Best Tent Camping near Carson, WA

Recent Tent Reviews near Carson, Washington

1532 Reviews of 97 Carson Campgrounds

• T

  Tyson C.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 10, 2017

  Mt Hood Village Resort

  Good family spot

  This was a good family camping spot. Pros - there is a playground, swimming pool, small store, cafe, bathrooms with showers (and warm water) and activities during the day for kids. Cons - if you're tent camping the bathrooms are quite the hike, the tent sites are crammed together, there's only one working faucet in the entire tent camping area and the facilities are starting to look worn down.

  The most utterly confusing part to me is that there were two huge RV areas that were virtually empty and would be perfectly suitable for tent camping. I'm not sure why they retrofit a dozen or so of those sites for "premium" tent camping? I'd gladly pay a few extra bucks a night for a 110 outlet, more space my own personal water supply.

  We were in site T4. In my opinion it's the best site in the circle. If you can get T1, that looked like the best spot.

• 

  Kelly H.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 26, 2022

  Lost Lake Resort And Campground — Mt. Hood National Forest

  Loved it here!

  Out of the way, a bit, but that was part of what we enjoyed.  Felt far removed from "The City" and the drive was scenic.  

  Very popular campground.  We tent camped at this one.  Good tent sites shared in our site.

  Clean shower facilities.  Boat rentals, Great walk around the lake.  

  Our site seemed very private in amongst the trees, even though the resort was busy.  Would recommend!

• 

  Evan F.

  Traveler

  

  Mar. 4, 2021

  Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground

  Quiet and Beautiful

  We tent camped at a drive-in site (8) in October 2020 and loved our experience. The whole campground felt small and peaceful, the tent sites were well spaced and surrounded by trees. It seemed to be popular with families and there were quite a few kids riding their bikes around the loop. The walk around the lake was beautiful and quiet - we did not pass many people at all.

  I think next time we’ll try the walk-in sites for the privacy and the above view of the lake.

  Would recommend, absolutely.

• L

  Laurielle A.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 30, 2018

  Milo McIver State Park Campground

  Incredible River Oasis

  Granted, it's been 90 degrees everyday so anything near water feels incredible. BUT nothing quite as incredible as the ice, rushing Clackamas river!!!!!

  We stayed at this park for 3 days and it was such a trip. 2 adults, 2 kids and a pup had plenty of space on a tent site. The bathrooms were great and not to far of a trek, but for convenience they set up and ADA accessible portapotty near the tent camping area. The rangers were kind and helpful, as were the park hosts.

  Whether you're going for a full day of floating down the river (rentals offered at one of the boat launch areas) or want to climb your way down to a secluded chunk of river bend and hitch your float to a tree or rock, there is so much this park has to offer!

• 

  Jason G.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 14, 2024

  Mt Hood Village Resort

  The Ultimate Mt Hood Base Camp

  Not my normal camping scene, but decided to for an early summer ski session with the kids, we didn't want to completely rough it, but also didn't want to pay hotel prices. So, one of the standard cabins here was the perfect compromise. Roof over our heads, actual beds, room for three of us to be able to gear up for the day. But still had a fire pit outside, and picnic table for outdoor cooking. (Also the standard cabins don't have bathrooms, so you still need to go to the shared restrooms.)

  The property overall was really nice, lots of amenities. We also took a walk through the RV/Tent camp sites. Its very similar to a KOA style of resort. We enjoyed it for what it was.

• 

  Corinna B.

  Legend

  

  May. 31, 2018

  Moorage Camp and Boat Launch — Beacon Rock State Park

  Ranger Review: Leatherman Leap at Beacon Rock Moorage Camp and Boat Launch

  Campground Review:

  There are at least four different campgrounds within Beacon Rock State Park in Washington. This review is for the Boat Launch "Moorage Camp" at the base of Beacon Rock, which has a small 2-tent area and 5-RV space down by the boat launch.

  From Camas/Vancouver, you'll come to the sign for Beacon Rock Boat Launch on your right hand side, just before passing the actual Beacon Rock. There's a large day-use area on your right, an RV area that can hold up to 5 RVs (we never actually went to this since we were more interested in tent camping), and just two tent sites right next to the parking lot and boat launch. I've also heard that if everything is full, you can spend the $10 "unattended vehicle overnight" fee and car/RV camp in the parking lot, though I'd check with one of the many rangers who come through frequently first.

  There's another day-use area right at the boat launch with grass and picnic tables, and on the lovely Spring weekend we were there many people were picnicking, kayaking, laying in the sun and fishing. The Columbia River, while protected here, is still quite fast going under (and over) the dock, so we never let the boys go in the water since we didn't bring life vests, and we didn't see anyone else swimming either. The two tent sites right at the dock are large, though not super private, and they would be great if you wanted to get up super early with your boat and go fishing. Otherwise, I wouldn't consider this a "destination" campground since, in addition to it being so small, there's a train that passes by loud and frequently enough to be annoying. That said, the flush toilets, showers and bathrooms were some of the cleanest I've visited while camping, so that's a definite plus. And the view of Beacon Rock from this spot is pretty spectacular.

  Pros: Great views, perfect for launching a boat or early-morning fishing.

  Cons: Loud annoying train and only two tent spots, though when we came only one was in-use.

  Gear Review:

  Last year we won a Leatherman gift certificate in The Dyrt camping contest, so this year we decided to try out some of our new purchases: two Leatherman Leaps (in blue and green) for my two kiddos, ages 6 and 11:

  https://www.leatherman.com/leap-358.html

  Summary/Pros: I have to admit we are biased toward Leathermans. The company is based in Oregon (where we live), completely stands behind their products, and make quality multi-tools. We even gave engraved Leathermans as bridesmaid/groomsmen gifts at our wedding 17 years ago. That said, there's some that I use more frequently than others, and for the most part we've limited the boys' Leathermans to smaller multitools with scissors and such, so this is their first larger tool. I love the fact that we can have the large blade put in or taken out depending on how comfortable we are with having them have the blade. And the boys have had a surprisingly easy time opening and closing the different attachments.

  Cons: The only downside I've found with the Leap so far is that there's no nail file, but that's my personal preference and not one that's bothered the boys so far.

  Video Review: The boys decided they wanted to create their own review, so be sure to watch the attached video to see what they think.

• 

  Stephanie Z.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 1, 2017

  Ainsworth State Park Campground

  Convenient Location

  The campground at Ainsworth State park feels more like an RV parking lot than an exotic Columbia Gorge camping experience. The majority of the camground it rv hookups with just a few walk in tent sites. Yet, while the campground isn't impressive in itself, it is in an amazing location for exploring neighboring Eagle Creek and the rest of the gorge just steps away!

  The parking for the tent sites is close to the walk in trail. There are only 6 tent sites and they can be reserved online so it is not easy to roll up to a free spot in hiking season.

  The sites themselves are basic and offer much more privacy than your neighbors in the RV section of the park are getting. There is water near the tent site entrance. Toilets are a bit of a walk from the tent sites.

  This site does take credit cards for campground registration.

• A

  Alex B.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 21, 2021

  Nottingham Campground

  RV camping sites sandy AF

  Tent camping sites looked amazing next to the river! Sadly, RVs are only allowed in a handful of sites which were all very sandy and less shaded. We stayed at site #5 which was probably the worst site for both issues but it was also the only one left on a weekend. We tried to cross the river to access to Tamanawas Falls trail but the water was too deep. Moral: tent camp in the highest # site available and reserve your spot!

• J

  James M.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 12, 2019

  Ripplebrook Campground CLOSED INDEFINITELY DUE TO FIRE

  Great small campground right on a creek.

  You never see any stinking trailers at this campground. It's perfect for tent camping.

• 

  Brooks H.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 23, 2024

  NF-65 National Forest Dispersed Site

  Many Sites Available of Variety

  Plenty of spots available. At the bottom of road coming from Carson often crowded, but if you go further you are bound to find something. Beautiful trees and foliage with obvious sites on side of road.

• 

  Laura B.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 3, 2018

  Beaver Bay Campground

  Clean

  Nice little campground. Sites are a little uneven for tent camping. Clean beach but very cold water.

• C

  Chantal S.

  Guide

  

  May. 13, 2021

  Moorage Camp and Boat Launch — Beacon Rock State Park

  Tiny but adequate

  This small campground has just 2 tent sites and 5 rv sites. We stayed at the biggest of the two tent sites and enjoyed complete privacy and easy access to water, toilet and shower. While the train track is very close and trains are frequent, they do not usually use their horns or break at night, so they are not really a bother, even at night (and I'm a light sleeper). Overall a pleasant experience.

• 

  Lindsey T.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 3, 2017

  Milo McIver State Park Campground

  Wish we could have stayed longer

  We didn't stay even 24 hours. We only stayed for a place to sleep overnight, but I'm eager to return and stay longer. I was super impressed with the size and location of the tent sites. The tent sites were also secluded and flat. (But a far walk to the bathrooms/showers). There seemed to be a lot of hiking trails. I couldn't check them out because of our schedule, but I would 100% return. We drove to the boat launch area and it was easily accessible.

• 

  Heather H.

  Traveler

  

  May. 17, 2020

  Trillium Lake

  Beautiful!

  This campground gets really crowded from the day use/dam side of the lake. Great for tent camping/swimming. The lake actually gets pretty warm starting in August.

• 

  Travis B.

  Traveler

  

  May. 28, 2023

  Gorge Base Camp RV Park

  Camping with Trains

  This camp ground is fantastic, sites are very well maintained and level. Full service hook ups including sewer. Great segregated tent camp area with available water. Bathrooms are very clean and well maintained. Dog area is very big and clean. The campground is very close to the main railroad tracks and trains come by every hour or so at all times of the day. If your inside your RV with the AC on you can hear faint noise, if your are tent camping bring some ear plugs. After 3 days you actually become accustomed to the sounds and it is a actually a cool viewing attraction, especially if you have kids. Overall great visit and if we are this way again we will be back.

• 

  Rich M.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 5, 2019

  Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground

  Nice spread out sites

  The campsites are spread out and private. There are tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. Quiet lake with two trails around it.

• 

  Richard H.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 22, 2024

  Deschutes River State Recreation Area

  Beautiful and very clean.

  Beautiful camp right along the Deschutes River. Very peaceful except for trains that go by and blow horn. Full hook ups and tent camping areas. Bathrooms are very clean. Good hiking trails along river.

• 

  Kate M.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 28, 2022

  Ainsworth State Park Campground

  Convenient location and nice facilities

  Great location for exploring Columbia River waterfall area. Clean and nicely laid out bathrooms and showers. Tent camping experience not great and we were in the tent only section. Road and railway noise. Our site smelled like urine. Lights from the info board and neighboring sites shining into our tent all night long.

• 

  Kimberly Y.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 1, 2019

  Timberlake Campground & RV

  Quiet and Well Maintained

  Away from the railroad tracks. Great sites for tent camping. RV spots are a little close. Clean bathhouse. Don’t be scared away because there are no pull through spots. The management can coach you into the site. They were great.

• 

  Steve H.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 8, 2019

  Mt Hood Village Resort

  Large TT/Encore Campground

  Up at the base of Mt Hood, this large resort style campground (operates by Thousand Trails/Encore) offers various areas for camping. There are full RV hookup sites, tent sites, group tent sites, E/W RV hookups and cabins/yurts throughout. It seems most, of not all, RV sites have room for at least a small tent or more and they do allow that. There also is a few group tent sites that I saw.

  As for amenities, the campground has a small store that sells the basics and some RV parts, a deli/restaurant, playground and pool.

  There are trails to get to the Salmon River, not difficult by any means.

  Being just a dozen miles or so from Government Camp, there are so many things to do when you want to get out of the campground.

  It’s open year round, and many folks use Mt Hood Village RV Resort as a basecamp for activities for all seasons.

  Overall, I enjoyed my stay, though the limited restroom and showers are oddly placed, with access only by walking the loop. There are no trails to get to them, so if you are at the other end, it’s a small hike. The plus is that the restrooms are clean and well stocked.

• M

  Michelle K.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 27, 2022

  Timberlake Campground & RV

  Perfect spot for a Gorge Adventure

  What an incredible campground. Nice shaded, private spots. Enough distance between campers that it feels secluded. Though we were in our RV the tent camping looked spectacular! Kind front desk team. Magical, large grassy lawn that our Bernedoodle loved. We will be back!

• 

  Kevin L.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 18, 2023

  Kiwanis Road Free Camping

  Tent sites

  This is a decent choice for tent camping. Most spots are just off the road. Park on the side of the road and pack your tent into the trees. Camping on both sides of the road. The east side of the road has a creek running through it Very beautiful. 

• 

  Raskol B.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 14, 2021

  Merrill Lake Campground

  Mountain top lake campground

  Incredible, free, private. Tent sites only, short hike in from parking lot, bring your own everything. Pit toilets, lake access, close to Mt. St. Helens activities. Four miles from Cougar.

• 

  Jaymz G.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 8, 2018

  Promontory Park

  Tight sites

  TThis is a great lil campground on the shores of the North Fork Reservoir! The sites are tightly spaced with cabin, yurts and tent camping available. There is trout fishing starting May 22 and continues through October. Cheap way to get out of the city

• H

  Heidi B.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 11, 2018

  Oklahoma Campground

  Peaceful Location

  This campground was a great escape from the 4th of July noise and crowds. The entire campground was clean and all the toilet facilities were spotless. We were tent camping and appreciated the level campsites and 10’ tables. Our site, #3, is non-reservable and HUGE. The riverfront was a bonus.

• 

  Nicole R.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 31, 2018

  North Arm Campground

  Stayed a week! So pretty!

  This was so peaceful. We tent camped for a week in the summer. Took nice long hike around the lake twice with the kids. The spots are huge, the toilets smell so bad though. Make sure to bring sanitizer definitely. The views in the morning make it worth it though.

• 

  Lady L.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 3, 2021

  Milo McIver State Park Campground

  Nice campground

  Tent area is separate from RVs and it has lots of privacy. Camp host is very sweet, he brought fire wood to my tent. Nice trails and lake, nice bathroom/shower. It is about 100 yard walk through forested trail to showers and you can't park your car in your tent camp but it is small so the parking is very close. I like how forested the area is.