Best Tent Camping near White Salmon, WA
Tent campsites around White Salmon, Washington provide access to forested landscapes along the Columbia River Gorge and the slopes of nearby Cascade Mountains. Established tent campgrounds like Forlorn Lakes feature lakeside sites with picnic tables and fire rings, while dispersed camping options exist above Panther Creek Falls. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest offers primitive tent sites with varying levels of amenities throughout the region.
Most walk-in tent sites require campers to park and carry gear a short distance to their camping spot. Sites typically have compacted dirt or gravel surfaces with some forest duff for padding. Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds like Goose Lake, but dispersed areas require campers to pack a trowel and follow leave-no-trace practices. A review mentioned, "There is a main circle of sites and another site on the creek with a separate entrance." Fire rings are common at designated sites, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during summer months. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, with higher-elevation areas closed until early summer due to snow.
Areas farther from the main roads offer deeper seclusion for tent campers seeking quiet experiences. Tree cover provides ample shade at most sites, especially important during hot summer days. A recent review noted, "The sites are private with only a fire ring, but the only river access is by the bridge." Many tent campers use these areas as bases for exploring nearby hiking trails, including segments of the Pacific Crest Trail. Backcountry tent camping opportunities exist for those willing to hike farther in, providing more solitude than drive-up locations. Campers should be prepared for mosquitoes in early summer, particularly at sites near water bodies. Most primitive tent sites in the region require either a Northwest Forest Pass or Discovery Pass depending on the managing agency.
