Camper submitted image from BLM Molalla River Recreation Area - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from BLM Molalla River Recreation Area - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from BLM Molalla River Recreation Area - 3
Water
Camper submitted image from BLM Molalla River Recreation Area - 4
People
Camper submitted image from BLM Molalla River Recreation Area - 5
Official

Established Camping

BLM Molalla River Recreation Area

BLM Molalla River Recreation Area, near Molalla, Oregon, is a fantastic spot for those who love the great outdoors. This campground is perfect for tent camping, offering a laid-back vibe where you can kick back and enjoy nature without the distractions of modern life.

The area is known for its excellent swimming holes and fishing opportunities, making it a hit with families and those looking to cool off on a hot day. Visitors have raved about the clean facilities, including restrooms and water access, which add to the overall convenience of your stay. One camper noted, “Great for swimming, kids fishing, and catching crawfish—something for everyone.”

You’ll find plenty of space between sites, allowing for a bit of privacy while still being close enough to enjoy the company of fellow campers. The surrounding trees provide a nice backdrop, although some campers have mentioned that it can get a bit noisy at night. But hey, that’s all part of the camping experience, right?

If you’re up for some exploration, the Molalla Recreation Corridor is nearby, offering additional swimming spots and scenic views. Whether you’re casting a line in the river or just soaking up the sun, this campground has a little something for everyone.

Description

Bureau of Land Management

Molalla

Overview

No cash, check, or cards are accepted on site. Make a reservations online or use the mobile app. Three Bears campsites are only available by making a reservation. Reserve a campsite on recreation.gov or Recreation.gov Mobile App prior to entering the Molalla River Recreation Corridor. There is no cell reception in the drainage. Situated in a picturesque grove of western red cedar 4 miles south of Glen Avon Bridge, the site has 15 tent campsites, each equipped with a tent pad, metal fire ring, BBQ grill, and picnic table. The campground also has vault toilets and access to a beautiful cobble beach and swimming hole.

Recreation

Camping, fishing, swimming, hiking and biking on nearby trails (Hardy Creek TH closest)

Natural Features

Molalla Wild and Scenic River and forested environment.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (503) 375-5646.

Nearby Attractions

Enjoy a scenic drive along the Molalla Wild and Scenic River which offers easy river access and opportunities for picnicking, swimming, camping, whitewater boating and fishing. The Molalla is one of the few undammed tributaries of the Willamette River and cuts a picturesque gorge on its way to the valley floor. Table Rock Wilderness is further up the canyon and accessible through three trailheads.

Charges & Cancellations

Standard fees apply and are non-refundable. Visit https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies for more information.

Fee Info

$15-30 per night plus fees Standard fees apply and are non-refundable.

Suggest an Edit

Location

BLM Molalla River Recreation Area is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

The Molalla River is located approximately 10 miles southeast of Molalla in Clackamas County. From the town of Molalla, drive east on Main St/OR 211. Veer right at the OR 211/Mathias Road intersection, follow signs for Feyrer Park. Once past Feyrer Park, cross over the Molalla River, turn right, and follow signs for Dickey Prairie Rd. Continue south on Dickey Prairie Rd, keeping the Dickey Prairie Store on your left. At 3.7 miles past the store, turn right on Molalla Forest Rd and cross Glen Avon Bridge. Continue 3 miles, Three Bears will be on your left.

Coordinates

45.045528 N
122.489455 W

Open in Google Maps

Is BLM Molalla River Recreation Area sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

84%
17%
0%
0%
0%

5.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 17, 2024

Beautiful!

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.

Site8
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of BLM Molalla River Recreation Area by heidi , August 17, 2024
  • Review photo of BLM Molalla River Recreation Area by heidi , August 17, 2024
Reviewed Aug. 6, 2022

Great place

Great for swimming kids fishing an catching crawfish something for everyone

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of BLM Molalla River Recreation Area by Michelle A., August 6, 2022
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2021

Great place for dirt camping

Open as of June 2021 although the road is closed shortly after the campground due to the fires last year. Great swimming hole, a little noisy at night when we stayed on a Thursday but other than that, a great spot to enjoy nature.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of BLM Molalla River Recreation Area by Shay Renee B., July 8, 2021
  • Review photo of BLM Molalla River Recreation Area by Shay Renee B., July 8, 2021
  • Review photo of BLM Molalla River Recreation Area by Shay Renee B., July 8, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Nov. 18, 2020

Not my favorite, but could be

I usually stay at Cedar Grove nearby, but stayed here this year (2020). The campground is clean with water sometimes available. There is spring water near milepost 7 when the pump in campground is not available.

I believe they might make this a paid campground next year (there is a proposed site fee, but fot the last several years it has been free.

The sites are roomy with nice tent pads and picnic tables. There are lots of trees around, so not great for solar, but there are some open areas.

The sites are walk in with well maintained paths. There is water access and good catch and release trout fishing. You can also catch salmon in the river, but I have not tried.

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).

The area was hit by fires this year, so not sure what the corridor looks like at present. It has been closed off since September 8th. The fires reached milepost 7, I believe, and this campground is at 3.5 miles.

Reviewed May. 18, 2020

Peaceful

Great camp spot to keep kids busy! Very quiet and camp spots were perfect distance. Plenty of restrooms. The stream has some swim sections, but not entirely. Bring water shoes!

  • Review photo of BLM Molalla River Recreation Area by Kierra K., May 18, 2020
  • Review photo of BLM Molalla River Recreation Area by Kierra K., May 18, 2020
  • Review photo of BLM Molalla River Recreation Area by Kierra K., May 18, 2020
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at BLM Molalla River Recreation Area?

    Camping at BLM Molalla River Recreation Area can cost between $15.00 and $30.00 depending on the site.

  • Does BLM Molalla River Recreation Area have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, BLM Molalla River Recreation Area has water hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at BLM Molalla River Recreation Area?

    BLM Molalla River Recreation Area allows vehicles up to 12 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at BLM Molalla River Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at BLM Molalla River Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at BLM Molalla River Recreation Area?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is unknown.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at BLM Molalla River Recreation Area?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at BLM Molalla River Recreation Area. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at BLM Molalla River Recreation Area, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at BLM Molalla River Recreation Area?

    There are 15 campsites at BLM Molalla River Recreation Area and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts