Three Bears Campground

Star3.87
122 reviews
Bureau of Land Management, Northwest Oregon District-Attn: Recreation Operations, 1717 Fabry Rd SE, Salem, OR, 97306
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

738 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Season opens May 16 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management, Northwest Oregon District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Three Bears Campground
$15.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$15-$30 per night plus fees. Standard fees apply and are non-refundable.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
503-375-5646
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What Campers Say

3.87

Mixed Reviews

Based on 122 reviews

81 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spaciouslocationwaterstaff

"User reviews for Three Bears Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment score of 3.75. Positive reviews highlight the scenic natural setting, well-maintained campsites, and opportunities for outdoor activities. Negative reviews frequently mention issues with cleanliness, noise from nearby roads, and inconsiderate fellow campers."

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Campground Map

Bureau of Land Management, Northwest Oregon District-Attn: Recreation Operations, 1717 Fabry Rd SE, Salem, OR, 97306

Three Bears Campground

Bureau of Land Management, Northwest Oregon District-Attn: Recreation Operations, 1717 Fabry Rd SE, Salem, OR, 97306

Driving directionsFrom the town of Molalla, drive east on Main St/OR 211. Veer right at the OR 211/Mathias Road intersection, follow signs for Feyrer Park. Once past Feyrer Park, cross over the Molalla River, turn right, and follow signs for Dickey Prairie Rd. Continue south on Dickey Prairie Rd, keeping the Dickey Prairie Store on your left. At 3.7 miles past the store, turn right on Molalla Forest Rd and cross Glen Avon Bridge. Continue 3 miles, Three Bears will be on your left.
Central parking area is accessible, but campsite access is walk-in only. Roads are paved up to the parking area. The main S. Molalla Forest Rd is used regularly for hauling timber and forest products, creating noise.
Nearby places
Molalla (10 miles southeast, approximately 20 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
Firewood and basic supplies can be obtained from nearby towns like Molalla. Closest potable water is off-site at Cedar Grove Campground, 1 mile east.

Best Time to Camp at Three Bears Campground

Summer brings wonderfully moderate temperatures that make Three Bears an ideal warm-weather retreat, though visitors should come prepared for nature's smaller residents—insects are part of the authentic wilderness experience here. Eagle-eyed hikers will want to watch for poison oak along the trails, a reminder that this is truly wild country. As autumn arrives, the campground transforms with frequent rain showers and crisp, cool air that paint the forest in dramatic moods, offering a completely different but equally captivating experience for those who venture here in the off-season.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Moderate summer temps and river use praised; peak-season overcrowding and maintenance issues noted.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Likely quieter after peak season with good river and forest scenery; season open into October.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Late-spring access (season opens May 16) offers moderate conditions; variable crowds and insects noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed to reservations outside May 16–Oct 18; winter visits not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16th - October 18th. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Season opens May 16 and closes October 18 for reservations. No bookings during out-of-season dates.

About Three Bears Campground

Nestled in an enchanting grove of towering western red cedar trees, Three Bears Campground offers a serene escape just 4 miles south of Glen Avon Bridge. This intimate hideaway features 15 walk-to tent sites, each thoughtfully equipped with tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, and BBQ grills for the perfect outdoor experience. The campground's crown jewel is its direct access to a pristine cobble beach and inviting swimming hole along the Molalla River, where crystal-clear waters beckon on warm summer days. While vault toilets ensure basic comfort, adventurers should note that fresh drinking water awaits just a mile east at Cedar Grove Campground, making this the ideal basecamp for those seeking a more rustic connection with nature.
Three Bears Campground is designed for tent camping, offering 15 walk-in sites. RV camping and glamping accommodations are not available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum 13 nights during a visit, total within 30 rolling days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Three Bears Campground offers various outdoor recreational activities in a scenic natural setting. Highlights include camping, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Molalla River provides excellent opportunities for water-based activities.
HikingHiking is available on trails near the campground, with the Hardy Creek Trailhead being the closest. This area is noted for its moderate difficulty and opportunities for native plant observation.
FishingFishing is permitted in the Molalla River, offering opportunities to catch local fish species. The river is described as 'beautiful and clear,' making it a pleasant fishing experience.
SwimmingThe Molalla River adjacent to the campground provides swimming opportunities, with users describing the water as 'clear and cool.' One reviewer mentioned, 'In June, the water was chest high but slow enough to swim across.'
BikingBiking trails are accessible near the campground, suitable for moderate to experienced riders. Specific details about trail lengths or terrain are not provided.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a popular activity in the region. Campers are advised to secure food and waste to avoid attracting scavenging animals.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife scavenging campsites, poison oak, flying insects, and lack of cell service.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Three Bears Campground

Reviews

3.9
122 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Three Bears Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Three Bears Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment score of 3.75. Positive reviews highlight the scenic natural setting, well-maintained campsites, and opportunities for outdoor activities. Negative reviews frequently mention issues with cleanliness, noise from nearby roads, and inconsiderate fellow campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 122 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive remarks include the beautiful location near the Molalla River, spacious campsites, and friendly ranger staff. One user noted, "Honestly one of the best walk-in sites I've ever been to."...
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Based on 122 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include dirty and poorly maintained vault toilets, noise from nearby roads, and overcrowding. A user described, "Bathrooms ran out of toilet paper twice during a busy holiday...
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Based on 122 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring their own firewood, bug spray, and portable hand sanitizers due to limited on-site facilities. Users also recommend booking sites in advance and downloading maps or...
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Based on 122 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that the campground is busiest during summer holidays, leading to overcrowding and maintenance issues. Midweek visits or off-peak periods are recommended for a quieter experience.
Based on 122 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The area is beautiful but the bathrooms are the smelliest, nastiest bathrooms ever."- Cassie Copola "Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Toilets are vaulted. It is a park and hike campsite."...
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Based on 122 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #6 is praised for its size, being able to accommodate 3-4 tents. Site #5 is noted for its proximity to the river. However, Site #9 received negative feedback for being too close to other sites,...
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Based on 122 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are limited, but centralized parking and walk-in campsites may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.
Based on 122 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted and must be leashed. One pet owner mentioned, "Took my dogs with no issues. Fun and great place to camp!"
Based on 122 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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