Hiking, boondocking, and sightlines toward Mt. Hood draw campers to Forest Rd 2730, a free dispersed camping corridor within Mt. Hood National Forest. The road itself is generally passable without high clearance, though a short rocky section near one of the larger pull-offs may require AWD or 4WD for vehicles with limited ground clearance. Several established pull-offs line the route, each with fire pits that show regular use.
Sites vary in size and depth. Larger vehicles like vans may need to park closer to the access road where tree spacing is wider, while smaller rigs can pull further in and find separation from neighbors. Campers who do push deeper report not being able to see or hear others nearby. Wind funnels through the area at night and temperatures drop, even in summer, so layers are worth packing regardless of the season. Marasha L. describes it as a good spot to "boondock and have space to yourself with excellent views and hiking."
Cell service is listed as available, and campfires and pets are both permitted. Crowd levels stay low on weekdays and in shoulder seasons, though summer weekends may see more activity. Snow is possible as late as mid-April. For campers wanting a developed alternative nearby, Pebble Ford Campground sits a couple of miles to the north.
Description
Dispersed camping, or camping outside of designated campgrounds, can be a great way to experience the forest- as long as everyone follows some rules and guidelines to protect forest wildlife, plants, water quality, and the health of others.
Dispersed camping is not for everyone- and that's fine as the Mt. Hood National Forest has over 70 designated campgrounds. Camping outside of campgrounds means no toilets, no drinking water, no metal fire rings, and no trash service. You are responsible for leaving the site cleaner than you found it and learning the skills of Leave No Trace camping before you head out.
Basic Rules & Guidance Some areas are closed to dispersed camping, such as within developed recreation sites, along certain roads, and particularly sensitive areas. Contact your local Ranger District for more information. You may camp on the forest for only 14 consecutive days. Please choose an existing site rather than create a new campsite. Camp at least 100 ft. away from streams, rivers, and lakes. If you didn't bring firewood and intend to build a campfire only collect already down wood. If your campfire is too hot to touch with bare hands- it's too hot for you to leave! Bring plenty of water and a shovel to help you put out your fire. Check in advance if there are any fire restrictions in effect. Treat or filter any stream water you collect for drinking, or bring water from home. Your group must be under 75 people. If it larger you must obtain a (usually free) permit in advance from the local Ranger District. When Nature Calls Be prepared for your own sanitation! To dispose of feces, dig a hole 6” deep at least 100 feet away from any water source. When you're done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and take your toilet paper with you to dispose of in a proper waste container. Never defecate or leave toilet paper on top of the ground. Animals might eat it, it could easily get into the local water source and contaminate it, and plus it's just gross. Leave No Trace Pack out everything you brought with you! Dispose of your garbage properly off the forest. Leave No Trace is a framework minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors. They apply to virtually every recreational activity and help increase your safety and enjoyment of the forest. Learn more about the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace. The Mt. Hood National Forest belongs to all Americans- including those who will come long after us. Do your part to keep the forest clean every time you visit.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsForest Rd 2730 is located in Oregon near Government Camp
Dispersed CampingCoordinates
45.36537397294908 N
121.47168547374997 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/22/26
AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/22/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/22/26
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/22/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 53 min from Portland, OR
- 3 hrs 5 min from Bend, OR
- 3 hrs 32 min from Longview, WA
- 3 hrs 49 min from Salem, OR
