Best Tent Camping near Longview, WA

Tent camping near Longview, Washington provides access to diverse forest and lakeside sites within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and surrounding areas. Notable tent-only options include Merrill Lake Campground near Cougar, which features eight walk-in tent sites and one drive-up site, all requiring a Washington Discover Pass. Cougar Park & Campground offers a strictly tent-only experience with amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and toilets. For those seeking more primitive tent camping experiences, Mount St. Helens dispersed camping areas provide free backcountry sites with minimal facilities.

Most tent campgrounds in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly at Merrill Lake where no reservations are accepted. Walk-in tent sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, though campers should bring tarps for tent placement as many sites feature crushed rock surfaces. Vault toilets are common but often unstocked with toilet paper. Weather conditions change rapidly near Mount St. Helens, requiring extra layers and rain protection. During summer months, mosquitoes can be problematic in forested areas, making proper tent setup essential. Pack-in, pack-out principles apply at all sites, with limited or no trash facilities available.

The tent camping experience around Longview offers exceptional access to natural features and recreation. According to reviews, Merrill Lake provides "incredible, private tent sites with a short hike in from the parking lot," making it ideal for backcountry tent camping enthusiasts who appreciate solitude. The lake permits non-motorized boating and fly fishing only. Mount St. Helens dispersed camping areas offer primitive tent sites with views of the mountain and access to hiking trails including Ape Canyon and Lava Canyon. One visitor noted that "the site is sheltered by large trees which gave it a nice feel of privacy." Sites near water features provide natural white noise that helps mask occasional road sounds, creating a more immersive wilderness experience.

Best Tent Sites Near Longview, Washington (35)

    1. Four Directions Retreat

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

    $30 - $300 / night

    2. Sand Island Marine Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    St. Helens, OR
    21 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. Clatsop State Forest Gnat Creek Campground

    8 Reviews
    Cathlamet, OR
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 325-5451

    $10 - $15 / night

    "There was free firewood stacked nearby because of all the logging in the area. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. Walk in tent camping only, or you could park your van in the parking lot."

    "Drove past the paid camping and found many available areas to set up for the night. Couple areas had excessive amounts of trash."

    4. Cougar Park & Campground - Tent Only

    9 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    33 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."

    5. Merrill Lake Campground

    6 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    31 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."

    6. Healing ponds farm retreat and healing center

    6 Reviews
    Buxton, OR
    31 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 :)"

    7. JJ Collins Marine Park

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

    8. Brooke Creek Walk-In Campground — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park

    3 Reviews
    Buxton, OR
    30 miles
    +1 (503) 324-0606

    $14 / night

    "We reserved a spot in the Brooke Creek walk-in tent site. It is a 1/4 mile walk to the sites starting from the visitors center."

    "this was so awesome.. we used the walk-in camp sites that had been closed till the moment we asked after closing due to a tree falling in one of the bathrooms.. so me and my friend were the only ones out"

    9. Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed

    14 Reviews
    Naselle, WA
    44 miles
    Website

    "There's basically zero traffic on the dirt road near the campsite. A lot of the trees around seem to be new growth. Great view of the stars at night!"

    "There are several spots off the road around these radio tower stations and it is quite secluded. We didn't see any other person the whole time we were there."

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Showing results 1-10 of 35 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Longview, WA

1045 Reviews of 35 Longview Campgrounds



Guide to Longview

Tent camping near Longview, Washington offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from secluded retreats to well-equipped campgrounds, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Some prices for tent camping range from $15 to $20

  • Camping at Gnat Creek Campground is available for around $15, offering a peaceful setting among the trees and the sound of a nearby creek.
  • For a well-reviewed experience, Four Directions Retreat provides tent sites starting at approximately $20, complete with drinking water and picnic tables.
  • At Base Camp Mt St Helen’s, you can enjoy free camping while being close to the science learning center and hiking trails.

Unique features of these campgrounds

  • Rose Creek Retreat offers a boutique-style camping experience with private sites nestled in lush greenery and beautiful rose gardens.
  • Experience the rustic charm of Tent Camping at Taylor Homestead, where you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and the simplicity of nature.
  • Reehers Camp is known for its quiet surroundings and proximity to hiking trails along the Nehalem River, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Longview, WA is Four Directions Retreat with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 35 tent camping locations near Longview, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.