Best Tent Camping near The Dalles, OR
Tent campsites in the Columbia River Gorge near The Dalles span a diverse landscape from forested slopes to open river valleys. Within Mount Hood National Forest, primitive tent setups can be found at locations like Badger Lake Campground and Pebble Ford Campground, both offering secluded sites with basic amenities such as picnic tables and fire rings. Across the Columbia River in Washington, tent campers also find walk-in sites at locations like Leidl South Campground, which provides tent-specific areas with vault toilets but no running water.
Most primitive tent camping areas near The Dalles feature rustic accommodations with minimal development. Vault toilets are common at established campgrounds, though drinking water is rarely available—campers should bring their own supply. Many tent-only sites require a short walk from parking areas, particularly at smaller campgrounds like Rainy Lake, which offers just four tent sites accessible by foot paths. Fire restrictions frequently apply during summer months, especially in drier eastern areas. One camper noted that "the road turns to gravel about 15 minutes before you reach the site and it's pretty bumpy in some spots. Take it slow." High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing remote tent sites, particularly after spring snowmelt when forest roads may be rutted.
Tent campers experience significantly more solitude at smaller walk-in sites compared to developed campgrounds along major highways. Backcountry tent sites at higher elevations offer cooler temperatures during summer heat waves that affect The Dalles region. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "the most welcomed feature is that no matter how I packed it, the bag was balanced and solid on my back" when hiking to more remote tent sites. Many primitive tent campgrounds become accessible by late May, though higher-elevation areas may remain snow-covered until June. Tree cover varies significantly—eastern sites tend to be more exposed, while western locations in Mount Hood National Forest provide ample shade. First-come, first-served policies apply at most primitive tent sites, with weekday arrivals recommended during peak summer season.
