Tent camping near The Dalles, Oregon transitions between alpine forest environments at elevations above 4,000 feet and arid high desert terrain at lower elevations. The region experiences significant temperature variations with summer daytime highs often exceeding 90°F while higher elevation campsites remain 15 degrees cooler. Forest roads accessing many primitive campsites convert from snow-covered to dusty and washboarded between May and October.
What to do
Fishing at designated sites: Macks Canyon Recreation Site provides direct river access with opportunities to watch fishing boats pass by. According to Sarah S., "The view of the river was amazing and we watched lots of fishing boats and rafting boats go by. There is also a railroad track across the river and it was fun to watch the trains go by."
Hiking nearby trails: Bonney Crossing Campground connects to Badger Creek Trail, offering access to multiple destinations. Scott B. notes, "Site is located just next to Badger Creek and the Badger Creek trail. Kids loved spending time exploring the creek and cooling off in it."
Stargazing without light pollution: Higher elevation sites offer exceptional night sky viewing due to distance from urban light sources. At Cloud Cap Saddle, Bridget H. confirms, "The stars up there are incredible, and there are lots of great hiking trails nearby."
What campers like
Natural water features: Most campsites feature creek or river access, providing both recreation and cooling options. Greg L. described Bonney Crossing: "The campsites are all well spaced out parallel to a nice clean looking river."
Wildlife encounters: Pebble Ford Campground offers opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. Nik P. mentioned, "Had some deer walk right through our camp spot while we sat by the fire."
Remote locations with solitude: For campers seeking isolation, the eastern side of Mount Hood National Forest provides numerous options. According to Lisa K., accessing Badger Lake Campground requires effort but rewards visitors: "The lake is gorgeous and saw people catching trout. Bring a kayak or SUP to enjoy the lake."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many campgrounds require travel on unmaintained forest roads. James W. warns about Macks Canyon Recreation Site, "I have never experienced a washboard road as bad as this was for 6-7 miles. I thought the doors were going to blow off the truck."
Limited services and facilities: Most primitive campgrounds lack running water and have minimal amenities. Stephanie Z. advises about Pebble Ford, "All sites have a picnic table and fire ring. There is a toilet/outhouse, but no running water."
Weather and wind considerations: Exposed campsites can experience sudden weather changes. Sarah S. noted at Macks Canyon, "The only negative is that it can get super windy. At one point we were frantically trying to get our awning down...things were flying everywhere."
Tips for camping with families
Look for creek access: Rainy Lake Campground provides both water features and trail access suitable for families. Sarah S. explains, "Behind sites 2 and 3 is the trailhead that will take you up to Rainy Lake - less than a 10 minute walk to the lake."
Choose sites with adequate space: Some campgrounds offer larger sites that accommodate family setups. At Pebble Ford, Bjorn S. observed, "Small… we're talkin' 3-4 sites… but each site is HUGE! Refreshing to see, and how cool to get here and take over all three with a party."
Prepare for insects: Bug protection is essential, particularly near lakes and during early summer. Jonathan H. warns about Rainy Lake, "Visited in late June, and the weather was amazing, 15 degrees lower than in town, but the bugs and mosquitoes were overwhelming (even with deet)."
Tips from RVers
Vehicle clearance requirements: Badger Lake Campground demands appropriate vehicles for safe access. Jason P. cautions, "When they say it's a rough road it is a very very rough and rocky road I barely made it in my four-wheel drive and there's a very skinny downhill with a cliff with lots of jump rocks."
Limited RV-friendly options: Many sites accommodate smaller recreational vehicles but lack hookups entirely. At Leidl South Campground, April F. advises, "You can pretty much camp wherever you can drive to. Lots of spots right next to the river."
Alternative dispersed camping: For RVers seeking more flexibility, dispersed sites exist throughout the region. Lauren E. describes Leidl South: "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."
