Best Tent Camping near Ariel, WA

Gifford Pinchot National Forest surrounding Ariel, Washington offers several tent-only campgrounds and walk-in tent sites with varying levels of amenities and seclusion. Merrill Lake Campground, located just outside Cougar, features eight walk-in tent sites and one drive-up site, all requiring a Discover Pass. Cougar Park & Campground provides tent-only camping with amenities like fire pits, picnic tables, and lake access. For more primitive tent camping experiences, Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping areas offer free sites with basic fire rings and flat spots for tents, situated between popular hiking destinations like Ape Caves and Lava Canyon. Twin Falls Campground provides walk-in tent sites along the Lewis River with the unique experience of camping near waterfalls.

Many tent campsites in the region feature crushed rock or forest duff surfaces, requiring campers to bring a tarp to place under tents. Most established tent campgrounds provide fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Vault toilets are common but often unstocked, so bringing toilet paper is advisable. At Merrill Lake, sites are first-come, first-served and can accommodate multiple tents, with one camper reporting space for "two 6-person tents and one 2-person tent" at their site. Access roads to some primitive tent camping areas like Twin Falls require high-clearance vehicles, with one visitor noting "deep ruts in certain spots" though 4WD wasn't necessary. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most backcountry tent sites.

Walk-in tent sites throughout the area offer varying degrees of privacy and natural features. At Twin Falls, campers enjoy spacious sites with the sound of falling water creating natural white noise. One visitor observed that "with the white noise of the falls, you couldn't even hear those in adjacent campsites." The tent-only sites at Merrill Lake feel remote despite being relatively close to Portland/Vancouver, with lake access for paddling and fly fishing. Mount St. Helens dispersed camping areas provide tent campers with tree-sheltered sites that "gave a nice feel of privacy," according to one review. During peak summer weekends, arriving early is essential for securing primitive tent sites, as most operate on a first-come, first-served basis without reservations.

Best Tent Sites Near Ariel, Washington (54)

    1. Cougar Park & Campground - Tent Only

    9 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 813-6666

    "I was on a 4 day backpacking trip and stayed at this campsite with a group of people. The weather does change very fast in the park so bring extra layers. There is fire rings tables and restrooms"

    "We got site #36 site with some trees, no real noise of the road, felt fairly private. The sites are somewhat far apart though I could see into my neighbor's campground."

    2. Sand Island Marine Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    St. Helens, OR
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 310-0235

    $30 / night

    "Sites are primitive, no tables. This is on the columbia river water kayak trail."

    "Island is lovely to walk around, our site had beach access. Site to reserve has pictures. Will definitely return!"

    3. Merrill Lake Campground

    6 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 577-2025

    "another site where you park and walk in! 8 sites, some are more private than others. 2 vault toilets, fire rings and picnic tables! great lake to kayak on."

    "There are 8 walk in sites and one drive up site, all first come first serve discovery pass required. Some sites are larger than others, but in ours we were able to fit two 6ptents and one 2p tent."

    4. Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 891-5000

    "Road got a little bumpy getting out here but once we found a spot right near the riverbank, you felt like you were deep in it. Saw a few people on the way out."

    "Site I picked had a trail down to the creek that was nice. Would recommend the area for just a nice quiet disconnect. No service."

    5. Woodland Shores RV Park

    1 Review
    Woodland, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 225-2222

    6. Lake Merrill- State Forest

    1 Review
    Cougar, WA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 577-2025

    "9 campsites available, but when we got there they were all taken so we took a spot right beside the lake. Fly fishing allowed. Has a bathroom and access to non-potable water."

    7. Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    26 miles

    "Found this campsite when driving up to the south side of Mount St. Helens Hikes - it is situated between Ape Caves (farther away) and pretty close to Lava Canyon and Ape Canyon."

    "This is a dispersed campsite near the south side of Mount St. Helens. It's free, which is always great. The drive in is just off the highway and up a little hill, but my car had no problems with it."

    8. JJ Collins Marine Park

    3 Reviews
    Scappoose, OR
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 397-2353

    9. Four Directions Retreat

    2 Reviews
    Rainier, OR
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 957-3287

    $30 - $300 / night

    10. Healing ponds farm retreat and healing center

    8 Reviews
    Buxton, OR
    33 miles
    +1 (503) 709-0706

    $45 / night

    "The RV toilet, hammock, fire pit, and picnic table were well maintained."

    "Our site was secluded and we had privacy. The pond area is beautiful with all the statues found around it. Highly recommend and we plan to visit again :)"

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Tent Camping Reviews near Ariel, WA

1248 Reviews of 54 Ariel Campgrounds



Guide to Ariel

Tent camping near Ariel, Washington offers a variety of scenic locations and outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. With options ranging from private campgrounds to public sites, there's something for everyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors.

Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $21

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Merrill Lake Campground, you can enjoy paddle boarding and kayaking on the serene waters, making it a great spot for water sports.
  • The scenic trails near Cougar Park & Campground - Tent Only provide excellent hiking opportunities, especially for those looking to explore the nearby Mount St. Helens area.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the fly fishing opportunities available at Merrill Lake Campground, where you can cast your line in a peaceful setting.

Explore specific local attractions

  • The stunning views of Mount Rainier can be enjoyed from Cougar Park & Campground - Tent Only, especially during early mornings when the clouds clear.
  • For a unique experience, visit the nearby Naked Falls, where you can swim in the river and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
  • Don't miss the chance to explore the trails around Merrill Lake Campground, which lead to breathtaking views and diverse wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ariel, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ariel, WA is Cougar Park & Campground - Tent Only with a 4.1-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Ariel, WA?

TheDyrt.com has all 54 tent camping locations near Ariel, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.