8 Glorious Campgrounds Around Portland Where No Reservation Is Required

If you haven’t planned your whole summer out yet, don’t fret. There are still plenty of places you can go camping this summer without a reservation. While the coast pretty much requires reservations through fall, these closer-in spots have first-come first-served spots available all summer long (unless you are trying to go during the eclipse, in which case all bets are off).

Lost Lake Resort & Campground / Facebook

Lost Lake is a premier spot on Mt. Hood, but with only a small portion of its 148 spots reservable in advance, you have a good chance of getting a spot here. Tent sites range from $27 to $30.

Ann Larie Valentine / Flickr

This first come, first-serve campground puts you in the heart of waterfall territory. With just 17 sites, the campground is not big, but because it is not a huge draw in the gorge, you have a good chance. Sites are $15 a night.

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North Santiam State Recreation Area / Oregon State Parks

This small campground features just 9 primitive walk-in or boat-in sites. Off the beaten path, it is a perfect escape for steelhead fishing and getting into nature. Spots are first-come, first-served and cost $10 a night.

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Oregon Department of Forestry / Flickr

With 21 spots spread across this prime spot, you will have plenty of privacy here. Mountain bilking and hiking are big at Gales Creek, so be sure to pull in early to secure a spot before it fills up. Spots are $10 in the loops, or $5 for walk-in sites.

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Sarah H. / Flickr

You are going to have to hike into this site, but once you are there, you will have the perfect place to explore the hot springs from. Sites range from $16 to $24 per night.

bandita / Flickr

Located on the southern edge of Laurance Lake in the Mt Hood National Forest, this walk-in campsite is great. 20 sites are available here and cost $16 a night.

Celeste Ramsay / Flickr

Located on the East Fork Hood River, this wheelchair accessible campground is south on Highway 35 form Hood River in the Mt Hood National Forest. Sites are $15 per night and there are 14 non reservable sites available.

United States Department of Agriculture - Forest Service

This old growth forest camping site along the Salmon River gets crowded, so plan to get there early to snag one of its 15 first-come, first-served spots. Sites are $20 per night.