Best Tent Camping near Molalla, OR
The Molalla River Recreation Area offers tent campers secluded streamside sites with several established tent campgrounds managed by BLM. Three Bears Recreation Site and Cedar Grove Recreation Site provide walk-in tent camping opportunities along the Molalla River, with most sites maintaining some distance from neighboring campers. The nearby Mount Hood National Forest also contains primitive tent camping options at Rainbow Campground and Sunstrip Campground, though these areas may be temporarily closed due to fire damage.
Sites typically feature tent pads on compacted dirt or forest duff with minimal site preparation. Most tent campgrounds include picnic tables and fire rings, though seasonal fire restrictions are common during summer months. Vault toilets are available at Three Bears, Cedar Grove, and other established sites, but drinking water can be inconsistent—the water pump at Three Bears has been noted to have bacteria warnings. A camper observed that "the toilets weren't great, but they are useable," suggesting tent campers should bring their own water despite some campgrounds listing water hookups.
Most tent sites near Molalla are within earshot of flowing water, creating natural white noise that helps mask sounds from neighboring campsites. Areas along the Molalla River Recreation Corridor offer opportunities for swimming and fishing directly from camp, with several walk-in tent sites positioned near the water's edge. Tent campers appreciate the relative privacy compared to more developed campgrounds in the region. The Molalla River provides a scenic backdrop for many sites, with one visitor noting that the area is "right on the Molalla river, great campground" with good access to swimming holes during summer months. Tent-only areas often require a short walk from parking areas, creating separation from roadway noise and offering a more immersive forest experience.
