Dee A.
Traveler
TravelerWapiti RV Park
Quiet spot in the fall. A herd of elk visits most days. Laid back for sure. There are acres to walk, but the acres are well fertilized from elk poop! Dog friendly and close to the beaches in Lincoln City.
Tent Camping near Salem, OR
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Tent campsites near Salem, Oregon include both state park and BLM-managed recreation areas, with notable options at Willamette Mission State Park and Molalla River Recreation Area. The Willamette Mission State Park features a hiker/biker area on the Willamette Valley Bikeway for tent campers, while the Three Bears Recreation Site within Molalla River Recreation Area offers walk-in tent sites with maintained paths leading to spacious camping spots approximately 25 miles southeast of Salem.
Most tent campgrounds in the region have basic amenities but require campers to bring their own water or filter from nearby rivers. Pit toilets or vault toilets are common, with sites typically featuring fire rings and picnic tables where available. The Molalla River corridor campgrounds often include well-maintained tent pads but lack potable water at certain times of year. Seasonal availability varies significantly, with many sites open only from May through September or October. Walk-in tent locations at Cedar Grove Recreation Site provide river access but require campers to carry gear a short distance from parking areas.
The tent camping areas near Salem offer varying degrees of seclusion depending on location and time of year. Sites along the Molalla River provide excellent swimming opportunities and fishing access. Campers at higher elevation sites like those in Santiam State Forest should prepare for temperature drops at night. During summer weekends, the more accessible tent campgrounds fill quickly. Areas farther from Salem generally provide more isolation and fewer amenities. A review of Three Bears Recreation Site noted, "Great for swimming, kids fishing and catching crawfish - something for everyone." Another camper described Cedar Grove Recreation Site as "never full during weekdays, with stunning river views and only 11 first-come, first-served sites."
Best Tent Campgrounds near Salem (36)
1. Willamette Mission State Park Horse Camp — Willamette Mission State Park
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $74 / night
2. Maud Williamson State Recreation Site
3. Beaver Island Group Camp — Willamette Mission State Park
4. Hiker/biker Camping Area — Willamette Mission State Park
Check Availabilityfrom $7 / night
5. BLM Molalla River Recreation Area
"Very quiet and camp spots were perfect distance. Plenty of restrooms. The stream has some swim sections, but not entirely. Bring water shoes!"
"I usually stay at Cedar Grove nearby, but stayed here this year (2020). The campground is clean with water sometimes available."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $30 / night
6. Cedar Grove Recreation Site
"Water wz to low to fish nearby but had fun looking for rocks. Will go again next yr."
"We stayed within 50 yards of the water and was indulging in the river noise to destress to."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $30 / night
7. Santiam State Forest Butte Creek Falls Campground
"Near the campsite is the first fall that curtains over a little cave. You’re able to walk in and under the fall which feels like you’re in a movie."
8. Quartzville Recreation Corridor
"Entire dispersed strip was mostly clean, all with their own fire rings & plenty of room. Some pulled off away from the street but mostly all by a generally busy mountain road."
"Bring it in Pack it out, be kind to others and take your trash. Nobody should pick up after messy campers who can camp FREE. Only thing you get is a Fire Ring and that shows where you can camp."
9. Santiam State Forest Rhody Lake Recreation Area
"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."
10. Santiam State Forest Rock Creek Campsites
"Nice place to camp right by the creek the walk-up sites are $15 a night and the drive-up sites are $20 a night I personally have only camped at the drive-up sites and it's super pretty and peaceful there"
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $20 / night
Drive Time
- 23 min from Albany, OR
- 40 min from Corvallis, OR
- 48 min from Portland, OR
- 1 hr 3 min from Eugene, OR
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Salem, OR
20 Photos of 36 Salem Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Salem, OR
994 Reviews of 36 Salem Campgrounds
- TTravis N.
ScoutNamastay Right Here Coastal Haven
Jessica was extremely responsive, warm, and very accommodating :). The Sublime site is spacious, beautiful, and private. We planned for 2 nights and extended to 3rd because we were having such a great time. Our 25’ class C RV was a little tough to get up the site due to tight steep turns. Exiting the site was much easier.
Carrie G.
GuideWaterloo County Park
My dog and I were attacked here. Park Host admitted she should have kicked them out
It would be 5 stars if it was not for my experience. That should never have happened. Park Host admitted she should have evicted vicious dog owners. $2k vet bill, I have a broken pinky that is still open and they wanted to do surgery on. No supervisor has called me. Barely an apology. So if you want to take those kinds of risks. Also they DO NOT honor online reservations. They allow people to stay who are not paid up and take sites that have been reserved online. Management needs to step in! This could be a 5 star park if managed at all. What happened to my dog and I could have been a child, killed. But they don't seem to care?
- Carrie G.Guide
Foster Lake RV Resort
Please explain how a resort is located adjacent to a noisy mill?
I lived in Sweet Home for 30 years. It's fun visiting in my RV, but this place is quite silly. Very noisy log trucks coming and going. Let's call a spade a spade and stop being silly.
Four pages of rules. They are terrified of being sued. So don't use the pool cuz you certainly can't have fun. Not allowed to leave your dogs in your RV is a big surprise rule. You should have ALL of your rules posted on your website. Not hard to find and a very small list.
I've been to lots of RV parks now. You are just like them. I would think a resort would be quiet, peaceful, room to spread out, and have a nice time. This is crammed, like everywhere. Very noisy. Uncomfortable to even try to explore the "resort" as there are many rules and signs posted everywhere. Reminding you what not to do. And cowgirl or cowboy? I'm just shaking my head over this stuff.
A real world look at what someone experiences here might benefit your customers but I'm sure you are raking the money in. So no worries. I cannot imagine how tourists feel when they come here. It is nothing like your website. I already knew but I thought people DESERVE HONESTY. NOT LIES. Not a resort. A park next to a very noisy mill across the street from a lake. No fires. No tables. No dog area except one which is camera monitored. Very uncomfortable place to be.
C M.TravelerJantzen Beach RV Resort
Loudest "resort" rude management
Planes, 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!
- DDeborah T.Scout
Silver Falls State Park Campground
Beautiful Forest
Beautiful camping sites. Very busy. Lots of families and people. Roads are very windy and curvy be extra cautious. Wish we had more time so much to explore. If you bring your dog, you will be very limited on where you can hike too. RV sites are pretty private. Bathrooms and showers look brand new. And Camp post are extremely kind and polite.
Matt G.
RangerNorth Fork Trask
Beautiful spot
The road wasn't to bad getting there. There were a few spots in the campsite. River feet away, berry patches close. No cell coverage.
Rose A.GuideBritenbush River Dispersed
Magical
This spot is split between burnt areas, old growth, & highway. This particular spot has a camping area with a magical mermaid style water fall private to its own camping area equipped with a fire ring. It has a spectacular cliff jumping area right across from the waterfall. We did have to work around other peoples trash, local sheriff stopped by to check the area and suggested dumping trash at the group camp up the road. Tried to help with that but couldn’t pick the remainder of the trash left from others. Buried lots of human waste left from others, reminder to not sh*t by the water per forest service regulation standards. Keep our water clean. The water is crystal clear, cooling crisp & absolutely beautiful. Only saw a couple fish which seemed strange due to the depth of water available. The nearby town officials states water pollution will contaminate the lake, rivers & even drinking water during the current construction. The neighboring town is small & quiet. This spot I would occasionally receive service for AT&T but don’t place any faith in its consistency. The waterfall / swimming area made this the 4 stars alone, just glorious. There are near 5-6 other camping areas along the river, this one had the most trash because of the swimming area it’s likely more popular. Easy access, down a small dirt road, kinda secluded but still visible from street.
- MMATTHEW R.Ranger
Webb County Campground & Park
Amazing Location
Right across from the beach. Next to the Hart campground resort. Plenty of water flushers and power.
Guide to Salem
Tent camping options near Salem, Oregon extend beyond established state parks into national forest lands and BLM recreation areas. The camping season typically runs May through October, with higher elevation sites closing earlier due to snow conditions. Many campgrounds in the region feature limited amenities requiring campers to bring supplies while offering opportunities to explore river corridors, hiking trails, and mountain viewpoints.
What to do
Swimming in the Molalla River: At Three Bears Recreation Site, visitors can access swimming holes along the river. "Great for swimming, kids fishing and catching crawfish," notes Michelle A. The recreation site provides river access with walk-in tent sites approximately 25 miles from Salem.
Hiking to waterfalls: Santiam State Forest Butte Creek Falls Campground offers hiking trails to impressive waterfalls. "Near the campsite is the first fall that curtains over a little cave. You're able to walk in and under the fall which feels like you're in a movie," reports one camper. The campground operates seasonally from May to October.
Horseback riding: Equestrian campers can access trails at Willamette Mission State Park Horse Camp. "The campsites are horse friendly and the trails are absolutely gorgeous- it felt like being out in the wild," writes Sprunki R. The horse camp operates seasonally from May 15 to September 30.
What campers like
Secluded riverside locations: Cedar Grove Recreation Site features tent sites near the water. "We stayed within 50 yards of the water and was indulging in the river noise to destress to," reports Kevin M. The campground has only 11 first-come, first-served sites.
High elevation viewpoints: Marys Peak provides camping at higher elevations with scenic vistas. "On a clear day you can see snow cap mountains and the ocean in July," notes G.Allen H. The campground operates seasonally from May 14 to September 30 with just six available sites.
Wildlife watching: The wetland areas and river corridors near Salem offer opportunities to observe various species. "The largest Black Cottonwood tree resides at this park and is worth seeing," mentions Kelly N. about Willamette Mission State Park. The surrounding habitats support diverse wildlife viewing opportunities.
What you should know
Water availability varies: Many tent camping areas near Salem lack reliable drinking water. "The water pump has bacteria warnings so bring plenty of water," warns heidi at Three Bears Recreation Site. Cedar Grove and other BLM sites may have seasonal water pumps but carrying additional water is recommended.
Temperature fluctuations: Higher elevation sites experience significant temperature changes. "Can get cold at night since it is at a higher altitude and weather changes quickly," Sonja O. warns about Marys Peak campground. Pack additional layers even for summer camping trips.
Seasonal closures and conditions: Santiam State Forest Rock Creek Campsites and similar locations have limited operating seasons. "The walk-up sites are $15 a night and the drive-up sites are $20 a night," reports Marie C. Most forest campgrounds close by late September due to weather conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Easily accessible swimming: Look for campsites with shallow water access for children. "Great camp spot to keep kids busy! Very quiet and camp spots were perfect distance. Plenty of restrooms. The stream has some swim sections, but not entirely. Bring water shoes!" advises Kierra K. about Three Bears Recreation Site.
Educational opportunities: Many camping areas offer learning experiences. "We take elementary students to this site every spring to have a field science day," mentions a reviewer about Willamette Mission State Park. Investigate interpretive programs or self-guided nature activities available.
Campsite selection for young children: Choose walk-in sites with minimal distance from parking areas. "The sites are walk in with well maintained paths," notes Hahns R. about Three Bears Recreation Site, which provides defined tent pads and picnic tables at each site.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most tent camping areas near Salem have restrictions for larger vehicles. "Very steep final approach on dirt road," warns Chuck W. about Rhody Lake Recreation Area. Check road conditions and campsite sizes before attempting access with anything larger than small trailers.
Alternative parking arrangements: Some campgrounds require parking separately from camp spots. "Your vehicle not parked at your site," notes Barbara H. about Cedar Grove Recreation Site, indicating campers must carry gear from parking areas to tent sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best tent campgrounds near Salem, Oregon?
Where are the best tent campgrounds near Salem, Oregon?
For tent camping near Salem, Jones Creek in Tillamook State Forest offers spacious sites with good privacy. The campground features river access, walking trails, and a forestry center. Sites are first-come, first-served, making it ideal for spontaneous trips. Another excellent option is BLM Molalla River Recreation Area, which provides quiet camping with access to swim sections in the stream. The sites are well-spaced, making it particularly good for families with children who need space to explore.
When is the best season for tent camping near Salem, Oregon?
When is the best season for tent camping near Salem, Oregon?
Late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the best tent camping conditions near Salem. Marys Peak showcases lovely wildflowers and wild raspberries during summer months. For a short backpacking adventure, Tumble Lake is most accessible in summer and early fall when trails are clear. Keep in mind that even during peak season (July-August), some primitive campgrounds remain uncrowded. Spring camping brings lush landscapes but potential rain, while fall offers beautiful colors with cooler temperatures. Most campgrounds in the region are seasonal, with many closing during winter months due to weather conditions.
What amenities are available at tent camping sites in Salem, Oregon?
What amenities are available at tent camping sites in Salem, Oregon?
Tent camping sites around Salem vary in amenities. Trask River County Park offers vault toilets and river access, with sites that can accommodate pop-up campers alongside tents. Santiam State Forest Butte Creek Falls Campground provides basic amenities including water and pit toilets, with the bonus of being very close to beautiful Butte Creek waterfalls. Most campgrounds in the area feature fire rings and picnic tables, though potable water may not be available at all sites. Cell service is typically limited, so plan accordingly for an off-grid experience.
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