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Best Tent Camping near Milwaukie, OR

1,607 Reviews

Tent campers near Milwaukie, Oregon can find several established campgrounds within an hour's drive, including BLM Molalla River Recreation Area and Cedar Grove Recreation Site. These tent-friendly locations offer walk-in sites with varying levels of privacy and amenities. Mount Hood National Forest provides additional tent camping options slightly farther east, while Tillamook State Forest offers primitive tent sites to the west, creating a diverse range of environments for overnight stays.

Most tent sites in the region feature basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary significantly between locations. Walk-in tent sites are common, particularly at places like Three Bears Recreation Site and Cedar Grove, requiring campers to park and carry gear a short distance to their campsite. Vault toilets are standard at established campgrounds, but potable water availability is inconsistent. Many locations operate on a first-come, first-served basis rather than reservation systems, making weekday arrivals advantageous during peak summer months. A visitor commented that "sites are walk-in and super private. From our site we could see no other campsites and could barely hear anyone else."

The tent camping experience near Milwaukie benefits from proximity to water features, with many sites positioned along creeks and rivers that provide both scenery and recreation. Tent-specific campgrounds often offer more seclusion than mixed-use areas, with tree cover providing natural separation between sites. The terrain typically consists of forest settings with moderate shade, though some riverside locations offer more open exposure. Seasonal considerations affect the camping experience, with spring bringing higher water levels and fall offering cooler temperatures with fewer crowds. A recent review noted that "the sites are pretty private, bathrooms within a short distance and the quiet hours are from 10pm-7am," highlighting the family-friendly nature of many tent campgrounds in the region.

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Best Tent Sites Near Milwaukie, Oregon (75)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Milwaukie, OR

72 Photos of 75 Milwaukie Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Milwaukie, OR

1607 Reviews of 75 Milwaukie Campgrounds

  • Alyson M.
    Aug. 14, 2023

    Camp Creek

    Perfect Spot

    Camped here for the second year in a row, and it did not disappoint. We got lucky with a nice spot on the creek this year, which I would recommend for the best experience. The sites are spacious and most are pretty private which is great. It is primitive, no showers and just one vault toilet. I will say that the site did have a fair amount of trash on it which was disappointing, but we cleaned it up before heading out. Remember to leave no trace!!

  • 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.

  • CJ S.
    Aug. 22, 2024

    Meditation Point Campground

    Beautiful, Private, Remote

    Stayed just one night in site 1, which was the only one available. It’s very private being far from the trail and has good access to the shore but is very shady at all times, although also sheltered from the wind. There was a fire ring (although no fires allowed) and a table. Several viable tent spots on the site. The toilets were closed and, unfortunately, previous campers weren’t so great at “leave no trace” because we found a bunch of dog and human feces around.

  • j
    Jul. 25, 2021

    Cougar RV Park and Campground

    Tent sites are large, minimal grass and shade.

    The tent sites are very large however they have minimal grass or shade. RV sites are very close to each other. There are two bathrooms of one toilet, shower area combined. The shower is coin operated so unless you plan ahead with quarters you are out of luck. It has a card option but does not work. The bathrooms are also not clean. There are 2 portable toilets that were very clean. They advertise quiet hours after 10 pm but it is not in-forced. There was a group partying until 1am next to us. Neighboring property was also blasting music into the morning. There are many other options in the area I would look into one of those.

  • F
    Jul. 23, 2020

    Ainsworth State Park Campground

    Nice, small campground

    I camped there in my RV several times and always tried to get slot A13. It’s all the way at the end and has a nice amount of space and only a potential neighbor on one side. I also tent camped and, after scouting the sites, chose C6. That site is a bit small but is away from the rest and above them on the slope so you don’t need your rain fly for privacy.

  • 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.

  • Jess G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2018

    Merrill Lake Campground

    discover pass only

    another site where you park and walk in! 8 sites, some are more private than others. 2 vault toilets, fire rings and picnic tables! great lake to kayak on.

  • 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.

  • C. W.
    May. 30, 2021

    Mount Hood National Forest Lost Creek Campground

    Clean dispersed camping

    Read up on this location with some good info. Flat paved sites for dry camping.

    Lost Creek Campground has 10 single-family campsites and is located on one of the largest pyroclastic volcanic mudflows from Mt. Hood’s “Old Maid” eruption in the 1700s. Fortunately all of the mudflows have cooled. Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Two yurts are also available. Campground amenities include a picnic area, drinking water and vault toilets. Firewood is also available for sale from the camp host.

    Lost Creek / Mt. Hood Area Recreation

    Outdoor recreation includes fishing. Visitors also enjoy fishing, hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing.  The Wild and Scenic Sandy River is also not far from the popular Ramona Falls Trailhead. Mt. Hood is just southeast of the campground offers visitors the opportunity for a nice a day trip.

    AMENITIES

    BBQ Grills

    Campsite Tables

    Comfort Station

    Drinking Water

    Fire Pit

    Fire Rings

    Firewood Available

    Golden Age & Access Passports accepted

    Grills

    Pets OK

    Picnic Tables

    Restrooms (Vault Toilets)

    ACTIVITIES

    Biking

    Bird Watching

    Creek

    Fishing

    Hiking

    Mountain Biking

    Nature Trails

    Photography

    Picnicking

    River

    Walking Trails

    Wildlife Viewing

Guide to Milwaukie

Tent camping near Milwaukie, Oregon offers access to several water-based recreation areas within a 45-minute drive radius. The region sits at the confluence of the Willamette and Clackamas Rivers, creating diverse riparian habitats for campers to explore. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F, while spring brings higher precipitation and cooler nighttime temperatures that require appropriate gear when overnight camping.

What to do

River swimming access: Three Bears Recreation Site features excellent water recreation opportunities along the Molalla River. "Great camp spot to keep kids busy! Very quiet and camp spots were perfect distance. The stream has some swim sections, but not entirely. Bring water shoes!" shares Kierra K.

Fishing opportunities: Government Island State Recreation Area offers both fishing and boating. "We love camping on the island, as you can only get to it via boat so it is not overly populated. There are no fire pits but you can burn. No potable water, so bring your own," notes Fatima H.

Hiking trails: Willamette Mission State Park provides multiple trail options for day hikes. "This area is pretty with lots of trails and paved paths. There are opportunities for fishing also," explains Jefferson S.

Wildlife viewing: Pack binoculars for watching waterfowl along Columbia River sites. "We enjoyed having our coffee by the pond, watching the ducks, and the resident turtle!" reports Monika G. about her stay at Healing Ponds Farm.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Cedar Grove Recreation Site offers secluded camping spots. "We stayed within 50 yards of the water and was indulging in the river noise to destress to," explains Kevin M., highlighting the peaceful setting.

Island camping experience: Sand Island Marine Park provides a unique camping option accessible by boat. "Beautiful view, hosts very nice people. They will help take your things to your site. Island is lovely to walk around, our site had beach access," shares Lisa D.

Proximity to water: Many campers appreciate how close tent sites are to rivers and streams. "Right on the Molalla river. Great campground. Vault toilets aren't great, but they are useable," notes heidi about BLM Molalla River Recreation Area.

Natural surroundings: Naked Falls offers primitive camping in a beautiful natural setting. "The river was absolutely amazing and one of the best for swimming I've seen in the PNW! I'd recommend going on a weekday since the weekends get pretty busy," advises Heather P.

What you should know

Water access restrictions: Some campgrounds near Milwaukie require boats for access. "Accessible by boat only. We love camping on the island, as you can only get to it via boat so it is not overly populated," explains Fatima H. about Government Island.

Seasonal closures: Several camping areas close during winter months. "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," warns Kelly N. about Willamette Mission State Park.

Limited facilities: BLM Molalla River Recreation Area has basic amenities only. "The water pump has bacteria warnings so bring plenty of water," advises heidi, highlighting the importance of bringing drinking water.

Campsite differences: Pay attention to site descriptions when booking. "Please make sure to read the reviews of each site on Hipcamp before making your reservation," recommends Heather P. about Naked Falls, where sites vary significantly in size and features.

Tips for camping with families

Shallow water play: Look for campsites with gentle water features. "Great for swimming kids fishing an catching crawfish something for everyone," shares Michelle A. about Three Bears Recreation Site.

Site selection for safety: Choose campsites without hazards for young children. "If you have small children I'd not recommend this site since there is a drop off at the edge of the campsite that kids could fall down easily," warns Heather P. about Naked Falls.

Activity options: Willamette Mission State Park offers multiple recreational opportunities. "There is everything from disc golf, mountain biking, fishing, shooting range, hiking, and large enough to host an event," mentions Fidel S.

Bathroom access: Consider bathroom location when selecting sites. "The sites are pretty private, bathrooms within a short distance and the quiet hours are from 10pm-7am," notes a reviewer about tent camping locations in the region.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV options: Most tent camping sites near Milwaukie don't accommodate larger RVs. "I believe they might make this a paid campground next year. The sites are roomy with nice tent pads and picnic tables. There are lots of trees around, so not great for solar," explains Hahns R. about Three Bears Recreation Site.

Gear hauling considerations: Sand Island Marine Park Campground requires planning for gear transport. "Can be a long haul from the boat to the camp site. Lots of dock space. Sites are back from the water. Could use a map of the island and sites," advises Ryan W.

Alternative options: When tent camping near Milwaukie is full, consider nearby private options with more availability. "Overall, an average place to stay and get your surroundings. Nice, quiet people that offer everything you need," notes Bobby S. about Healing Ponds Farm.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Milwaukie, OR is Government Island State Recreation Area with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Milwaukie, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 75 tent camping locations near Milwaukie, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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