Best Tent Camping near Portland, OR

Forested public lands surrounding Portland, Oregon offer numerous tent-only camping options within a 90-minute drive of the city. Tillamook State Forest provides several walk-in tent campgrounds including Elk Creek Campground, where sites are positioned along a creek that flows into the Wilson River. Brooke Creek Walk-In Campground in L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park offers tent campsites with more developed amenities, while JJ Collins Marine Park provides basic walk-in tent sites for those seeking a more primitive experience. The BLM Molalla River Recreation Area south of Portland maintains walk-in tent sites accessible year-round.

Most tent campgrounds near Portland feature natural surfaces with minimal site preparation. Walk-in tent sites typically require campers to park in a designated lot and carry equipment a short distance to their campsite. Vault toilets are common at established sites, though some primitive areas lack facilities entirely. Campers should bring water filters or carry sufficient water, as many locations have limited or no potable water sources. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during dry summer months. First-come, first-served policies apply at many locations, making weekday arrivals advantageous during peak season (June-September).

Tent-only campgrounds provide experiences unavailable to vehicle campers. According to reviews, Elk Creek Campground offers "sites with enough space between them for privacy during day and night." The walk-in requirement naturally limits what campers bring, creating a quieter atmosphere. One visitor at Keenig Creek noted that "from our site we could see no other campsites and could barely hear anyone else." Weekday visits typically offer greater solitude than weekends. Backcountry tent camping opportunities exist in Mount Hood National Forest, where primitive tent sites can be found along trails. Cell service is generally unreliable at most tent campgrounds, allowing for genuine disconnection from urban life.

Best Tent Sites Near Portland, Oregon (67)

    1. JJ Collins Marine Park

    3 Reviews
    Scappoose, OR
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 397-2353

    2. Sand Island Marine Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    St. Helens, OR
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 310-0235

    $30 / night

    "Sites are primitive, no tables. This is on the columbia river water kayak trail."

    "Island is lovely to walk around, our site had beach access. Site to reserve has pictures. Will definitely return!"

    3. Healing ponds farm retreat and healing center

    6 Reviews
    Buxton, OR
    28 miles
    +1 (503) 709-0706

    $45 / night

    "The RV toilet, hammock, fire pit, and picnic table were well maintained."

    "Our site was secluded and we had privacy. The pond area is beautiful with all the statues found around it. Highly recommend and we plan to visit again :)"

    4. Evans Farm

    1 Review
    Hillsboro, OR
    18 miles

    5. Dougan Falls- State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Bridal Veil, WA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 577-2025

    "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."

    6. Naked Falls

    2 Reviews
    North Bonneville, WA
    27 miles
    Website

    $50 / night

    "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."

    "The falls are really close by for some great swiming."

    7. Brooke Creek Walk-In Campground — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park

    3 Reviews
    Buxton, OR
    30 miles
    +1 (503) 324-0606

    $14 / night

    "We reserved a spot in the Brooke Creek walk-in tent site. It is a 1/4 mile walk to the sites starting from the visitors center."

    "this was so awesome.. we used the walk-in camp sites that had been closed till the moment we asked after closing due to a tree falling in one of the bathrooms.. so me and my friend were the only ones out"

    8. Keenig Creek Campground

    14 Reviews
    Timber, OR
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 842-2545

    $15 / night

    "First of all, it is an easy enough drive from Portland, about an hour or so."

    "This is a great site if you like "rustic" (which we do) since the sites are walk in-only. Adorable sites with picnic tables, fire rings and just enough privacy."

    9. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    16 Reviews
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 357-2191

    "These sites are beautiful and really meant for tent camping—but you can park an rv in most of the spots.

    There is a vault toilet closer to site 14 but no hookups."

    "Gorgeous spots all over that are accessible in most 4WD/off-road capable vehicles."

    10. Elk Creek Campground

    10 Reviews
    Timber, OR
    40 miles
    Website

    "Wonderful location next to the confluence of Elk Creek and the Wilson River. Vault toilets. Pump water. Walk-in/tents only, so no RVs, but still a nice location."

    "Elk Creek Campground is gorgeous, shady, Elk Creek itself winds around the campsites spooning it and provides ample swimming and fishing spots."

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Showing results 1-10 of 67 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Portland, OR

1433 Reviews of 67 Portland Campgrounds



Guide to Portland

Tent camping near Portland, Oregon offers a variety of scenic spots perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the city. With options ranging from secluded islands to riverside retreats, there's something for everyone.

Tips for tent camping near Portland

  • Sand Island Marine Park Campground provides a unique boat-in experience, making it ideal for those looking to combine water activities with camping.
  • Cedar Grove Recreation Site is a quiet spot with well-maintained paths and stunning river views, perfect for a peaceful getaway.
  • Carter Bridge Campground is accessible from May to September, offering a great base for exploring the surrounding natural beauty.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Healing Ponds Farm Retreat and Healing Center features drinking water, firewood, and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable stay in a serene environment.
  • Naked Falls allows pets and has fire rings for cozy evenings, making it a great choice for families and groups.
  • Benson State Recreation Area offers essential amenities like toilets and trash disposal, along with easy access to hiking trails and fishing spots.

Specific local attractions

  • JJ Collins Marine Park is known for its beautiful views and proximity to the Columbia River, perfect for kayaking and fishing.
  • Dougan Falls - State Forest provides a peaceful creekside setting, ideal for tubing and exploring nearby trails.
  • Three Bears Recreation Site is located right on the Molalla River, offering excellent swimming and fishing opportunities for campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Portland, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Portland, OR is JJ Collins Marine Park with a 2.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Portland, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 67 tent camping locations near Portland, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.