Timothy C.
Traveler
TravelerBarnhouse Campground
Campground was as described. Although lots of dead trees making good widow makers in a windstorm. Elevation is 5,105 feet. Clean outhouse, lots of wildlife. Just don’t camp under a dead tree.
Best Tent Camping in Oregon
Oregon's tent camping options range from established sites at Smith Rock State Park to dispersed locations along forest roads. Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground offers walk-in tent sites with pit toilets and fire pits, situated near the Deschutes River canyon. Tillamook State Forest provides free dispersed camping options for tent campers seeking more primitive experiences within a 90-minute drive from Portland.
Most tent sites in Oregon require self-sufficiency, with campers needing to pack in water and essential supplies. Steelhead Falls sites are described as flat with scattered ponderosa pines, though no drinking water is available on site. A camper noted, "The sites on the West side, nearest the river are 'walk-in' but if you're able-bodied it's a short distance to lug gear." Dispersed camping areas typically lack facilities, with some locations offering vault toilets while others require campers to follow Leave No Trace principles for waste disposal. During summer months, fire bans frequently restrict campfires in many areas.
Walk-in tent sites provide additional seclusion compared to drive-in locations. Areas farther from population centers tend to offer more solitude and fewer crowds. In the Elliott State Forest dispersed camping area, tent sites back up to small creeks, though reviews mention significant insect activity during warmer months. Primitive tent campgrounds in higher elevations may remain inaccessible until late spring due to snow conditions. A review from Timothy Lake Meditation Point describes "a great mostly flat trail for backpacking or cart camping along the west shoreline," highlighting how some walk-in tent sites balance accessibility with wilderness experience. Many sites charge nominal fees ($5-10 per night) or are completely free, though forest parking passes may be required for overnight parking.
Best Tent Campgrounds in Oregon (513)
1. Smith Rock State Park Campground
37 ReviewsTerrebonne, ORWebsite+1 (541) 548-7501$12 - $15 / night
"The Climber's Bivouac is a walk-in campground located on a rim next to the Crooked River right in the heart of Smith Rock State Park."
"Walk-in site (the Bivy) is chill. walk-in, pitch tent, done. Yeah you have a lot of neighbors, but people are nice and the price is right ($8 per night for up to two weeks)."
2. Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground
22 ReviewsTerrebonne, ORWebsite+1 (541) 416-6700"No water or vault toilets, only by the day-use area/trailhead. We camped on SW Steelhead Falls Dr."
"The sites on the West side, nearest the river are "walk in" but if you're able-bodied it's a short distance to lug gear. Nothing difficult or time consuming."
3. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping
17 ReviewsTillamook State Forest, ORWebsite+1 (503) 357-2191"These sites are beautiful and really meant for tent camping—but you can park an rv in most of the spots. There is a vault toilet closer to site 14 but no hookups."
"Gorgeous spots all over that are accessible in most 4WD/off-road capable vehicles."
4. Mount Ashland Campground
17 ReviewsAshland, ORWebsite+1 (541) 899-1812"Shasta in the distance and mountains for days! It’s pretty high up therefore there’s usually really cold wind, keep that in mind for sleeping and fires."
"I was there this past weekend, and while I saw a lot of folks driving through (to the summit, to Grouse Gap, maybe to other destinations), there were few people camping."
5. Forest Road 51 near Beaver Creek
16 ReviewsSeal Rock, OR"Last campers left pit and firewood- will leave some more for the next. We listened to another review and headed left when the road split up near the top and took that first site on the right."
"Tiny bit of trash around but as always leave it better than you found it!"
6. Keenig Creek Campground
15 ReviewsTimber, ORWebsite+1 (503) 842-2545$15 / night
"This is a great site if you like "rustic" (which we do) since the sites are walk in-only. Adorable sites with picnic tables, fire rings and just enough privacy."
"First of all, it is an easy enough drive from Portland, about an hour or so."
7. Elliott State Forest Dispersed
15 ReviewsNorth Bend, ORWebsite"I solo travel so I need to have a sense of safety when I camp somewhere. This is the definition of “dispersed car camping”. Sites were pretty far off from each other, but within yelling ear shot."
"Nice and close to Bandon. No trouble accessing in our midsize suv. It was muddy at the site, and unfortunately, those before us left a lot of trash. Did my best to clean up when was left behind."
8. Jones Creek
11 ReviewsTimber, ORWebsite+1 (503) 842-2545$15 - $20 / night
"I showed up around 3pm on a Friday and was barely able to find a walk-in tent site. All the car-accessible sites were taken and the only reservable site is the group spot."
"There are many river acess points, the forestry center, walking trails and wildlife all within walking distance. The campsites are on a first come first serve basis and many of them are pretty big."
9. Elk Creek Campground
10 ReviewsTimber, ORWebsite"Wonderful location next to the confluence of Elk Creek and the Wilson River. Vault toilets. Pump water. Walk-in/tents only, so no RVs, but still a nice location."
"This is my new absolutely favorite Oregon campground."
10. Netarts Bay RV Park & Marina
10 ReviewsNetarts, ORWebsite+1 (503) 842-7774"Fun spot on the Oregon coast. Very clean. Loved the spaces, cement pads for your outdoor living. Good Wi-Fi. Friendly staff."
"I enjoyed walking my dogs out to see the birds, crabbers, and seals. I was there in a low season month and it was extremely peaceful."
Recent Tent Camping Photos in Oregon
182 Photos of 513 Oregon Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews in Oregon
9116 Reviews of 513 Oregon Campgrounds
Belinda K.
ScoutGreen Acres RV Park
It’s on a dangerous road, and the bathrooms are really out of date as well as the laundry facilities
- JJohn N.Scout
Lazy Bend - TEMP CLOSED DUE TO FIRE DAMAGE
I have to admit I’m a little biased. I was the Campos there for three years so I was there all summer long matter fact I was there the year that it got burned down. Met some great people there had a lot of fun enjoyed taking care of the place. I will always remember it finally
- Timothy C.Traveler
Cow Meadow Campground
An abandoned campground by the US forest service. Signs up on Crain Prairie Reservoir regarding active toxic algae. Verified by this reviewer, and in the creek flowing into the reservoir. Toxic fluorescent green algae was seen. The campground is useable but adjacent to the campground is the toxic algae so don’t let your pets run free. Google Maps and Apple Maps both take you to the wrong area. Not hard to find but you need to look for the cow meadow sign.
- Timothy C.Traveler
Wyeth Campground at the Deschutes River
A tiny campground just outside of LaPine, Oregon. Handy when you need a quick overnight. Right next to Deschutes River near Pringle Falls. 5G cellular, outhouse, and that’s it. No water, no trash service, no hookups. Teardrops fit anything larger maybe one spot you’ll fit. Pack it in pack it out. Can find other more “secluded” campgrounds near Wickiup or Fall River, but seclusion only means other people will be around due to the popularity of the area. Campground is popular with locals looking for a quick night out around a campfire so expect guests.
- JJim B.
GuideValley of the Rogue State Park Campground
Stayed here Oct 31 thru Nov 2, 2026. Great park with a walkway along the river.
cardy333TravelerWolf Creek Reservoir
Here in the first part of November. Only 1 other camper here. Very clean with a spectacular view.
- RRob S.Guide
Deschutes River State Recreation Area
Quiet here in November - except for the occasional train. Clean and well lit facilities. I'd stay again. Booked in for 5 nights. T-Mobile 5G 5 bars. No problem with Starlink. A bit pricey for us nonoregonians.
Dan H.TravelerHanan Sycan Trailhead Campground
Nice campground in a secluded area. Access to a small river, with a beaver dam close by. One vault toilet and 2-3 total sites for tents or vehicles.
Guide to Oregon
Oregon offers a diverse range of tent camping experiences, from serene lakeside spots to rugged mountain retreats, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Tent campers should check out Deschutes River Campground — The Cove Palisades State Park
- Enjoy spacious sites with access to water sports and activities at Deschutes River Campground — The Cove Palisades State Park.
- The campground features picnic tables and fire pits, making it ideal for evening gatherings under the stars.
- Located in a beautiful canyon, this campground is a great base for hiking and exploring the surrounding natural beauty.
Local activities for tent campers
- Experience stunning views and hiking trails at Mount Ashland Campground, where you can enjoy wildflowers and mushrooms during the right season.
- Take a short hike to the breathtaking Steelhead Falls while camping at Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground, perfect for a refreshing swim on hot days.
- Explore the scenic trails and wildlife at Hurricane Creek Campground, where you might spot deer and other wildlife.
Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $21
- Enjoy free camping options at Elliott State Forest Dispersed, perfect for those looking to save while enjoying nature.
- Stay at Cascara Campground — Fall Creek State Recreation Area for around $21 per night, featuring a swimming area and picnic spots.
- Experience the beauty of the Strawberry Campground, which is accessible year-round and offers a peaceful retreat for tent campers.
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