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.
"Naked Falls is a private campground with primitive sites. I’d recommend tent only, although sites 1 & 2 seemed to work ok for small trailers or pop up campers."
"I got site number six and it was an amazing place with a gate that gave you the sense of privacy and also to make sure that your spot wasn’t going to be taken, we were able to pull our SUV to all the way"
from $50 / night
"Explore along the creek by taking one of the trails along the north side of the campground. Toilets only; water and wood (no g'tee) at host site."
"Discover Pass or Discover Day Pass is required to stay there. Would recommend!"
"No cell service or Starlink, but if you drive to a clearing nearby you can find a satellite ."
"We have lots of people that like to camp around here. If you arrive and find it full, continue one more mile down the road to Black Lake Campground, which has 4 more spots."
"Site 1 was a little more blocked by 2 and 3 by a large log. 3 was a good site with enough level ground for 2 tents."
"I stumbled on this campground while visiting Rainy Lake, which is one mile North of Black Lake. This is a fun campground with a unique layout."
"4 camp sites surrounding a small lake. 1 and 2 are private While 3 and 4 are right next to each other. Campsite 2 is on the way to 3 and 4 so not to private."
from $15 - $23 / night
"A great spot with privacy ! Lots of turnouts along the road with river accesses just steps away ! Definitely recommend!"
"A bit of trash but nothing crazy. Fantastic place to stop even just for one night. Would definitely visit again."
"There are sites right near the parking lot (and pit toilet) that are flat, plenty of wood for building a fire, picnic tables and fire pits, great for care camping."
"Everything was perfect from start to finish and hands down one of the best weddings we have been to from the stunning Ceremony site overlooking the luscious forest to the fun event space perfect for any"
"From being greeted by name as I pulled in to time spent talking with the owners under their lovely shared social hangout area with other campers, it was a very welcoming experience."
from $49 - $375 / night
"My group and I had a great overnight backpacking trip here last weekend! A good, well-maintained trail for beginners. It is clearly defined and not overly challenging, with only one blowdown."
"I highly recommend this backpacking campsite to anyone who has explored around the Mt. Hood area. This is a hidden gem that I had never been to!"
"No potable water, so bring your own. There is 1 restroom and no desinated camp sites. But we love it!"
TravelerWe camped here for 4 days, rangers were nice we hauled in our wood since we didn’t want to buy a lot, and can’t gather wood there. Plenty of trees between campsites, The Bathroom and showers were really nice and clean!! lake was also nice but small. Enjoyed our stay!!
ScoutPretty cool little campground. Multiple sites right on the river, but some might be a bit precarious for some to navigate. Facilities were clean and you can tell the camp hosts care. Recommend for an easy getaway for a couple days.
RangerThis site is great! Lots of rules listed but not enforced, would recommend having the discovery pass though as signs are prevalent. If you can avoid going the route alongside the correctional facility, you’ll have much less dirt roads and pot holes. There isn’t room in the non horse sites for a rig more than say 25 feet long. No cell service or Starlink, but if you drive to a clearing nearby you can find a satellite .
ScoutTrains keep coming through 😭. Tent sites are small.
GuideThis Campground is certainly the best on the swift river. Bathrooms are nice & clean and access to water as well as Mt. St. Helens are the pros.
The reservoir is used for hydroelectric power so it can receed quickly. Your experience here greatly relies on your neighbors and the camp hosts. Some of the regulars can be obnoxious. There are no hookups and no showers so plan accordingly. There is a dump station in the day use area.
TravelerPlanes, trains and automobiles....oh did I mention nosy neighbors and rude office staff? Sharon and Erika are unapproachable and judgemental office slime. Skip this place. And the pictures LIE!
GuideCame back to this gem for a day trip and to help clean up via last comment. No trash found. Please do not allow kids or yourself to build dams that block water flow, it creates festering pools of stagnant bacteria infested water that other kids and animals could get sick from. Spent the day removing hand built dams. See previous comment for other details of this beautiful camping area.
LegendWe had a great day and one night stay here in late September. The site was right on the hood river that runs thru the campground. Many hiking trails and also an awesome campground overall. Clean restrooms. Awesome camp hosts. This is our second Time in the campground but first on the river. Will return for sure!
TravelerGreat lil spot had absolutely no issues finding a spot there are a lot in the area free dispersed. You can hike to trillium lake from this area as well…
Not quite apot and not super private but cool
Dispersed camping options near Multnomah Falls extend beyond established campgrounds into less developed areas. The Columbia River Gorge region sits at elevations ranging from 100 to 4,000 feet, creating diverse microclimates that affect camping conditions. Winter camping requires serious preparation as many forest roads close after first snowfall, and temperatures at higher elevations can drop below freezing even in late fall.
Swimming spots: During summer months, several creeks and small lakes offer swimming opportunities near camping areas. At Naked Falls, "The river was absolutely amazing and one of the best for swimming I've seen in the PNW!" according to camper Heather P. The swimming areas get crowded on weekends but remain accessible on weekdays.
Waterfall hikes: Many tent campsites serve as starting points for waterfall exploration beyond Multnomah Falls. The PCT auxiliary trail from Herman Creek to Cascade Locks passes directly by Dry Creek Falls. As R D. notes, "Day use parking costs $5 or is free with a qualifying pass."
Mountain views: For panoramic vistas of Mt. Hood, hikers staying at Burnt Lake can take a 2-mile trail from camp to East Zigzag Mountain summit. According to Sonja O., "If you put down your stuff at your site, you can do another 2 mile hike up the summit of East Zigzag Mt. and see a beautiful view of Mt. Hood."
Creek sounds: Campers consistently mention the calming effects of water sounds at creekside sites. At Panther Creek Creekside Camp, Bobby J. appreciates how the site was "secluded and nice to hear the rushing water of the creek." These dispersed sites offer natural white noise that masks other camping sounds.
Stargazing: Higher elevation sites away from Portland's light pollution provide exceptional night sky viewing. At Burnt Lake, Amanda J. recommends "finding a place to sit on the west side of the lake for sunset, as it gives you a view of Mt. Hood while the sun illuminates it."
Privacy levels: Many campers seek the balance between isolation and services. Isaac H. describes Panther Creek Creekside Camp as having "lots of turnouts along the road with river accesses just steps away" with good privacy between sites, making it suitable for overnight or extended stays.
Bug conditions: Mosquitoes can become overwhelming in certain seasons, particularly near water. At Rainy Lake Campground, Jonathan H. warned that "the weather was amazing, 15 degrees lower than in town, but the bugs and mosquitoes were overwhelming (even with deet)."
Weekend crowds: Many sites fill quickly Friday through Sunday. Chris H. notes about Rainy Lake Campground: "I tried this campground over a busy holiday weekend and was happy to see 3 of the 4 spots empty when I arrived. It's rare to find this kind of place on a Saturday in Mount Hood."
Road conditions: Access to many tent camping areas requires careful driving. Sarah S. mentions about Rainy Lake Campground that "the road getting up to Rainy Lake wasn't the greatest (but totally fine with a Subaru) so you have to drive a bit slow and look for potholes."
Site selection for safety: When tent camping with children near Multnomah Falls, carefully evaluate site terrain. At Black Lake Campground, campsite layout matters: "While it's a large site, there are not a lot of space to park, so I'd say no more then 3 cars. Also, 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."
Weekend alternatives: For families seeking quieter experiences, weekday camping offers significant advantages. Jonathan H. notes Black Lake is a "quiet campground at the end of the road" with "beautiful overlook of the valley, and nice (if undeveloped camp sites)."
Water activities: Bringing water toys or flotation devices enhances family enjoyment at lakeside camps. One camper at Government Island suggests: "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."
Space limitations: Many campsites near Multnomah Falls accommodate only small trailers or pop-ups. Heather P. advises about Columbia Gorge Getaways: "Naked Falls is a private campground with primitive sites. I'd recommend tent only, although sites 1 & 2 seemed to work ok for small trailers or pop up campers."
Resource planning: With limited services, RVers must prepare differently than at developed campgrounds. At Government Island, Eva W. notes: "There aren't any hookups for electricity or running water, but really, it's a nice place to take a break from boating all day, maybe spending the night then getting back to the mainland."
Alternative arrangements: For those wanting RV convenience with tent camping atmosphere, glamping options exist. Columbia Gorge Getaways offers a compromise, with Michael K. reporting: "From being greeted by name as I pulled in to time spent talking with the owners under their lovely shared social hangout area with other campers, it was a very welcoming experience."
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 Naked Falls with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Multnomah Falls, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 92 tent camping locations near Multnomah Falls, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
