Warning

General

There is a large logjam several miles upstream of this campground. The logjam is just downstream from Horse Creek Bridge, and blocks the entire stream. The river is unnavigable between Horse Creek Bridge and Turner Bridge. Use caution near the river, especially in flood stage.

Three Bears portal sign
Rocky River Access
Water Pump
River Access #2
Kiosk

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly Pet Friendly
River Access River Access

Available sites

15 total sites

About Three Bears Campground

No cash, check, or cards are accepted on site. Make a reservations online or use the mobile app. Three Bears campsites are only available by making a reservation. Reserve a campsite on recreation.gov or Recreation.gov Mobile App prior to entering the Molalla River Recreation Corridor. There is no cell reception in the drainage.  Situated in a picturesque grove of western red cedar 4 mi south of Glen Avon Bridge, the site has 15 tent campsites, each equipped with a tent pad, metal fire ring, BBQ grill, and picnic table. The campground also has vault toilets and access to a beautiful cobble beach and swimming hole.

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly Pet friendly
River Access River Access
Water Access

Water Access

  • River Access
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

15 Sites Available

Site
Price
⛺ 01, Loop: Camp Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 02, Loop: Camp Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 03, Loop: Camp Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 04, Loop: Camp Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 05, Loop: Camp Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 06, Loop: Camp Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 07, Loop: Camp Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 08, Loop: Camp Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 09, Loop: Camp Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 10, Loop: Camp Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 11, Loop: Camp Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 12, Loop: Camp Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 13, Loop: Camp Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 14, Loop: Camp Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 15, Loop: Camp Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire

Reviews (88)

What Guests Are Saying

Three Bears Campground is praised for its beautiful location by the river, spacious and well-maintained sites, and a generally pleasant atmosphere. Many campers appreciate the clear trails and the clean facilities, while some have noted the lack of a camp host and occasional bathroom issues. Overall, it remains a favored destination for families and offers a delightful camping experience despite minor inconveniences.

Review Summary

3.9
88 reviews
5
43.2%
38
4
25.0%
22
3
17.0%
15
2
6.8%
6
1
8.0%
7

Melissa M

Verified

June 15, 2023 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: Camp

5

Like this place it’s our new fave

Melissa M

Verified

June 15, 2023 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: Camp

5

Like this place it’s our new fave

Malia A

Verified

June 18, 2023 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: Camp

5

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.

Malia A

Verified

June 18, 2023 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: Camp

5

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.

Adam G

Verified

June 25, 2023 • Stayed at: 06, Loop: Camp

5

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.

Adam G

Verified

June 25, 2023 • Stayed at: 06, Loop: Camp

5

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.

Janice C

Verified

June 29, 2023 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: Camp

4

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.

Janice C

Verified

June 29, 2023 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: Camp

4

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.

Donald H

Verified

July 3, 2023 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: Camp

5

CLEAN AND BEAUTIFUL

Donald H

Verified

July 3, 2023 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: Camp

5

CLEAN AND BEAUTIFUL

Location & Directions for Three Bears Campground

Bureau Of Land Management, Salem, OR 97306 United States

Elevation: 217 ft

Getting There

<p>The Molalla River is located approximately 10 mi southeast of Molalla in Clackamas County. From 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 Feyre...

Nearest town

Salem, OR - 37 mi

About over 1 hr (64 min) to downtown

Highway access

Three Bears Campground is accessible via OR 211, which connects to the town of Molalla. There are no interstates or major highways within approximately 25 miles.

Policies & Rules

Cancellation policy

  • Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
  • Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
  • Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
    • Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
  • Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
  • Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
  • Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.

Local regulations

  • Check the BLM Fire Restrictions for current fire information in the Northwest Oregon District.
  • Follow the posted campground rules and regulations.

Vehicles & parking

  • Parking is centralized, and you'll need to walk to your campsite from the parking area.
  • Motorized vehicles are not allowed beyond the parking area.

Safety & rules

  • No cell phone service is available; use a payphone for emergencies if needed.
  • Use the provided dumpsters to dispose of your trash.
  • Caution: S. Molalla Forest Rd is used for timber hauling; drive carefully.
  • The Molalla recreation corridor is at an elevation between 800 and 1200 feet.
  • Prepare for insects; bring bug spray.
  • Watch out for poison oak; avoid contact with plants with three leaves.

Pets

  • Pets are allowed on a leash (max 6 feet); clean up after your pets.

Wildlife & food storage

  • Secure your items to prevent wildlife scavenging.

Site types & loops

  • Horses are not permitted in the campground.

Warnings & Advisories

Warning

General

There is a large logjam several miles upstream of this campground. The logjam is just downstream from Horse Creek Bridge, and blocks the entire stream. The river is unnavigable between Horse Creek Bridge and Turner Bridge. Use caution near the river, especially in flood stage.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 22, 2026

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Explore Salem, OR

Salem

Population: 178,865

Nearby city: Portland, OR

Approx. 34 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 161 ft

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