Best Tent Camping near Woodland, WA

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest surrounding Woodland, Washington offers numerous tent camping opportunities with varying levels of amenities and seclusion. Merrill Lake Campground, located near Cougar, provides eight walk-in tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Cougar Park & Campground offers a tent-only experience with access to a lake for swimming. For those seeking more primitive tent camping experiences, Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping areas provide free backcountry sites with minimal facilities but excellent access to hiking trails like Ape Canyon and Lava Canyon. Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest offers tent sites from May through October with fire rings and picnic tables at some locations.

Most tent campsites in the Woodland area feature crushed rock or dirt surfaces that require a tarp underneath for comfort. Vault toilets are common at established campgrounds, though toilet paper is not always stocked. A Washington Discover Pass is required for Merrill Lake and other state-managed tent sites. Campers should bring their own water, as potable sources are limited even at developed campgrounds. Weather conditions change rapidly near Mount St. Helens, necessitating extra layers and rain protection for tent campers. Fire restrictions may apply during summer months, particularly at dispersed sites where campers must practice proper fire safety and pack out all trash.

Tent campers frequently comment on the privacy between sites at Merrill Lake. According to one visitor, "Some sites are larger than others, but in ours we were able to fit two 6-person tents and one 2-person tent." The walk-in nature of many campgrounds creates a more secluded experience than drive-up camping. At Mount St. Helens dispersed sites, campers note the benefit of large trees providing shelter and privacy. One camper reported finding "a nice flat spot for the tent and trees close enough together that we set up a hammock." Early June camping brings mosquitoes, particularly in forested areas, so DEET-based repellent is essential for comfortable tent camping. Cell service is virtually non-existent at most tent campgrounds in the region.

Best Tent Sites Near Woodland, Washington (50)

    1. Sand Island Marine Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    St. Helens, OR
    4 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!"

    2. JJ Collins Marine Park

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

    3. Four Directions Retreat

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

    $30 - $300 / night

    4. Cougar Park & Campground - Tent Only

    9 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    24 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
    24 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
    25 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. Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 891-5000

    "Road got a little bumpy getting out here but once we found a spot right near the riverbank, you felt like you were deep in it. Saw a few people on the way out."

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

    3 Reviews
    Buxton, OR
    25 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. Lake Merrill- State Forest

    1 Review
    Cougar, WA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 577-2025

    "9 campsites available, but when we got there they were all taken so we took a spot right beside the lake. Fly fishing allowed. Has a bathroom and access to non-potable water."

    10. Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    35 miles

    "Found this campsite when driving up to the south side of Mount St. Helens Hikes - it is situated between Ape Caves (farther away) and pretty close to Lava Canyon and Ape Canyon."

    "This is a dispersed campsite near the south side of Mount St. Helens. It's free, which is always great. The drive in is just off the highway and up a little hill, but my car had no problems with it."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Woodland, WA

1156 Reviews of 50 Woodland Campgrounds



Guide to Woodland

Tent camping near Woodland, Washington offers a blend of scenic beauty and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Tent campers should check out Cougar Park & Campground

  • Enjoy a peaceful stay at Cougar Park & Campground, where you can find clean bathrooms and picnic tables, perfect for a relaxing outdoor experience.
  • This campground is close to Mount St. Helens, providing easy access to stunning hiking trails and breathtaking views.
  • With its tent-only policy, Cougar Park & Campground ensures a quieter atmosphere, ideal for those looking to escape the noise of RVs and larger groups.

Local activities near Merrill Lake Campground

  • At Merrill Lake Campground, you can enjoy paddle boarding and kayaking on the serene waters, making it a great spot for water sports.
  • The campground is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails, perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the area.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the fly fishing opportunities available at Merrill Lake Campground, which is known for its peaceful setting and scenic views.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Experience the charm of Healing Ponds Farm Retreat and Healing Center, where you can interact with farm animals and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
  • The nearby Yale Lake offers swimming and boating opportunities, making it a fun spot for families and friends to gather.
  • For those seeking a unique experience, Sand Island Marine Park Campground provides access to beautiful views and a chance to explore the island by kayak or boat.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Woodland, WA is Sand Island Marine Park Campground with a 3.2-star rating from 6 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 50 tent camping locations near Woodland, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.