Brightwood camping offers options ranging from tent sites near the Clackamas and Sandy Rivers to luxury glamping accommodations with modern conveniences. Located at approximately 1,200 feet elevation in the western foothills of Mount Hood, the area experiences mild summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during peak camping season. The dense Douglas fir forests provide ample shade for most camping areas, while riverside sites offer water access during warmer months.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Milo McIver State Park features exceptional disc golf facilities with twin 18-hole courses. "Home of the annual Beaver State Fling, a PDGA sanctioned National Tour event, Milo McIver is an excellent host for the international players that come to the Pacific Northwest for a chance to win the tournament," notes a reviewer at Milo McIver State Park.
River access: The Clackamas River provides excellent opportunities for fishing, rafting and swimming. "There is easy water access with a pier for fishing. Within a mile up the road is a marina and boat ramp," according to a camper at Promontory Park.
Winter activities: The Mount Hood area offers year-round recreation. "Using this RV park as a jumping off point, there are endless hiking trails and lakes to paddle and explore in the Mt Hood wilderness. You will never get bored in the Mt Hood area," explains a visitor to Mt Hood Village Resort.
What campers like
Private sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded spaces. "The outer loop sites are quiet, spacious and wooded. They are also very close to a trailhead to nice hikes and the beach," reports a camper at Oxbow Regional Park.
Action sports access: Some camping areas provide unique recreational facilities. "This place is interesting because it's also a youth camp with the public campground towards the back of the space. The campground is in a separate, secure area from the youth camp but campers can use the gym and trampoline that's available for the kids staying at the youth camp," explains a reviewer at Roamer Sites.
Campfire community: Social opportunities enhance the glamping experience near Brightwood. "At night we had a fire with some fellow campers in this centrally located fire area. It was a super fun, kind of communal experience," notes a Roamer Sites visitor.
What you should know
Varying water levels: Lake conditions change seasonally. "When we arrived there in August the 'lake' was more of a river, which was perfect for all the splashing and playing that we wanted to do," mentions a camper at Clear Lake Campground.
Road access limitations: Some campgrounds have restricted access. "Since the site is nearly 100 years old, its off limits for large RVs. I, personal wouldn't bring in much larger then a long van, BUT, there are a few sites that will accommodate an 18ish foot trailer and its short tow vehicle," advises a visitor to Camp Creek Campground.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites book quickly, especially during summer. "Reservations are hard to get we booked at 6am, six months out and felt very lucky to get three spots for our family Campout," reports a camper at Trillium Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Kids' programming: Some campgrounds offer organized activities. "The hosts were welcoming and made sure we were comfortable with our stay. We also got a scavenger hunt with stickers for our toddler," shares a visitor to Promontory Park.
Playground access: Family-friendly amenities vary by location. "There are strict no dogs and no alcohol policies (and lots of rules posted everywhere)... On most weekend it seems to be the kind of place that would cater to families. There are... lots of picnic/day use areas, a beach and lots of nature trails," explains a camper at Oxbow Regional Park.
Family-sized sites: Some campgrounds accommodate larger groups. "This is my second trip to Camp Creek. This time we were able to book a spot next to the water. Probably the largest site I've ever camped on. Even though we maxed out with 6 people and 4 tents, you could easily fit another 5 tents on this site comfortably," notes a visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric options vary throughout the area. "We were in our van so had one of the RV sites with electricity, not one of the canvas tents with platforms. Really great location right at the bottom part of Mt. Hood," shares an RVer at Trillium Lake Campground.
Site accessibility: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger vehicles. "I have a 36' rv and had a little trouble getting my rv into my reserved site, but there are others that have easier access for large rigs," notes a reviewer at Promontory Park.
Internet access: Connectivity varies significantly. "The internet is super fast - I was getting 75mbps up/down when I was in my tent," reports a glamping enthusiast at Roamer Sites, providing a rare technology perk for remote workers seeking glamping in Brightwood, Oregon.
