Tent camping opportunities near Oregon City, Oregon extend beyond established campgrounds to include several water-accessible sites along the Willamette and Clackamas Rivers. Government Island State Recreation Area offers boat-in camping with primitive conditions just 20 miles from Oregon City. Several smaller campgrounds remain open year-round despite seasonal closures at more developed sites in Mount Hood National Forest.
What to do
Swimming spots: Three Bears Recreation Site at BLM Molalla River Recreation Area features swimming areas with varying depths. "Great camp spot to keep kids busy! The stream has some swim sections, but not entirely. Bring water shoes!" notes Kierra K.
Fishing access: Carter Bridge Campground offers Clackamas River fishing opportunities during its May to September season. Recently reopened areas provide trout and salmon fishing opportunities. Riverbanks are often rocky and require appropriate footwear.
Riverside trail hiking: Take the trail from Rainbow Campground that leads to secluded swimming areas along the Clackamas. "You can either hike the whole thing (about 4 miles), and end up at another campsite further out, or you can detour off the trail about half a mile in and find the most private, delightful swimming hole," reports Katherine H.
Farm animal interaction: Healing Ponds Farm Retreat offers a unique camping experience with animals on-site. "We enjoyed seeing the baby bunnies, cows, goats, chickens, and turkeys! My partner, myself, and teen had so much fun visiting them all," writes Meg R.
What campers like
Riverfront privacy: Campers value sites where water sounds mask road noise. At Cedar Grove Recreation Site, Kevin M. reports, "We stayed within 50 yards of the water and was indulging in the river noise to destress to."
Seclusion factor: Some sites provide natural barriers from neighboring campers. Jason B. describes Cedar Grove Recreation Site as "stunning river views and small with only 11 sites that are first come first served... my go to for during the week over nighters as it's never been full."
Limited crowds: Government Island State Recreation Area provides boat-access-only camping that naturally limits visitor numbers. "We love camping on the island, as you can only get to it via boat so it is not overly populated," explains Fatima H.
Riverside locations: Sites near water rank highest in camper satisfaction. Rainbow Campground gets praise for creek-adjacent sites: "There are several really nice sites that are on the creek (technically a fork of the upper Clackamas River). The creek is really pretty and provides good sound cover."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Several Mount Hood National Forest campgrounds remain temporarily closed due to fire damage, including Rainbow Campground and Sunstrip Campground. Check current status before planning trips.
Limited facilities: Many sites lack running water and require self-sufficiency. At Dougan Falls State Forest, you'll find "toilets only; water and wood (no g'tee) at host site," according to Kimberly L.
Water safety concerns: River access points may have strong currents or hidden hazards. Near Elizabeth R. cautions about Rainbow Campground: "Close to water, some places have drop of cliffs watch little ones."
Site size variations: Available spaces range from small tent pads to larger group areas. At Sunstrip Campground, Brian C. notes that "spots themselves do not have paved driveways and there is no flush toilets, unlike campgrounds like Lazy Bend nearby."
Tips for camping with families
Best time for family visits: Weekday camping typically offers the quietest experience near Oregon City. At Three Bears Recreation Site, Hahns R. explains, "Within a short drive are many local favorite swimming areas. Ivor Davies wayside (around milepost 5) is beautiful and popular."
Educational opportunities: Willamette Mission State Park offers nature learning experiences. Kelly N. mentions, "A lot of work has been done to keep this site up for public education and trails - we take elementary students to this site every spring to have a field science day. The largest Black Cottonwood tree resides at this park and is worth seeing!"
Seasonal awareness: Be prepared for seasonal flooding in lowland areas. "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," explains Kelly N. about Willamette Mission State Park.
Activity variety: Some locations offer multiple recreation options for different age groups. Fidel S. notes that Willamette Mission provides "everything from disc golf, mountain biking, fishing, shooting range, hiking, and large enough to host an event."
Tips from RVers
Boat-accessible camping: For RVers with boats, Government Island provides unique opportunities. Eva W. explains, "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."
Site selection considerations: Some campgrounds have limited level spaces for larger vehicles. At Sunstrip Campground, Christina E. advises, "Sites 5 and 6 have an incline, but flat space for tents. Mostly, if not entirely shaded."
Water access planning: Many sites require bringing all water needed for your stay. At Government Island State Recreation Area, Fatima H. warns, "No potable water, so bring your own. There is 1 restroom and no designated camp sites."
Road conditions: Access roads to the best tent camping near Oregon City can be challenging for larger vehicles. At JJ Collins Marine Park, some visitors report difficulty finding the location, with Eva W. noting it was "very hard to find, and although the drive from Portland is nice, there aren't many attractions around here."
