Best Tent Camping near The Dalles, OR

Alaska offers a diverse range of camping experiences across its vast wilderness areas, with established campgrounds like Homer Spit Campground and Eklutna Lake Campground providing amenities for tent campers, RV travelers, and those seeking cabin accommodations. The region includes both developed sites with full hookups and more primitive options, with many campgrounds situated along lakes, rivers, and coastal areas that showcase Alaska's dramatic mountain landscapes and glacier views. Several locations support multiple accommodation types including tent sites, RV parking with hookups, and even glamping options for those seeking more comfort in remote settings.

Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping in Alaska, with most developed campgrounds operating from May through September when weather conditions are more favorable. Winter camping is available at select locations like Riley Creek Campground in Denali National Park, which remains open year-round, though with limited services. Many campgrounds require advance reservations during the peak summer season, particularly those near popular destinations like Seward, Homer, and Denali. Road conditions can vary significantly, with some campgrounds accessible via paved highways while others require travel on gravel or dirt roads. "This is a small, quiet campground just off the Alaska Highway between Tok and the border, sitting on the edge of a lake in the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge. Most of the campsites are directly on the lake, but the ones away from the lake are large and relatively isolated, giving you the feeling of camping alone."

Waterfront camping locations receive consistently high ratings from visitors, with many campgrounds situated on lakes, rivers, or coastal areas providing scenic views and recreational opportunities. Campers frequently mention wildlife viewing as a highlight of their Alaska camping experience, with bears, moose, beavers, and various bird species commonly spotted near campgrounds. Mosquitoes and other insects can be problematic during summer months, particularly in wooded or lakeside areas. A visitor commented, "We really enjoyed camping here. This was our first place we camped in Alaska and it was very clean. It has a beautiful view with the lake right there and the beavers are very active." Campgrounds in the Chugach State Park and National Forest areas provide convenient access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and other outdoor activities while still being relatively close to Anchorage, making them popular options for both visitors and locals seeking weekend getaways.

Best Tent Sites Near The Dalles, Oregon (71)

    1. Carbon Farm Yard

    1 Review
    Dufur, OR
    15 miles
    Website

    $55 / night

    "Carbon Farm is private camping on a farm a few miles outside of Dufur on the east side of Mt Hood National Forest."

    2. Hike in from Lower Deschutes State Rec Area

    4 Reviews
    Moro, OR
    20 miles
    Website

    "We stayed in the big open field next to it.

    I don’t think this is technically an “official” campsite but it has a lovely composting toilet that smells like fresh cedar."

    "Bike-packing Campground Review:

    The lower Deschutes River from Pelton Dam to the Columbia River, goes about 100 river miles along the water and was designated an Oregon Scenic Waterway in 1970."

    3. Pebble Ford Campground

    4 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 467-2291

    "Not too far from Meadows and Parkdale ... and even not to far for an overnight or weekend away from Portland.

    The first come sites are just off of Forest Road 44 >> Dufur Valley Road."

    "Very quiet and even has a few dispersed camp spots outside the main area. Had some deer walk right through our camp spot while we sat by the fire."

    4. Macks Canyon Recreation Site

    4 Reviews
    Moro, OR
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 416-6700

    $8 - $35 / night

    "We went during weather transition from rain to clear. The result, high winds in the canyon. This only lasted the one night. Fantastic weather the rest of the time. A slight bit of small trash around."

    "We were so glad we kept driving down this road until the very end."

    6. Bonney Crossing

    5 Reviews
    Tygh Valley, OR
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 467-2291

    $16 / night

    "Campground Review

    An open, relatively unused campground next to a sleep-calling stream right in between the last forested part of Mt."

    "The campsites are all well spaced out parallel to a nice clean looking river. We stayed in the off-season, so that is probably why it was empty."

    7. Leidl South Campground

    2 Reviews
    Klickitat, WA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 696-6211

    "There aren't any designated spots campsites, but there are a number of fire rings and it's pretty easy to segregate yourself from other campers. The site was clean and the pit toilet wasn't too bad."

    "You can pretty much camp wherever you can drive to. Lots of spots right next to the river."

    8. Badger Lake Campground

    5 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 467-2291

    $10 / night

    "This is a fairly easy trail to backpack on with lots of great sites to camp. If you’re hiking up to the lake you might want to make it a two day trip to really enjoy it."

    "The drive up the the lake is not super peaceful but once you get there it's pretty great."

    9. Rainy Lake Campground

    5 Reviews
    Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, OR
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 352-6002

    "We have lots of people that like to camp around here.

    If you arrive and find it full, continue one more mile down the road to Black Lake Campground, which has 4 more spots."

    "Site 1 was a little more blocked by 2 and 3 by a large log.  3 was a good site with enough level ground for 2 tents."

    10. Cloud Cap Saddle

    4 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 352-6002

    "It's a long drive up a very bumpy dirt road to get here, so make sure you have 4-wheel drive and a high clearance vehicle."

    "Do the timberline trail and this will be a stop!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 71 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near The Dalles, OR

1185 Reviews of 71 The Dalles Campgrounds



Guide to The Dalles

Tent camping near The Dalles, Oregon, offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from forested areas to riverside retreats, there's something for everyone.

Some prices for tent camping range from $8 to $12

  • At Macks Canyon Recreation Site, you can enjoy a peaceful stay with minimal crowds for just $8 on weekdays and $12 on weekends.
  • The Little Badger Campground offers a budget-friendly experience, although it’s important to note that it lacks drinking water and electric hookups.
  • For a unique experience, consider the Carbon Farm Yard, where you can camp on a private farm with access to over 100 acres for exploration.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Campground features that enhance your stay

  • Carbon Farm Yard provides essential amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and fire pits, making it a comfortable choice for families.
  • At Leidl South Campground, you’ll find a convenient location along the Klickitat River, perfect for enjoying the sound of flowing water while camping.
  • The Hike in from Lower Deschutes State Rec Area features a well-maintained composting toilet, ensuring a more pleasant camping experience in a primitive setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near The Dalles, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near The Dalles, OR is Carbon Farm Yard with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 71 tent camping locations near The Dalles, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.