NF2656 - Mt. Hood Dispersed Camping is located in the Mt. Hood National Forest, featuring forested terrain with a mix of trees and open spaces. Temperatures in the area can range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include the Timberline Lodge and the scenic Trillium Lake, offering opportunities for hiking and sightseeing.

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.

NF2656 - Mt. Hood Dispersed Camping

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

FS Rd 2656 across from Trillium Lake Campground. Follow 2656 up a couple miles. Turn left on porcupine Trail. There is one small campsite on your left approximately 100 yards. Then a larger one at the end of porcupine Trail. This one is much larger and will accommodate four people. ￼

Tent camping sites 

I would just like to thank whomever originally uploaded this site! We used it this weekend and it was perfect for us!! We will definitely be using it again next summer! Best camping trip of the season!

Dispersed campsite above Trillium Lake. 

Such an awesome find! The first campsite is small and perfect for a couple tents. The second site could easily fit 3 or 4 tents and has plenty of additional space for parking, kitchen set-up, etc… both sites also have really nice fire pits. 
Also don’t let the Trillium Lake camp hosts scare you. They told us the gravel road to access the sites was “rough as hell” and were completely wrong. Nothing more than a few potholes. Any vehicle could make the trek. 

Photos of NF2656 - Mt. Hood Dispersed Camping

Real photos from real campers