Three Bears Campground

This was our backup site after our original reservation at Iron Creek was canceled due to a fire. This location is close to Portland which is great but that's probably the only reason we would ever go back. First, the logging road that is noted in the review is actively used and is incredibly close to the campsite and very loud. The campsite parallels the road and it's the only straight part of the road so people get their speed up really high. One of the evenings we were trying to sit around the fire, a motorcycle did multiple passes of the road back and forth popping wheelies- very loud and really close to us. We were there over a hot holiday weekend so it felt like locals were flying up and down the road trying to find a spot to pull off to enjoy the river.

Second, the bathrooms were in terrible condition the whole weekend. It didn't feel like anyone was maintaining them since they ran out of toilet paper and were disgusting. I can handle a vault bathroom but this one was unuseable.

This is a good spot if you are willingly to hear cars all day and night. Not the peace and quiet we thought we were going to get.

CLEAN AND BEAUTIFUL

Great experience, amazing campground. Spacious, shady, waterfront sites, with comfortable ground for tents. We really enjoy the Molalla River. I really liked the walk-in setup. We had most of the place to ourselves midweek. Contrary to the name, we saw 0 bears.

Some minor notes: our charcoal grill was not useable, it looked like someone had shot it and damaged it so the grill could not be raised. The vault toilets have a weird quirk of locking automatically if the door was closed and you had to remember to prop them open. Propping those open is counter to their ventilation design function. The BLM should probably stick a couple of deadbolts on the doors to counter inattentive guests. It wasn't an issue with us, but we were the only people using the one on our side of the campground. I imagine it's a challenge on the weekends when there are more people present to ignore signs. There is also a logging operation up the road, be advised that log truck drivers start the day early and there is some engine noise from the road.

First time using the QR code/pending transaction feature of rec.gov outside of cell service. My phone couldn't process it as a pending transaction until I put it in airplane mode, but was otherwise smooth. The sign said to take a tag to clip to our site post with our pending transaction info, but the box was empty.

Excellent location! The river slows down a bit at the campsite and provides a good swimming hole for youth age kids, and a good place for kayakers or body boards carrying children. A number of campsites can hold 2-3 tents no problem, while some may be only big enough for one. Numbers 4 & 6 are very spacious, enough for 3-4 tents of medium to small size. Campfire regulations are governed by the BLM…so call ahead. Each camp has a picnic table and fire ring.

Beautiful campground, will definitely be returning!!! There are paths leading to the river right next to the sites and some pretty hiking trails right across the road. Super cool!! I will definitely return.

Like this place it’s our new fave

Two stars, the only great things is the access to Huckleberry trail and easy river access. I was hoping for a nice rustic campground to relax by the river but both trips here had intoxicated campers, off leash dogs and the second time had a parking lot of drunk people all night that weren't all even camping there. I am very glad that my dog will guard me and my tent after the drunk man in my campsite twice in one night. The other campers are what ruined this campground for me. The park ranger that came out was very nice. She was super helpful. The pit toilet is one of the nicest ones I have come across, the water is good for doing the dishes.

We’ve camped there a couple times this summer and have had the best time! The campers are quiet and friendly and the water is always fun! They do a great job of keeping the sites clean. It’s a great place to take your family!!

The campsite was very clean and it was a great location!

Loved the site. We had 8 and 9- which are right next to each other.
Restrooms were well maintained.

Well water was iffy but worked for washing off and dishes.

Super friendly ranger.

Overall a great experience, would recommend