Best Tent Camping near Underwood, WA

Tent camping options near Underwood, Washington include several primitive sites in the surrounding Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Columbia River Gorge. Dispersed tent camping above Panther Creek Falls offers a free, primitive experience with nearby waterfall access, while the Panther Creek Creekside Camp provides secluded tent sites along a rushing creek. Both locations serve as gateways to the broader Mount Hood wilderness area.

Most primitive tent sites in this region require campers to pack in water and pack out trash, as facilities are extremely limited. Campers accessing Panther Creek sites will encounter dirt and gravel surfaces with natural clearings suitable for tent pitching. A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is typically required for parking at nearby trailheads. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during summer months. One camper noted, "There are several sights that get secluded from others with a very short drive off the main road." Vault toilets are rare at these locations, so bringing a portable waste system is advised.

The tent camping experience in this area offers notable seclusion when compared to established campgrounds. At the dispersed sites above Panther Creek Falls, campers can enjoy expansive views from elevated positions. A visitor described the location as "a huge open area with tons of space for camping" where "the stars were amazing." Walk-in tent locations provide the distinct advantage of creek-side positioning, with many sites featuring existing fire rings when permitted. Summer visitors should prepare for mosquitoes, particularly near water sources. A recent camper advised, "Always love spots by the river. There are several sights that get secluded from others with a very short drive off the main road."

Best Tent Sites Near Underwood, Washington (93)

    1. Goose Lake Campground

    11 Reviews
    Trout Lake, WA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 395-3400

    "Goose Lake is one of my favorite places to camp. It is a smaller campground and pretty secluded, so it's nice and quiet/private."

    "The day use area was clean and had a handful of different people fishing every day starting around 7-8."

    2. Rainy Lake Campground

    5 Reviews
    Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, OR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 352-6002

    "We have lots of people that like to camp around here. If you arrive and find it full, continue one more mile down the road to Black Lake Campground, which has 4 more spots."

    "Site 1 was a little more blocked by 2 and 3 by a large log.  3 was a good site with enough level ground for 2 tents."

    3. Black Lake Campground—Mount Hood National Forest

    4 Reviews
    Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, OR
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 352-6002

    $15 - $23 / night

    "I stumbled on this campground while visiting Rainy Lake, which is one mile North of Black Lake. This is a fun campground with a unique layout."

    "4 camp sites surrounding a small lake. 1 and 2 are private While 3 and 4 are right next to each other. Campsite 2 is on the way to 3 and 4 so not to private."

    4. Forlorn Lakes

    8 Reviews
    Trout Lake, WA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 395-3400

    $15 - $30 / night

    "I discovered these lakes about a year ago and OMG I am obsessed. The campsites are unparalleled. All are lakeside on "private lakes"."

    "Great camp spot at site 16 with lots of room for tents and two picnic tables for a large group. The private path to the lake was the best part. "

    5. Columbia Gorge Getaways

    3 Reviews
    Carson, WA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 716-1678

    $49 - $375 / night

    "Everything was perfect from start to finish and hands down one of the best weddings we have been to from the stunning Ceremony site overlooking the luscious forest to the fun event space perfect for any"

    "I stayed here during a two day ride through the Cascades on the Washington BDR. You can tell when the owners of a place like this really care."

    6. Panther Creek Creekside Camp

    5 Reviews
    Carson, WA
    18 miles

    "A great spot with privacy ! Lots of turnouts along the road with river accesses just steps away ! Definitely recommend!"

    "A bit of trash but nothing crazy. Fantastic place to stop even just for one night. Would definitely visit again."

    7. Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls

    4 Reviews
    Carson, WA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 395-3400

    "These are walking distance to the waterfall which is awesome, but there are about 10 additional spots with existing fire pits on the road up there."

    "To access it, as you are driving on NF 65 you will see a small road to the right just a bit before you see the parking for Panther Creek Falls also on the right."

    8. Dog Creek Falls Camp

    1 Review
    Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, OR
    7 miles

    9. Wahtum Lake Campground

    2 Reviews
    Cascade Locks, OR
    17 miles
    Website

    "There are sites right near the parking lot (and pit toilet) that are flat, plenty of wood for building a fire, picnic tables and fire pits, great for care camping."

    10. Trout Creek

    5 Reviews
    Trout Lake, WA
    23 miles
    +1 (509) 395-3400

    "We saw only one other camper on the way in, there were no water facilitys so bring your own or use the creek, they did have pit toilets. Only stayed one night but it was beautiful."

    "Enter Trout Lake Creek campground. Quiet, unassuming and, miraculously, with 3 campsites left."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Underwood, WA

1565 Reviews of 93 Underwood Campgrounds


  • Alyson M.
    Aug. 14, 2023

    Camp Creek

    Perfect Spot

    Camped 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!!

  • CJ S.
    Aug. 22, 2024

    Meditation Point Campground

    Beautiful, Private, Remote

    Stayed just one night in site 1, which was the only one available. It’s very private being far from the trail and has good access to the shore but is very shady at all times, although also sheltered from the wind. There was a fire ring (although no fires allowed) and a table. Several viable tent spots on the site. The toilets were closed and, unfortunately, previous campers weren’t so great at “leave no trace” because we found a bunch of dog and human feces around.

  • j
    Jul. 25, 2021

    Cougar RV Park and Campground

    Tent sites are large, minimal grass and shade.

    The 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.

  • Ashley B.
    Jul. 30, 2018

    Brooks Memorial State Park Campground

    Small State Park off Hwy 97

    This review is for the main campground, there is another group/horse campground across the highway that I did not stay in. The small campground is right off Highway 97. The first part of the campground is where the hook ups, large RV's, small trailers and tent campers are located. The spaces are very close together with very few trees separating spaces. Some spots looked barely big enough for a 2 person tent. In this same area is the only flush toilets/showers (Coin operated). Continuing past this main area and over a small hill is where the tent camping/sheep herders tents are located. Since it was located away from the main camping area it was quiet with regards to hearing fellow campers, the downside is the spaces are closer to the Highway. Day and night, semis speed past the state park on either a downhill straight away or an uphill straight away, regardless it sounds like a freight train or military landing pad all night/day long. It was so loud you had to stop talking until the semi passed. The space I was in was so small my 3 person tent only fit if one side was touching the fire ring. Luckily there was a fire ban so no fire to melt my tent. The space also had full view of the pit toilet, since it was the only toilet on that side, I saw everyone come and go. It was also super close to one of the sheep herders tent site. There were 2 sheep herder tents sites. The spots looked large and the tents looked like they would sleep at least 4-5 people. The other tent sites where much larger, but still all the sites could hear the highway. Note, be careful about leaving food out, zipping your tent up, leaving car doors open. The mice were pretty bad and came out at night driving my dog crazy. There were a bunch of trails that ran through out the park that provided a nice alternative to get to the other side of the park or climb to the top of the hill near the power lines. The camp host was also a very nice gentleman who suggested activities in the near by area. I was exploring the area cause it's new to me, but I wont return cause it's not my type of camping.

  • F
    Jul. 23, 2020

    Ainsworth State Park Campground

    Nice, small campground

    I 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.

  • Jess G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2018

    Merrill Lake Campground

    discover pass only

    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.

  • C. W.
    May. 30, 2021

    Mount Hood National Forest Lost Creek Campground

    Clean dispersed camping

    Read 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

  • Angela  A.
    Jul. 8, 2019

    Memaloose State Park Campground

    A nice place to rest off the freeway.

    Connected to a rest area. $19 camping no hookups. Water, pad, picnic table, and fire ring in site. Free showers. Clean bathrooms. Freeway noise not bad.

  • Ashley F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 17, 2023

    Justesen Ranches - Lower Twin Lakes

    Camping in a High Desert Oasis!

    Ashley here with The Dyrt! We want to welcome this property owner to our platform. "Camp beside a private spring fed lake. You’ll have this high desert oasis all to yourselves. This is a leave no trace camp site, pack it in pack it out. Fishing is NOT included in your stay. You can inquire about fly fishing rates." Book your stay today and leave them some love!


Guide to Underwood

Dispersed camping opportunities near Underwood, Washington extend beyond Panther Creek into several National Forest areas at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during day and drop to 45-55°F at night. Winter access to many sites becomes limited after November due to snow accumulation on forest roads, particularly at higher elevations.

What to do

Fishing at alpine lakes: Goose Lake Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities in a non-motorized lake. "The fishing is excellent. Quiet campground. Easy access on forest road- some potholes," reports Brian B. Another camper added, "Nice spot. Has a boat launch, great sites to put up tents. Love fishing here."

Swimming in secluded water: Black Lake Campground provides access to a small mountain lake perfect for cooling off. "4 camp sites surrounding a small lake," notes Ryan D., who appreciated that "The best campsites are those that are not crowded and you can enjoy the stillness during the day or night."

Hiking nearby trails: Access multiple trail networks within 15-30 minutes of most camping areas. The trail to Rainy Lake takes less than 10 minutes and connects to longer routes. Sarah S. described her experience: "Behind sites 2 and 3 is the trailhead that will take you up to Rainy Lake. The hike was gorgeous with beautiful views of Mt. Hood."

What campers like

Lakeside privacy: Forlorn Lakes offers multiple small lakes with dedicated campsites. "All are lakeside on 'private lakes'. The only way to gain access to the lakes is through the campsites," explains Allison W. Campers at site 16 enjoy "lots of room for tents and two picnic tables for a large group. The private path to the lake was the best part."

Elevated views: Many dispersed sites provide unique vantage points. At Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls, campers enjoy spectacular night skies. "We spent one night in that huge open area and it was beautiful - the stars were amazing," writes Sarah S. Ryan J. adds that the campsite is "overlooking the parking lot. It's a wide-open rocky area. Close enough to hear the falls."

Creek-side spots: Secluded sites along running water provide natural sound barriers. "Not too far from the nearest town but you will feel totally immersed out here," reports Alex R. about Panther Creek areas. "Ice cold creek, towering trees. Seemed to be lots of sites off the road to pick from."

What you should know

Road conditions: Forest roads vary significantly in quality. For Rainy Lake Campground, "The road getting up to Rainy Lake wasn't the greatest (but totally fine with a Subaru) so you have to drive a bit slow and look for potholes," notes Sarah S. At Forlorn Lakes, the advice is similar: "The road turns to gravel about 15 minutes before you reach the site and its pretty bumpy in some spots. Take it SLOWWW."

Seasonal insects: Mosquitoes become prevalent in summer months, especially near water. "Highly recommend yellow jacket traps this late in summer. Aggressive is an understatement," warns Michael H. Another visitor noted, "Visited in late June, and the weather was amazing, 15 degrees lower than in town, but the bugs and mosquitoes were overwhelming (even with deet)."

Campsite differences: Sites vary dramatically in privacy and amenities. At Goose Lake, "The campground is on a hill (but all the camping spots are flat) so you get a great view of the lake from most campsites," explains Sarah S. Similarly at Rainy Lake, "Site 1 was a little more blocked by 2 and 3 by a large log. 3 was a good site with enough level ground for 2 tents."

Tips for camping with families

Accessible water play: Several sites offer child-friendly water access. Trout Creek Campground features a year-round creek with approachable edges. "A quiet campsite set along Trout Lake Creek in a deeply wooded area," describes Chad L. Another camper shared, "You felt the creek was yours alone. Didn't want to leave!"

Considerate timing: Early or late season visits reduce crowds and bugs. "Quiet campground midweek, there was only a handful of other campers spread out throughout the campground," reports Megan A. "The day use area was clean and had a handful of different people fishing every day starting around 7-8."

Prepare for temperature shifts: Mountain elevations create significant day-night temperature differences. "The campground and day use area got windy everyday about 9-10 am and would last until sundown which made it a little chilly," notes one camper about lakeside camping in the region.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most forest sites have restrictions for larger vehicles. At Columbia Gorge Getaways, Michael K. notes that despite size restrictions, "You can tell when the owners of a place like this really care. From being greeted by name as I pulled in to time spent talking with the owners under their lovely shared social hangout area with other campers."

Level site selection: Many forest campgrounds feature sloped terrain. At Goose Lake, one visitor noted, "Camp sites are a bit slanted on hillside," while recommending it for smaller rigs and trailers.

Dust management: Summer brings dry, dusty conditions on forest roads. "The biggest downside to camping here is the dust from the road. The lake is a popular spot so many people traffic the road and kick up a dust storm," warns Tom W.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Underwood, WA is Goose Lake Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 11 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 93 tent camping locations near Underwood, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.