Looking for the best options for tent camping near Multnomah Falls? Finding a place to camp in Oregon with your tent has never been easier. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Multnomah Falls, Oregon's most popular destinations.
Goose Lake Campground is situated among a mix of mature cedars and Douglas firs within the Mount Adams Ranger District of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This spot becomes popular in late summer and early autumn, when the weather is warmer and dryer, and bald eagles and osprey can be observed hunting for fish on Goose Lake. The 58-acre lake is characterized by the somewhat haunting presence of old trees rising from its cool, clear waters. Formed abruptly when a lava flow from Big Lava Bed dammed a nearby stream, this curious sight is all that remains of the trees that were consumed by what is now Goose Lake. Natural Features: Located in southwest Washington State, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest encompasses over 1.3 million acres and includes the 110,000-acre Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, established by Congress in 1982. Mount Adams, a potentially active stratovolcano and the second-highest mountain in Washington state, is a prominent landmark in the District. Elevations in the area range between 1,200 ft. at the Wind River Work Center (12 miles north of Carson, WA), to 12,276 ft. at the summit of Mount Adams. The Mount Adams Ranger District features a great diversity of habitats, from old growth to second growth forest, wetland areas, low and high elevation meadows and lakes, as well as glaciers. Recreation: At a 3,200 foot elevation, Goose Lake is a popular spot for brook, brown and cutthroat trout fishing and offers a concrete boat ramp for launching small boats, kayaks and canoes. Big Lava Bed is located just south of the campground and offers a trail that takes hikers through a landscape marked by both pine forest and basalt lava formations. Huckleberry picking is a popular pastime through the late summer and early fall. Facilities: The campsite is accessed via 8 miles of narrow gravel road. Roadside parking is available. This facility is a tent campers dream, with 18 primitive walk-in tent sites dotting the eastern bank of the lake. These hillside sites are on level ground with immediate trail access to Goose Lake. Campsites have vault toilets, picnic tables and fire rings. Campers must bring their own drinking water and may purchase firewood on-site. Nearby Attractions: The 2,663-mile Pacific Crest Trail runs for 16.4 miles in a north-south direction through the nearby Indian Heaven Wilderness, just north of Goose Lake. Indian Heaven Wilderness is known for its abundant lakes, meadowlands and pine forests, as well as its variety of wildlife. ACTIVITIES Fishing Hiking
$50 / night
Located on Rainy Lake. Trailhead access to the Mark O Hatfield Wilderness. See also: Rainy Lake Trail 423A, Rainy Wahtum Trail #409, North Lake Trail #423
This trail enters the Mt. Hood Wilderness on the west side of Mount Hood. This trail accesses Burnt Lake and Zigzag Mountain with views above treeline. The north side also has wonderful old cedar snags showing remnants of a wildfire that came through around 1900.
Starting from the north Burnt Lake trailhead, this trail begins at Forest Road 1825-109 (2,680’) and ends at Forest Road 2627-207 (3,320’). From Forest Road 1825-109, the trail climbs steadily up to Burnt Lake (4,120’). There is a nice loop trail around the lake accessing several campsites. From the lake the trail continues up a steep climb 0.6 mile and reaches Zigzag Ridge (4,720’). Soon after, the trail reaches Zigzag Mountain Trail #775. Turn right onto Zigzag Mountain Trail #775 and follow the ridge westward 0.3 miles until Burnt Lake Trail #772 drops over the south side of the ridge descending to Devil’s Meadow area. From Devil’s Meadow the trail follows an easier grade down an old roadway to West Zigzag trailhead at Forest Road 2627-207.
**2024 Campfire details - FIRES WILL BE ALLOWED UNTIL JULY 1st 2024
Included with your stay is access to our communal firepit with complimentary firewood and kindling.**
After 7/1/24 woodburning campfires and charcoal stoves are not allowed. Small propane fires and stoves are permitted however.
Columbia Gorge Getaways (CGG) is a family-owned resort that offers its guests clean, comfortable, and safe accommodations ranging from full service to self-sufficient, as well as spaces to gather, collaborate, or celebrate. CGG is built on a landscape of +400 acres of private timberland bordered by the Gifford-Pinchot on three sides. Enjoy a basecamp for outdoor activities to fuel and feed the mind, body, and soul.
When you stay with Columbia Gorge Getaways, you have your choice of luxurious yurts, cozy glamping tents, or well-maintained campsites cradled under a canopy of evergreen boughs.
We are excited to have you join us.
$49 - $375 / night
Black Lake Campground provides primitive tent sites on the east shore of Black Lake located in the northern part of Mt Hood Natioanl Forest in the Hood River Ranger District. The area accesses nearby Black Lake Trail. The trail network in this area enters Mark Hatfield Wilderness to the north. This area is primitive and less visited than more developed sites. You must pack in and pack out. Please leave no trace.
$15 - $23 / night
Forlorn Lakes, one of the most popular campgrounds in the southern part of the forest, offers 25 campsites scattered around the wooded shores of small, picturesque lakes. Swimming and fishing are possible in the larger lakes. Huckleberry bushes grow in the campground and surrounding area making this site very popular during huckleberry season. The campsites at a maximum 18 feet long are suitable for tent camping and small campers or RV's. The day use area has lake views, picnic tables, and fire rings. The campground is very popular, the camping spots fill early in the week. Forlorn Lakes offers nearby access to Indian Heaven via the East Crater Trailhead.
$10 - $20 / night
45 tent camping sites NOTICE: Ground tents only (no tent trailers) Group camping facility with 15 tent camping sites and a covered picnic shelter with fireplace and sink NOTICE: Ground tents only (no tent trailers) Day use picnic area (see fees) Swimming beach Beaver Bay hiking trail accessed from this park. Water and restrooms provided Boat ramp Entrance gate closes at 9 p.m.
Scout
This was a good family camping spot. Pros - there is a playground, swimming pool, small store, cafe, bathrooms with showers (and warm water) and activities during the day for kids. Cons - if you're tent camping the bathrooms are quite the hike, the tent sites are crammed together, there's only one working faucet in the entire tent camping area and the facilities are starting to look worn down.
The most utterly confusing part to me is that there were two huge RV areas that were virtually empty and would be perfectly suitable for tent camping. I'm not sure why they retrofit a dozen or so of those sites for "premium" tent camping? I'd gladly pay a few extra bucks a night for a 110 outlet, more space my own personal water supply.
We were in site T4. In my opinion it's the best site in the circle. If you can get T1, that looked like the best spot.
Legend
Out of the way, a bit, but that was part of what we enjoyed. Felt far removed from "The City" and the drive was scenic.
Very popular campground. We tent camped at this one. Good tent sites shared in our site.
Clean shower facilities. Boat rentals, Great walk around the lake.
Our site seemed very private in amongst the trees, even though the resort was busy. Would recommend!
Traveler
We tent camped at a drive-in site (8) in October 2020 and loved our experience. The whole campground felt small and peaceful, the tent sites were well spaced and surrounded by trees. It seemed to be popular with families and there were quite a few kids riding their bikes around the loop. The walk around the lake was beautiful and quiet - we did not pass many people at all.
I think next time we’ll try the walk-in sites for the privacy and the above view of the lake.
Would recommend, absolutely.
Scout
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!
GuideNot my normal camping scene, but decided to for an early summer ski session with the kids, we didn't want to completely rough it, but also didn't want to pay hotel prices. So, one of the standard cabins here was the perfect compromise. Roof over our heads, actual beds, room for three of us to be able to gear up for the day. But still had a fire pit outside, and picnic table for outdoor cooking. (Also the standard cabins don't have bathrooms, so you still need to go to the shared restrooms.)
The property overall was really nice, lots of amenities. We also took a walk through the RV/Tent camp sites. Its very similar to a KOA style of resort. We enjoyed it for what it was.
Legend
Campground Review:
There are at least four different campgrounds within Beacon Rock State Park in Washington. This review is for the Boat Launch "Moorage Camp" at the base of Beacon Rock, which has a small 2-tent area and 5-RV space down by the boat launch.
From Camas/Vancouver, you'll come to the sign for Beacon Rock Boat Launch on your right hand side, just before passing the actual Beacon Rock. There's a large day-use area on your right, an RV area that can hold up to 5 RVs (we never actually went to this since we were more interested in tent camping), and just two tent sites right next to the parking lot and boat launch. I've also heard that if everything is full, you can spend the $10 "unattended vehicle overnight" fee and car/RV camp in the parking lot, though I'd check with one of the many rangers who come through frequently first.
There's another day-use area right at the boat launch with grass and picnic tables, and on the lovely Spring weekend we were there many people were picnicking, kayaking, laying in the sun and fishing. The Columbia River, while protected here, is still quite fast going under (and over) the dock, so we never let the boys go in the water since we didn't bring life vests, and we didn't see anyone else swimming either. The two tent sites right at the dock are large, though not super private, and they would be great if you wanted to get up super early with your boat and go fishing. Otherwise, I wouldn't consider this a "destination" campground since, in addition to it being so small, there's a train that passes by loud and frequently enough to be annoying. That said, the flush toilets, showers and bathrooms were some of the cleanest I've visited while camping, so that's a definite plus. And the view of Beacon Rock from this spot is pretty spectacular.
Pros: Great views, perfect for launching a boat or early-morning fishing.
Cons: Loud annoying train and only two tent spots, though when we came only one was in-use.
Gear Review:
Last year we won a Leatherman gift certificate in The Dyrt camping contest, so this year we decided to try out some of our new purchases: two Leatherman Leaps (in blue and green) for my two kiddos, ages 6 and 11:
https://www.leatherman.com/leap-358.html
Summary/Pros: I have to admit we are biased toward Leathermans. The company is based in Oregon (where we live), completely stands behind their products, and make quality multi-tools. We even gave engraved Leathermans as bridesmaid/groomsmen gifts at our wedding 17 years ago. That said, there's some that I use more frequently than others, and for the most part we've limited the boys' Leathermans to smaller multitools with scissors and such, so this is their first larger tool. I love the fact that we can have the large blade put in or taken out depending on how comfortable we are with having them have the blade. And the boys have had a surprisingly easy time opening and closing the different attachments.
Cons: The only downside I've found with the Leap so far is that there's no nail file, but that's my personal preference and not one that's bothered the boys so far.
Video Review: The boys decided they wanted to create their own review, so be sure to watch the attached video to see what they think.
Legend
The campground at Ainsworth State park feels more like an RV parking lot than an exotic Columbia Gorge camping experience. The majority of the camground it rv hookups with just a few walk in tent sites. Yet, while the campground isn't impressive in itself, it is in an amazing location for exploring neighboring Eagle Creek and the rest of the gorge just steps away!
The parking for the tent sites is close to the walk in trail. There are only 6 tent sites and they can be reserved online so it is not easy to roll up to a free spot in hiking season.
The sites themselves are basic and offer much more privacy than your neighbors in the RV section of the park are getting. There is water near the tent site entrance. Toilets are a bit of a walk from the tent sites.
This site does take credit cards for campground registration.
Traveler
Tent camping sites looked amazing next to the river! Sadly, RVs are only allowed in a handful of sites which were all very sandy and less shaded. We stayed at site #5 which was probably the worst site for both issues but it was also the only one left on a weekend. We tried to cross the river to access to Tamanawas Falls trail but the water was too deep. Moral: tent camp in the highest # site available and reserve your spot!
Scout
You never see any stinking trailers at this campground. It's perfect for tent camping.
Guide
Nice little campground. Sites are a little uneven for tent camping. Clean beach but very cold water.
GuideThis small campground has just 2 tent sites and 5 rv sites. We stayed at the biggest of the two tent sites and enjoyed complete privacy and easy access to water, toilet and shower. While the train track is very close and trains are frequent, they do not usually use their horns or break at night, so they are not really a bother, even at night (and I'm a light sleeper). Overall a pleasant experience.
ScoutWe 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.
Traveler
This campground gets really crowded from the day use/dam side of the lake. Great for tent camping/swimming. The lake actually gets pretty warm starting in August.
Traveler
This camp ground is fantastic, sites are very well maintained and level. Full service hook ups including sewer. Great segregated tent camp area with available water. Bathrooms are very clean and well maintained. Dog area is very big and clean. The campground is very close to the main railroad tracks and trains come by every hour or so at all times of the day. If your inside your RV with the AC on you can hear faint noise, if your are tent camping bring some ear plugs. After 3 days you actually become accustomed to the sounds and it is a actually a cool viewing attraction, especially if you have kids. Overall great visit and if we are this way again we will be back.
LegendThe campsites are spread out and private. There are tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. Quiet lake with two trails around it.
TravelerThis is Santiam State campground that is for basically tent camping. Water and Pit toilet. Some sights next to Butte Creek. The best part is that you very close to Butte creek water falls.
GuideUp at the base of Mt Hood, this large resort style campground (operates by Thousand Trails/Encore) offers various areas for camping. There are full RV hookup sites, tent sites, group tent sites, E/W RV hookups and cabins/yurts throughout. It seems most, of not all, RV sites have room for at least a small tent or more and they do allow that. There also is a few group tent sites that I saw.
As for amenities, the campground has a small store that sells the basics and some RV parts, a deli/restaurant, playground and pool.
There are trails to get to the Salmon River, not difficult by any means.
Being just a dozen miles or so from Government Camp, there are so many things to do when you want to get out of the campground.
It’s open year round, and many folks use Mt Hood Village RV Resort as a basecamp for activities for all seasons.
Overall, I enjoyed my stay, though the limited restroom and showers are oddly placed, with access only by walking the loop. There are no trails to get to them, so if you are at the other end, it’s a small hike. The plus is that the restrooms are clean and well stocked.
TravelerGreat location for exploring Columbia River waterfall area. Clean and nicely laid out bathrooms and showers. Tent camping experience not great and we were in the tent only section. Road and railway noise. Our site smelled like urine. Lights from the info board and neighboring sites shining into our tent all night long.
Guide
Away from the railroad tracks. Great sites for tent camping. RV spots are a little close. Clean bathhouse. Don’t be scared away because there are no pull through spots. The management can coach you into the site. They were great.
Guide
This is a decent choice for tent camping. Most spots are just off the road. Park on the side of the road and pack your tent into the trees. Camping on both sides of the road. The east side of the road has a creek running through it Very beautiful. 
TravelerWhat an incredible campground. Nice shaded, private spots. Enough distance between campers that it feels secluded. Though we were in our RV the tent camping looked spectacular! Kind front desk team. Magical, large grassy lawn that our Bernedoodle loved. We will be back!
Scout
Incredible, free, private. Tent sites only, short hike in from parking lot, bring your own everything. Pit toilets, lake access, close to Mt. St. Helens activities. Four miles from Cougar.
Traveler
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
Traveler
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
Traveler
Viento is a nice state park along 84 right outside of hood river. It is along the columbia river and has beach access. The campground is split in two with the tent sites on one side and the rv sites on the other. The highway and a railroad track run right through the campground. There are mulitple trails perfect for day hikes. The sites and bathrooms are clean. Oregon State Parks offer free showers.
Scout
This campground was a great escape from the 4th of July noise and crowds. The entire campground was clean and all the toilet facilities were spotless. We were tent camping and appreciated the level campsites and 10’ tables. Our site, #3, is non-reservable and HUGE. The riverfront was a bonus.
Guide
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.
Tent camping near Multnomah Falls, Oregon, offers a perfect blend of stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventure. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, campers can enjoy the serene landscapes and numerous recreational activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Multnomah Falls, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Multnomah Falls, OR is Goose Lake Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Multnomah Falls, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 91 tent camping locations near Multnomah Falls, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
