Kiwanis Road Free Camping

A paved road stretches two miles into Mt. Hood National Forest, offering roughly 8-10 free pullout sites for overnight camping. The south side pullouts sit directly alongside a creek, while north side spots provide more space but lack water access. Most sites function as wide shoulders with room for RVs, though the larger, more private spots near the road's entrance fill quickly.

The Zigzag River flows behind many campsites, creating constant water sounds that mask neighboring conversations even when sites are close together. Megan W. found "plenty of trees to hang hammocks from, and minimal traffic." Several reviewers mention the area stays quite cold at night, even during summer months, with one noting temperatures dropped significantly in August.

An old fire road cuts through the camping area, providing hiking access directly from camp. The road terminates at trailheads for Zigzag Falls and Hidden Lake, generating steady day-use traffic as hikers pass through sites. One portable toilet serves the area along with scattered picnic tables, though fires and tent camping are restricted in certain spots. Cell coverage reaches two bars on T-Mobile networks.

Sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with a 14-day limit, though some long-term campers appear to exceed this timeframe. Weekend arrivals often find limited availability, particularly during warm weather. The area experiences heavy use that has prompted forest service installation of boulders to block some previously accessible pullouts. Campers seeking more developed facilities might consider Mirror Lake or explore sites in the Government Camp area for additional options.

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Location

Public Campground

Kiwanis Road Free Camping is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

45.31177644 N
121.81893182 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 22 users
    Last on 4/28/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 17 users
    Last on 4/28/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 18 users
    Last on 4/28/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 22 users
    Last on 4/28/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 17 users
    Last on 4/28/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 18 users
    Last on 4/28/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Drive Time


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

21 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the free creek-side camping with multiple pullout sites along a paved road. Many campers appreciated the peaceful creek sounds and proximity to trails, though busy weekends can mean fewer available spots.

Reviewed Apr. 28, 2025

Great when not crowded and last summer 2024 it was trashy

A few of the pull outs one where I overnited in RV and van camped - have been blocked now by large boulders im sure to slow down the masses that went last summer, leading to trash piles and a homeless look and feel to what was a nice area. Please respect nature and others when youre camping and leave the sites without a trace.

Reviewed Sep. 28, 2024

Tranquil Peace

It was a 10pm arrival but thankfully we found a spot that did not disappoint. I wish we had a full weekend to stay but the overnight and breakfast on the river was a great start to our PNW visit.

Siten/a
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Kiwanis Road Free Camping by Brandon K., September 28, 2024
  • Review photo of Kiwanis Road Free Camping by Brandon K., September 28, 2024
  • Review photo of Kiwanis Road Free Camping by Brandon K., September 28, 2024
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Sep. 1, 2024

very convenient & gorgeous waterfall

whole road is paved all the way up & plenty of spots to pull off plus multiple bathrooms! got super chilly even in august but was very cozy in sweats & under a few blankets in the rooftop tent. would definitely stay here again and it's a good option for vehicles w/ low clearance or non off roading folks.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Kiwanis Road Free Camping by Elsa P., September 1, 2024
  • Review photo of Kiwanis Road Free Camping by Elsa P., September 1, 2024
  • Play button icon
Reviewed May. 9, 2024

Very Convenient to PDX

We arrived on a rainy day and pulled our van into a great spot overlooking the creek below. While eating dinner a car pulled up and told us we were in his "spot" although it is first come first served, because he and others had tents along the creek below. Since it was raining and there were other spots, we chose to move rather than cause a fuss. The road had many sites that seems to be occupied by those staying a long while- more than just 2 weeks, judging by their set up. It was convenient to Government Camp and Portland, and the view was great. I imagine on a nice weekend- this could be very busy and full.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Jun. 18, 2023

Tent sites

This is a decent choice for tent camping. Most spots are just off the road. Park on the side of the road and pack your tent into the trees. Camping on both sides of the road. The east side of the road has a creek running through it Very beautiful. 

SiteDid not stay
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Aug. 2, 2022

DO NOT CAMP HERE

There are 2 summer camps on this road. Not a good place to camp.

SiteNo real sites just the road
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 14, 2022

Rv friendly, access to creek

Loved it. Cell reception was 2 bars max. I went a little further down the road than the coordinates and found the perfect spot for my 31 foot trailer.

SitePull off by creek
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 19, 2022

Peaceful, private respite

We camped here in our travel trailer for one night and it was gorgeous. We arrived at the location around 11:30pm and first thing we noticed was how pitch black it was and how loud (in the best way) the adjacent Zigzag River was. Several people were car camping along the road as we got to the location and a couple of tent campers were nestled in a spot right beside this camp area. One portapotty was present as well as some picnic tables but no tent camping or fires are allowed in the actual camp spot. This is at a trailhead and we did a small portion of the hike in the morning- beautiful. You will be serenaded by coyotes calling in the distance. Perfect spot for us

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Oct. 11, 2021

Nice Location

I'm always a bit hesitant with the side of the road sites, but need not for this one. The road is paved and there are a number of spots, some literally just a big shoulder, others with plenty of room to park; our van had plenty of room, and I think a big rig would be fine, but the bigger spots obviously filled up faster. Even in chilly October there were a number of other cars, so I imagine it's quite busy in warm weather and can be harder to find a spot. We went a bit past the GPS coordinates on here and enjoyed the night next to the babbling brooke.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Kiwanis Road Free Camping by Hannah , October 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Kiwanis Road Free Camping by Hannah , October 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Kiwanis Road Free Camping by Hannah , October 11, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2021

easy to find camping

Finding a spot to camp on the road is pretty straightforward, it's right off the highway so you won't be able to miss it. There's plenty of sites, most of which were taken when we got there. It looks like the first few campsites on the road are the best-bigger space, more privacy, nice views.  As you drive more you'll find smaller and more exposed camp sites. 

There is a trail at the end of the road, so there were a lot of cars driving in and out of the place. If you're wanting to stay for a few days and want some privacy I would recommend somewhere else but it's perfect if you're passing though and just want to stay for the night. 

We got out there late Friday evening and managed to find a spot that was pretty hidden. There was a group that camped on the side of the road so there is always that option.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2021

Easy to find

This was right off the road we got there in the dark and still found a spot. It was super busy though and lots of trash around sadly!

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 10, 2021

Just off of the 26

Several campsites off Kiwanis Camp Road with some next to a stream. Just a few cars passing after Sundown, but generally quite and peaceful.

Month of VisitJune
  • The view
Reviewed Jun. 9, 2021

Just amazing

Got here Saturday and passed by quite a few cars to find a spot on the road. Little did I know I was parking next to a rushing creek and beautiful moss! Knock on wood, no rangers have passed by to ask me how long I’m staying or have been here. Exactly one hour from Portland and 2 bars of phone signal on T mobile. It does get quite cold here at night so make sure to bundle up.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Kiwanis Road Free Camping by Jakob D., June 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Kiwanis Road Free Camping by Jakob D., June 9, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 27, 2020

Easy dispersed camping near Gov’t Camp

Cozy little pull off sites along a two mile road right off 26. Quiet and scenic, easy for our small RV to find several good spots late in the day on a Saturday in late September. Mostly seemed to be used for day use hiking or as a place to park for backcountry campers. Convenient and easy to find. Would use again!

  • Review photo of Kiwanis Road Free Camping by Jennifer R., September 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Kiwanis Road Free Camping by Jennifer R., September 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Kiwanis Road Free Camping by Jennifer R., September 27, 2020
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Sep. 8, 2019

awesome location, super basic though

On the way to Kiwanis Camp by the road there are spots and as far as we understood, those are for camping, though there was no sign for them. It's at a really great location as it's 3 minutes to Little Zig Zag Falls path also fairly close to Government Camp

  • Review photo of Kiwanis Road Free Camping by Dani F., September 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Kiwanis Road Free Camping by Dani F., September 8, 2019
  • Review photo of Kiwanis Road Free Camping by Dani F., September 8, 2019
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2019

Wowza

Great spot for free car camping! On the way to the Kiwanis campground, lots of spots right off the road. Right by the creek so you can’t hear campsite neighbors even if they’re close by. Zig zag falls and hidden lake trailheads are walkable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Kiwanis Campground located in Oregon?

Kiwanis Road Free Camping is located in Mt. Hood National Forest in Oregon. It's positioned along Kiwanis Camp Road, about an hour's drive from Portland. The camping area is conveniently situated near Government Camp and is close to attractions like Little Zig Zag Falls (just 3 minutes away) and Hidden Lake trailheads, which are within walking distance. The campground offers a peaceful setting with many sites positioned alongside a small creek or the Zigzag River.

Is Kiwanis Camp a free camping option near Mt. Hood?

Yes, Kiwanis Road provides free camping in Mt. Hood National Forest. There are approximately 8-10 free pullout camping spots along the road, with sites available on both sides. The south side spots are particularly appealing as they're situated alongside a peaceful creek. This area serves as a popular free car camping destination, making it a budget-friendly alternative to paid campgrounds in the Mt. Hood region. No permits or fees are required, though spots fill up quickly during peak seasons and holidays.

How do I access Kiwanis Camp via Kiwanis Camp Road?

Kiwanis Camp Road is easily accessible directly off Highway 26. The road is paved, making it simple to find and navigate. As you drive along the approximately two-mile road, you'll notice various pullouts and camping spots on both sides. The first few campsites on the road tend to offer more space, privacy, and better views. Look for small turnouts that serve as designated camping areas, though they aren't marked with official signage.