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Best Tent Camping near Willamette National Forest

1,451 Reviews

Tent campsites in Willamette National Forest offer varied options from primitive to established grounds with varying amenities. Koosah Falls provides a hike-in tent experience along the 26-mile McKenzie River trail, requiring responsible backcountry camping practices. Lakes End Campground offers boat-in access with basic amenities including picnic tables and vault toilets. Round Lake features multiple dispersed sites with fire rings and picnic tables, situated near a small lake ideal for swimming and fishing.

Most tent-only sites in the Willamette area require self-sufficiency due to limited services. Vault toilets are available at some locations including Maxwell Sno-Park and Lakes End Campground, while others like Koosah Falls have no facilities whatsoever. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with some areas permitting fires in established rings while others enforce strict bans. Terrain typically consists of natural forest floor with minimal improvements. Water sources must be treated or packed in, as drinking water is scarce across primitive sites. Most dispersed camping adheres to a 14-day stay limit and requires proper waste management.

Areas with lake access provide popular tent camping experiences. At Round Lake, a camper noted, "Multiple dispersed sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Not much shade at sites, can be dusty. Lake is great for swimming and floating." These sites typically offer better fishing opportunities and water recreation compared to forest-interior locations. Tent campers at Lakes End experience remarkable solitude, particularly in off-peak seasons when motorized boats are less common. Morning and evening wildlife viewing is optimal from lakeside tent sites. Access difficulty varies considerably, with some locations requiring significant hiking or boating to reach, which helps maintain their remote character. During summer weekends, established tent campgrounds fill quickly, making midweek or shoulder-season camping preferable for those seeking quieter experiences.

Map showing campgrounds near Willamette National Forest, OregonExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Willamette National Forest (77)

    1. Koosah Falls

    3 Reviews
    Willamette National Forest, OR
    13 miles

    "This location is hike in only! The are no amenities whatsoever.

    It is located on the McKenzie River trail and can be a stop along your hiking, biking or backpacking travels."

    2. Ikenick Sno-Park

    2 Reviews
    Willamette National Forest, OR
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 225-6300

    "There is access to multiple hikes from this point. "

    "Looks like lots of trails to snow shoe. Definitely go up the road and give Blue Pools a hike."

    3. Lakes End Campground

    1 Review
    Willamette National Forest, OR
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 822-3381

    "W Kayaked to the Lakes End. There was 1 other motor boat on the reservoir but we were the only ones at the campground. Pit toilets were horrible. Of course not sure they ever have been cleaned."

    4. Clear Lake Resort

    2 Reviews
    Willamette National Forest, OR
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 967-3917

    $70 - $135 / night

    "Lights out at 10 but lanterns and propane heat keep you comfortable. Rented a boat for the morning and had a blast."

    "Was told by the Ranger to come and stay after Labor Day, they are open year round. I find it easy to bring my kayak up and use the lake to enjoy rowing around."

    5. McKenzie River Ranger District (Hwy 126)

    Be the first to review!
    Willamette National Forest, OR
    0 miles

    6. Maxwell Sno-Park

    3 Reviews
    Camp Sherman, OR
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 225-6300

    "Some ants on the edge of the parking area. Moved further in on the pavement. No ants. Some noise from the road. Not.bad though. Still sleepable."

    "The spot was beautiful, with access to awesome trails right off of the forest road. We hiked up to some lakes. Having access to the bathroom at the sno-park was really great. "

    7. Craig Lake

    2 Reviews
    Sisters, OR
    15 miles

    8. Echo Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Mckenzie Bridge, OR
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 225-6300

    9. Blue River Reservoir Area

    Be the first to review!
    Deschutes National Forest, OR
    8 miles

    10. Round Lake

    5 Reviews
    Camp Sherman, OR
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 549-7700

    "Multiple dispersed sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Not much shade at sites, can be dusty. Lake is great for swimming and floating."

    "Flat spots some large Weymouth for small RV/camper trailers."

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Willamette National Forest

20 Photos of 77 Willamette National Forest Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Willamette National Forest

1451 Reviews of 77 Willamette National Forest Campgrounds

  • l
    Jul. 22, 2022

    Rujada Campground

    Excellent Vintage Camp

    I had a great experience here The campground was clean, the leave no trace policy is followed here. Quiet hours are 10pm - 6am, it was quiet even during the non-quit hours. Very private. There are running water spigots strategically placed throughout the camp, each water station has a waste water dump, and trash can. There are flush toilets with running, a sink and trash can. The garbage was picked up daily. Each site was a tent pad, fire pit and large table. Each site was very private, I couldn't see the other campers unless they were passing by our site. There is no internet, no electricity, and no showers, bring your own. The only negative was the mosquitos - easily resolved with a netted day tent or pop-up with mesh. Laying Creek sounds heavenly all throughout the camp, the trails are great to walk, and you will eventually wander to a swimming hole. Beautiful campground, with a great history going back to 1933. Highly recommend!

  • Kelly N.
    Sep. 25, 2018

    Yukwah Campground

    ADA access camping sites and great day use area

    Yukwah campground is found along hwy 22 East of Salem along the Willamette National Forest in Linn County. Most of the sites along this stretch are first come, first serve walk up sites - but you can reserve by connecting with Linn County Parks and Rec (see photo for info) for $18/night plus $5 additional vehicle fee and reservation fee. This campground has ada access camp sites and tent sites. Most of the RV sites along the Willamette National Forest can be used for tent camping. The day use area at this site is great for swimming, fishing, and possibly a small hike. I advise camping near the day use area (#3) if you have a large family or kids for larger sites and easy access. Yukwah is near wagon wheel bridge with access to trails for those wanting to hike while camping. Vault toilets are available (bring soap) - there are no showers or additional amenities. There is access to potable water at this location.

  • Kelly N.
    Sep. 30, 2018

    Whispering Falls Campground

    Camp above the Santiam riverbank

    Camp above the Santiam riverbank and enjoy a night of peace and rest listening to the water flow. This site has access to vault toilets, potable water. The sites are large enough for rv or tent sites with vehicle pull through. The sites have enough old forest growth to provide privacy for the family. If you camp near the river you cannot hear the road, even though you are only a skip away. I do not recommend camping in the sites near the road if you have kids/pets with you or if you are a light sleeper. The roads are paved which can be great for family cars or for little ones wanting to ride their bike or scooter around camp. The site that we stopped at would have been great for fishing trout or salmon. Don’t forget your fishing license!

    You can reserve this site through Linn County Parks & Rec: 1-877-444-6777 - And like most sites in the Willamette National Forest dogs are allowed as long as they are on leashes and check out time is 1pm.

  • Rick L.
    Feb. 13, 2018

    Odell Lake Lodge & Resort Campground

    Cold Spring and a Great Hike

    I've been to Odell twice but always seem to pick a weekend with weather that makes you want to stay in your sleeping bag!

    The campsites at Odell are a little on the smaller side and may not have the trees your looking for to hang a hammock. Not that you should if you're camping any time earlier than July!

    The southeast side of Odell can be subject to cold winds coming off the lake, so be sure to keep that rain fly up on your tent and a fleece handy. If you're feeling a little too chilly, the resort keeps a fire burning in the den.

    There are plenty of snowshoe trails around Odell as well as some hiking trails in the Diamond Peak wilderness that also connect to the PCT. The trail we took did give us a bit of elevation gain and later some nice views of the smaller peaks in the area.

    If you're planning to camp here, bring warm clothing and rain gear! It may be a bit chilly, but the nice hikes in the area make it all the more worth it to get up and get moving.

  • Mavrick S.
    Oct. 5, 2019

    Scott Lake Campground

    Stunning!

    So when I first found this campground I wasn't sure what to expect being as reviews and info were sparse so I'll do me best to sum it up. Things to know that arent stated. It is free may require NW forest pass. It's a drive, hike, bike and walk in. I didn't see any spots big enough for RV but there is space to park that isn't officially a site.

    Location: Beautiful sits about 5,000 feet right off McKenzie Pass Road (closed from November to June)

    Sites: I saw 6 drive in with fire ring, picnic table also 2 vault toilets.... There's more walk/ hike in but we had to much gear to do that.

    Directions: Very easy to find spots all along lake and Google maps took us right to spots.

    Activities: Great! Had a kayak/boat launch also had the Scott Mountain TH right there within 1/4 walking distance on dirt road. It seems that a forest fire was pretty recent ontop but the grounds seemed kind of untouched

    Warnings: This was my first time up this pass. Elevation is very high which means incremental weather. Aka woke up in October with snow which happened to us.

    Overall 5 stars must visit. We will be coming back next year when less snow and road reopens

  • Karma S.
    Aug. 19, 2018

    Crane Prairie Campground

    beautiful views! dispersed camping

    beautiful views of the cascade mountains, gorgeous reservoir. free camping. dispersed, first come first serve. no amenities. LEAVE NO TRACE!!!!

    road is a bit rough but I made it in with a Honda Accord though I wouldn’t recommend for low clearance vehicles.

    fire rings available during burn seasons. plenty of fire wood. please do not burn during no burn/dry seasons. the forest is very dry!

    bring plenty of water during the summer it’s very hot and dry. you can probably drink the reservoir water if you bring a good filter.

  • Kelly N.
    Oct. 1, 2018

    Riverside at Detroit Campground

    Should be called “Roadside” instead of Riverside

    Don’t be alarmed, this campground sits along HWY 22 AND along the Santiam River in the Willamette National Forest. Despite the road noise, if you can grab a campsite along the water you will feel at peace with the whispering waters and tucked away in the old growth forest that surrounds you. This site has a feature that many others do not, which is a little roundabout at the end of the site. The pathways are paved which makes this site great for families with kids who may want to ride their bikes or scooters while not in the water fishing/playing/swimming. Potable water is available as well as vault toilets. (Bring soap!) There are no showers at this location. Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash.

    This site is both walk-up and reservable through Linn County Parks & Rec. See more info here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/willamette/recarea/?recid=4224

  • Sean R.
    Apr. 1, 2015

    Longbow Organization Group Camp

    Longbow Organization Campground

    Great spot for a family reunion or other group campout. This campground is full of history and beauty as it is situated right on the banks of the South Santiam River in the Willamette National Forest only 1 hour East of I-5 in Oregon.

    Longbow Organization Camp was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The historic campground provides a covered cooking area with a fireplace and six sleep shelters that face the beautiful South Santiam River. The shelters are Adirondack cabins with fireplaces in front of each one and complete with 3 sets of bunks in each one.

    FACILITIES: shelter with kitchen and dining area, amphitheater, 6 sleeping shelters, BBQ for cooking, vault toilets, hand pump, NO electricity

  • Brian C.
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Marion Forks Campground

    Shaded and on a creek

    Deep in the Willamette National Forest but right off Highway 22, this secluded campground has nice campsites that are fenced with a wooden corral.

    Loads of shade as it’s right in the forest. You can heat the river and there are short hikes next to the creek side. The camp site is just behind a fish hatchery which is pretty cool to check out with the kids.

    Water on site. Vault toilets. Very affordable for tent and RV.

Guide to Willamette National Forest

Tent camping near Willamette National Forest in Oregon offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.

Tips for tent camping near Willamette National Forest

  • The Maxwell Sno-Park provides a spacious parking lot and allows for overnight parking, making it a convenient spot for tent campers looking to explore the area.
  • At Ikenick Sno-Park, you can enjoy free camping with access to multiple hiking trails, though be prepared to pack in and pack out as there are no amenities.
  • Lower Three Creek Sno-Park offers a drive-in option with basic facilities, perfect for those seeking a straightforward camping experience.

Local activities for outdoor enthusiasts

  • The Koosah Falls campground is a great hike-in spot, ideal for those wanting to experience stunning waterfalls and the surrounding natural beauty.
  • Todd Lake Campground is perfect for those who enjoy hiking, as it requires a short trek to reach the campsites, providing a more secluded experience.
  • For a unique experience, consider camping at Lakes End Campground, where you can kayak to the site and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds.

Features that enhance your camping experience

  • Clear Lake Resort offers amenities like drinking water and picnic tables, making it a well-reviewed choice for families and those looking for a more comfortable stay.
  • The Ray Benson Sno-Park is big rig friendly and allows pets, making it a versatile option for various camping setups.
  • At Potato Hill Sno-Park, you can enjoy a quiet environment with access to beautiful trails, perfect for those who appreciate a more rustic camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Willamette National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Willamette National Forest is Koosah Falls with a 3.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Willamette National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 77 tent camping locations near Willamette National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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