Best Tent Camping near Multnomah Falls, OR
Tent camping options near Multnomah Falls, Oregon include both established campgrounds and dispersed sites across the Mount Hood National Forest and Columbia River Gorge areas. Black Lake Campground in the Mount Hood National Forest offers tent sites with picnic tables and toilets, while Rainy Lake Campground provides primitive tent campsites with similar amenities, both operating seasonally from late spring through early fall.
Most tent camping areas require proper preparation as amenities are limited. Sites typically feature basic fire rings and picnic tables, but drinking water is rarely available at primitive locations. Vault toilets are common at established campgrounds but absent at dispersed sites. The terrain varies from crushed rock tent pads to natural forest floors with minimal grading. According to one visitor, "Some sites have a fire ring and picnic table, but in many places you'll need to bring your own water or filter from streams." High-clearance vehicles may be necessary for accessing remote tent campsites, particularly after rain when forest roads deteriorate.
Columbia Gorge tent camping experiences vary widely by location and elevation. Areas closer to Multnomah Falls tend to be more heavily visited, while backcountry tent sites offer greater solitude. In summer months, campers frequently use these locations as bases for exploring the network of hiking trails throughout the region. One camper noted that "sites are walk-in and there is no water, so it's definitely roughing it. But the stars up there are incredible, and there are lots of great hiking trails nearby." Most primitive tent setups in this region sit under tree cover, providing natural shade during hot summer days. Fall brings cooler temperatures but typically fewer visitors to tent-only sites. Proper food storage is essential in all locations due to wildlife activity, particularly bears and raccoons.
