62 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campsites near Brush Prairie, Washington include several options within Gifford Pinchot National Forest, where Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping provides primitive tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping offers free tent camping with access to nearby hiking trails and volcanic landscapes. Both areas provide drive-in and walk-in tent access with varying levels of privacy and natural surroundings.
Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Canyon Creek sites include picnic tables and fire rings but lack drinking water and toilets. Campers should pack in all water and supplies and be prepared to pack out all trash. The dispersed camping areas typically operate seasonally from May through October, with some sites requiring permits. A visitor commented, "The campground is great, pretty basic. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring." Walk-in tent sites are common throughout the area, with many requiring short hikes from parking areas to reach the actual campsites.
The tent camping experience near Brush Prairie offers notable privacy and natural immersion. Areas around Mount St. Helens provide unique volcanic landscapes and access to numerous hiking trails. According to one camper, "The site is sheltered by large trees which gave it a nice feel of privacy." Many tent sites feature flat spots suitable for setting up camp with surrounding trees providing shade and natural screening from neighboring campsites. Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for exploring nearby attractions like Ape Caves, Lava Canyon, and other Mount St. Helens features. The primitive nature of these campgrounds means fewer RVs and more tent-focused experiences, creating a quieter atmosphere even during peak summer months. Fall and spring camping offers fewer crowds but requires preparation for changing weather conditions.
"Had a beautiful spot with a short trail to the creek. Has some very clean pit toilets through the camp ground. Its a horse camp, to be mindful of the horses."
"No potable water, so bring your own. There is 1 restroom and no desinated camp sites. But we love it!"
"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!"
from $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"Naked Falls is a private campground with primitive sites. I’d recommend tent only, although sites 1 & 2 seemed to work ok for small trailers or pop up campers."
"The falls are really close by for some great swiming."
from $50 / night
Check Availability"Explore along the creek by taking one of the trails along the north side of the campground. Toilets only; water and wood (no g'tee) at host site."
"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."
LegendCamped here for the second year in a row, and it did not disappoint. We got lucky with a nice spot on the creek this year, which I would recommend for the best experience. The sites are spacious and most are pretty private which is great. It is primitive, no showers and just one vault toilet. I will say that the site did have a fair amount of trash on it which was disappointing, but we cleaned it up before heading out. Remember to leave no trace!!
TravelerI love this campground.
Specifically, I love site number 10.
There are 23 sites at this campground, though sites 10-23 are reservable, leaving sites 1-9 ‘first come, first served’. To get to the campground, you’re going to be working on the far left side of the Welcome Center parking lot. They have allotted several parking spots there, as well as a huge parking area for other cars and trailers. Once you park, grab your gear and hike on down that path straight ahead! If you have. A lot of gear they have three carts available to haul everything out in one go.
The trail to the camp is about 1/4 mile, it’s dirt in some places and gravel in others. The trail is very easy, you go down a ways, and then hit a gradual short climb to the few station. If you haven’t paid online (reserved spot), you will need to fill in the information on one of the provided permits, write down your car infix, put the fee in, and drop it in the box. (Right now the sites are $11/night). Place the white top copy on your dashboard (yes, you have to hike back out there. I know, I know.) OR: You can skip all of that, set up camp in your chosen (non-reserved) spot, and go pay at the welcome center drop box. Saves you a trip.
When you’re done with all of that and want to find your spot, there are two trails; one on each side of the fee board. The left goes through sites 23 and up. The right side starts with site 1. It's just one gigantic loop so whichever way you choose will lead you to the right spot.
I was in site 10, and took the left: this ended up being the long yet scenic choice.
There are communal fire rings in the back section (which is great for groups!). There are no trash cans: pack it in, pack it out. There are pit toilets available: aka, outhouses. The doors lock, there's hand sanitizer provided. Going into the pit toilets, and then coming out really makes you appreciate the fresh air of the great outdoors.
The tent pads are a typical woodsy mix of pine straw, leaves, and loose gravel. Sleeping pads are a blessing, but so are nicely stacked lead piles in a pinch. Tent stakes require a little oomph, I just use the ball of my shoe to push it into the ground.
If there's one thing you want to pack, it's bug spray. It's not overly buggy, but the mosquitoes are there, and you don't want them to dampen your experience! Be on the safe side.
There are no food storage lockers, you cannot leave food out on the tables. You are still in the wilderness, and you are in bear/cougar territory. Hang your bags, or go throw your food back in trunk of your car. Best case scenario is you wake up to some trash pandas ransacking your site if you leave food out.
Overall, this has become one of my favorite spur-of-the-moment camping spots and I come back twice a week.
ScoutThe tent sites are very large however they have minimal grass or shade. RV sites are very close to each other. There are two bathrooms of one toilet, shower area combined. The shower is coin operated so unless you plan ahead with quarters you are out of luck. It has a card option but does not work. The bathrooms are also not clean. There are 2 portable toilets that were very clean. They advertise quiet hours after 10 pm but it is not in-forced. There was a group partying until 1am next to us. Neighboring property was also blasting music into the morning. There are many other options in the area I would look into one of those.
ScoutI camped there in my RV several times and always tried to get slot A13. It’s all the way at the end and has a nice amount of space and only a potential neighbor on one side. I also tent camped and, after scouting the sites, chose C6. That site is a bit small but is away from the rest and above them on the slope so you don’t need your rain fly for privacy.
LegendCampground Review: Brooke Creek Hike-in Camp
Brooke Creek Hike-in Camp is one of 3 campgrounds within Stub Stewart State Park, and the only one that really feels like you’re actually camping out in the woods – because you are.
The tent only hike in camp isn’t a long haul from the parking area at the welcome center – it’s about ¼ mile and the trail into the campground is mostly gravel. There are carts available for hike in campers to use at the campground trailhead if needed. Note that if you’re using a cart, that the walk in is uphill.
The campground area is wooded and each site has a picnic table. There are pit toilets and a water point. There are not fire pits in the sites—the fire pit areas are shared in central places in the campground. Some of the sites have a lot more privacy than others. I was camping in an unusually warm mid-week in May so the campground was mostly empty.
I chose Site 1 because it had a good place for my hammock. If the campground had been full, I’d have picked a site a lot further in since the first few sites are right along the single trail that all campers/hikers would be using. Some of the sites can be reserved in advance, and some are always open for walk ups.
The self-registration is at the campground, NOT at the trailhead, so you’ll have to hike in, register, and then return your camping receipt to your car. If you’re paying with cash, bring your money on the first hike in. You can also pay with your credit card number.
There are lots of trails directly accessible from the campground including the Banks-Vernonia Bike Trail as well as other hiking, biking and equestrian trails. I had a nice run on the Bumping Knots Loop.
Product Review: The PRIMUS LITE+ Backpacking Stove
As a Ranger for The Dyrt I sometimes get to test and evaluate quality products from amazing sponsors. On this camping trip, I tested out the Primus LITE+ backpacking stove. https://primus.us/products/eta-lite-7?variant=38436885010
I’ve been in the market for a backpacking stove for awhile, looking for a lightweight and simple to setup option, so I was excited to get to test out the Primus LITE+. I opted for the .5L pot because I often camp solo (there is also a PRIMUS LITE XL version with a 1L pot available), Also, you can purchase the XL pot separately as an accessory which will give me more options when camping with a partner.
Here are my opinions on the PRIMUS LITE+ after using it for one camping trip to make dinner and breakfast:
PROS:
Boils Fast: The PRIMUS LITE+ stove is incredible at the most basic things it needs to be good for: boiling water fast! In under 2 minutes start to finish you can assemble the stove and bring your water to a boil. Plus, fast boiling means you aren’t using a lot of fuel.
Size/Weight: The whole stove system packs into itself and is about the size of a large mug including the fuel canister. I can fit the entire thing into the side pocket of my backpack. With the canister it weighs about a pound.
Pot Versatility: The pot that comes with the PRIMUS LITE+ locks to the stove giving it a good wind shield, and allowing you to hang the pot to boil if you don’t have even terrain. The XL pot which is sold separately also attached to the same setup. If you aren’t backpacking and want to use another pan or pot, there are small pegs which screw into the stove top to allow you to use any cooking set up. The pegs are stored in the handle of the stove so you don’t lose them.
Accessories: I haven’t gotten it yet, but the LITE+ has a coffee press attachment so you can brew a cup straight in the pot. Always a bonus when a simple attachment means one less thing to carry for your perfect camping setup.
CONS:
Fuel Canister: The smaller canisters needed if you want to pack your fuel into the kit aren’t as readily available at places like Target or Walmart where I can more easily pick up my camping fuel when I’m on the road to camp. If I want to pack it all in to the pot, I’ll need to shop in advance at REI or a specialty outdoor store that carries the smaller canisters.
Insulation: The insulated sleeve on the pot makes it easy to hold and to drink from, but after just a couple of uses it was already getting pretty dirty with coffee and soup debris. It isn’t as easy to keep clean, and since the handle is actually part of the insulation sleeve, you can’t effectively use the pot without it.
It’s Small: Being small is one of the benefits of the stove, but the .5L mug/pot is smaller than I anticipated. While it’s perfect for a solo trip, you’ll want the 1L pot if you’re cooking for more than one.
Overall, Primus LITE+ is a great stove that’s efficient. I’d opt for the bigger size if I were to buy it again, since it would be more versatile with only a little added weight and easier to fit the more readily available fuel cartridge.
LegendThe Dairy Creek Campground at Stub Stewart is a two loop campground. The sites are spacious, but there isn't much character. The East loop is pretty much an open field. The west loop has a few more trees but still not much privacy or space between sites.
Dairy Creek is clean and well maintained, and has great access to the trails and disc golf around the park. If you're in an RV this is a good set up. If you're camping with kids, there's a play area here.
There are a few "walk in" sites where you don't park your car next to your tent, but rather in the parking lot next to the grassy area where the open tent sites are. If you're looking for a better tent camping experience that actually feels like it's in the woods, you're better off going to the hike in campground in the park.
The loops are big and there is parking near the bathroom. This is great if you don't want to walk a long way, but it's bad if you've got the campsite near the bathroom with all the cars coming and going.
Legendanother 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.
LegendRead up on this location with some good info. Flat paved sites for dry camping.
Lost Creek Campground has 10 single-family campsites and is located on one of the largest pyroclastic volcanic mudflows from Mt. Hood’s “Old Maid” eruption in the 1700s. Fortunately all of the mudflows have cooled. Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Two yurts are also available. Campground amenities include a picnic area, drinking water and vault toilets. Firewood is also available for sale from the camp host.
Lost Creek / Mt. Hood Area Recreation
Outdoor recreation includes fishing. Visitors also enjoy fishing, hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing. The Wild and Scenic Sandy River is also not far from the popular Ramona Falls Trailhead. Mt. Hood is just southeast of the campground offers visitors the opportunity for a nice a day trip.
AMENITIES
BBQ Grills
Campsite Tables
Comfort Station
Drinking Water
Fire Pit
Fire Rings
Firewood Available
Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
Grills
Pets OK
Picnic Tables
Restrooms (Vault Toilets)
ACTIVITIES
Biking
Bird Watching
Creek
Fishing
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Nature Trails
Photography
Picnicking
River
Walking Trails
Wildlife Viewing
RangerPeaceful riverside spot with a solid balance of privacy and access. Sites sit right along the Molalla River, giving you constant water sound, easy access for wading/swimming, and good wildlife activity. The layout is spread out enough that you’re not stacked on top of other campers, especially in the more tucked-away spots. 
Amenities are basic—no hookups—but you get essentials like toilets, potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings. This keeps it feeling more off-grid without being roughing-it level.
Tent camping near Brush Prairie, Washington provides access to volcanic landscapes and old-growth cedar forests across southwest Washington. The Washougal River basin features multiple primitive camping options with elevations ranging from 500-3,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates throughout the camping season. Road conditions vary significantly, with many forest service roads requiring high clearance vehicles during spring months.
Explore lava formations: At Merrill Lake Campground, campers can enjoy a short 1-mile nature trail through old-growth cedar trees. "Short and beautiful nature trail through the Cedars," notes one visitor, while another mentions, "Very close to Cougar for gas and supplies for emergencies. Driving distance to popular day hikes."
Water recreation: Yale Lake offers swimming and non-motorized boating opportunities at Cougar Park & Campground. "The lake is big and very accessible. Take your mountain bikes and head to St Helens for tough but amazing rides," shares one camper. Another adds, "Best part was getting up early and being able to catch the top of Mnt Ranier before the clouds covered it."
River activities: The Washougal River at Dougan Falls offers shallow water recreation. "Bring an inner tube or lounger the creek is shallow and wide. Explore along the creek by taking one of the trails along the north side of the campground," suggests a reviewer.
Lake access: Sand Island Marine Park provides unique boat-in camping with Columbia River views. "Our site had beach access. Site to reserve has pictures," explains one camper. The island setting creates natural boundaries between camp areas.
Fishing opportunities: Several camping areas offer fishing access for different skill levels. "Fishing, boating, campfires. There aren't any hookups for electricity or running water, but really, it's a nice place to take a break from boating all day," shares a visitor to Government Island State Recreation Area.
Undeveloped setting: Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping provides genuine wilderness immersion. "Like others said road getting in sucks. 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," explains one camper. Others mention the value of riverside sites: "Once we found a spot right near the riverbank, you felt like you were deep in it."
Access challenges: Many campgrounds require preparation for difficult roads. A Canyon Creek visitor warns, "The coordinates here were incorrect coming from Hood River Oregon. It sent me down a rough dead end forest service road. I ended up lost on the mountain for 3 hours."
Limited facilities: Most tent sites near Brush Prairie have minimal infrastructure. "There is 1 restroom and no designated camp sites," explains a Government Island visitor. Another camper notes, "Make sure to bring toilet paper, the bathroom seems to never be stocked. Make sure to haul out all trash."
Reservation requirements: Some sites fill quickly during peak season. "We booked this camp site 6 month before arrival, very popular site," explains a Cougar Park visitor, while others mention that Merrill Lake operates on a first-come basis with only eight walk-in sites available.
Site selection: Choose locations with natural boundaries. At Healing Ponds Farm Retreat, families appreciate the layout: "We had such a lovely stay! We enjoyed seeing the baby bunnies, cows, goats, chickens, and turkeys! My partner, myself, and teen had so much fun visiting them all."
Swimming options: Look for gradual-entry water access for younger children. "We had a group of 9 adults & 7 kids," reports a Naked Falls visitor, noting they "found a spot that was great to hang out" despite crowds.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds maintain stricter quiet hours than others. A Cougar Park visitor reported: "On two separate occasions staying there I had trouble with people being up very late in campgrounds making a lot of noise until well after midnight while other people are trying to sleep."
Access constraints: Many tent camping areas near Brush Prairie restrict RV access entirely. "This is a tents only campground," confirms a Merrill Lake visitor, while another notes, "Be forewarned that this is a tent only campground. We showed up with our VW Eurovan (smaller than half the pickup trucks parked there) and were immediately lectured on not having a tent."
Limited hookups: RV campers should prepare for dry camping. "Tent sites only, short hike in from parking lot, bring your own everything. Pit toilets, lake access, close to Mt. St. Helens activities," explains a Merrill Lake visitor.
Alternative options: Small trailers can access select locations. "Sites 1 & 2 seemed to work ok for small trailers or pop up campers," notes a visitor to Naked Falls, making those sites preferable for campers requiring vehicle access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Brush Prairie, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Brush Prairie, WA is Rock Creek Campground - Yacolt Burn State Forest with a 3.3-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Brush Prairie, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 62 tent camping locations near Brush Prairie, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
