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Best Tent Camping near Salem, OR

894 Reviews

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."

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Best Tent Sites Near Salem, Oregon (37)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Salem, OR

21 Photos of 37 Salem Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Salem, OR

894 Reviews of 37 Salem Campgrounds

  • Sara R.
    Sep. 5, 2018

    Marys Peak

    Very basic and secluded.

    This is one of the most primitive campgrounds I've seen. There were a few old picking tables, fire rings, and one vault toilet. We were the only ones there during the peak of camping season. There were lovely flowers and raspberries growing nearby. A few dead branches feel during the night, which was a little underling.

  • Jill T.
    Sep. 5, 2019

    Piety Island Boat - In Campground Boat Landing

    Island camping

    Top reasons I love this campground: 

    - It’s an ISLAND! How cool is it to camp on an island! 
    - Beautiful views from the middle of the northern end of Detroit Lake. 
    - Great for swimming, boating, exploring, hiking, and fishing. 
    - I bet it’s amazing to stay there over the 4th of July. 
    - The firework display from the other side of the lake should be spectacular! 
    - Cheap-$10. 
    - Only 22 sites. 
    - I had cell service with AT&T. 

    **Things to note: **

    - This should be obvious but, you’ll need a boat to get to and from the island. It’s a quick canoe from either side. 

    - The vault toilets are maxed out. Hopefully, they will be serviced SOON! 

    - No drinking water, no shower, and no guarantee for the serviced toilets. 

    - Bring water and TP. 

    - Fires are allowed and there are several picnic tables.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2021

    Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area Campground

    Close to the lake and the beach and town

    No lake views here, but there is access down a long point/dock for non motorized(kayaks) boats. The staff was very friendly and helpful and the campground was super clean. Best part was the No Generators rule!!! It is kinda loud as you are really close to the highway and on the edge of a busy town, but if you can get a tent site in the tent only area (towards the back with lots of trees) or a hookup site along the back, it’s not too bad. And you can hear the ocean.

  • Savannah S.
    May. 9, 2019

    Trask River County Park

    Private and Peaceful

    Trask River Campground is 20 minutes away from Tillamook. There is not a lot of service around the area going to Tillamook so go straight to Tillamook town center and start your GPS for accurate directions (or until you get good service). You will have no service whatsoever up at the campground but that’s what camping is for, to enjoy your time outdoors! You might as well get all of your needs in town before you head up, Safeway in Tillamook has bundles of wood for $5.99, for two nights we used 4 bundles (they come with fire starter kits).

    There is no showers or sinks but there is multiple “vault” toilets around the campground. For clean water there is multiple pumps around the campsite, bring your own soap.

    Nice swing set and grassy areas for kids or pets to run around. If you’re lucky enough you will wake up to elk grazing in the grassy areas.

    There is a main road in between the campgrounds since sites go from A-C. People fly up and down that road at 50+ MPH so watch your kids and pets.

    Multiple trails and cool things to see around the campground! Enjoy!

  • Brian C.
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Fishermens Bend - TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO CAMPING

    Well loved but well maintained park

    Pretty awesome campsites right on the river. That is incredibly well appointed. Full hookups for RVs electric and water. Dump station.

    Some Tent sites have a built in shelter over picnic tables. Communal recycling bins. Sink dump sites near all campsites. Very nice bathrooms with full showers.

    Handful of sites on the river itself. Big group camping sections and awesome group picnic shelter/hall. Day use facilities.

    Very wooded and the campsites feel private. Not far from Salem. Playground and activities for the kids. Small info hut and amphitheater. Well loved but well maintained park but is affordable on BLM land.

  • Jama A.
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Milo McIver State Park Campground

    Milo McIver State Park, Oregon

    Campers arriving at Milo McIver State Park are greeted by expansive riverfront sites along the Clackamas River, each offering level ground suitable for both tents and larger RVs. The mist rising off the water in the early morning creates a serene atmosphere, while a convenient boat ramp allows paddlers to launch kayaks and canoes directly from their campsite. Mature fir and alder trees provide ample shade, and every site is equipped with a sturdy picnic table and fire ring for evening cook-outs. The park’s well-maintained facilities include potable water stations and a modern bathhouse with hot showers, ensuring comfort even on extended stays. Outdoor enthusiasts will find an on-site disc golf course and miles of multi-use trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. After a day of adventure, guests often unwind by the riverbank, watching local wildlife—herons and kingfishers are frequent visitors—and spotting rafters drifting downstream. To streamline travel plans, many visitors pre-book an airport transfers service, allowing them to arrive at Portland International Airport and head straight to the campground without the hassle of car rentals. Those planning multi-destination itineraries across the Pacific Northwest appreciate the provider’s reliable city-to-city rides, which offer door-to-door transport in comfort and style. All in all, Milo McIver State Park combines picturesque riverfront camping with a wealth of recreational options and modern conveniences, making it an ideal destination for families, solo adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Campers seeking both relaxation and activity will find it hard to beat this versatile Oregon treasure.

  • Aria R.
    Jul. 30, 2017

    Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground

    Crowded Disc Golf Fun

    I am going to try staying here again in the winter, the sites are small and close enough together that in peak summer season it’s pretty darn noisy, the joyful din of summer break.

    Lots of trees around the tent sites so there is a lot of shade which is nice. Shorter driveways though so not a lot of room for extra cars. The ADA accessible spots are great, paverstones under the picnic areas and such; very nice.

    If you like disc golf this is definitely the place to go, huge sprawling shaded course is very inviting and everyone who was playing looked like they were having a good time. Great destination for lazy bike rides, miles of paved low incline trails. Plus as well, they have a bike tools available as well, a work station for light repairs.

    Full service campgrounds, yurt sites have more space around ‘em so it may be a better option for in the future.

    Good river and fishing access, lots of low-key trails to explore. Dogs are welcome on leash and there is a designated area for them to romp too.

  • G
    May. 28, 2019

    Humbug Campground

    Peaceful and beautiful

    What a beautiful campground! There are around 20 sites, all of which are quite private and cozy. Many of the tent spaces are nestled away behind trees so you really feel like each site is your own special place. There are at least two group sites, sites with pull-throughs for trailers, tent sites, vault toilets, and many water faucets close by. Camp hosts are so great! Firewood was $6/bundle. There is a trailhead near one of the group sites that we traveled about a mile down before turning back to camp for lunch. It’s a deep, green, and very lush forest. Will definitely return to hike further.

  • Meghan O.
    May. 16, 2019

    Mount Hood National Forest Armstrong Campground - TEMP CLOSED FOR FIRE

    Nestled By the Clackamas, Very Clean

    This is a beautiful campground nestled down by the Clackamas River. You can hear it rushing by the campsites, which are right down by the water. Each campsite has a nice sturdy picnic table and a fire pit with built-in grill. The restrooms at some of the cleanest, nicest-smelling pit toilets I've ever seen at a campground, conveniently located within the campground.

    Each site was generously roomy. Our camping trip was, in part, a chance to test drive the new Chevy Blazer SUV. It's a big car but there was no problem maneuvering it through the campground or parking it at our site. We might have even been able to fit another, smaller vehicle too if we had more than one party with us. We had no problem pitching two two-man tents and getting out two camp chairs, and would have had room for a third easily. And although the campground is in sight of one of Oregon's classic pretty bridges and there is some road noise, it's balanced out by the white noise of the Clackamas and wasn't a problem.

    Nearby Fish Creek campground was much busier than Armstrong on a rainy Wednesday night, but we had Armstrong almost entirely to ourselves. A vanlifer left sometime that evening and a camper in a pickup truck with two kayaks appeared close to bed time. Other than that, everything was quiet, secluded and just right for relaxing. We even got to see a bald eagle the next morning!

Guide to Salem

Tent camping near Salem, Oregon offers a variety of scenic locations and outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. With well-maintained sites and access to beautiful landscapes, campers can enjoy a memorable experience.

Tips for tent camping near Salem

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Some prices for tent camping range from $15 to $20

  • Camping at the Rock Creek Campsites costs around $15 for walk-up sites and $20 for drive-up sites, offering a peaceful creekside experience.
  • The Cedar Grove Recreation Site is a budget-friendly option with well-maintained facilities and stunning views, perfect for a quick getaway.
  • At the Beaver Island Group Camp, you can reserve a site for group camping, making it ideal for family gatherings or events.

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

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?

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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