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Best Tent Camping near Tualatin, OR

1,189 Reviews

Tent camping opportunities near Tualatin, Oregon include both walk-in tent sites and established campgrounds within the surrounding forests and river corridors. Tillamook State Forest offers dispersed tent camping options with several walk-in tent locations, while developed sites like Cedar Grove Recreation Site and Three Bears Recreation Site provide more structured tent-only camping experiences. Both developed and primitive sites are generally within 1-2 hours of Tualatin, making them accessible for weekend camping trips.

Most walk-in tent sites in the region require campers to park in designated areas and carry equipment a short distance to their campsite. Sites typically feature basic amenities such as fire rings and picnic tables, though not all locations provide drinking water. Vault toilets are common at established campgrounds like Elk Creek and Keenig Creek, but dispersed camping areas often lack facilities entirely. During summer months, fire restrictions may apply, particularly in the drier eastern areas. Campers should pack adequate water supplies, as a recent review noted, "No potable water - luckily my family and I brought enough water!! Highly recommend buying jugs of water."

The tent camping experience in the Tillamook and Mt. Hood areas offers unique advantages over other camping styles. Walk-in tent sites provide greater privacy and natural settings than vehicle-accessible locations. Areas along creeks and rivers are particularly popular, with Elk Creek Campground featuring several tent sites positioned along the water. These locations offer both recreational opportunities and pleasant background sounds that mask any nearby road noise. The terrain varies significantly, with some sites offering flat, well-maintained tent pads while others present more rugged, natural surfaces. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "All of the sites are walk-in and super private. From the site we were in, we could see no other campsites and could barely hear anyone else."

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Best Tent Sites Near Tualatin, Oregon (57)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Tualatin, OR

45 Photos of 57 Tualatin Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Tualatin, OR

1189 Reviews of 57 Tualatin Campgrounds

  • Alyson M.
    Aug. 14, 2023

    Camp Creek

    Perfect Spot

    Camped here for the second year in a row, and it did not disappoint. We got lucky with a nice spot on the creek this year, which I would recommend for the best experience. The sites are spacious and most are pretty private which is great. It is primitive, no showers and just one vault toilet. I will say that the site did have a fair amount of trash on it which was disappointing, but we cleaned it up before heading out. Remember to leave no trace!!

  • Nathan R.
    May. 28, 2018

    Dairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park

    Serenity in Fauna-Great for Groups too!

    I love this campground.

    Specifically, I love site number 10.

    There are 23 sites at this campground, though sites 10-23 are reservable, leaving sites 1-9 ‘first come, first served’. To get to the campground, you’re going to be working on the far left side of the Welcome Center parking lot. They have allotted several parking spots there, as well as a huge parking area for other cars and trailers. Once you park, grab your gear and hike on down that path straight ahead! If you have. A lot of gear they have three carts available to haul everything out in one go.

    The trail to the camp is about 1/4 mile, it’s dirt in some places and gravel in others. The trail is very easy, you go down a ways, and then hit a gradual short climb to the few station. If you haven’t paid online (reserved spot), you will need to fill in the information on one of the provided permits, write down your car infix, put the fee in, and drop it in the box. (Right now the sites are $11/night). Place the white top copy on your dashboard (yes, you have to hike back out there. I know, I know.) OR: You can skip all of that, set up camp in your chosen (non-reserved) spot, and go pay at the welcome center drop box. Saves you a trip.

    When you’re done with all of that and want to find your spot, there are two trails; one on each side of the fee board. The left goes through sites 23 and up. The right side starts with site 1. It's just one gigantic loop so whichever way you choose will lead you to the right spot.

    I was in site 10, and took the left: this ended up being the long yet scenic choice.

    There are communal fire rings in the back section (which is great for groups!). There are no trash cans: pack it in, pack it out. There are pit toilets available: aka, outhouses. The doors lock, there's hand sanitizer provided. Going into the pit toilets, and then coming out really makes you appreciate the fresh air of the great outdoors.

    The tent pads are a typical woodsy mix of pine straw, leaves, and loose gravel. Sleeping pads are a blessing, but so are nicely stacked lead piles in a pinch. Tent stakes require a little oomph, I just use the ball of my shoe to push it into the ground.

    If there's one thing you want to pack, it's bug spray. It's not overly buggy, but the mosquitoes are there, and you don't want them to dampen your experience! Be on the safe side.

    There are no food storage lockers, you cannot leave food out on the tables. You are still in the wilderness, and you are in bear/cougar territory. Hang your bags, or go throw your food back in trunk of your car. Best case scenario is you wake up to some trash pandas ransacking your site if you leave food out.

    Overall, this has become one of my favorite spur-of-the-moment camping spots and I come back twice a week.

  • Stephanie Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 3, 2019

    Dairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park

    Ranger Review: PRIMUS LITE+ Backpacking Stove at Brooke Creek Hike-in

    Campground Review: Brooke Creek Hike-in Camp

    Brooke Creek Hike-in Camp is one of 3 campgrounds within Stub Stewart State Park, and the only one that really feels like you’re actually camping out in the woods – because you are.

    The tent only hike in camp isn’t a long haul from the parking area at the welcome center – it’s about ¼ mile and the trail into the campground is mostly gravel. There are carts available for hike in campers to use at the campground trailhead if needed. Note that if you’re using a cart, that the walk in is uphill.

    The campground area is wooded and each site has a picnic table. There are pit toilets and a water point. There are not fire pits in the sites—the fire pit areas are shared in central places in the campground. Some of the sites have a lot more privacy than others. I was camping in an unusually warm mid-week in May so the campground was mostly empty.

    I chose Site 1 because it had a good place for my hammock. If the campground had been full, I’d have picked a site a lot further in since the first few sites are right along the single trail that all campers/hikers would be using.  Some of the sites can be reserved in advance, and some are always open for walk ups.

    The self-registration is at the campground, NOT at the trailhead, so you’ll have to hike in, register, and then return your camping receipt to your car. If you’re paying with cash, bring your money on the first hike in. You can also pay with your credit card number.

    There are lots of trails directly accessible from the campground including the Banks-Vernonia Bike Trail as well as other hiking, biking and equestrian trails. I had a nice run on the Bumping Knots Loop.

    Product Review: The PRIMUS LITE+ Backpacking Stove

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt I sometimes get to test and evaluate quality products from amazing sponsors. On this camping trip, I tested out the Primus LITE+ backpacking stove. https://primus.us/products/eta-lite-7?variant=38436885010

    I’ve been in the market for a backpacking stove for awhile, looking for a lightweight and simple to setup option, so I was excited to get to test out the Primus LITE+. I opted for the .5L pot because I often camp solo (there is also a PRIMUS LITE XL version with a 1L pot available), Also, you can purchase the XL pot separately as an accessory which will give me more options when camping with a partner.

    Here are my opinions on the PRIMUS LITE+ after using it for one camping trip to make dinner and breakfast:

    PROS:

    Boils Fast: The PRIMUS LITE+ stove is incredible at the most basic things it needs to be good for: boiling water fast! In under 2 minutes start to finish you can assemble the stove and bring your water to a boil. Plus, fast boiling means you aren’t using a lot of fuel.

    Size/Weight: The whole stove system packs into itself and is about the size of a large mug including the fuel canister. I can fit the entire thing into the side pocket of my backpack. With the canister it weighs about a pound.

    Pot Versatility: The pot that comes with the PRIMUS LITE+ locks to the stove giving it a good wind shield, and allowing you to hang the pot to boil if you don’t have even terrain. The XL pot which is sold separately also attached to the same setup.  If you aren’t backpacking and want to use another pan or pot, there are small pegs which screw into the stove top to allow you to use any cooking set up. The pegs are stored in the handle of the stove so you don’t lose them.

    Accessories: I haven’t gotten it yet, but the LITE+ has a coffee press attachment so you can brew a cup straight in the pot. Always a bonus when a simple attachment means one less thing to carry for your perfect camping setup.

    CONS:

    Fuel Canister:  The smaller canisters needed if you want to pack your fuel into the kit  aren’t as readily available at places like Target or Walmart where I can more easily pick up my camping fuel when I’m on the road to camp. If I want to pack it all in to the pot, I’ll need to shop in advance at REI or a specialty outdoor store that carries the smaller canisters.

    Insulation: The insulated sleeve on the pot makes it easy to hold and to drink from, but after just a couple of uses it was already getting pretty dirty with coffee and soup debris. It isn’t as easy to keep clean, and since the handle is actually part of the insulation sleeve, you can’t effectively use the pot without it.

    It’s Small: Being small is one of the benefits of the stove, but the .5L mug/pot is smaller than I anticipated. While it’s perfect for a solo trip, you’ll want the 1L pot if you’re cooking for more than one.

    Overall, Primus LITE+ is a great stove that’s efficient. I’d opt for the bigger size if I were to buy it again, since it would be more versatile with only a little added weight and easier to fit the more readily available fuel cartridge.

  • F
    Jul. 23, 2020

    Ainsworth State Park Campground

    Nice, small campground

    I camped there in my RV several times and always tried to get slot A13. It’s all the way at the end and has a nice amount of space and only a potential neighbor on one side. I also tent camped and, after scouting the sites, chose C6. That site is a bit small but is away from the rest and above them on the slope so you don’t need your rain fly for privacy.

  • Stephanie Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2019

    Dairy Creek East — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park

    A Pretty Boring Campsite at a Great Park

    The Dairy Creek Campground at Stub Stewart is a two loop campground. The sites are spacious, but there isn't much character.  The East loop is pretty much an open field. The west loop has a few more trees but still not much privacy or space between sites. 

    Dairy Creek is clean and well maintained, and has great access to the trails and disc golf around the park. If you're in an RV this is a good set up. If you're camping with kids, there's a play area here.

    There are a few "walk in" sites where you don't park your car next to your tent, but rather in the parking lot next to the grassy area where the open tent sites are. If you're looking for a better tent camping experience that actually feels like it's in the woods, you're better off going to the hike in campground in the park.

    The loops are big and there is parking near the bathroom. This is great if you don't want to walk a long way, but it's bad if you've got the campsite near the bathroom with all the cars coming and going.

  • C. W.
    May. 30, 2021

    Mount Hood National Forest Lost Creek Campground

    Clean dispersed camping

    Read up on this location with some good info. Flat paved sites for dry camping.

    Lost Creek Campground has 10 single-family campsites and is located on one of the largest pyroclastic volcanic mudflows from Mt. Hood’s “Old Maid” eruption in the 1700s. Fortunately all of the mudflows have cooled. Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Two yurts are also available. Campground amenities include a picnic area, drinking water and vault toilets. Firewood is also available for sale from the camp host.

    Lost Creek / Mt. Hood Area Recreation

    Outdoor recreation includes fishing. Visitors also enjoy fishing, hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing.  The Wild and Scenic Sandy River is also not far from the popular Ramona Falls Trailhead. Mt. Hood is just southeast of the campground offers visitors the opportunity for a nice a day trip.

    AMENITIES

    BBQ Grills

    Campsite Tables

    Comfort Station

    Drinking Water

    Fire Pit

    Fire Rings

    Firewood Available

    Golden Age & Access Passports accepted

    Grills

    Pets OK

    Picnic Tables

    Restrooms (Vault Toilets)

    ACTIVITIES

    Biking

    Bird Watching

    Creek

    Fishing

    Hiking

    Mountain Biking

    Nature Trails

    Photography

    Picnicking

    River

    Walking Trails

    Wildlife Viewing

  • 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!

  • Lauren A.
    Jul. 20, 2021

    Lost Lake Resort And Campground — Mt. Hood National Forest

    Pricey but beautiful

    The campground is pretty remote-don’t expect any cell service-I didn’t have any with AT&T. The last 15 miles on the road to the campground is very winding and narrow-you have to drive 25mph for safety. The road was in good condition though. The campground is also very hilly. The C loop that I was on was pretty steep but the campsites had some privacy and decent space between spots for the most part. My campsite had 3 different areas that you can set up a tent on. The parking area at my campsite was actually pretty flat despite having to back up the hill to get to the spot. My campsite had quite a bit of shade in the afternoon which was great since it was in the 80’s and kinda humid. The only complaint I had was the flies! There were TONS of them everywhere and bug-spray did nothing to keep them at bay-then again you are in the forest so it’s bound to happen. My suggestion is to bring a screen tent. Parking is a premium by the general store and the boat launch and lake. It was packed when I got here around 4pm on a Saturday (not surprised) and I couldn’t get a spot so I drove to my campsite and walked there on the trails instead. It is a lot longer of a walk than I really thought and I was exhausted by the time I got to the lake and then even more tired when I got back to camp. The old growth trail and rhododendron trail had some beautiful trees. I was the only one on the trails at the time. The walk along the lake itself by the north day use area was shaded, flat, and pretty nice. Lots of picnic areas that were tucked away just off the trail. Some picnic spots were literally right on the waters edge. There was a fire ban but I saw people with little propane grills or hot plate stuff to cook yummy food. Lots of people were swimming. You can rent kayaks and paddle boards. The water was super clear and clean and a bit chilly but refreshing on a hot day. The toilets in the campground loops are vault toilets but they are pretty clean and even had hand sanitizer in them-which was a first that I have seen this summer. The showers are near the general store and you have to pay to shower. It was $6. They give you a key and take your ID and when you give back the key they give you back your ID. The shower room was super nice. Definitely looked like something that would be in a fancy hotel and was very clean. For $46 for 1 night with no electric or water hookup I was hoping that the shower would be included so that was a bit disappointing-although I was just grateful for the shower so $6 was worth it. The general store had lots of souvenirs and clothes (I bought a lost lake puzzle, a new hat, and water shoes). The store also sold hot food, coffee, snacks, soft serve ice cream, and some basic camping gear-which is nice in case you forgot something. Overall I would come back here.

  • Corinna B.
    May. 31, 2018

    Beacon Rock State Park Group Campground — Beacon Rock State Park

    HUGE beautiful space fits up to 200 people

    While there are several camp and RV sites in Beacon Rock State Park, this is the only group site that I know of and it fits up to 200 people at around $4-$5 per person (the website says rates vary by person, but this is the rough price I've heard) with a minimum of 30 people to reserve the site. There's no showers on-site, you can head to the main campground across the road if needed.

    Features include two super-cool open fronted cabins (called adirondack shelters), a covered picnic area made from huge timbers, one kitchen shelter with limited power, and scattered picnic tables. There's an enormous meadow that would fit a hundred tents plus areas for RVs as well (though no hookups). Two vault toilets are at the top of the meadow, with flush toilets also accessible a mile or so away at the moorage campground.

    Perfect for large groups such as family reunions, but also fun with just 6-8 families since the minimum numbers are pretty low.

    Tip: When reserving online, this site is called G1 and requites a minimum of 30 occupants. The cost for 30 people for one night in July was $138.77, or about $4.62 per person. The weekends book up months in advance, but week days are often free.

Guide to Tualatin

Walk-in tent camping near Tualatin, Oregon ranges from secluded forest sites to riverside campgrounds within the Tillamook State Forest and Mt. Hood National Forest. Most sites sit at elevations between 500-2,000 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during day and dropping to 45-55°F at night. Many campgrounds in the region feature dedicated walk-in tent areas that require carrying equipment 50-200 feet from parking areas to campsites.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: At Government Island State Recreation Area, campers can enjoy fishing directly from their campsite. "Fishing, boating, campfires. There aren't any hookups for electricity or running water, but really, it's a nice place to take a break from boating all day," notes Eva W.

Swimming in natural pools: The Molalla River corridor offers multiple swimming spots perfect for cooling off. At Three Bears Recreation Site, Kierra K. mentions, "Great camp spot to keep kids busy! The stream has some swim sections, but not entirely. Bring water shoes!"

Mountain hiking: Trails near Elk Creek Campground provide challenging elevation gains with scenic rewards. According to Aria R., "If you are a glutton for punishment, set up camp and then hit up elk Mountain the hard way, 2,000 ft of elevation gain in less than 2 miles."

Disc golf and outdoor activities: Willamette Mission State Park offers varied recreation beyond just camping. Fidel S. reports, "There is everything from disc golf, mountain biking, fishing, shooting range, hiking, and large enough to host an event."

What campers like

Private, secluded sites: Tent campers appreciate the privacy of walk-in sites at Keenig Creek Campground. Sarah S. shared, "All of the sites are walk in and super private. From the site we were in (K6) we could see no other campsites and could barely hear anyone else."

Natural water sounds: Many campers value sites positioned next to creeks and rivers. Kevin M. from Cedar Grove Recreation Site said, "We stayed within 50 yards of the water and was indulging in the river noise to destress to."

Affordable camping options: Budget-conscious campers note the reasonable rates at many area campgrounds. Jason B. mentioned Cedar Grove is "stunning river views and small with only 11 sites that are first come first served. Refurbished a few years ago."

Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Healing Ponds Farm Retreat, Meg R. enjoyed "seeing the baby bunnies, cows, goats, chickens, and turkeys! My partner, myself, and teen had so much fun visiting them all."

What you should know

Limited water availability: Many tent sites don't provide drinking water. At Government Island State Recreation Area, Fatima H. warns: "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."

First-come, first-served sites: Most walk-in tent sites can't be reserved in advance. As Jason B. notes about Cedar Grove, "This is my go to for during the week over nighters as it's never been full. Last year I went in June for a solo night and I had the place to myself."

Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds close during winter months or have restricted access. Kelly N. cautions about Willamette Mission State Park: "This park floods every winter. I advise planning your trip for the spring or summer knowing that there is a lot of shaded trails to keep you cool."

Distance from parking: Walk-in tent sites require carrying gear varying distances. Trena E. says about Keenig Creek, "The trails between the sites are well maintained to drag a cooler to your site."

Tips for camping with families

River access safety: When camping with children near water, prioritize safety. At Three Bears Recreation Site, Shay Renee B. notes: "Great swimming hole, a little noisy at night when we stayed on a Thursday but other than that, a great spot to enjoy nature."

Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer natural features that entertain children. Michelle A. shares: "Great for swimming kids fishing an catching crawfish something for everyone."

Insect preparation: Depending on season and location, insects can impact family camping comfort. Andrew N. from Elk Creek Campground suggests: "Bring bug repellant with the mosquitos being an abundant during June."

Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. Justin P. advises about Keenig Creek: "Don't choose a campsite close to the highway...you will hear every car/truck that goes by! My advice would be to get as close as you can to the river. You cant hear anything."

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup options: While tent camping dominates near Tualatin, some areas accommodate small RVs without hookups. Julie P. from Keenig Creek notes: "No electrical hookups- We were planning to bring our smaller RV, but found out they didn't have electrical hookups. We just brought tents, instead."

Boat-in camping alternatives: For RVers with boat access, Government Island offers unique opportunities. Michael mentions: "Love taking the boat here, although the homeless can sometimes be an issue."

Size restrictions: Larger RVs aren't suitable for most campsites in the region. Heidi from Three Bears Recreation Site shares: "Right on the Molalla river. Great campground. Vault toilets aren't great, but they are useable. The water pump has bacteria warnings so bring plenty of water."

Pack extra water: Since many sites lack reliable water sources, RVers should bring additional supplies. Hahns R. advises: "The campground is clean with water sometimes available. There is spring water near milepost 7 when the pump in campground is not available."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Tualatin, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Tualatin, OR is Government Island State Recreation Area with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 57 tent camping locations near Tualatin, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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