Tent camping near Tigard, Oregon provides access to both coastal forests and riverside camping within 30-60 minutes of town. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during peak camping months, while spring and fall bring cooler weather and frequent rainfall. Dispersed camping options typically range from sea level to 2,500 feet elevation, with several forested sites providing year-round access.
What to do
Swimming in Wilson River: The clear water of the Wilson River at Elk Creek Campground offers excellent swimming holes during summer months. "There's a beyond perfect swimming hole, that we all quickly discovered was plenty deep enough to jump off the rock formation next to it," reports one visitor who found it busy but not crowded even on hot Saturday afternoons.
Hiking forest trails: Several short to moderate trails connect campgrounds to viewpoints and water features. At Keenig Creek Campground, the 6-mile trail (12 miles roundtrip) leads to Footbridge with moderate terrain suitable for day hikers. A camper noted, "There are opportunities for fishing also," while enjoying the paved paths and trails throughout the area.
Paddleboarding on rivers: Rivers and lakes in the region allow paddleboards and kayaks with varying launch facilities. At Sand Island Marine Park Campground, "our site had beach access" with docks available for loading and unloading equipment, though one reviewer warns to "pack light, condense as much as possible" due to wait times for transport to the island.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Walk-in sites at Keenig Creek provide separation from neighboring campers. "The campsites are dispersed nicely and are clean and flat. The trails between the sites are well maintained to drag a cooler to your site," explains one camper who stayed in site 3, which features "nice morning sun" and views across the river.
Riverside access: Many campers appreciate the direct water access at Three Bears Recreation Site in the BLM Molalla River Recreation Area. One reviewer called it "Great for swimming kids fishing an catching crawfish something for everyone," while another noted it's "Right on the Molalla river. Great campground."
Boat-in camping options: For those with watercraft, Government Island State Recreation Area provides a unique camping experience. "We love camping on the island, as you can only get to it via boat so it is not overly populated. There are no fire pits but you can burn. No potable water, so bring your own," shared one camper who gave it a 5-star rating.
What you should know
Limited services: Most tent camping sites near Tigard lack facilities common to developed campgrounds. At Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping, "there are no amenities such as drinking water or toilets," but campers find the "spacious, airy space and majestic natural scenery" worth the trade-off.
Fire regulations: Fire rules vary by season and location, with complete bans common during dry months. One camper at Government Island noted, "There are no fire pits but you can burn," while another at Three Bears Recreation Site mentioned the "vault toilets aren't great, but they are useable. The water pump has bacteria warnings so bring plenty of water."
Road conditions: Access to many campsites requires navigating forest roads of varying quality. A Tillamook State Forest dispersed camper warned that "the road to the campsite can be bumpy and narrow, so you need to prepare carefully before coming," while another noted "AWD is nice but isn't necessary if the road is fairly dry."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly sites: For first-time tent camping near Tigard with children, look for established campgrounds with amenities. At Healing Ponds Farm Retreat, one family mentioned, "We enjoyed seeing the baby bunnies, cows, goats, chickens, and turkeys! My partner, myself, and teen had so much fun visiting them all. Our site was secluded and we had privacy."
Water safety: Rivers can have strong currents and cold temperatures even in summer. An Elk Creek Campground visitor reported, "We spent most of our time on the Elk Creek side since we have kiddos and the stream was the perfect size for playing and swimming without the stress of a larger river."
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to see local wildlife. At Willamette Mission State Park, one camper reported seeing "a lot of shaded trails to keep you cool. Mosquitoes can be a problem at dusk because of the water," adding that "The largest Black Cottonwood tree resides at this park and is worth seeing!"
Tips from RVers
Walk-in limitations: Most tent camping sites near Tigard aren't suitable for RVs, particularly walk-in areas. As one Elk Creek Campground reviewer noted, "Walk-in only, which is great if you're in a tent, but out-of-luck if you're in a trailer or RV," explaining the limitations for larger vehicles despite the beautiful setting.
Water access planning: RVers should verify water availability before arrival. At JJ Collins Marine Park, boaters can access the island, but as one visitor mentioned, "Love taking the boat here, although the homeless can sometimes be an issue," suggesting heightened awareness when leaving vehicles or equipment unattended.
Weekend crowding: During summer months, sites fill quickly, especially those accessible to smaller RVs. One camper at Tillamook State Forest noted, "Heard some OHV noise at night, and target shooting in the distance at sunrise," adding that while dispersed sites can accommodate small RVs, "you're likely to run into others also looking for some nature."
