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Dispersed Camping

Mount Hood National Forest - NF 2656 -Dispersed Camping

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Mount Hood National Forest - NF 2656, near Government Camp, Oregon, is a fantastic spot for those who crave a little peace and quiet in nature. This area offers a true escape with no amenities, allowing you to immerse yourself in the sounds of the forest and the beauty of the surroundings.

Visitors rave about the tranquility here, with one camper noting, “nothing but nature sounds and sights.” The roads can be a bit rough, especially for lower vehicles, but most compact SUVs and larger can navigate just fine. If you’re up for a little adventure, you’ll find plenty of spots to set up camp, often away from the crowds.

The location is perfect for sunset views, especially from the higher gravel areas. If you’re looking to stretch your legs, the nearby Trillium Lake offers stunning scenery and hiking opportunities. Just keep in mind that the area can close to vehicle traffic during the snowy season, so plan accordingly.

Cell service is surprisingly decent for those who need to stay connected, with one visitor mentioning full 5G coverage. Whether you’re camping for a night or planning a longer stay, Mount Hood National Forest - NF 2656 is a solid choice for a peaceful retreat in the great outdoors.

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Location

Mount Hood National Forest - NF 2656 -Dispersed Camping is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

45.25163838713953 N
121.74806643242144 W

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Gone Creek

Gone Creek

20 min away

Timothy Lake Meditation Point

Timothy Lake Meditation Point

22 min away

Drive Time

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Access

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

Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Site Types

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

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.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Mount Hood National Forest - NF 2656 -Dispersed Camping needs a permit.

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 29, 2023

Quiet Secluded Camping

I arrived about 7pm on a Thursday night. I loved it here, nothing but nature sounds and sights. it was very clean with small remnants of previous campers. I will say once you are off the main road it got pretty dicey (I drive a lower riding sedan, any suv or 4 wheel drive would be just fine) It was definitely worth it though! not a ton of bugs but definitely be prepared for that. overall a great place to stay for a night on a road trip, would stay again if in the area!

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Mount Hood National Forest - NF 2656 -Dispersed Camping by Emma B., July 29, 2023
  • Review photo of Mount Hood National Forest - NF 2656 -Dispersed Camping by Emma B., July 29, 2023
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Reviewed Oct. 20, 2022

Very Quiet!

This area is at the Trillium Lake turn off of highway 26. Very easy to get to and the road is paved until you near the area that you can begin camping. I would say smaller/lower vehicles will have to drive slowly and carefully, but most compact SUVs and larger can make it just fine. You can’t hear any traffic out here—just nature. Keep in mind that this area will be closed to vehicle traffic when the Trillium Lake gates close for the snowy season.

There’s a large gravel area that’s higher up and it’s nice to watch the sunset there. If you don’t plan to camp, the drive back to 26 isn’t creepy at all in the night. It’s dark, but not scary, and the road isn’t lighted but there are scattered reflectors on the trees.

I have T-Mobile and I had full 5G service out there. (I don’t know how to submit that info anywhere else, haha)

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Mount Hood National Forest - NF 2656 -Dispersed Camping by Anna C., October 20, 2022
  • Review photo of Mount Hood National Forest - NF 2656 -Dispersed Camping by Anna C., October 20, 2022
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2022

Midnight shenanigans

A lot of back roads some very rocky, some paved roads. We were able to find the best spot at like 2 am away from everyone.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Mount Hood National Forest - NF 2656 -Dispersed Camping by savannah , August 1, 2022
Reviewed Jul. 19, 2022

Good Dispersed Camping

I camped on another spur road off of FS 2656. Definitely download the mvum from Avenza beforehand to make things easier. Peaceful, quiet, and I had cell signal. Road can be rough in some places but 4WD not necessary. Not many pull-in camping spots so you’ll have to search around. Overall decent spot and close to Trillium Lake

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Mount Hood National Forest - NF 2656 -Dispersed Camping by Caroline E., July 19, 2022
  • Review photo of Mount Hood National Forest - NF 2656 -Dispersed Camping by Caroline E., July 19, 2022
Reviewed Nov. 15, 2020

Tons of dispersed in the shadow of Mt Hood

There are many park campgrounds in the Mt Hood NF but also tons of dispersed camping in the forest.

We camped off FS 2656 just south of Trillium Lake in August 2020. There are many other locations. Many are separate drives off a forest road but some side of the road spots too. Lake Trillium gets super crowded.

Download the forest map from Avenza for accurate locations of all the forest roads and trails.

The Mt Hood NF is amazing, with tons of lakes, creeks, waterfalls and hiking trails as well as great views of Mt Hood.

No amenities for dispersed locations but you can use nearby campgrounds for water, trash and dump stations.

There was decent Verizon service when we camped there.

Would definitely camp here again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you access Trillium Lake dispersed camping via NF-2656 road?

Yes, NF-2656 provides direct access to dispersed camping opportunities near Trillium Lake. The road is paved initially but transitions to unpaved surfaces as you get closer to the camping areas. While 4WD isn't strictly necessary, some portions can be rocky and rough, requiring careful driving for lower-clearance vehicles. Higher clearance vehicles like SUVs handle the terrain more comfortably.

Is dispersed camping allowed anywhere in Mt. Hood National Forest?

Dispersed camping is permitted in many areas throughout Mt. Hood National Forest, but not universally everywhere. The forest offers numerous designated dispersed camping areas along forest roads, including the popular FS 2656 area near Trillium Lake. For proper navigation, it's advisable to download Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) before your trip. Camp at least 100 feet from water sources and use existing sites when possible to minimize environmental impact. Some areas may have specific restrictions, so check with the Forest Service for any location-specific regulations.

What are the fire restrictions for dispersed camping in Mt. Hood National Forest?

Fire restrictions in Mt. Hood National Forest vary seasonally based on conditions, with stricter rules typically enforced during the dry summer months and fire season. Always use established fire rings when available and keep fires small and manageable. Completely extinguish all fires before leaving or sleeping. Before your trip, check current fire restrictions with the Mt. Hood National Forest ranger district or the Forest Service website, as complete fire bans may be implemented during high-risk periods.

Where can I find dispersed camping spots near Trillium Lake?

Numerous dispersed camping spots can be found just south of Trillium Lake off Forest Service Road 2656. Many spots are located on spur roads branching off from FS 2656, while some are available directly along the road. The area begins at the Trillium Lake turnoff from Highway 26. You'll find both secluded spots on side roads and some pullouts along the main forest road. Some sites require searching, as they're not always immediately visible from the main road.