Waterside camping near Portland with fishing

In Portland, Oregon, it’s all about the outdoors. When you want to go beyond the city’s incredible urban hiking and biking, camping is a great option. You’re in luck—Portland is surrounded by Pacific Northwest wilderness. In less than an hour’s drive, you can be setting up your tent and reveling in the silence.

Your first stop is the awe-inspiring Columbia River Gorge, just 35 miles from downtown Portland. Stand in the mist of Multnomah Falls on Benson Bridge. Then, head to nearby Ainsworth State Park and Beacon Rock State Park in Washington to set up camp. From there, Oregon’s most beautiful hiking trails wind past waterfalls and over basalt monoliths.

A little farther afield, the Mt. Hood National Forest welcomes you with 71 campgrounds. Choose from primitive tent sites or RV parks with full hookups. Each site is just minutes from mountain biking, skiing, hiking, and fishing opportunities.

During the summer, the Tillamook State Forest is an excellent place to get away from it all. Six campgrounds including Elk Creek and Reehers Camp, offer walk-in tent sites and horse camping spots. You’ll also find plenty of free designated campsites, as well as OHV-friendly areas.

Thanks to the PNW’s moderate climate, you can camp near Portland any time of the year. With quality rain gear, you can get out into the wilderness even in the deep of winter. Heading to higher elevations? Break out your snow gear or book a cabin or yurt.