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Best Tent Camping near Salem, OR

895 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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

20 Photos of 37 Salem Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Salem, OR

895 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 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?

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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