The best camping near Willamette Mission State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Willamette Mission State Park adventure.

Captivating camping and fabulous fishing tucked in between Portland and Salem.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Willamette Mission State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Willamette Mission State Park

Beaver Island Group Tent Camp

1 site · RV, Tent In Willamette Mission State Park

from

$71

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Willamette Mission State Park

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Molalla Ripple

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Mulino, OR

Welcome to Molalla Ripple! Enjoy the sound of the Molalla River rolling over the rocks. Wake up to birds chirping and tall trees swaying in the breeze. The campsites are sixty feet apart for privacy and one path leads to the river with two private beach areas to relax. NOTE, Please use the clean bathrooms provided. DO NOT USE THE WOODS or camp site as your bathroom room. Thank you, let's keep things clean and safe for others to enjoy! Jsm Ranch started in 2004 when we moved from Oregon City. This once was a working farm with two chicken barns and a meat locker barn. All had been fallen into disrepair before taking owner ship. In 2007 we planted 200 tree's and 100 shrubs to build a new fish and wildlife habitat along Woodcock Creek. We then focused on building fence along the Molalla River to protect water quality. From there, we started raising Black Angus in 2008 after spending four years cleaning up the fields to make it safe for animals. We strive to be good stewards with our land as we continue to work with Clackamas Soil and Water to make better working lands. You're only minutes away from the town of Molalla to grab a bite, groceries or other camp items. Also have Molalla Rodeo just 3 minutes away on July 1-4th. You won't be disappointed for a great breakfast at Tammy D's (Mulino, OR), sandwiches at Humble Pig or pizza at Bear Creek Pizza & Pub.

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Your Farm in the City

8 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Portland, OR

Our farm is a very special place in the heart of Portland. We have been farming continuously for 5 generations, since 1880! Our farm has seen many changes around us in such an urban setting. We focus on best sustainability practices as well as giving our local community access to agriculture. Sharing the land with fellow hipcampers helps us stay in business as well as continue to foster our positive impacts in the local community.

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Akitaaru Forest Camp

1 site · Tent5 acres · Bethany, OR

***Akitaaru Homestead was named one of 2023's BEST PLACES TO PITCH A TENT. … and we just placed again for 2024! Thanks to all of our campers and to Mother Earth for sharing this beautiful place with us humans! *** We run a small active homestead with livestock, gardens, dogs, and free range children. We are happy to share our five acres of beautiful PNW forest with intrepid campers Learn more about this land: Have you ever wanted to have an entire campground to yourself? Planning a romantic getaway, private group trip, or getting your feet wet with your first trip of the year (or ever!?) We have got the perfect place for you! Camp on the edge of Forest Park and sleep underneath an evergreen canopy of Douglas fir and big leaf maple. We have one large forest glade with room for several tents. We book only one group at a time, so you are guaranteed the place to yourselves. We can accommodate up to 15 people, with a max of 5-6 vehicles (parking is tight). This is a hike-in only campground most suited to backpack style camping. The hike in has two short steep sections about 50 feet each. It takes 5-15 minutes depending on fitness level and load. This is not suitable for those with accessibility issues. The campground features: -Fairy lights strung among the tress to create the perfect magical ambiance -Large fire ring with seating for 7-10 and cooking grate -picnic table with seating for six - Composting latrine with a forest view (commune with nature!) -Photo worthy hammock, swinging loveseat , and sunset views - A huge clearing with multiple flat tent spots (5-7) -1/2 mile of trails with hidden surprises - A parking area suitable for car camping or van camping during the rainy season. -Only 20 minutes from downtown Portland, 15 from I5, and minutes from gas and Parking is separate from the campground! It is a brief but steep 1/4 mile hike to get to the main campground and latrine. Bring hiking shoes and pack light. It takes most people 5-15 minutes to hike up, depending on fitness level and load size . If you want to car camp, you will be next to a road and separate from the latrine and fire pit. Enjoy several short trails on the camp's property before heading to Forest Park's Wildwood Trail, which is just up the street, or check out all of the incredible natural and urban nearby attractions in Portland. We are about 20 minutes away Portland's International Rose Test Garden , The Oregon Zoo, and Pittock Mansion Or just swing lazily in a hammock under the trees and enjoy the sound of the forest coming to life. Inquire about a tour of the homestead and the chance to play with our tiny herd of goats who think they are dogs.

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Mother Tree Farm

6 sites · Lodging5 acres · Happy Valley, OR

Our mini Farm is a hidden 5 acres at the bluff of 600 Acres of Powell Butte Nature Park overlooking downtown Portland. Surprising serenity, panoramic views, ancient trees and deep connection to nature create an amazing getaway just minutes from the cities center. The farm includes your host Jesse and her family, plus an menagerie of donkey, horses, sheep dog, farm cat, kune kune pigs, ducks, chickens and wild bunnies. You may encounter a few other guests tucked in a Caravan, Yurt and Cabin also on the land. A food forest in development includes figs, blackberries, nettles, oregon grape and much more. Many sit spots abound under the fairy trees. At the bottom of our driveway you enter the incredible wilds of the Powell Butte Nature Park, home to the cities water supply. As you climb through old growth forest that used to be inhabited by the Grand Rhonde Indians, you will find the top a huge meadowlands and vistas of all three of our Mountains: Mt Hood, Mt St Helens and Mt Adams on a clear day. Your host is a full time Birth Doula, Forest Therapy Guide, Flower Essence Alchemist, Herbalist and Hobby Farmer. Ask her any Q's you like! Visit www.mothertree.farm for a virtual tour! Welcome to Mother Tree. @foresttherapypdx @rockythedonkey

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Tillamook - Trask River

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents52 acres · Tillamook, OR

Welcome to a premier Texas Longhorn ranch where you will be staying right next to the Trask River with access to fishing, boating and kayaking. If you are needing a little sensory-deprivation from everyday life. You have found it!! We invite you to experience a relaxing, calming atmosphere on the riverbank of the Trask River. Pitch your tent or bring your RV and embrace mother nature. Please contact me by phone 503-812-0630, as you can see we have closed our sites. However, i'm willing to work with folks around time frames. Thank you, Carmen

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Lake Labish Farm

14 sites · RVs, Tents72 acres · Keizer, OR

Convenient rest area less than one mile off of I-5 near Keizer Station. Pull off the freeway, park your truck, trailer or RV and get some rest. This land is an active farming operation that has been going on, since 1850s. Make sure to catch the sunset or sunrise with an almost unobstructed view. We are located less than a two-minute drive from Keizer station for all your shopping needs including: Target, Lowes, Starbucks, In-N-Out, Chick-fil-A, McDonalds, a gas station and many more.

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Amico Roma Farm

3 sites · Lodging40 acres · Mc Minnville, OR

Our farm is a special place in Oregon, close enough to everything yet it feels so remote and private. There are trails throughout the property. Pets are allowed with a $15 pet fee found in the "Extras"

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Cedar Root at Highland Butte

4 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Beavercreek, OR

Cedar Root Woods is hidden just outside of Portland on 20 acres of forests, trails, spring-fed pond and a wood fired sauna. Your host Brad who lives nearby in a Timberframe home built from the trees on the land. 2 tents and two RV camping areas allow plenty of private space for you or your family.

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Camp Cedar Creek ⛺️🌲🚐

36 sites · RVs, Tents37 acres · Sandy, OR

***PLEASE CLICK "SHOW MORE" AND READ EVERYTHING BEFORE BOOKING OR ASKING QUESTIONS.*** TLDR; WE HAVE TWO SECTIONS OF THIS CAMPGROUND: 1. For creekside campers (campsites named after mushrooms): 4WD/AWD required, pack-in-pack-out, and off-leash dog friendly 2. For vanlifers & digital nomads (spots are numbered): vans/vehicles only (2WD okay), on-leash dog friendly, with access to hilltop barn with communal kitchen, flush toilets + showers, coworking space + wifi, laundry, and gym/game area The creek section from Candy Cap to Turkey Tail and the hiking trails are accessible to all hipcampers. Creekside campers can also get access the barn with a Blue Barn pass ($15/person). You can add the Blue Barn Pass to your reservation or come check it out and add it during your stay. MORE ABOUT THE LAND: Located right off Hwy 26, directly in between the city of Portland and the peak of Mt. Hood, you'll find the most peaceful corner of the Pacific Northwest for you to pitch your tent or park your van. We are conveniently located just 6 minutes from downtown Sandy, known for its food trucks, outdoor gear shops, and the famous Joe's Donuts. Though we are right off a busy highway, we're in a valley so all you'll hear are the tranquil sounds of Cedar Creek's flowing waters and the chirping birds who live in the cedars overhead. The small clearings throughout the property provide natural privacy for our campers, while the barn provides amenities making it difficult to leave. We're so honored to share this magical place with as many people exploring the Pacific Northwest as we can. We hope your stay here will bring you a deep sense of peace, inspire creativity, give you whatever it is you're in need of at this moment in time. Take a dip in Cedar Creek, sit and read by one of the ponds, get your heart pumping on the hilly trails on the north side of the property, pick as many blackberries as you can find if in season. We can't wait to host you! NON-NEGOTIABLE RULES: PACK IN PACK OUT: We do not have trash or recycling bins down in the creekside campground so please keep your waste contained and take it with you when you leave. Please do not throw any trash in the porta-potties. 4WD/AWD REQUIRED PAST THE BARN: The steep gravel roads can be tough for some cars and rigs (particularly on the way out) and consequently, can cause a lot of damage to our roads. So for everyone's safety, we have restricted access to only vehicles with 4WD or AWD only. Please do not message us asking us to advise on the vehicle you have. If someone in your party has a 2WD vehicle, they can park up in the entry lot and get shuttled down to the campsites in a 4WD vehicle. If we see a 2WD vehicle in the campground, we will ask you to leave and if we have to dig you out, we will charge a $200 fee. Thank you for respecting our policies and helping us maintain our space. DOG FRIENDLY: We are as dog friendly as it gets here. Unleashed dogs are allowed on this property down by the creek (on-leash required in and around the barn). If you have a fear of dogs, or have dogs that are not friendly with other people or fellow dogs, this probably isn't the right campground for you. Of course, we expect all dog owners to keep an eye on their pets so they don't disturb other campers or ingest anything they're not supposed to. QUIET HOURS: 10pm-9am. We ask that guests keep the noise (loud music and loud conversations) to a minimum between 10pm and 9am. We live onsite and will enforce these if we have to (please don't make us). NO FIREARMS, FIREWORKS OR ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE USE. This is not a late night party campsite. This property is best enjoyed in the daylight and we encourage campers who want to take full advantage of the scenery, will abide by the quiet hours, and maintain a safe space for all. OTHER INFO: CELL SERVICE: There is an AT&T tower on our property so that gets the best service by far. Verizon is pretty good. T-mobile does not get reception here. There is high-speed internet up at the barn that is accessible with a Blue Barn Pass.

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Elk Moon Yurt

1 site · Lodging20 acres · Gales Creek, OR

Elk Moon is a single yurt perched in a open clearing above the forest. Overlooking Mt Hood, Mt St Helens, Mt Adams and on the clearest days-Mt Jefferson. It’s a lovely open space where we’ve been joined by deer, elk, bald eagles, osprey and more. There’s an intimate relationship with the clouds here-sometimes wrapped in them, sometimes sitting on top of them-but everyday is dramatic and stunningly beautiful.Learn more about this land:Relax and rejuvenate your senses in a comfy, cozy and spacious 20 foot off-grid yurt. Wake up to the sunrise out your window and the site of Mount Hood and three other mountains on a clear day. Fall asleep to the site of the rising moon and the stars, enjoy the sounds of wildlife mixed with interesting sounds from the farm. Even the clouds feel dynamic and special here.This space has everything you need to enjoy time away from the city. Elk Moon has a secluded feel in a meadow at the top of a mountain surrounded by forest, but w/ neighbors not terribly far away. Enjoy coffee and meals inside on a basic two-burner camp stove or drive a short distance to town. A charming and clean composting toilet is located a few yards from the yurt. It is always cleaned in between campers. With hiking right outside your doorsteps and fantastic mountain views, Elk Moon is ideal for nature lovers.

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The Secret Garden in Portland

4 sites · Lodging, Tents1 acre · Portland, OR

Welcome to "The Secret Garden" campground in Portland! Meet your hosts, Amanda and Dom along with their little helpers Hugo (4), Leo (2) and baby River. Our hidden oasis in the heart of the city invites you to escape into nature. Amidst the bustling urban landscape, our campground boasts secluded spots beneath lush fruit trees, a cozy fire pit for evening gatherings and a playground for the little adventurers. Embrace the serenity of the city's best-kept secret while enjoying the warmth of community around the campfire. Located between SE Division St and Foster Rd, the Secret Garden offers easy access to Portland's vibrant food, coffee and bar scene while also being in close proximity to Mt. Tabor with hiking trails and panoramic views of the city skyline. Welcome to your urban escape.

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"ART CAN" Airstream + Sauna!

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Portland, OR

Our 27' 1973 Airstream Overlander has been completely refurbished with lots of love and attention to detail. The outdoor space is a chill zone full of native plants, trees, flowers and an 8 ft. barrel sauna! This space is ideal for anyone looking for a quiet place to land while they explore the city and/or endless nature in the surrounding areas - Forest Park, Mt Hood, The Columbia Rive Gorge, and the coast! We are biking distance to several fabulous neighborhoods and restaurants along with tons of hiking opportunities in Forest Park, Columbia Slough trail, Mt Tabor and more. We have 2 bikes available for you to use during your stay!

The best camping near Willamette Mission State Park guide

Overview

About

Seeking a getaway in the Pacific Northwest's beautiful Willamette Valley? Hiking, boating and birdwatching opportunities await you in this state park. This historic spot borders the Willamette River and sits just a half-hour north of Salem. The name refers to the West Coast's first Methodist mission, which once stood here.

In addition to the river, this park features two marvelous lakes. Mission Lake cuts through the middle, while the smaller Goose Lake sits in the southeast. Both lakes make good fishing spots for bass and bluegill. You can take a boat onto Mission Lake. The more remote Goose Lake demands a bit of a hike.

Check the weather before hitting the trails in this area during winter and spring. The Pacific Northwest's notorious rain can quickly cause severe flooding. Also, note there aren't individual camping spots in the park, only shared areas for groups. Get ready to make some friends if you plan to spend the night here!

Notable campgrounds

Beaver Island Group Camp: Ideal for large gatherings, this campsite accommodates up to 100 tent campers amid a rustic setting with a communal fire ring and picnic tables.
Horse Camp: Equestrian-friendly with four spacious sites, each featuring horse stalls, a fire ring, and picnic tables for a unique camping experience.
Hiker/Biker Camp: A no-reservation-needed haven for hikers and cyclists seeking a simple overnight stay in the heart of nature.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early, especially for peak season from May 15 to September 30, to secure your preferred campsite.
Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
Keep an eye on the park's reservation system for cancellations to snag a last-minute spot.
Explore nearby camping options if the park's campgrounds are fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Willamette Mission State Park is during the dry months from late spring to early fall, offering ideal conditions for outdoor activities. Winter and spring may bring heavy rainstorms, leading to trail flooding and closures, so it's wise to check weather conditions before planning your trip.

Know before you go

Life jackets are a must for water activities; ensure they fit properly to keep you safe.
Stay informed of potential trail closures due to flooding by checking park notices or calling ahead.
Day-use parking permits are required; purchase a 1-day permit on-site or opt for an annual pass.
Remember, the park does not have shower facilities, so plan accordingly for your visit.
For fishing enthusiasts, be aware that access to Goose Lake may require trailblazing and can be flood-prone in winter and spring.