The best bell tent rentals in Columbia River Gorge

Just an hour's drive from Portland, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is the biggest in the country. Among its many campgrounds is Eagle Creek, the first forest service campground in the USA.

Outside the national and state parks, you also find dozens of private campgrounds and RV parks on both sides of the gorge. Pitch a tent by a fishing lake, along a wild river, or amid a pine forest. If you're looking for solitude, backpacking is also allowed on more than 30 trails across the gorge.

You need at least a few days to see the region's famous sights. Multnomah Falls is the most iconic cascade in the area, roaring at 620 feet. At Beacon Rock State Park, you can gawk up at Beacon Rock. The towering outcrop is one of the most distinctive features of the Columbia Gorge.

The Mt. Hood area is your go-to spot for hiking trails, and the snow-capped peak even offers downhill skiing in the SUMMER! Along the Hood River, water sports enthusiasts get stoked for world-class windsurfing. Between adventures, be sure to grab a drink at one of the region's craft breweries or wineries.

However you choose to enjoy the gorge, remember to pack your rain gear—the region is famous for its daily drizzle. Since most campgrounds are situated near railways and the interstate, you may also want to bring earplugs.

Keep in mind there's no bad time to visit the Columbia River Gorge. July and August are the height of the tourist season, but they also boast the smallest chance of rain. For the most spectacular wildflowers, shoot for April through June. Of course, a fall camping trip puts you at the forefront of Hood River Valley harvests and stunning fall colors.

96% (441)

Top-rated campgrounds

Just an hour's drive from Portland, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is the biggest in the country. Among its many campgrounds is Eagle Creek, the first forest service campground in the USA.

Outside the national and state parks, you also find dozens of private campgrounds and RV parks on both sides of the gorge. Pitch a tent by a fishing lake, along a wild river, or amid a pine forest. If you're looking for solitude, backpacking is also allowed on more than 30 trails across the gorge.

You need at least a few days to see the region's famous sights. Multnomah Falls is the most iconic cascade in the area, roaring at 620 feet. At Beacon Rock State Park, you can gawk up at Beacon Rock. The towering outcrop is one of the most distinctive features of the Columbia Gorge.

The Mt. Hood area is your go-to spot for hiking trails, and the snow-capped peak even offers downhill skiing in the SUMMER! Along the Hood River, water sports enthusiasts get stoked for world-class windsurfing. Between adventures, be sure to grab a drink at one of the region's craft breweries or wineries.

However you choose to enjoy the gorge, remember to pack your rain gear—the region is famous for its daily drizzle. Since most campgrounds are situated near railways and the interstate, you may also want to bring earplugs.

Keep in mind there's no bad time to visit the Columbia River Gorge. July and August are the height of the tourist season, but they also boast the smallest chance of rain. For the most spectacular wildflowers, shoot for April through June. Of course, a fall camping trip puts you at the forefront of Hood River Valley harvests and stunning fall colors.

96% (441)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Waterfall Sanctuary

94%

(596)

12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Carson, WA

Welcome 2025 Hipcampers! We have many exciting changes for our guests this year INCLUDING a wood fired sauna, a store/café/multi-use space, & more! New sites added: - A gorgeous geodesic dome that can sleep 6 - A new spot to pitch your own tent or park a small RV or van. - 2 RV/Van/Bus/tent spots, the first can manage up to 30 feet; the second 40+, both with picnic tables and umbrellas BEFORE BOOKING: Please read all rules & restrictions- due to some guests we had to update & add new ones. **DOGS (MAX 2 per site- select under "Extras" for each dog- $15/night fee each): PLEASE read ALL the rules- especially about having your dog on a leash AT ALL times while on the property. More info under the pet rule section. Thank you! Waterfall Sanctuary is a hidden gem on 17 acres, bordered on two sides by the Gifford Pinchot N F. In the heart of the Columbia River Gorge just outside Carson, Washington, it is home to a mini-farm with goats, ducks, & chickens. Deer & elk walk through the property on a fairly regular basis depending on the season, it's less than a mile walk (or short drive) to the Wind River & a swimming hole, & a short distance further is the Pacific Crest Trail. A 20-minute drive & you're at the Columbia River. An hour to the West is Portland if you are in the mood for some city life, & 35 minutes east is Hood River, a gorgeous old town with tons of charm. The closest town, Stevenson, Washington is home to shops, local restaurants, & access to the Columbia River. Also in close proximity are amazing waterfalls, trails, & National Forest roads that are close by & well maintained. No matter the season there is something to do a short distance from the property. Keep in mind that the property is very rugged except for the trails we have provided to access other parts of the property. We are as off grid & sustainable as possible- while no electricity or running water is available at the individual sites, we provide battery or solar operated lighting, & a container of water for each site.

2. Crown Point Hipcamp

92%

(131)

4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Corbett, OR

Crown Point Camp is the perfect gorge base camp on the Western edge of the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, a Gateway to hiking, biking, kayaking, windsurfing and many other Adventures! Our camp is right off the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway just minutes away from Portland Women's Forum and Crown Point, the Jewel of the Columbia. Our facilities include an outdoor shower, a solar-powered composting toilet, fresh water, fire pits, and plenty of flat ground surrounded by trees for excellent camping! Please read this whole message so you are not surprised when you get here! Note: The use of the sauna, hot tub, and composting toilet are only for Glamp bookings! The campsites and tipi use the port-a-potty and have the use of an on-demand outdoor shower, which is free of charge. Our home and farm is on two acres. Your tent site, is all in our ample acreage. Although pets are welcome, we expect them to be well-behaved around our two cats, our own big sweetie of a pup, Frejya, our two crazy goats Cupcake and Muffin, and our free-ranging chickens. Expect to hear some animal noises here on the farm. Our property literally borders the scenic highway. Because we are so close, you can hear the sunset-view-seeking drivers, motorcycle riders, and yes, racers who come out this way for a spin on one of the most scenic highways in the world. Traffic quiets down after dark and mornings are quite 'chill'. If you like what you are reading, please feel free to book with us and take off for your bike journey or hiking adventure from here. Wahclella Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Eagle Creek, and Multnomah Falls are among our favorites. Larch Mt, trails are always great for mushroom hunting or bird watching. Rick and Ellen are your hosts. We love welcoming fellow travelers!

3. Handsfull Farm Creek-side Retreat

100%

(5)

1 site · Lodging · The Dalles, OR

🌿 Unplug, unwind, and let the untamed beauty of the Columbia River Gorge be your guide. ** no cleaning fees ** Experience year-round glamping at our Oregon retreat! Nestled by a serene creek, our cozy tent area harmonizes comfort with nature. Explore forest trails and a mountain snow-fed creek, relax by the fire pit, and wake up to alpacas, goats, ducks, and chickens amid scenic views. With a rustic barn, outdoor kitchen retreat, private bathroom, tub and invigorating outdoor shower, it's the ultimate escape, just 90 minutes from Portland. Ready for a dose of nature's hip magic? Book your spot now on Hipcamp! 🏕️✨ #NatureEscape #HipcampHideaway

Stories from the community

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Crystal

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Waterfall Sanctuary

Very cool and roomy tent. Cute cafe, and the chickens were welcome guests wandering through the campsite occasionally. The only problem was one zipper was very hard to close, but we just used the other door instead.

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Camille

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Crown Point Hipcamp

We had an amazing stay! The yurt was perfect and had all the amenities we needed, plus a super comfy king sized bed! The hosts were very kind and helpful. And the sauna and hot tub were the cherries on top! Would definitely come back :)

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EMILIE

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Waterfall Sanctuary

We had so much fun. We loved the Waterfall Sanctuary. 5 girls and two dogs at the shade tree tent. Loved having the picnic table there and we made do with the fire ban in place. Next time we’ll probably rent the space 6 which has more room for chairs etc. or the star gazing tent which looked absolutely incredible. We couldn’t figure out the shower and the toilet room toilet unfortunately would splash up on us when we tried to use it so we preferred to use the porta potty (which was the cleanest porta potty I’ve ever seen). We loved having access to Tyla’s grill to cook our dinners and next to that is a propane fire pit which we didn’t utilize this time. We LOVED using the sauna on our last morning for $20 per person. That was definitely the hi-light of our trip. The goats and chickens were really cute. And our dogs loved taking walks around the property. The blankets in the tent are super thin so definitely bring your own comforters/sleeping bags. The watering hole is a 5 minute drive from home base and the coolest spot down the road. We wish we spent more time down there. It was a cold plunge. The two waterfalls nearby were very close also, like 25 minute drive and are a must see (both of them). We would stay here again. Thanks Tyla.

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Luci

September 2025

2 nights at Crown Point Hipcamp

Super cozy and so close to all the local attractions! So many amenities - the sauna, hot tub, outdoor shower - make this roomy yurt a convenient option for exploring the Columbia River Gorge.

J

Jeremy

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Crown Point Hipcamp

A really lovely spot with lots of amenities! The tent and camp was comfortable, well stocked and in a shady/cool spot.

K

Katie

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Handsfull Farm Creek-side Retreat

This was an amazing experience!! Handsfull farm is a beautiful property that is so spacious but somehow feels so cozy and wonderful at there same time. my partner and I were planning some things to do around the area but ended up staying our full two days at the farm because there was so much to do. I felt so so welcome by everyone there. it's really clear that they really care about the guest experience. The glamping spot by the creek is also super private, it feels like you have your own forest to explore. Pictures cannot do it justice! I can't wait to return!!

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Sarah

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Waterfall Sanctuary

We loved staying in the yurt and playing with the goats! Tyla is very sweet and accommodating!

S

Sarah

September 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Waterfall Sanctuary

10/10 recommend booking! Tyla and her staff were incredibly friendly and helpful throughout the duration of our stay. Our tent was spacious, clean and so comfortable! There are tons of amenities and animals around the property which was a great bonus. Also want to mention, the portable toilets are very clean and well maintained! We enjoyed our stay so much and are already talking about booking again! Thank you for your hospitality and for creating such a unique and rejuvenating experience, Tyla!

Kevin

September 2025

1 night at Waterfall Sanctuary

This spot was such a peaceful place to unwind and feel surrounded by nature. Tyla was warm and welcoming, which made the stay even easier to settle into. They even shared directions to a local swimming hole that made for a lovely spot to hang out and cool off in the afternoon sun! The property itself feels calm and inviting, with plenty of beautiful tents beyond the one I stayed in that I’d be just as happy to return to. It was too hot to try the sauna this time, but I’d love to come back for that experience. Oh, and the various goats, chickens, and cats? All such characters and made this stay truly special. A lovely place to rest, recharge, and enjoy a quiet night under the trees & stars.

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grace

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Waterfall Sanctuary

I loved this campsite. instructions were clear, areas were clean and they offer a lot of extras to make ur experience as easy as possible. plus the swimming hole is literally one of the most beautiful, cleanest water ive been in all summer! Will be coming back for sure!

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Amanda

August 2025

2 nights at Waterfall Sanctuary

We very much enjoyed staying on this magical piece of land. The stargazer tend was beautiful inside and out and appreciated the close proximity to gorgeous waterfalls, but advise that all of them are drivable and not really walkable. Also, highly recommend stopping by a convenience store before arriving to camp so you don’t need to bother the cafe for items.

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Kyle

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Waterfall Sanctuary

Great place! Very family friendly. We loved seeing all the farm animals.

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Rachelle

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Crown Point Hipcamp

A lovely tranquil space. Well stocked with kitchen supplies. Hosts were friendly and super helpful. Easy access to nearby outdoor activities and a general store. Would definitely stay again!

Anthony

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Waterfall Sanctuary

Beautiful property with spacious yurt. Loved the privacy, animals, fairy garden and cafe. Tyla had a great list to share with local recommendations upon arrival. Will come back again with the whole family!

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Robert

August 2025

3 nights at Waterfall Sanctuary

Had a wonderful stay. Tyla is fantastic and was quick with her responses and helpful with everything we needed. The property is wonderful and the animals made our day

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Charles

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Waterfall Sanctuary

Was rained out of another campsite and was lucky to find this nearby. Beautiful property, a few modern amenities (but not too many, so you still get the camping experience) , and close to so many hikes. Thanks, Tyla!

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Heather

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Waterfall Sanctuary

Beautiful private camp spot! Tranquil and peaceful! We will return ❤️🌄

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Cee

August 2025

2 nights at Waterfall Sanctuary

Tyla is a great host! We stayed in the stargazer tent- it was beautiful and spacious, with comfortable beds. Beautiful views of the stars, visiting with chickens and goats, surrounded by trees, fresh eggs, handmade gifts and a small cafe. We visited the river just down the road and hiked a trail nearby, plus there’s a swimming hole very close by. Others sites nearby (not many) but it felt private enough. We were visited by chickens and a cat, which was a total bonus! Would definitely stay again.

H

August 2025

1 night at Waterfall Sanctuary

gorgeous property! would recommend! dogs must be on leash, but it’s worth it. pleeeenty of close by areas off the property for dogs to go wild! :) loved our stay!! comfy beds too!

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Amber

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Waterfall Sanctuary

My family and I had the pleasure of staying in the stargazer tent this weekend and my only complaint is I didn’t book a longer stay! The tent was fantastic, the beds were so comfortable + the nature sounds = great rest and relaxation. The bathrooms were easily accessible and the site was nice and shaded. Tyla and her staff were friendly, helpful and informative. I cannot recommend this location enough and I will absolutely be back!