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Best Dispersed Camping near Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

125 Reviews

Gifford Pinchot National Forest provides numerous dispersed camping opportunities near the Columbia River Gorge, with sites spanning both Washington and Oregon sides. Most sites require Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass, and Forest Service personnel regularly patrol these areas. Little Soda Springs Road offers 2-3 drive-in sites and additional walk-in spots near Trapper Creek, with easy creek access but no cell service. Panther Creek area features secluded riverside sites with privacy between spots. A visitor noted, "Lots of turnouts along the road with river accesses just steps away."

Several dispersed sites are located near notable features, including camping above Panther Creek Falls where the sound of rushing water creates a peaceful atmosphere. Top 'O the Mountain in Oregon provides elevated sites with panoramic views of Mt. Hood. Most areas lack amenities - no drinking water, electricity, or trash service. While some locations have vault toilets, visitors should pack out waste and come prepared with adequate supplies. Some sites present access challenges, with Blue Lake Road receiving mixed reviews due to reported permanent residents and restricted areas. A camper advised, "The last two miles are brutal on low-clearance vehicles."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (61)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

80 Photos of 61 Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

125 Reviews of 61 Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Campgrounds

  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 29, 2025

    Trillium Lake Airstrip Dispersed

    Win for Memorial Day weekend!

    Surprised we were able to snag a spot here on Memorial Day weekend! Drove in Sunday evening. Quite a few dispersed spots, kinda close to one another- everyone was respectful. The road behind this gets a great view of Mt. Hood!!

    No amenities. Dry camping!

    PACK IT OUT

  • Mark F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2021

    Historic Clackamas Ranger Station - Dispersed Camping - Roadside

    Convenient, free roadside site near trails, lakes, & meadow in Mt Hood NF

    I was running in an ultramarathon race in September in the Mt Hood National Forest and all of the local campgrounds managed by PGE around Timothy Lake were closed due to the end of the season.  I was able to use map layers in The Dyrt PRO to identify where I was within National Forest boundaries and was able to confirm with local officials that I was in a free, dispersed camping zone. So, using the map layers and the search function on The Dyrt I looked for an area near the race start at the Historic Clackamas Ranger Station to park my RV for a 2 night off-grid stay.  The location was a wide gravel area on the side of the road that allowed for enough space to park, put out my awning, set up some chairs and a propane fire pit (no live campfires - propane only) while being within a few hundred yards of the Ranger Station.  There was room to walk along the road on the shoulder and you are very close walk to the Historic Clackamas Ranger Cabin with a beautiful meadow view, the Joe Graham Horse Camp, and just a couple of mile drive from Timothy Lake.  Clackamas Lake Campground was nearby as well with many accessible miles of hikable trails, including access to the Pacific Crest Trail, for hikers of all levels. There was some smoke from local wildfires but that went away as the fall rains arrived that weekend.  If you are looking for a place to park your RV near all of these amazing views and experiences this free, dispersed camping site worked great for me and my family for a couple of nights.

  • Kevin W.
    Aug. 20, 2024

    McBride Lake NF-81 Dispersed

    Lots of shade, very private and trailer friendly.

    I have camped here twice now, once during a scouting trip in 2016 with my boys and again in September 2024 with just me and my dog :).  I could pull my 17' pop-up "A" frame trailer and back into one of the two spots with no problem.  Due to the narrow road, it may be a bit more snug with bigger rigs (25+ feet long and anything more than 8+ feet wide).  I would scout the road and area before committing; however, there is a turnaround that you could use to maneuver the trailer to drive out.  It's plenty big to accommodate a few trucks/cars and one, maybe two towable trailers.  If you're going tent camping, there are about four flat places for tents.  The area has no trails, so you would not have to worry about people wandering into the campsite. The Ape Caves is a small drive away. The town of Cougar, WA. is about 10 miles away if you need gas or food.  There is a lot of shade, and it is not solar-friendly.  The main road is about 100 feet away, relatively quiet, and very private.  There was a large rock fire pit in the middle. There is no cell phone reception; however, if you drive East for a few miles, you may be able to get 2 bars with Verizon.

    Per the state website, "On the southwest side of Mount St. Helens, Forest Road 81 provides an experience away from crowds. On this road, access Kalama Horse Camp, Red Rock Pass, and Forest Road 830, the road to Climber's Bivouac, and the start of the summer climbing route. From the west, the road begins on Forest Road 90, near Cougar, WA, and travels through private timberlands and state lands before entering Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The road connects with Forest Road 83 on its east side. While mostly paved, be prepared for several miles of gravel(between Forest Road 830 and 8123) and a road that is sometimes very rough."

  • Vanessa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping

    You may get lost

    The coordinates here were incorrect coming from Hood River Oregon. It sent me down a rough dead end forest service road. I ended up lost on the mountain for 3 hours and finally made it out somewhere near camas. Make sure you have lots of fuel

  • 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.

  • Anime W.
    Nov. 7, 2025

    Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed

    Little Soda Springs Rd: A Real-Life

     Anime Witcher Adventure Little Soda Springs Road is a peaceful camping spot with creek access and regular Forest Service patrols for safety. Like an Anime Witcher journey, it offers calm nature, mystery, and freedom away from the city. Remember to download maps before your trip and bring clean water or a filter—there’s no cell service, just pure wilderness.

  • 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.

  • Vanessa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 11, 2025

    Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed

    Amazing spot!

    Absolutely loved the spot. There were about three sites. I believe from what I saw. I stayed at the first site when you first get there back there on the right hand side. It's a short hike down to the creek. It looks like there might be two walk-in campsites as well and I believe there might be one if you walk across the Creek. It's very close to trapper Creek trailhead and there is a vault toilet there. Minimal bugs didn't get any bug bites and it was in the '90s while I was there. Very little traffic. Not far from the highway just in case of emergencies. Absolutely no cell service. You must have a Northwest Forest pass or America the beautiful pass. Forest service does drive through there frequently to check

  • Johny B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2025

    Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed

    Peaceful and Scenic Getaway

    Spent a quiet weekend at Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed and loved it. The area is peaceful with a nice mix of forest and open space—felt super remote with hardly anyone else around. We found a great shady spot not far from a small creek, and it was perfect for relaxing. Heads up: there’s absolutely no cell service, so make sure to download any maps or trail guides(we used an offline hiking APK) before you get there. It’s close to Mount St. Helens and Columbia River Gorge, so we got in a great day hike. Nights were cool, days were warm and bug-free. Forest service came by once, which was nice to see. You’ll need a Forest Pass.

Guide to Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Dispersed camping near the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning views and a variety of terrains, these spots are perfect for those seeking adventure and solitude.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Oregon

  • McNeil Point Dispersed Camping is a fantastic choice for those looking to enjoy breathtaking sunsets and the majestic view of Mt. Hood right from their campsite.
  • When heading to Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls, be prepared for a bit of a hike to find the best spots, as they are located away from the main attractions.
  • Elk Cove Trailhead provides a secluded area with fire rings, making it an ideal backup if nearby campgrounds are full.

Enjoying scenic hikes while free camping near Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

  • The Timberline Trail leads you to McNeil Point, where you can experience a variety of terrains and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  • For a quick and beautiful hike, the trail to Panther Creek Falls is just across the road from the dispersed camping area, offering picturesque scenery along the way.
  • Big Huckleberry Mountain is accessible via the Pacific Crest Trail, providing hikers with incredible views of both Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood.

Dispersed campers should check out the hidden gems in the area

  • Panther Creek Creekside Camp is a well-reviewed spot that offers privacy and the soothing sounds of rushing water, perfect for a peaceful getaway.
  • Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed is known for its easy access and multiple camping spots along the river, making it a great choice for those who enjoy fishing or relaxing by the water.
  • NF-3511 @ Mt Hood is a convenient site that allows for both drive-in and walk-in access, providing a great base for exploring the surrounding natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area?

Dispersed camping in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is primarily available in the surrounding national forests. Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping offers sites on the Washington side, though be careful with navigation as forest service roads can be confusing. On the Oregon side, Mount Hood National Forest - NF 2656 -Dispersed Camping provides opportunities with established fire rings and pull-offs. For the best spots, explore forest service roads that branch off Highway 14 on the Washington side and Highway 30 on the Oregon side. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for accessing many of these areas, especially after leaving main roads.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in the Columbia River Gorge?

Dispersed camping regulations in the Columbia River Gorge require campers to follow Leave No Trace principles. At Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF, you must use established fire pits only and pack out all trash. Most areas limit stays to 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period. Camping is only permitted on National Forest land, not in the designated Scenic Area corridors. Bonney Meadows and similar sites often require high-clearance vehicles for access. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, so always check current regulations before your trip. Camping is prohibited within 100 feet of water sources, and human waste must be buried at least 6 inches deep and 200 feet from water.

Is free camping available along the Columbia River Gorge?

Yes, free camping is available along the Columbia River Gorge in designated dispersed areas within national forests. Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed offers peaceful, free sites with creek access. Similarly, Pinnacle Ridge dispersed camping provides free options near Laurence Lake with established fire rings and stunning Mount Hood views. These areas typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system or fees. Most dispersed sites lack amenities like toilets, potable water, or garbage service, so come prepared to be self-sufficient. During peak summer weekends, arrive early to secure a spot as popular free areas fill quickly, especially those with good road access.

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