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Dispersed Camping

Historic Clackamas Ranger Station - Dispersed Camping - Roadside

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Historic Clackamas Ranger Station - Dispersed Camping - Roadside is located in the Mt. Hood National Forest. The area features forested terrain with elevations that can influence temperatures, ranging from 30°F in winter to 80°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the Clackamas River for fishing and kayaking, and several hiking trails that explore the surrounding forest.

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Location

Historic Clackamas Ranger Station - Dispersed Camping - Roadside is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

45.09576748 N
121.75241855 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Pets

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.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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1 Review

Reviewed Oct. 12, 2021

Convenient, free roadside site near trails, lakes, & meadow in Mt Hood NF

I was running in an ultramarathon race in September in the Mt Hood National Forest and all of the local campgrounds managed by PGE around Timothy Lake were closed due to the end of the season.  I was able to use map layers in The Dyrt PRO to identify where I was within National Forest boundaries and was able to confirm with local officials that I was in a free, dispersed camping zone. So, using the map layers and the search function on The Dyrt I looked for an area near the race start at the Historic Clackamas Ranger Station to park my RV for a 2 night off-grid stay.  The location was a wide gravel area on the side of the road that allowed for enough space to park, put out my awning, set up some chairs and a propane fire pit (no live campfires - propane only) while being within a few hundred yards of the Ranger Station.  There was room to walk along the road on the shoulder and you are very close walk to the Historic Clackamas Ranger Cabin with a beautiful meadow view, the Joe Graham Horse Camp, and just a couple of mile drive from Timothy Lake.  Clackamas Lake Campground was nearby as well with many accessible miles of hikable trails, including access to the Pacific Crest Trail, for hikers of all levels. There was some smoke from local wildfires but that went away as the fall rains arrived that weekend.  If you are looking for a place to park your RV near all of these amazing views and experiences this free, dispersed camping site worked great for me and my family for a couple of nights.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Historic Clackamas Ranger Station - Dispersed Camping - Roadside by Mark F., October 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Historic Clackamas Ranger Station - Dispersed Camping - Roadside by Mark F., October 12, 2021
  • Campfire with fellow runners
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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Clackamas Lake Campground located in relation to Mt. Hood?

The Historic Clackamas Ranger Station - Dispersed Camping area is located in the Mt. Hood National Forest, southeast of Mt. Hood itself. The campground sits in close proximity to Timothy Lake in the Clackamas River watershed. This dispersed camping area provides a more remote, primitive experience while still being within a reasonable distance to Mt. Hood's recreational opportunities. The location offers a strategic base for exploring the southern approach to Mt. Hood and accessing various trails and recreation sites in the national forest.

Is there a ranger station near Clackamas Lake Campground for visitor information?

Yes, the Clackamas Lake Ranger Station itself serves as a visitor information point during operating seasons. This historic ranger station provides information about the Mt. Hood National Forest, including maps, trail conditions, and safety advisories. The station is staffed seasonally, so hours may vary depending on when you visit. For the most reliable visitor assistance, consider contacting the Mt. Hood National Forest headquarters before your trip to verify current operating hours and available services at the Clackamas Lake Ranger Station.

What are the best fishing spots along the Clackamas River near the campground?

The Clackamas River offers several productive fishing spots near the dispersed camping area. Look for deeper pools and slower-moving sections of the river for the best fishing opportunities. The river is known for steelhead and salmon runs seasonally, while resident trout can be found year-round in many stretches. Some anglers prefer fishing near the confluences of smaller creeks and tributaries that feed into the main river. Remember that fishing regulations apply and you'll need an Oregon fishing license. Contact the Mt. Hood National Forest office for specific fishing regulations and seasonal information.

Can you visit the historic Clackamas Lake Ranger Station while camping?

Yes, the historic Clackamas Lake Ranger Station is accessible to visitors camping in the area. The ranger station represents an important piece of Forest Service history in the Mt. Hood National Forest. While camping at the dispersed sites nearby, you can explore this historic structure that once served as an important administrative outpost. The station provides an interesting glimpse into the early management of the national forest. Consider stopping by during daylight hours to appreciate the historic architecture and learn about the area's forest management history.