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Best Dispersed Camping near Cheatham Lock and Dam

18 Reviews

Several free dispersed camping options exist along the Columbia River corridor near Cheatham Lock and Dam. Avery Recreation Area provides waterfront camping with views of Mount Hood, featuring vault toilets, picnic tables, and a boat ramp. The site accommodates both tents and RVs in a gravel lot setting. Visitors should be aware of the proximity to railroad tracks. As one camper noted, "Trains will come every hour and tracks are close to sites. They are seriously loud with the train blaring its horn."

Rufus Landing offers another free option allowing up to 7 days of boondocking in a 30-day period between April and October. Basic toilet facilities are available at this riverside location. Three Mile Canyon Park provides Columbia River access with toilet facilities but limited amenities. For those seeking more remote forest camping, Forest Road 2730 in Mount Hood National Forest offers several pull-off sites with established fire rings and mountain views. A visitor mentioned these spots are "perfect for vans and RTT camping" with some sites featuring "incredible views of Mount Hood."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Cheatham Lock and Dam (14)

    1. Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge

    11 Reviews
    Wishram, WA
    15 miles
    Website

    "There’s a pit toilet, and a garbage dumpster on-site. Over half the “sites” are right on the water, while the others are less than 50 feet away."

    "This is Army Corps of Engineers recreation site with dispersed camping, vault toilets and a boat ramp. First come first served, $0 and you can stay up to seven days."

    2. Rufus Landing

    1 Review
    Wasco, OR
    1 mile

    "Up to 7 days allowed in a 30 day period for free boondock/dry campingbetween April 1 and October 31. Open camping rock/gravel lot in designated areas. 1 pair of toilets available (His/Hers)."

    3. Patterson Slough on Rock Creek

    1 Review
    Cheatham Lock and Dam, OR
    13 miles

    4. Three Mile Canyon Park

    3 Reviews
    Boardman, OR
    38 miles

    "We were able to back in and view the Columbia river from our dinette window."

    "The location and convenience is practically unbeatable. Does seem like a hotspot for people though, had to ask a group to turn down the music when trying to go to bed, which they did kindly."

    5. Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF

    5 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 668-1700

    "Took a while to discover this spot, but clearly seems well used for dispersed camping. I parked nearest the access road, as my van would have hit trees to go a little further in."

    "The road was very accessible, high clearance not required. We found a large pull off with several established fire pits. It's absolutely perfect for a group campsite."

    6. Outlet Creek by Mill Pond

    Be the first to review!
    Klickitat, WA
    32 miles

    7. Elk Cove Trailhead

    1 Review
    Government Camp, OR
    49 miles
    Website

    "There are 2-3 fire rings to either side of the parking area at Elk Cove Trailhead."

    8. pinnacle Ridge dispersed camping

    1 Review
    Government Camp, OR
    49 miles

    "Free dispersed camping near Laurence Lake and Pinnacle Ridge trailhead. Road is well maintained. Perfect for vans and RTT camping. Some pull offs have incredible views of Mount Hood Views."

    9. NF-3511 @ Mt Hood

    1 Review
    Government Camp, OR
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 352-6002

    "While you can't see the mountain from the site itself.There's a great turnaround point and views on the way up and down!"

    10. White River Crossing

    1 Review
    Tygh Valley, OR
    47 miles

    "Access Road in is super steep and rocky. Would not recommend coming out anytime other than summer! Nice place to sit and dip your toes when it's hot though!"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Cheatham Lock and Dam

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cheatham Lock and Dam

18 Reviews of 14 Cheatham Lock and Dam Campgrounds

  • Jason B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2024

    Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF

    Great/Quiet Spot

    Took a while to discover this spot, but clearly seems well used for dispersed camping. I parked nearest the access road, as my van would have hit trees to go a little further in. For smaller vehicles (e.g. roof top tents), you can get in a little further and off the access road. There was actually someone else back there, and we can't hear nor see each other.

  • Brendan R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 11, 2025

    Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF

    Great Area to Camp and Relax!

    There are several places along FR 2730 where you can pull off and camp. The road was very accessible, high clearance not required. We found a large pull off with several established fire pits. It's absolutely perfect for a group campsite. I imagine it will be a busier spot in the summer, but we couldn't find a single other person within miles of us in early May. To get up to the group camp site, you may need higher clearance (most SUVs should be fine) and 4wd/AWD, as there is a short rocky section that might cause some issues for FWD/RWD.

    Got a little chilly at night with winds whipping down through the area we were in, but overall very peaceful. You can see Mt Hood from the campsite through the trees, albeit it is decently far away and is subject to the visibility at the time you visit. We were able to see Mt Hood just before sunset, but couldn't see her at all the following morning.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2020

    Morrison Creek

    Mount Adams refuge

    Came during heatwave in August, scored one of 2 sites right on the creek, and had the place all to ourselves. Nice flat tent sites, good fire rings, and picnic table. 2 pit toilets and a trailhead.

  • Evan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2024

    Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge

    If there wasn’t a train and if the sites were more private, this would be a 5!

    Great spot right on the shores of the Columbia River. There’s a pit toilet, and a garbage dumpster on-site. Over half the “sites” are right on the water, while the others are less than 50 feet away.

    It is just a big gravel parking lot, so don’t expect any privacy, but it’s still a great spot with Mount Hood visible down the river.

    There are train tracks and a controlled crossing right beside the campground, which means it’s loud - and even through the night, trains do blow their horns at this crossing. I’m not a light sleeper, but it even woke me up a handful of times through the night.

    Aside from that, this spot is pretty fantastic though!

  • Shelby S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 15, 2024

    NF-3511 @ Mt Hood

    Great views on the drive up

    While you can't see the mountain from the site itself.There's a great turnaround point and views on the way up and down! Past a few vans pulled over on the way up, But no one drove past me the entire night

  • Marasha L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF

    Quiet and peaceful

    Perfect to boondock and have space to yourself with excellent views and hiking. Love this spot.

  • Alex P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2020

    Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge

    Nice river location

    This was very pretty, down the road from some wineries, and right on the river. Only thing was that the recreation area had a sign that said it was closed for camping and only usable for day use because of covid. There seemed to be some people possibly camping, but I hate to break the rules so we left. There was another road that took you down along the train tracks to a tree lined area, on the river, but we weren’t sure if it counted as the day use only. Very pretty, and lovely views, just be aware and mindful of covid closures, would hate to direct someone to the wrong area!

  • S
    May. 6, 2022

    Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge

    Beautiful site on Columbia River

    This is Army Corps of Engineers recreation site with dispersed camping, vault toilets and a boat ramp. First come first served, $0 and you can stay up to seven days. I have a view of Mount Hood and am parked facing the river.

    The downside? Very close to the railroad tracks and there are a lot of trains, mostly during the day. There is also a lot of truck traffic during the day. It doesn’t bother me, but your mileage may vary.

Guide to Cheatham Lock and Dam

Dispersed camping near Cheatham Lock and Dam in Oregon offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for adventurous spirits.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Cheatham Lock and Dam in Oregon

  • Many dispersed camping spots, like Avery Rec Area - Columbia River Gorge, are free and provide beautiful views of the Columbia River, making them ideal for those looking to save on camping fees.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, at the Avery Rec Area, there are no drinking water or electric hookups available, so bringing your own supplies is essential.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially during peak seasons, as many areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Scenic waterfront spots for dispersed campers

  • The Patterson Slough on Rock Creek offers a serene environment with easy access to water activities, perfect for those who enjoy fishing or kayaking.
  • Campers at Morrison Creek can enjoy picturesque views and the soothing sounds of the creek, making it a great choice for relaxation and nature photography.
  • For those seeking a more secluded experience, Dog Creek Falls Camp provides a tranquil setting, although it's important to be aware of the nearby encampments.

Dispersed campers should check out the Columbia River Gorge

  • The Avery Rec Area - Columbia River Gorge is a must-visit for its stunning views of Mount Hood and the river, making it a prime location for both relaxation and adventure.
  • With its proximity to wineries and hiking trails, the area around Morrison Creek offers a perfect blend of outdoor activities and local attractions.
  • Campers at Elk Cove Trailhead can enjoy a beautiful, secluded spot that serves as a great backup if nearby campgrounds are full, providing access to hiking trails and stunning natural scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cheatham Lock and Dam?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cheatham Lock and Dam is Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge with a 3.5-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cheatham Lock and Dam?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Cheatham Lock and Dam, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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