Best Dispersed Camping near Gresham, OR

Multiple dispersed camping opportunities exist around Mount Hood National Forest and Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Gresham, Oregon. The region features several free camping areas including Little Soda Springs Road Dispersed, Canyon Creek Dispersed, White River West Sno-Park, and Trillium Lake Airstrip Dispersed. These primitive sites typically have minimal or no amenities, making them ideal for self-sufficient campers seeking wilderness experiences. Most locations are situated on U.S. Forest Service land where standard dispersed camping regulations apply.

Road quality varies significantly between locations, with many sites requiring careful navigation on unpaved forest service roads. Several areas, such as Bonney Meadows, specifically require high-clearance 4WD vehicles, as noted in user experiences: "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." Many dispersed sites have no drinking water, restrooms, or trash facilities. Fire restrictions are common during summer months, and campers should check current conditions before travel. The standard 14-day camping limit applies in most national forest areas.

These dispersed sites provide excellent access to hiking trails, mountain views, and recreational opportunities. Many locations offer solitude even during peak season, though accessibility varies with weather conditions and seasonal closures. One visitor remarked, "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." Cell service is limited or nonexistent in most areas, particularly in deeper forest locations. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, and campers frequently report spectacular views of Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, and other Cascade peaks when camping at higher elevations. Most sites have established fire rings, though firewood collection policies vary by location.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Gresham, Oregon (52)

    1. Snag Creek Trailhead Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Stevenson, WA
    26 miles
    Website

    "I wanted to add videos of the river sites to my other review for this site, but the website wouldn't let me - anyway, the hike has 3 river sites about 1 mile in from the trailhead and they are beautiful"

    "We wanted a beginner backpacking trip (10 to 12 miles round trip) close to town - this one is a pretty hike with views at the end (theoretically, we saw fog)."

    2. Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed

    14 Reviews
    Carson, WA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 891-5000

    "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."

    "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."

    3. Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 891-5000

    "Found in typical condition. Please pick up after yourself. Many sites out here. Camped on a week day. One other camper out here. No traffic on road. Like others said road getting in sucks."

    "Road got a little bumpy getting out here but once we found a spot right near the riverbank, you felt like you were deep in it. Saw a few people on the way out."

    5. Blue Lake Road by Bridge of the Gods

    4 Reviews
    Stevenson, WA
    27 miles

    "I only spent a night since it was close to a hike I was doing in the morning, but it was a solid spot. A bunch of spots in the woods, lots seem to have privacy."

    6. Mirror Lake

    7 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 622-5622

    "There are several backpacking campsites that are on the water, there is nothing more beautiful than watching the sunrise over the lake with Mt.Hood in the background."

    "It's best to come up with a couple backup plans as this is a popular spot! The hike in off the road isn't difficult, and the tent sites are all situated relatively close to the trail."

    7. White River West Sno-Park

    12 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 668-1700

    "Incredible access to back country hiking at Mt. Hood!"

    "Tucked our trailers up in the far corner with a commanding view of Mt. Hood!  Well, not much view the first smokey day, but it cleared up nicely after a wind shift the following day. "

    8. Trillium Lake Airstrip Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    37 miles
    Website

    "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"

    "Nice forest service camping area. There are plenty of spots, but it can get pretty crowded on weekends. There is a beautiful view of Mt. Hood down the road and a nice hiking path to Trillium Lake."

    9. Panther Creek Creekside Camp

    5 Reviews
    Carson, WA
    35 miles

    "Lots of turnouts along the road with river accesses just steps away ! Definitely recommend!"

    "Man I'm glad I did This is one of the best dispersed camp sites I've ever stayed at!!"

    10. McNeil Point Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    34 miles
    Website

    "Dispersed camping at McNeil point is a backpackers dream — you get to hike far into the clouds, far away from the people, yet this location is nearly as convenient as car camping. "

    "I started at the Top Spur trailhead and hiked the clockwise route up to McNeil (a little longer but saved be the scramble through rocks)."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Gresham, OR

107 Reviews of 52 Gresham 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.

  • 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

  • Kevin L.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Aug. 9, 2020

    Kevin's Mt Hood OG

    Dispersed Camping - Get away from it all

    This is a dispersed camping spot in the Mt.Hood National Forest that is free --- from both campground payment and people. It's an old forest road off the main gravel road that has been blockaded and closed down, giving you a wide open area that gets sun, mixed with good tree coverage from the wind. 

    The spot is flat and great for an RV, van or trailer. It's just a 100 meters off the main gravel road where the old forest road is dug out/blockaded from cars getting through. 

    We parked and camped right there. Or, if you want even more solitude, park at the blockade and walk 3/4 of a mile to the end of the forest road strip for some tent camping. Not sure if that is needed as I think we only heard/saw a few car drive by the entire time (on a beautiful August weekend). 

    Love this place. Happy to share it with others. If you are looking for some dispersed camping in the summer that's not a far drive from Portland, this spot is for you. If it's full, there are a half dozen to a dozen other dispersed camping spots along this gravel road between Frog Lake Campground and Clear Creek Crossing Campground. Enjoy.

  • Johny B.
    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 Gresham

Primitive camping near Gresham, Oregon presents options at elevations ranging from 700 to 4,500 feet in surrounding national forests. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-85°F depending on elevation, with cooler nights even during warm weather periods. Most dispersed sites in this region require visitors to navigate forest service roads that often become muddy or rutted after rainfall.

What to do

Creekside exploration: At Panther Creek Creekside Camp, visitors can enjoy shallow water access with several secluded spots. "Ice cold creek, towering trees. Seemed to be lots of sites off the road to pick from," notes one camper who appreciated the immersive forest experience despite having no cell service.

Alpine hiking: From McNeil Point Dispersed Camping, backpackers can access stunning high-elevation routes. "We left Portland at 2 pm on a summer Friday, hiked in the four miles most of the way to McNeil, pitched the tent in time for dinner and sunset, then got up early and summited McNeil far before the summer crowds from town had time to make it to the trail head," shares a visitor who valued the accessibility.

Wildlife observation: Early mornings at dispersed sites offer opportunities for deer, elk and bird watching. "Not too far from the nearest town but you will feel totally immersed out here," reports a Panther Creek visitor who enjoyed the combination of isolation and accessibility.

What campers like

Snow-season access: Winter camping offers solitude at higher elevations. "Went snowshoe backpacking up to McNeil Point this weekend and camped and showshoe-d around the area for a few days. This area is extremely popular in summer and is along the Timberline Trail, but during our Late May excursion there was still tons of snow and only saw a few people in the 3 days we were up there," reports one winter visitor.

Mountain vistas: White River West Sno-Park provides direct views of Mt. Hood without hiking. "We thought we'd try this out with some friends. Tucked our trailers up in the far corner with a commanding view of Mt. Hood! Well, not much view the first smokey day, but it cleared up nicely after a wind shift the following day," mentions a reviewer who stayed multiple nights.

Stream proximity: Many sites offer direct water access for cooling off. "Nice site. Found in typical condition. Please pick up after yourself. Many sites out here. The site I picked had a trail down to the creek that was nice," reports a camper at Canyon Creek, highlighting the importance of leave-no-trace practices.

What you should know

Vehicle requirements: Some roads demand high-clearance vehicles. At Canyon Creek Dispersed, "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," warns one camper about navigation challenges.

Site conditions: Campers must check conditions before departure. "The site was great honestly, nice flat pads for tents, plenty of room for a trailer if you're brave enough to bring it down about 5 miles of rough rough gravel road," notes a Canyon Creek visitor about access challenges.

Seasonal changes: Spring conditions can alter accessibility dramatically. "Stayed 5 nights, had all types of weather on our stay, from lots of rain to sun and also snow," reports a White River West Sno-Park camper who experienced rapidly changing mountain weather patterns.

Tips for camping with families

Easy access options: Trillium Lake Airstrip Dispersed provides simpler access for family camping. "For a free place to stay it sure beats a parking lot. Lots of trees, large spaces but lots of rain in May," shares a camper who appreciated the natural setting despite weather challenges.

Bathroom facilities: Select sites with vault toilets for family convenience. "Big paved lot with really well managed pit toilets. Short walk takes you to the White River, which was more of a creek when we were there," notes a White River West visitor about amenities that can make family camping more comfortable.

Recreation proximity: Position camps near water features for children's activities. "Accidentally stumbled upon this site after visiting Trillium Lake. There were lots of spots, but this is a very exposed campground," mentions a camper who found the lack of privacy balanced by the recreational opportunities.

Tips from RVers

Leveling challenges: Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed provides options for various RV sizes. "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," notes a camper who found the location suitable for their needs.

Space considerations: White River West Sno-Park accommodates larger vehicles despite sloping terrain. "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. Trailers shouldn't have a problem, but even with several blocks under our tires, our 39ft Class A was still un-level," cautions an RVer about specific challenges.

Forest road navigation: Check reports of road conditions before taking large vehicles to remote sites. "Road got a little bumpy getting out here but once we found a spot right near the riverbank, you felt like you were deep in it," remarks a Canyon Creek visitor about the access trade-offs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is free camping available near Gresham and Portland areas?

Yes, free camping is available near Gresham and Portland within national forest boundaries. Historic Clackamas Ranger Station - Dispersed Camping offers roadside dispersed camping opportunities when seasonal campgrounds around Timothy Lake close. Pinnacle Ridge dispersed camping provides free sites near Laurence Lake with incredible Mount Hood views and well-established fire rings. The roads are generally well-maintained, making these areas suitable for vans and roof-top tent camping. Remember that free dispersed camping typically allows a 14-day stay limit. Always practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash and waste, and be aware that these areas don't have services like trash collection or restrooms.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Gresham, Oregon?

Several dispersed camping options exist near Gresham in Mt. Hood National Forest. Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF offers multiple pull-off spots with established fire pits and is accessible without high clearance vehicles. The road has several places to camp with some larger areas perfect for group camping. Another excellent option is Trillium Lake Airstrip Dispersed, which provides multiple dispersed spots with views of Mt. Hood. These areas fill up on holiday weekends but typically have availability, especially if you arrive on weekdays. When searching for dispersed sites, look for established pull-offs with fire rings, and remember to check forest service road conditions before heading out, especially in shoulder seasons.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites around Gresham?

Dispersed camping sites around Gresham typically offer very minimal to no amenities - they're truly dry camping experiences. At Bonney Meadows, you'll find six first-come, first-serve sites but no developed facilities. The area requires 4WD and high clearance vehicles to access. Similarly, Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed provides natural settings with access to a creek but no formal amenities. When dispersed camping, you should plan to be completely self-sufficient: bring all necessary water, pack out all waste, and be prepared for no toilets, garbage service, or hookups. Many sites do have established fire rings, but always check current fire restrictions before your trip and bring a portable toilet solution for proper waste management.