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 (69)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Portland, OR

1456 Reviews of 69 Portland Campgrounds


  • Alyson M.
    Aug. 14, 2023

    Camp Creek

    Perfect Spot

    Camped here for the second year in a row, and it did not disappoint. We got lucky with a nice spot on the creek this year, which I would recommend for the best experience. The sites are spacious and most are pretty private which is great. It is primitive, no showers and just one vault toilet. I will say that the site did have a fair amount of trash on it which was disappointing, but we cleaned it up before heading out. Remember to leave no trace!!

  • Nathan R.
    May. 28, 2018

    Dairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park

    Serenity in Fauna-Great for Groups too!

    I love this campground.

    Specifically, I love site number 10.

    There are 23 sites at this campground, though sites 10-23 are reservable, leaving sites 1-9 ‘first come, first served’. To get to the campground, you’re going to be working on the far left side of the Welcome Center parking lot. They have allotted several parking spots there, as well as a huge parking area for other cars and trailers. Once you park, grab your gear and hike on down that path straight ahead! If you have. A lot of gear they have three carts available to haul everything out in one go.

    The trail to the camp is about 1/4 mile, it’s dirt in some places and gravel in others. The trail is very easy, you go down a ways, and then hit a gradual short climb to the few station. If you haven’t paid online (reserved spot), you will need to fill in the information on one of the provided permits, write down your car infix, put the fee in, and drop it in the box. (Right now the sites are $11/night). Place the white top copy on your dashboard (yes, you have to hike back out there. I know, I know.) OR: You can skip all of that, set up camp in your chosen (non-reserved) spot, and go pay at the welcome center drop box. Saves you a trip.

    When you’re done with all of that and want to find your spot, there are two trails; one on each side of the fee board. The left goes through sites 23 and up. The right side starts with site 1. It's just one gigantic loop so whichever way you choose will lead you to the right spot.

    I was in site 10, and took the left: this ended up being the long yet scenic choice.

    There are communal fire rings in the back section (which is great for groups!). There are no trash cans: pack it in, pack it out. There are pit toilets available: aka, outhouses. The doors lock, there's hand sanitizer provided. Going into the pit toilets, and then coming out really makes you appreciate the fresh air of the great outdoors.

    The tent pads are a typical woodsy mix of pine straw, leaves, and loose gravel. Sleeping pads are a blessing, but so are nicely stacked lead piles in a pinch. Tent stakes require a little oomph, I just use the ball of my shoe to push it into the ground.

    If there's one thing you want to pack, it's bug spray. It's not overly buggy, but the mosquitoes are there, and you don't want them to dampen your experience! Be on the safe side.

    There are no food storage lockers, you cannot leave food out on the tables. You are still in the wilderness, and you are in bear/cougar territory. Hang your bags, or go throw your food back in trunk of your car. Best case scenario is you wake up to some trash pandas ransacking your site if you leave food out.

    Overall, this has become one of my favorite spur-of-the-moment camping spots and I come back twice a week.

  • j
    Jul. 25, 2021

    Cougar RV Park and Campground

    Tent sites are large, minimal grass and shade.

    The tent sites are very large however they have minimal grass or shade. RV sites are very close to each other. There are two bathrooms of one toilet, shower area combined. The shower is coin operated so unless you plan ahead with quarters you are out of luck. It has a card option but does not work. The bathrooms are also not clean. There are 2 portable toilets that were very clean. They advertise quiet hours after 10 pm but it is not in-forced. There was a group partying until 1am next to us. Neighboring property was also blasting music into the morning. There are many other options in the area I would look into one of those.

  • F
    Jul. 23, 2020

    Ainsworth State Park Campground

    Nice, small campground

    I camped there in my RV several times and always tried to get slot A13. It’s all the way at the end and has a nice amount of space and only a potential neighbor on one side. I also tent camped and, after scouting the sites, chose C6. That site is a bit small but is away from the rest and above them on the slope so you don’t need your rain fly for privacy.

  • Stephanie Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 3, 2019

    Dairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park

    Ranger Review: PRIMUS LITE+ Backpacking Stove at Brooke Creek Hike-in

    Campground Review: Brooke Creek Hike-in Camp

    Brooke Creek Hike-in Camp is one of 3 campgrounds within Stub Stewart State Park, and the only one that really feels like you’re actually camping out in the woods – because you are.

    The tent only hike in camp isn’t a long haul from the parking area at the welcome center – it’s about ¼ mile and the trail into the campground is mostly gravel. There are carts available for hike in campers to use at the campground trailhead if needed. Note that if you’re using a cart, that the walk in is uphill.

    The campground area is wooded and each site has a picnic table. There are pit toilets and a water point. There are not fire pits in the sites—the fire pit areas are shared in central places in the campground. Some of the sites have a lot more privacy than others. I was camping in an unusually warm mid-week in May so the campground was mostly empty.

    I chose Site 1 because it had a good place for my hammock. If the campground had been full, I’d have picked a site a lot further in since the first few sites are right along the single trail that all campers/hikers would be using.  Some of the sites can be reserved in advance, and some are always open for walk ups.

    The self-registration is at the campground, NOT at the trailhead, so you’ll have to hike in, register, and then return your camping receipt to your car. If you’re paying with cash, bring your money on the first hike in. You can also pay with your credit card number.

    There are lots of trails directly accessible from the campground including the Banks-Vernonia Bike Trail as well as other hiking, biking and equestrian trails. I had a nice run on the Bumping Knots Loop.

    Product Review: The PRIMUS LITE+ Backpacking Stove

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt I sometimes get to test and evaluate quality products from amazing sponsors. On this camping trip, I tested out the Primus LITE+ backpacking stove. https://primus.us/products/eta-lite-7?variant=38436885010

    I’ve been in the market for a backpacking stove for awhile, looking for a lightweight and simple to setup option, so I was excited to get to test out the Primus LITE+. I opted for the .5L pot because I often camp solo (there is also a PRIMUS LITE XL version with a 1L pot available), Also, you can purchase the XL pot separately as an accessory which will give me more options when camping with a partner.

    Here are my opinions on the PRIMUS LITE+ after using it for one camping trip to make dinner and breakfast:

    PROS:

    Boils Fast: The PRIMUS LITE+ stove is incredible at the most basic things it needs to be good for: boiling water fast! In under 2 minutes start to finish you can assemble the stove and bring your water to a boil. Plus, fast boiling means you aren’t using a lot of fuel.

    Size/Weight: The whole stove system packs into itself and is about the size of a large mug including the fuel canister. I can fit the entire thing into the side pocket of my backpack. With the canister it weighs about a pound.

    Pot Versatility: The pot that comes with the PRIMUS LITE+ locks to the stove giving it a good wind shield, and allowing you to hang the pot to boil if you don’t have even terrain. The XL pot which is sold separately also attached to the same setup.  If you aren’t backpacking and want to use another pan or pot, there are small pegs which screw into the stove top to allow you to use any cooking set up. The pegs are stored in the handle of the stove so you don’t lose them.

    Accessories: I haven’t gotten it yet, but the LITE+ has a coffee press attachment so you can brew a cup straight in the pot. Always a bonus when a simple attachment means one less thing to carry for your perfect camping setup.

    CONS:

    Fuel Canister:  The smaller canisters needed if you want to pack your fuel into the kit  aren’t as readily available at places like Target or Walmart where I can more easily pick up my camping fuel when I’m on the road to camp. If I want to pack it all in to the pot, I’ll need to shop in advance at REI or a specialty outdoor store that carries the smaller canisters.

    Insulation: The insulated sleeve on the pot makes it easy to hold and to drink from, but after just a couple of uses it was already getting pretty dirty with coffee and soup debris. It isn’t as easy to keep clean, and since the handle is actually part of the insulation sleeve, you can’t effectively use the pot without it.

    It’s Small: Being small is one of the benefits of the stove, but the .5L mug/pot is smaller than I anticipated. While it’s perfect for a solo trip, you’ll want the 1L pot if you’re cooking for more than one.

    Overall, Primus LITE+ is a great stove that’s efficient. I’d opt for the bigger size if I were to buy it again, since it would be more versatile with only a little added weight and easier to fit the more readily available fuel cartridge.

  • Brian C.
    Jul. 1, 2018

    Henry Rierson Spruce Run Campground

    Nice Spot on River

    Family-friendly large campground right on the Nehalem River. Five miles off highway 26 and not too far from Portland. Campground split into two parts on both sides of the road. No reservations. First-come, first served. Spots for RVs and tents. Picnic tables, fire pits, good-sized sites, though some better than others. River is fun for wading and looking for rocks. Beautiful views. Kids can have fun biking around and exploring in the trees. Great spot for an overnight getaway just outside of Portland.

  • Jess G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2018

    Merrill Lake Campground

    discover pass only

    another site where you park and walk in! 8 sites, some are more private than others. 2 vault toilets, fire rings and picnic tables! great lake to kayak on.

  • Stephanie Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2019

    Dairy Creek East — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park

    A Pretty Boring Campsite at a Great Park

    The Dairy Creek Campground at Stub Stewart is a two loop campground. The sites are spacious, but there isn't much character.  The East loop is pretty much an open field. The west loop has a few more trees but still not much privacy or space between sites. 

    Dairy Creek is clean and well maintained, and has great access to the trails and disc golf around the park. If you're in an RV this is a good set up. If you're camping with kids, there's a play area here.

    There are a few "walk in" sites where you don't park your car next to your tent, but rather in the parking lot next to the grassy area where the open tent sites are. If you're looking for a better tent camping experience that actually feels like it's in the woods, you're better off going to the hike in campground in the park.

    The loops are big and there is parking near the bathroom. This is great if you don't want to walk a long way, but it's bad if you've got the campsite near the bathroom with all the cars coming and going.

  • C. W.
    May. 30, 2021

    Mount Hood National Forest Lost Creek Campground

    Clean dispersed camping

    Read up on this location with some good info. Flat paved sites for dry camping.

    Lost Creek Campground has 10 single-family campsites and is located on one of the largest pyroclastic volcanic mudflows from Mt. Hood’s “Old Maid” eruption in the 1700s. Fortunately all of the mudflows have cooled. Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Two yurts are also available. Campground amenities include a picnic area, drinking water and vault toilets. Firewood is also available for sale from the camp host.

    Lost Creek / Mt. Hood Area Recreation

    Outdoor recreation includes fishing. Visitors also enjoy fishing, hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing.  The Wild and Scenic Sandy River is also not far from the popular Ramona Falls Trailhead. Mt. Hood is just southeast of the campground offers visitors the opportunity for a nice a day trip.

    AMENITIES

    BBQ Grills

    Campsite Tables

    Comfort Station

    Drinking Water

    Fire Pit

    Fire Rings

    Firewood Available

    Golden Age & Access Passports accepted

    Grills

    Pets OK

    Picnic Tables

    Restrooms (Vault Toilets)

    ACTIVITIES

    Biking

    Bird Watching

    Creek

    Fishing

    Hiking

    Mountain Biking

    Nature Trails

    Photography

    Picnicking

    River

    Walking Trails

    Wildlife Viewing


Guide to Portland

Portland's tent camping options extend beyond the city limits into unique waterfront locations requiring specialized access. Within 90 minutes of downtown, several boat-in and walk-in campgrounds offer an experience distinct from standard car camping. Many of these sites provide camping on islands or along waterways where vehicle access isn't possible, creating naturally quiet environments with limited crowds.

What to do

Riverside exploration: At Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping, trails lead directly to water access points. One camper noted, "We had a private trail (about a country block in length)... water and surrounding scenery was breath taking." This primitive area requires navigating "about 5 miles of rough rough gravel road" but rewards with peaceful waterside sites.

Island camping: Take a boat to Government Island State Recreation Area for an urban-adjacent wilderness experience. "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," explains one regular visitor. The island provides a unique overnight option for boaters on the Columbia River.

Swimming: Natural water features near tent sites provide cooling options during summer months. At Naked Falls, "The river was absolutely amazing and one of the best for swimming I've seen in the PNW!" Though reviewers recommend weekday visits since "the weekends get pretty busy from not only campers, but day use swimmers."

What campers like

Seclusion: Walk-in sites naturally limit crowds and create quieter experiences. At Brooke Creek Walk-In Campground, one camper described their experience: "me and my friend were the only ones out there... the walk in and out is nothing but a hill. but that was a small price for the beautiful seclusion." These tent-specific areas often feature communal gathering spaces rather than individual fire pits.

Water access: Many tent sites near Portland feature direct creek or river access. Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping provides "sites right near the riverbank, you felt like you were deep in it. Saw a few people on the way out. Really relaxing next to the sound of the river," according to a recent visitor.

Unique lodging: Some private campgrounds near Portland offer distinctive tent camping experiences. At Healing ponds farm retreat and healing center, "We enjoyed seeing the baby bunnies, cows, goats, chickens, and turkeys! My partner, myself, and teen had so much fun visiting them all. Our site was secluded and we had privacy."

What you should know

Water transportation required: Several of the best tent camping near Portland, Oregon requires boats or kayaks. For Sand Island Marine Park Campground, "Accessible by boat or kayak. Sites are primitive, no tables. This is on the columbia river water kayak trail." Another visitor advises, "Can be a long haul from the boat to the camp site. Lots of dock space. Sites are back from the water."

Limited facilities: Most walk-in tent sites offer basic amenities. Government Island provides "1 restroom and no designated camp sites." Pack accordingly as "no potable water, so bring your own" applies to many locations.

Site selection matters: Research specific sites before booking. At Naked Falls, one camper advises, "Please pick your sites carefully! They are all very different and have different access or layouts." Similar advice applies to most primitive camping areas near Portland.

Tips for camping with families

Accessibility considerations: When camping with children, consider the physical demands of walk-in sites. For Brooke Creek Walk-In Campground, "It is a 1/4 mile walk to the sites starting from the visitors center. We got there late at night and didn't notice the carts available for hauling all your stuff."

Safety concerns: Some sites have natural features requiring supervision. At Healing ponds farm retreat, "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."

Group sizing: For family gatherings, select sites that accommodate multiple tents. One visitor to Naked Falls reported, "We really loved this place and had a great spot for four tents and a few dogs. There are a few camp sites, some pretty small so check before hand if you have more than one tent."

Tips from RVers

Limited RV access: Most tent-only sites near Portland restrict vehicle types. At Naked Falls, reviewers noted only "sites 1 & 2 seemed to work ok for small trailers or pop up campers." Standard RVs require different campgrounds than those designed primarily for tent campers.

Road conditions: Forest Service roads leading to dispersed camping can damage RVs. At Canyon Creek, "Road got a little bumpy getting out here" and another camper warned the access involves "5 miles of rough rough gravel road." Consider vehicle clearance when selecting camping locations.

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 Government Island State Recreation Area with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 69 tent camping locations near Portland, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.