Tent camping near Brightwood, Oregon offers primitive backcountry experiences at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 4,500 feet in the western foothills of Mount Hood. Many campsites require hiking through old-growth forest with moderate elevation gain, especially those around alpine lakes. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day but can drop to 40-50°F at night, even in July and August.
What to do
Lake swimming and fishing: At Meditation Point Campground, campers can access Timothy Lake for water activities. One camper noted, "We took our inflatable kayak. Trail was well maintained as well as the campsites," though they warned about "small pieces of broken glass and melted aluminum in the beachy area, so be sure to wear water shoes!"
Mountain hiking: From Devil's Peak Lookout, you'll find spectacular views after a significant 3,000-foot climb. A visitor reported, "A 3000ft hike to get to this old fire lookout. It's first come first served and sleeps maybe 4 inside."
Stargazing: Forest roads with higher elevations provide exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. At Cloud Cap Saddle, campers report "the stars up there are incredible," though you'll need "4-wheel drive and a high clearance vehicle" to reach this remote tent camping area.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Kinzel Lake Campground, primitive campsites offer seclusion from crowds. One camper mentioned, "This is one of my favorite places to camp near Mount Hood. The road leading into the campgrounds is primitive and just challenging enough to keep most folks away."
Natural water features: The 39 Rd Dispersed Site provides streamside camping with minimal development. A camper described it as a "Nice spot up road 39 with lots of spots to pull off and park or set up a tent. Primitive camping right next to the stream and with comfortable spots."
Forest canopy: Burnt Lake campsites sit beneath thick forest cover. According to a visitor, "There are multiple numbered sites around the lake. Once the trailhead pops you onto the water, you can either go east or west around the lake. Spots are marked with wooden numbered posts."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many dispersed camping areas require challenging drives. For Cast Lake, "You will need to look up trails starting from either Lolo Pass or fire road #27 off hwy 26" and should prepare for "bare bones" facilities with "no water other than from the lake."
Camping permits: Several areas require Northwest Forest Passes or other permits displayed on vehicles. A visitor to Burnt Lake warned, "Parking can get tight, so plan to arrive early, and don't forget to display your permit."
Seasonal bugs: Insect activity peaks from June through August. A Cast Lake camper mentioned, "During mid summer be ready for skeeters," referring to mosquitoes that are particularly active around lakes and streams.
Cell service: Connectivity varies dramatically across the region. At 39 Rd Dispersed Site, a camper reported "Great cell service which is a plus," while others noted complete dead zones at higher elevations.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly backpacking: Alpine offers accessible tent camping for families new to outdoor recreation. A visitor reported their site was "really private, enough for multiple tents and a hammock, and it had a big picnic table as well as a fire pit."
Swimming opportunities: Timothy Lake provides safe swimming areas for children. A camper at Meditation Point noted their site was "situated in a little cove and has a beachy area for playing in the water or launching water craft."
Pit toilet availability: Not all sites have facilities, so know before you go. At NF2656 dispersed camping, there are no toilets, while Alpine offers "one pit toilet" according to a recent visitor who called it "perfect for an impromptu night of camping!"
Multiple-tent sites: Groups with children need extra space. At NF2656 dispersed camping near Trillium Lake, a camper noted the larger site "will accommodate four people" while another mentioned "the second site could easily fit 3 or 4 tents and has plenty of additional space for parking, kitchen set-up, etc."
Tips from RVers
High-clearance access: Many forest roads leading to tent camping areas near Brightwood require appropriate vehicles. A Kinzel Lake visitor noted, "Pretty bumpy road all the way there and some deep dips. It was a beautiful site and not many people out there."
Dispersed RV options: Barlow Trail offers limited RV camping opportunities. One camper reported, "The campsite was clean and relatively level. However bring an extra block for your tongue jack," adding that "there is absolutely no T-Mobile cellular internet service."
Off-season accessibility: Most higher-elevation sites close by October. An Alpine camper noted they "lucked out with the last site (#3) on the last day it's technically open (Labor Day)," indicating the short season for many Mount Hood National Forest campgrounds.
