Best Tent Camping near Goldendale, WA
Tent campsites near Goldendale, Washington range from established Forest Service grounds to primitive riverside spots along the Klickitat River. Leidl South Campground offers tent camping directly on the Klickitat with impressive rock walls visible across the water. Trout Creek Campground, located in Skamania within Gifford Pinchot National Forest, provides secluded tent sites in a deeply wooded setting approximately 30 miles from Goldendale.
Most backcountry tent sites have fire rings but minimal additional amenities. Pit toilets are available at established campgrounds including Leidl South and Trout Creek, while more primitive areas require campers to pack out waste. Sites along the Klickitat River offer camping on fairly flat ground with riverside access, though spots are not formally designated. A visitor commented, "You can pretty much camp wherever you can drive to. Lots of spots right next to the river." High winds can be a challenge at some locations, particularly in river canyons where evening gusts are common. During spring runoff, riverside camping requires caution as water levels and flow rates increase substantially.
Walk-in tent locations provide greater seclusion for those willing to carry gear short distances from parking areas. The wooded settings around Trout Lake Creek create natural privacy barriers between sites. A recent review noted this area is "Beautiful and secluded. You felt like the creek was yours alone." Many campers report seeing wildlife, particularly deer wandering through campsites in the quieter forest locations. Access roads to more remote tent camping areas can be rough, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles. Most primitive tent sites in the region operate on a first-come basis with no reservation system, making weekday visits ideal for those seeking guaranteed spots. During summer months, early arrival is recommended for riverside tent sites, which tend to fill quickly on weekends.
