Established Camping
BLM Molalla River Recreation Area
About
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)
Facilities
Amenities includes a vault restroom, individual campsites with picnic tables, BBQ grill, and a metal fire ring. There are two parking spots for each campsite located in the central parking lot. There is a central handpump for potable water off-site at Cedar Grove campground 1 mile east of Three Bears. There is no firewood at the site or firewood collection allowed, please bring your own firewood if you wish to have a fire.
Natural Features
Molalla Wild and Scenic River and forested environment.
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.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (503) 375-5646.
Charges & Cancellations
Standard fees apply and are non-refundable. Visit https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies for more information.
Fee Info
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Great place
Great for swimming kids fishing an catching crawfish something for everyone
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.
- (4) View All
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.
Location
BLM Molalla River Recreation Area is located in Oregon
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