Forest Rd 2730 in [Mt. Hood National Forest](https://thedyrt.com/camping/oregon/near/mt-hood-national-forest) offers dispersed camping surrounded by dense forest terrain. Temperatures can range from 30°F in winter to 80°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the scenic Timberline Lodge and the hiking trails of Trillium Lake.

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.

Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF

Are you in need of a campground near Government Camp, OR? Government Camp is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Government Camp, reviewed by campers like you.

Government Camp

The Best Camping Near Government Camp, Oregon

Took a while to discover this spot, but clearly seems well used for dispersed camping.  I parked nearest the access road, as my van would have hit trees to go a little further in.  For smaller vehicles (e.g. roof top tents), you can get in a little further and off the access road.  There was actually someone else back there, and we can't hear nor see each other.

Great/Quiet Spot

There's a handful of dispersed campsites throughout NF44 and various side roads. I had several options to choose from and never saw another person. This was on a Thursday afternoon.

Fanastic sunset views of Mount Hood

There are several places along FR 2730 where you can pull off and camp. The road was very accessible, high clearance not required. We found a large pull off with several established fire pits. It's absolutely perfect for a group campsite. I imagine it will be a busier spot in the summer, but we couldn't find a single other person within miles of us in early May. To get up to the group camp site, you may need higher clearance (most SUVs should be fine) and 4wd/AWD, as there is a short rocky section that might cause some issues for FWD/RWD.

Got a little chilly at night with winds whipping down through the area we were in, but overall very peaceful. You can see Mt Hood from the campsite through the trees, albeit it is decently far away and is subject to the visibility at the time you visit. We were able to see Mt Hood just before sunset, but couldn't see her at all the following morning.

Photos of Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF

Real photos from real campers