, Safeway in Tillamook has bundles of wood for $5.99, for two nights we used 4 bundles (they come with fire starter kits).

    There is no showers or sinks but there is multiple “vault” toilets around the campground. For clean water there is multiple pumps around the campsite, bring your own soap.

    Nice swing set and grassy areas for kids or pets to run around. If you’re lucky enough you will wake up to elk grazing in the grassy areas.

    There is a main road in between the campgrounds since sites go from A-C. People fly up and down that road at 50+ MPH so watch your kids and pets.

    Multiple trails and cool things to see around the campground! Enjoy!

  • L
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Nehalem Falls Campground

    Group site rental mid week stay

    This small campground is very far off the 101 so if you are looking for a coastal vibe this is not it. Deeply wooded, green, and beautiful. One side of the campground sits alongside Nehalem river access, on hot days this is a popular hangout so expect to see a lot of people. Vault toilets after a busy summer season were ammonia rich and hard to handle. Trash receptacles and potable water available. (Old school pump) I’ve heard that it stays wet enough back there that this campsite never really has a fire ban, but always check with the camp host, they also sell fire wood. First come first serve campsites Using reserve America online. Do Not confuse this campsite with Nehalem Bay State park when reserving.

Guide to Lafayette

Tent camping in Lafayette, Oregon provides access to the dense forests and waterways of the Tillamook region. The area sits approximately 35 miles southwest of Portland at elevations ranging from 150 to 3,000 feet in the surrounding hills. Camping conditions vary significantly between seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during days and 50-60°F at night, while spring brings consistent rainfall that can make tent sites muddy.

What to do

Disc golf opportunities: Willamette Mission State Park offers disc golf among its many recreational activities. "There is lots to outdoor activities at Willamette Mission state park. There is everything from disc golf, mountain biking, fishing, shooting range, hiking, and large enough to host an event," notes visitor Fidel S.

Swimming holes exploration: The cold, clear rivers provide excellent swimming spots during summer months. At Keenig Creek Campground, one camper shared, "The water was very cold, but refreshing on a hot day. I stayed in site A2 and the walk from the car to the spot isn't too bad, as you have to haul your belongings."

Horseback riding trails: For equestrians, Willamette Mission State Park Horse Camp provides dedicated facilities. As Jessica M. observed, "Only sites for camping with horses," while another visitor elaborated: "The campsites are horse friendly and the trails are absolutely gorgeous- it felt like being out in the wild."

What campers like

Private walk-in sites: Tent camping near Lafayette offers secluded options away from vehicle traffic. A camper at Elk Creek Campground described it as "a gorgeous, shady" area where "Elk Creek itself winds around the campsites spooning it and provides ample swimming and fishing spots."

River confluences: Many camping spots are situated at scenic river junctions. One camper noted that Elk Creek is "located within the Tillamook State Forest...where the sweet, beautiful little Elk creek and the larger Wilson River converge."

Cold water immersion: The mountain streams provide relief during hot months. At Keenig Creek, Michelle A. described: "I did enjoy seeing the newts, crawdads, fish, and tadpoles though!" Another camper at the same location mentioned "a great river with swimming areas when it's warmer."

What you should know

No reservations at prime sites: Many of the best tent campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis. A camper at Jones Creek advised, "I showed up around 3pm on a Friday and was barely able to find a walk-in tent site. All the car-accessible sites were taken and the only reservable site is the group spot."

Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds. At Elk Creek, a reviewer mentioned that "the traffic about a 1/2 mile off the highway can sometimes be heard, but aqua sounds hold sway and it's not a super busy highway anyway, especially at night."

Cell service limitations: Most camping areas have limited or no connectivity. A camper at Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping reported: "No real amenities or ATT/Verizon service," while another noted "Verizon cell service is nonexistent in the area."

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly water access: Several sites offer safe water play areas for children. At Trask River County Park, a camper shared, "We love going to Trask Park. It hasn't a nice river and it's safe for the kids to run around. Its out of town, yet close enough to go to the store."

Road safety awareness: Monitor children near roadways at campgrounds. At Trask River, a visitor warned, "There is a main road in between the campgrounds since sites go from A-C. People fly up and down that road at 50+ MPH so watch your kids and pets."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many camping areas offer chances to see local animals. One camper noted, "Nice swing set and grassy areas for kids or pets to run around. If you're lucky enough you will wake up to elk grazing in the grassy areas."

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup availability: Most tent camping areas near Lafayette have minimal RV amenities. A visitor to Jones Creek mentioned that the sites "have pretty good privacy and a number of them had a decent number of trees for hammocking," but didn't provide electrical connections.

Small trailer accessibility: While full-sized RVs may struggle, smaller trailers can access some areas. At Trask River County Park, one camper noted, "Our Pop-Up fit in nicely! There is an area on the other side of the road for large group camping."

Free dispersed options: For self-contained units, dispersed camping provides economical alternatives. A visitor to Tillamook State Forest shared, "These sites are beautiful and really meant for tent camping—but you can park an rv in most of the spots."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lafayette, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lafayette, OR is Willamette Mission State Park Horse Camp — Willamette Mission State Park with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.

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