Best Tent Camping near Mehama, OR

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Mehama, look no further. You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Mehama, Oregon (61)

    Shay Renee B.'s photo of tent camping at BLM Molalla River Recreation Area near Molalla, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at BLM Molalla River Recreation Area near Molalla, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at BLM Molalla River Recreation Area near Molalla, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at BLM Molalla River Recreation Area near Molalla, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at BLM Molalla River Recreation Area near Molalla, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at BLM Molalla River Recreation Area near Molalla, OR

    1. BLM Molalla River Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    18 Photos
    112 Saves
    Molalla, Oregon

    Overview

    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.

    Recreation

    Camping, fishing, swimming, hiking and biking on nearby trails (Hardy Creek TH closest)

    Natural Features

    Molalla Wild and Scenic River and forested environment.

    Contact Info

    For facility specific information, please call (503) 375-5646.

    Nearby Attractions

    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.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Standard fees apply and are non-refundable. Visit https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies for more information.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash

    $15 - $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Quartzville Recreation Corridor near Cascadia, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at Quartzville Recreation Corridor near Cascadia, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at Quartzville Recreation Corridor near Cascadia, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at Quartzville Recreation Corridor near Cascadia, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at Quartzville Recreation Corridor near Cascadia, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at Quartzville Recreation Corridor near Cascadia, OR

    2. Quartzville Recreation Corridor

    5 Reviews
    9 Photos
    205 Saves
    Cascadia, Oregon
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo at Santiam State Forest Rock Creek Campsites near Gates, OR

    3. Santiam State Forest Rock Creek Campsites

    1 Review
    17 Saves
    Gates, Oregon
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $15 - $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Santiam State Forest Butte Creek Falls Campground near Mehama, OR

    4. Santiam State Forest Butte Creek Falls Campground

    2 Reviews
    13 Saves
    Mehama, Oregon
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    Gayle B.'s photo of tent camping at Elk Lake Campground near Detroit, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at Elk Lake Campground near Detroit, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at Elk Lake Campground near Detroit, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at Elk Lake Campground near Detroit, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at Elk Lake Campground near Detroit, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at Elk Lake Campground near Detroit, OR

    5. Elk Lake Campground

    4 Reviews
    20 Photos
    96 Saves
    Detroit, Oregon

    This 17 site tent-only campground, located adjacent to the Bull of the Woods and Opal Creek Wildernesses, is full of beauty in the summer. Wildflowers are a beautiful sight in the campground's meadows around July.__ Swim or paddle in the quiet waters of the non-motorized lake, go for a great hike with views of multiple Cascade peaks, or just kick back and relax in the campground.

    • Tents
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo at Cedar Grove Recreation Site near Scotts Mills, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at Cedar Grove Recreation Site near Scotts Mills, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at Cedar Grove Recreation Site near Scotts Mills, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at Cedar Grove Recreation Site near Scotts Mills, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at Cedar Grove Recreation Site near Scotts Mills, OR

    6. Cedar Grove Recreation Site

    2 Reviews
    4 Photos
    33 Saves
    Scotts Mills, Oregon

    Overview

    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.

    Recreation

    Camping, fishing, swimming, hiking and biking on nearby trails (Hardy Creek TH closest)

    Natural Features

    Molalla Wild and Scenic River and forested environment.

    Nearby Attractions

    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.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Standard processing fees apply and are non-refundable. Visit https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies for more information.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Drinking Water

    $15 - $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Marion Forks Campground near Idanha, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at Marion Forks Campground near Idanha, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at Marion Forks Campground near Idanha, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at Marion Forks Campground near Idanha, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at Marion Forks Campground near Idanha, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at Marion Forks Campground near Idanha, OR

    7. Marion Forks Campground

    10 Reviews
    39 Photos
    20 Saves
    Idanha, Oregon

    Adjacent to the Marion Forks Fish Hatchery, Marion Forks Campground is a great 15 site (one pull through) campground tucked away from Highway 22 and a quiet place to relax. Enjoy a 1/4 mile leisurely stroll along Marion Creek on a paved loop path through the picnic area and fish hatchery and learn about spring Chinook salmon and the history of the area. Nearby, on Forest Service Road 2255, you can find the little used trail (#3431) to Independence Rock for a short hike. If you drive further up to the end of Road 2255, you'll reach the trailhead to Marion Lake (Trail #3436) leading to the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness.

    • Tents
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo at Willamette Mission State Park Horse Camp — Willamette Mission State Park near Keizer, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at Willamette Mission State Park Horse Camp — Willamette Mission State Park near Keizer, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at Willamette Mission State Park Horse Camp — Willamette Mission State Park near Keizer, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at Santiam State Forest Rhody Lake Recreation Area near Gates, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at Santiam State Forest Rhody Lake Recreation Area near Gates, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at Santiam State Forest Rhody Lake Recreation Area near Gates, OR
    Camper-submitted photo at BLM Quartzville Wild and Scenic River near Cascadia, OR

    10. BLM Quartzville Wild and Scenic River

    1 Review
    7 Saves
    Cascadia, Oregon
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 61 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews near Mehama, Oregon

895 Reviews of 61 Mehama Campgrounds


  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Milo McIver State Park Campground
    Jul. 30, 2018

    Milo McIver State Park Campground

    Incredible River Oasis

    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!

  • Kelly N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Yukwah Campground
    Sep. 25, 2018

    Yukwah Campground

    ADA access camping sites and great day use area

    Yukwah campground is found along hwy 22 East of Salem along the Willamette National Forest in Linn County. Most of the sites along this stretch are first come, first serve walk up sites - but you can reserve by connecting with Linn County Parks and Rec (see photo for info) for $18/night plus $5 additional vehicle fee and reservation fee. This campground has ada access camp sites and tent sites. Most of the RV sites along the Willamette National Forest can be used for tent camping. The day use area at this site is great for swimming, fishing, and possibly a small hike. I advise camping near the day use area (#3) if you have a large family or kids for larger sites and easy access. Yukwah is near wagon wheel bridge with access to trails for those wanting to hike while camping. Vault toilets are available (bring soap) - there are no showers or additional amenities. There is access to potable water at this location.

  • Bear G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Falls State Park Campground
    Jun. 23, 2021

    Silver Falls State Park Campground

    Absolutely beautiful

    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.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Humbug Campground
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Humbug Campground

    Love it here

    Humbug is one of our favorite campgrounds. We love the easy access to the beach and the beautiful hikes.  Showers are hot and free, rangers are always friendly.

    Cell service is pretty iffy here, but we manage to make it work with the cell booster.

    There's a dump station and water fill, trash and recycling, water spigots throughout campground, and firewood for sale.

    Tent sites in Oregon don't currently have the 25% non-resident surcharge (though I've heard that's changing soon) and there are plenty of non-hookup/tent sites that will fit RVs. There are also FHU and pull through sites.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunnyside Park
    Jul. 12, 2019

    Sunnyside Park

    Seems more like a parking lot not a campground

    Not super geared toward tent camping, if you have an RV or trailer it may be better. Super open with sites right on top of one another.

  • Lindsey T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Milo McIver State Park Campground
    Jul. 3, 2017

    Milo McIver State Park Campground

    Wish we could have stayed longer

    We 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.

  • Cody T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Detroit Lake State Recreation Area
    Sep. 12, 2021

    Detroit Lake State Recreation Area

    Beautiful place

    Beautiful place right next to the lake! Wasn’t a fan of how open the sites are and the noise from the highway. We were tent camping however so your mileage may vary with a camper/trailer set up.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Detroit Lake State Recreation Area
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Detroit Lake State Recreation Area

    Beautiful Lake Campground

    Had a wonderful time tent camping here with our 4 month old baby. Great place to cool off on hot summer days. Love the trail that goes around the lake!

    **Might have been affected by fires in September 2020**

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Paradise Campground
    Jul. 15, 2016

    Paradise Campground

    Campsite 55

    Beautiful spot right on the river, but all the tent sites are on a slight slant and the parking is too steep for in vehicle sleeping.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Santiam State Forest Rhody Lake Recreation Area
    Oct. 10, 2020

    Santiam State Forest Rhody Lake Recreation Area

    Worth the drive

    Very crowded in summer. Pit toilet. Tent camping. Very steep final approach on dirt road. Very beautiful lake with Salomanders. If your lucky to have the lake to yourself it can be very quiet except for wildlife sounds. It is possible to kayak with easy access

  • Jaymz G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Promontory Park
    Jun. 8, 2018

    Promontory Park

    Tight sites

    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

  • Nicole R.
    Camper-submitted photo from North Arm Campground
    Oct. 31, 2018

    North Arm Campground

    Stayed a week! So pretty!

    This was so peaceful. We tent camped for a week in the summer. Took nice long hike around the lake twice with the kids. The spots are huge, the toilets smell so bad though. Make sure to bring sanitizer definitely. The views in the morning make it worth it though.

  • Lady L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Milo McIver State Park Campground
    Jun. 3, 2021

    Milo McIver State Park Campground

    Nice campground

    Tent area is separate from RVs and it has lots of privacy. Camp host is very sweet, he brought fire wood to my tent. Nice trails and lake, nice bathroom/shower. It is about 100 yard walk through forested trail to showers and you can't park your car in your tent camp but it is small so the parking is very close. I like how forested the area is.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ikenick Sno-Park
    Oct. 22, 2021

    Ikenick Sno-Park

    Free Camping and Hiking

     Right off Hwy 126 is this dirt parking lot where camping  is allowed. There is access to multiple hikes from this point. 

    Over night parking without permit May - Oct ok, but inside a vehicle only, no tent camping allowed per sign in winter as snowplow drivers cannot see tents as well. 

    No toilets or trash in this area so pack in and pack out. No cell reception.

  • Faith F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Whitcomb Creek County Park
    Jul. 31, 2018

    Whitcomb Creek County Park

    Great Family Campground

    My family and I have stayed here multiple times and have always enjoyed it. Camp hosts and rangers are always nice and helpful. Tent sites don’t have electric or water but water spickets are located around the park if needed. Clean and decent sized sites.

  • Sarah H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Falls State Park Campground
    Jul. 27, 2016

    Silver Falls State Park Campground

    Fun Inland Waterfalls

    We tent camped two nights at Silver Falls. Tree lined campgrounds were well maintained. Sites are close together and the grounds are very social (which we like). Ranger led evening program was educational and interactive. The highlight of the trip was the 8+ mile hike to explore 10 different waterfalls. The hike was easy enough for our seven year old to complete, but tough enough to wear us out. We very much enjoyed a swim with other families in one of the final falls. The drive from Portland was gorgeous! It was nice to get a glimpse of rural Oregon.

  • Michael J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Promontory Park
    Aug. 22, 2021

    Promontory Park

    Quiet Campground

    On the Clackamas river, mostly tent sites and a few RV sites with electric. Sites spread out nicely. Marina close by with overnight moorage if you want. My site had plenty of room to keep my jet ski. There's also overnight overflow parking if you want to park it there.

  • Irene L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Falls State Park Campground
    May. 30, 2017

    Silver Falls State Park Campground

    Surreal beauty worthy of a postcard!

    This is one of the best places in all of Oregon. You can hike all around, swim, and even access the prettiest parts in a wheelchair! Also some campground activities like games and playgrounds. The camping is pretty straightforward and clean. There are “bunk houses” in addition to simple tent sites. There are some campsites next to a creek, if you are lucky! It is pretty crowded, so know what you’re getting into...but it’s worth it for the beauty. Get up before sunrise and get on the trails if you can!!

  • Minta J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Falls State Park Campground
    Jun. 18, 2021

    Silver Falls State Park Campground

    beautiful campground with bonus waterfall hikes

    Silver Falls is awesome to visit and the campground is great if you have the opporunity to stay for a day or two.

    Beautifully forested and close to the waterfalls, the campground has all the features you could need.  Tent sites, rv sites, and cabins.  It's very popular and can sometimes be hard to find a reservation.

  • Nicolaus N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverside at Detroit Campground
    Sep. 30, 2018

    Riverside at Detroit Campground

    Close to road, but lake side is quiet

    This is a narrow campground with limited sites. Some have full parking pads for two vehicles, but mostly parking is dirt next to the drive lane. Spacious sites for the size of the campground.

    Sites on the side near the road are very noisy, so make sure to check the map before you reserve.

    Dog friendly, tent sites, bathroom, river access, no showers.

  • Kate S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Marion Forks Campground
    Jul. 9, 2018

    Marion Forks Campground

    Butterfly central

    Great campsite, spots are at least somewhat secluded. A few are by a very small creek. but it’s an easy nice spot right of 22 and about 15 miles from Detroit lake.

    There are single and mutli tent sites, picnic tables and firepits. Facilities are very accessible and there is a nearby trail by the creek.

    During this time of year there are swarms of butterflies.

  • Hahns R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Milo McIver State Park Campground
    Nov. 18, 2020

    Milo McIver State Park Campground

    Nice campground, nice hosts

    I have stayed here many times both in an RV and in tent sites. The campground is well maintained and the hosts have been great each time I have been there.

    Estacada lake is within walking distance, and there is salmon fishing within driving distance inside of the park. There is also a "bat" barn that is close by.

    I like this park and highly recommend it.

  • P
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Lake Campground
    Jun. 26, 2020

    Elk Lake Campground

    Beautiful - Very rustic

    TENT CAMPING ONLY - there are about 17 sites.  We did an overnight stop here on our way to Bend.  It was full of beauty! Swim or paddle in the quiet waters of the non-motorized lake, go for a great hike with views of multiple Cascade peaks, or just kick back and relax in the campground. Pacific Crest Trail one only mile from the campground.  The sights are a little close together, not a problem unless they are full (which is often).

  • Pam B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Albany-Corvallis KOA
    Aug. 8, 2021

    Albany-Corvallis KOA

    Tent camping

    Well we did not know that when tent camping you can only stay two weeks we were originally told we could stay as long as we wanted as long as we moved and did not stay in a spot more than 7 days. Not a bad campground just don't like the two week stay rule. Plus my cat loves it. There is a natural that can be walked, a dog park, swimming pool, also a place to throw disc golf disc's.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lava Lake Sno-Park
    Sep. 4, 2021

    Lava Lake Sno-Park

    Free Camp and Hiking

    Right off of Hwy 20 is a huge parking lot to stay for free in while you hike in this area May-Oct. 

    Nov 1- Apr 30th you’ll need a permit to park here while you partake in various snow related activities. 

    Pit toilets available in the parking lot as well as a trash can. Lot is paved and there is access to multiple hikes from this point. Overnight parking without permit May-Oct ok inside a vehicle only, no tent camping allowed. 

    Cell reception ok with LTE ATT and Verizon, no TMobile


Guide to Mehama

Tent camping near Mehama, Oregon offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the region. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you'll find the perfect spot to set up your tent and unwind.

Tips for tent camping near Mehama

  • The BLM Molalla River Recreation Area is a great choice for families, featuring a peaceful environment and access to swimming and fishing in the Molalla River.
  • If you're looking for a more rugged experience, consider the Quartzville Recreation Corridor, where you can enjoy dispersed camping and explore the beautiful river while fishing or hiking.
  • For a quieter retreat, the Cedar Grove Recreation Site offers a serene atmosphere with stunning river views and nearby hiking trails.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Tent campers should check out these activities

  • The Tumble Lake area is perfect for those who enjoy backpacking, offering a short hike with beautiful views and the chance to swim in the lake.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will love the opportunities at the Quartzville Recreation Corridor, where you can catch trout and even try your luck at finding gold in the nearby streams.
  • For a unique experience, visit the Detroit Ranger District (US Highway 22) to explore the stunning Detroit Lake, which is great for kayaking and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mehama, OR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mehama, 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 Mehama, OR?

    TheDyrt.com has all 61 tent camping locations near Mehama, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.