Dispersed camping sites near Dufur, Oregon spread across elevations ranging from 300 feet in the Columbia River Gorge to over 5,000 feet on Mount Hood's slopes. The terrain consists primarily of pine forests transitioning to oak and grassland on eastern slopes. Camping conditions vary dramatically between riverside locations and mountain sites, with temperature differences exceeding 20°F between low and high elevation campsites during summer months.
What to do
Hike along riverside trails: At Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge, campers can access multiple shoreline paths. "Mount Hood in the distance as to the stunning scenery," notes Steve M., who recommends visiting during less windy conditions for kayaking.
Explore mountain viewpoints: The roads around free camping areas provide excellent sightseeing opportunities. Near NF-3511 @ Mt Hood, "There's a great turnaround point and views on the way up and down," according to Shelby S., who appreciated the solitude, noting "no one drove past me the entire night."
Backpack to alpine meadows: For hikers seeking backcountry experiences, McNeil Point Dispersed Camping offers remarkable alpine terrain. Kennedy F. describes it as "a challenge with the best reward," adding that "the mountain range is unbeatable and waking up to Mt. Hood as your view is incredible."
What campers like
Easy riverside access: Many campers appreciate waterfront sites with minimal setup required. Ann W. noted that Avery Rec Area offers "nice small first come first service sites along the Columbia and free. We had a great spot on the River with beautiful views of Mt. Hood and the Gorge. Great little swimming spot steps from our spot."
Spacious group camping areas: Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF provides excellent options for larger groups. Brendan R. found "a large pull off with several established fire pits. It's absolutely perfect for a group campsite," and noted the accessibility: "The road was very accessible, high clearance not required."
Cellular connectivity: Practical concerns like staying connected matter to many campers. At Trillium Lake Airstrip, Chris J. highlighted that the area "has cell service" while noting it was "one of the cleaner dispersed sites I've seen out here," though it "stays busy during the summer months."
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Some riverside camping locations experience significant train disturbance. At Avery Rec Area, Tavi C. warns: "You don't just have trains passing, you have them blowing their horn multiple times a night, and they are close enough you can feel their vibration."
Seasonal timing impacts: Weather varies dramatically with elevation. At White River West Sno-Park, Mike experienced everything from "lots of rain to sun and also snow" during a 5-night stay, confirming the area is "free to stay from May 1 to October 31."
Site leveling challenges: Many free sites require preparation for comfortable parking. At White River West Sno-Park, Garrett B. noted, "This is a large, paved parking lot with a stream nearby. Has a good view of Mt. Hood and vault toilets, so that's a positive. The downside is that it's not level."
Tips for camping with families
Scout lower-traffic areas: Families often prefer quieter locations with natural boundaries. Sarah S. discovered Pocket Creek Camping, reporting it's "quite from traffic and have only seen 2 dirt bikes drives by" with their camper "backed up right by a little creek" on relatively level ground.
Utilize vault toilets: Families with children benefit from sites with basic facilities. At Trillium Lake Airstrip, B C. noted the area has "plenty of spots, but it can get pretty crowded on weekends" and appreciated that there's "a nice hiking path to Trillium Lake" nearby.
Plan for temperature changes: Mountain camping requires proper gear even in summer. At Forest Rd 2730, Brendan R. warned, "Got a little chilly at night with winds whipping down through the area we were in," despite visiting in early May.
Tips from RVers
Verify access roads: High-clearance requirements vary significantly between free sites. For Bonney Meadows, Heather K. emphasizes, "Make sure you have 4WD and a high clearance rig to get here. The last four miles are an exercise in off road driving and need to be taken slow."
Identify level parking areas: Finding suitable parking surfaces matters for comfortable RV camping. Kathy B. advises that at White River West Sno-Park, you'll find "a Hugh parking lot that you may need to level out in unless you get the furthest upper right corner that is pretty level."
Consider alternate parking strategies: At Elk Cove Trailhead, Todd J. suggests it's an "adorable backup if Kinnikinnick is full" but notes "you'll have to carry your stuff a hundred yards or so to the fire rings" since direct vehicle access to campsites is limited.
