Map showing campground location near Government Camp, Oregon

Camp Lumos

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Hikers and mountain viewers heading into Mt. Hood National Forest have a free, no-reservation option along National Forest Road 3540-640, where a cliff-side turnaround doubles as an informal overnight spot. The site is dispersed in nature, with a gravel surface and a makeshift fire pit, but no developed tent pads. Road access is the most-discussed factor in reviews: one visitor arrived to find a barrier across the NF-640 turnoff, making the site unreachable, so confirming conditions before committing to the drive is worth the extra step.

Hayley L. describes it as a "large open gravel space" with direct sightlines toward Mt. Hood, a view that holds even in overcast weather according to multiple reviewers. The exposure that frames the mountain also means wind. One camper noted a particularly gusty Friday evening stay. There is cell service noted in the amenity data, which can be useful for checking weather or road conditions on the fly.

Campers traveling with dogs will find this site pet-friendly, and alcohol is permitted. Pack-in, pack-out is the expectation here, and past reviews flag serious waste and litter problems on the hillside, so proper sanitation and trash management are not optional courtesies. Nearby, Pocket Creek Camping and NF-3540 Mt. Hood View Dispersed provide alternatives if this turnout is blocked or occupied. Campers wanting a broader look at dog-friendly campgrounds near Mt. Hood National Forest will find additional options across the surrounding area. If the conditions line up, this spot rewards those willing to do a little homework first.

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Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy. Please check with the campground before making a reservation.

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Map & DirectionsCamp Lumos is located in Oregon near Government Camp

Public Campground

Coordinates

45.29523356 N
121.59344982 W

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Connectivity

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T-Mobile5G
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VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
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Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Group

Features

For Campers

Firewood Available
Phone Service
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites

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

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Contact

General Info

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Drive Time

1 hr 49 min from Portland, OR
2 hrs 37 min from Salem, OR
2 hrs 55 min from Albany, OR
2 hrs 58 min from Bend, OR

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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Camp Lumos

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

3.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the spectacular Mt. Hood views and peaceful, quiet setting ideal for van camping. However, recurring complaints about trash and human waste significantly impact the experience.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

micha R.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 7, 2023

Site is not accessible

When I got to the turn off from Forest Road 3540, NF640 had a barrier across it. No choice but to turn around and head to my back up spot

Month of VisitAugust

witt

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 28, 2022

Great view, easy access

Stayed here on a Friday evening and didn't see many other folks. There seems to also be a camp spot higher up the road too. It was super windy but the view was worth it.

Month of VisitAugust

hayley L.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 24, 2021

Great view of mt. hood

We stayed here 10/16 in our van. No one came through at all so it was pretty quiet. Large open gravel space with amazing view of Mt. Hood.

Month of VisitOctober

Michael M.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 22, 2021

Great view not much privacy

Great spot! On the side of a cliff in a turnaround spot that has two other roads. No tent camping but there are some spots along the same road. Down the mountain. Not the same view though: No one drove up the road while I was there but there isn’t much privacy, but for sure room for a couple other vans or cars for the night. Even a resemblance of a small fire pit. It rained all night but got to see the base of mt hood even with the clouds. Good spot pack In and pack out!

Month of VisitOctober

Zoe K.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 26, 2020

Love this spot but...

We come here all the time, but are starting to get disgusted by all the trash and human feces left all over the place. I’ve stepped in it. My dogs I’ve rolled and ate it. I’m really over having to clean it off me and myself. BURY YOUR FECES IF YOU ARE DISPERSED CAMPING. Pack out your trash as well. The hillside was COVERED in trash, toilet paper and paper towels from people. It’s disgusting and you are ruining it for everyone else

Jonathan P.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 30, 2020

View of Mt hood b

Multiple campsite locations off of Nat’l Forest Road 1540-640. We stayed in late July of 2020. Temps in the 80’s during the day and 60’s overnight. Nice and quiet spot for dispersed car camping. Great view of Mt Hood.