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Camping options near Molalla, Oregon span from established campgrounds to riverside recreation areas along the Molalla River corridor. Feyrer Park offers 20 sites suitable for tents, RVs, and cabins situated along a creek just 3 miles from downtown Molalla, while Molalla Ripple provides riverfront camping with water and electric hookups. The BLM Molalla River Recreation Area features more primitive camping opportunities with sites nestled along the river approximately 5 miles south of town. These mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles, with several offering both tent and RV sites.
Access to camping areas remains available year-round at several locations, though seasonal considerations affect site availability. The BLM Molalla River Recreation Area maintains walk-in tent sites throughout the year, while Feyrer Park operates all seasons with drinking water and electric hookups. Summer months typically see higher visitation, especially at waterfront locations. Cedar Grove Recreation Site and Three Bears Recreation Site in the Molalla River corridor provide additional options for those seeking riverside camping, though road conditions may vary especially after heavy rainfall periods. Travelers should note that reservations are recommended for established campgrounds, particularly during summer weekends. "The Molalla Recreation Corridor is definitely one of my favorite camping areas. Within a short drive are many local favorite swimming areas," noted one visitor who frequently camps in the region.
Riverside camping represents a significant draw throughout the Molalla area, with multiple campgrounds offering direct water access. Campers report high satisfaction with swimming opportunities, particularly at Three Bears Recreation Site where the river features suitable swimming sections. The sound of flowing water enhances the camping experience at several locations, with Molalla Ripple specifically praised for its riverside ambiance. Family-friendly amenities appear at several campgrounds, with Feyrer Park offering playgrounds and open spaces in addition to camping. While most campgrounds maintain reasonable privacy between sites, some visitors note that holiday weekends can bring increased noise and activity levels. Several campers mentioned the peaceful atmosphere found midweek, with one noting, "Last year I went in June for a solo night and I had the place to myself," referring to Cedar Grove Recreation Site.
"As I rode up to the site, I noticed right away that it was not tucked far away from the amenities such as restrooms, and showers. It was part of one of the campground loops."
"Champoeg State Heritage Area is a great place to visit for camping, biking, and especially if you're excited about Oregon history."
from $29 - $254 / night
Check Availability"If you want to camp in Oregon this is the place to go. There are several waterfalls and hiking trails. You can see wildlife and you can't beat the beauty. You can tent camp and they also have yurts."
"Probably the easiest accessibility to the most awesome waterfalls per few square miles in Oregon. Ample Parking and many different falls and trails to choose from"
from $28 - $92 / night
Check Availability"Just 45 minutes outside of Portland, and near the town of Estacada, is Milo McIver State Park, which I consider to be a quintessential Oregon State Park: lots of huge evergreen trees, large campsites,"
"Estacada lake is within walking distance, and there is salmon fishing within driving distance inside of the park. There is also a "bat" barn that is close by."
from $8 - $126 / night
Check Availability"Close to Portland so it gets a lot of day traffic. Access to river so it has summer activities. Sites for large get togethers."
"The kids enjoyed the playground and biking around the loop. The river access down at the day use was lovely. All the park staff were friendly."
from $25 - $59 / night
Check Availability"Clackamette RV Park is well located in the heart of Oregon City, offering easy access to the river, nearby bike paths, and the town itself."
"Simple RV park with access to everything. The river is right there, bike trails, grass area, walk to town, everything."
"Sites sit right along the Molalla River, giving you constant water sound, easy access for wading/swimming, and good wildlife activity."
"Right along the beautiful Molalla River with the sounds of water rolling by. Big open pastures on the other side of the camp spot. Sounds of wildlife everywhere."
from $25 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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."
"I usually stay at Cedar Grove nearby, but stayed here this year (2020). The campground is clean with water sometimes available."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"This place is great for solo trips as the stream, river, cornucopia of benches and vast space make great places for walking and meditating, while those same streams, open spaces, services, play equipment"
from $37 - $46 / night
Check Availability"There’s a fenced in dog area and lawn you can walk on leash. The only downside is that the standard sites are small and very close to neighbors."
"It is located right of the interstate but feels secluded. They have both back in and pull through sites, a little tight with neighbors but I was told it is better than other RV resorts."
"This campground is one of the best around. Close to stores and town, but far enough to be private. Very well kept up, large spots, and very kid friendly."
"There were huge playing fields in the sunshine, trails to explore with the kids and the creek has a swimming hole!"
from $28 - $46 / night
Check Availability
TravelerWe camped here in February and it was a rainy weekend. Campsite was pretty saturated but, surprisingly, the fire pit was self draining! 🔥 4⭐️ for the level of care the rangers and host provide. The restrooms are scrubbed daily and are in great condition. Be aware the noise from I-5 is noticeable.
ScoutEasy accesss to I-5 and close to town. Yet in a quiet area off hwy - 34. Close to OSU great place for graduates families to stay !! Has store and swimming pool, miniature golf course, laundry facilities, cabins and many more amenities. Friendly people too .
GuideJust some pull off sites on a road right off the highway. There is a creek nearby and a short 0.6 mile hike to get to Zig Zag falls. It was crowded so get there early to get a spot.
GuideThe reviews on this place were sketchy at best but I'm really not sure why. We had a great experience here. The hosts in the office were more than accommodating and helpful, the site was awesome, one of the better sewer connections I've encountered and we are full-timers. You feel like you are in a state park type setting on a small scale but only minutes from downtown Vancouver/Portland. Tons of recreation opportunities in the area. Decent rates for staying near the city.
TravelerVery peaceful stay. Beautiful lake with easy 2 mile loop to walk around. Lots of shade. Love that no motorized boats are allowed on the lake. 1 and 2 person kayak rentals were available
TravelerEasy access. Lots of parking area. Gravel entry road is getting rough but doable. At least it keeps people from driving too fast and kicking up a lot of dust. Watch for downed trees creating a low clearance. Very quiet at night.
ScoutIts a rest stop but has lots of parking. People didnt seem to care about the posted time limits (15 minutes, 2 hours etc)
Travelerdown a little road to a private spot on the water, you can hear the creek rushing, the waterfall flowing and it drowns out the traffic noise. Super magical! A nice swimming hole, fire pit and plenty of room for multiple people, cars, vans etc. please leave no trace and bury your shitttttt!
TravelerCampsites are nicely spaced and mostly private. Pit toilets but very clean. Can hear I84 and railroad from the campground.
The Molalla River Recreational Corridor provides numerous camping opportunities within a short distance from town. Most campgrounds remain accessible through forest roads that connect to Highway 211, with some smaller sites requiring high-clearance vehicles during wet weather. The BLM manages several primitive camping areas along the corridor, while county parks offer more developed facilities with water and electric hookups.
Hiking trails access: Silver Falls State Park Campground has extensive trail networks connecting to its famous waterfalls. "We hiked for 5 hours! BEWARE: It's WET, so bring your wet weather gear, and good, sturdy hiking shoes for slippery terrain," notes one camper who recommends proper footwear for the often slippery conditions.
Disc golf courses: Milo McIver State Park Campground features competition-quality disc golf facilities. "Two competition quality disc golf courses. Not into disc golf or rafting? Then you probably won't see those folks at all," explains a visitor who appreciates how the different recreation areas remain separated.
Heritage exploration: Champoeg State Heritage Area offers historical activities beyond standard camping. "The farmhouse fascinated my boys... they got to water the garden with a water pump and buckets!" reports a family who found educational opportunities at the historic buildings.
Swimming spots: Look for designated river access points at Three Bears Recreation Site. "The stream has some swim sections, but not entirely. Bring water shoes!" advises a camper who found safe places for cooling off while noting important safety gear.
River sounds: Molalla Ripple provides waterfront sites with natural ambiance. "Right along the beautiful Molalla River with the sounds of water rolling by. Big open pastures on the other side of the camp spot. Sounds of wildlife everywhere," describes a visitor who appreciated the natural soundscape.
Clean facilities: Barton County Park maintains well-kept bathroom buildings. "Very clean campsites. Sites are very close together but they have tried to make some more secluded. Close to the river and a good area to launch from for a day of rafting," notes a camper who found the bathrooms consistently maintained despite heavy usage.
Privacy options: Silver Falls State Park Campground offers sites with varying levels of seclusion. "Site spacing is good with lots of privacy between camps. Bathrooms and showers are super nice and clean. Roads and campsites are paved and level," reports a visitor who found the layout well-designed.
Nature trails: Multiple campgrounds feature walking paths suitable for wildlife viewing. "Great walking trails and day use areas, and our favorite thing about this place is biking on the biking trails surrounding the area. Beautiful and close to civilization for a quick and low key camping trip," explains a camper about Champoeg State Heritage Area.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. "Last year I went in June for a solo night and I had the place to myself," notes one camper about visiting Three Bears Recreation Site midweek, suggesting weekday visits for more solitude.
Water safety concerns: River conditions change seasonally with higher flows in spring. "Great for swimming kids fishing an catching crawfish something for everyone," describes a camper who found multiple water activities available in summer when water levels drop.
Site sizing limitations: Some campgrounds have restrictions on larger RVs. "The tent spaces are a little small if you need to set up multiple tents," explains a visitor to Barton County Park who found site dimensions challenging for larger groups.
Seasonal closures: Several recreation sites limit access during winter months. "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," warns a camper about infrastructure limitations at more remote sites.
Playground access: Feyrer Park provides play equipment for children near campsites. "A creek at the campground and a river on the day use side. Beautiful park. Clean bathrooms!!" reports a camper who found the facility well-maintained for family use.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer junior ranger programs during summer months. "The Molalla Recreation Corridor is definitely one of my favorite camping areas. Within a short drive are many local favorite swimming areas. Ivor Davies wayside (around milepost 5 is beautiful and popular)," shares a regular visitor who recommends nearby day trips.
Kid-friendly activities: Champoeg State Heritage Area features historical programming suitable for school-age children. "Champoeg has a little everything. GREAT biking trails that are kid friendly. There lots of historical sites around the campground to enjoy as well. Loop B is highly our favorite because it is smaller and more private and close to the river," advises a parent who found multiple activities to keep children engaged.
Swimming safety: Designated swim areas provide safer water access with gradual entry points. "Great place for swimming kids fishing an catching crawfish something for everyone," notes a visitor to Three Bears Recreation Site who found multiple water-based activities suitable for different ages.
Hookup availability: Barton County Park Campground offers electrical connections at most sites. "We stayed in site 91. We had power and water hook ups. The bathrooms in our loop were nice and clean. The kids enjoyed the playground and biking around the loop," shares an RVer who found the amenities sufficient for a comfortable stay.
Dump station access: Multiple campgrounds provide sanitary disposal services. "I believe they might make this a paid campground next year (there is a proposed site fee, but for the last several years it has been free). The sites are roomy with nice tent pads and picnic tables," explains a camper about infrastructure changes at Three Bears Recreation Site.
Site layout considerations: Many parks have mixed tent/RV camping areas. "We love to float the river! The play area/park is one of my kids favorite. Lots of area to play. Volleyball, gagaball, playground. The showers don't stay on very long so it's hard to wash your hair," notes a visitor to Barton County Park who found activities beyond the campsite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the seasonal camping options in the Molalla River area?
The Molalla River area offers primarily warm-weather camping opportunities, with most campgrounds fully operational from late spring through early fall. BLM Molalla River Recreation Area is typically accessible during the summer months, though water availability can vary seasonally, with the pump sometimes being unavailable (there's a spring water source near milepost 7 as an alternative). For year-round options near Molalla, Detroit Lake State Recreation Area Campground offers extended seasonal access, though it requires a bit of a drive. Many campgrounds in the region begin taking reservations in early spring, with peak season running from June through September when weather conditions are most favorable.
Is Molalla Ripple Campground good for family camping?
Molalla Ripple is excellent for family camping. The campground features thoughtfully spaced sites that provide privacy for families, and the location right along the Molalla River creates a peaceful atmosphere with soothing water sounds. Families particularly appreciate the two private beach areas along the river that offer safe places for children to play and relax. The surrounding area includes open pastures and abundant wildlife, creating opportunities for nature exploration. For families looking for alternatives, Trillium Lake offers another family-friendly option within driving distance, with spacious sites in old-growth forest, running water, and easy access to trails and fishing.
What amenities are available at Molalla River campgrounds?
Campgrounds along the Molalla River offer varying levels of amenities. BLM Molalla River Recreation Area provides basic facilities including vault toilets and seasonal water (though there's a spring water source near milepost 7 when the pump isn't operating). This area is kept clean but relatively rustic. At North Arm Campground, you'll find a beautiful lakeside setting with trails that provide access to private beach areas. While some campsites may have uneven terrain for tents, the scenic surroundings and warm lake waters make it a popular destination. Both locations offer a more natural camping experience with limited modern conveniences.
Where are the best campgrounds near Molalla, Oregon?
The Molalla area offers several excellent camping options. Feyrer Park is just 3 miles from town, providing convenient access with day use areas along the Molalla River, a playground for kids, and swimming opportunities. For those seeking a pristine forest experience, Silver Falls State Park Campground is worth the short drive, featuring spectacular waterfalls, extensive hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and both tent sites and yurts. Other nearby options include Milo McIver State Park near Estacada and Barton County Park, both offering well-maintained facilities within a reasonable drive from Molalla.
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