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Best Dispersed Camping near John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla

18 Reviews

Dispersed camping options near John Day Lock and Dam on Lake Umatilla include several free waterfront sites managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Rufus Landing provides free dry camping with a 7-day limit between April and October. The site features vault toilets on a rock/gravel lot with designated camping areas. Generator use is permitted with consideration for other campers.

Avery Recreation Area offers waterfront dispersed camping along the Columbia River with Mount Hood views. The site includes vault toilets, picnic tables, trash service, and a boat ramp. One camper noted, "Over half the sites are right on the water, while the others are less than 50 feet away." However, multiple reviews warn about train noise, with one visitor reporting, "You have trains blowing their horn multiple times a night, and they are close enough you can feel their vibration." Additional dispersed camping can be found at Three Mile Canyon Park, which provides riverside camping with toilet facilities. Both locations offer convenient access for overnight stops while traveling through the Columbia River Gorge.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla (11)

    1. Rufus Landing

    1 Review
    Wasco, OR
    4 miles

    "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)."

    2. Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge

    11 Reviews
    Wishram, WA
    18 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."

    3. Patterson Slough on Rock Creek

    1 Review
    Cheatham Lock and Dam, OR
    11 miles

    4. Three Mile Canyon Park

    3 Reviews
    Boardman, OR
    35 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
    45 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
    33 miles

    7. White River Crossing

    1 Review
    Tygh Valley, OR
    49 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!"

    8. Morrison Creek

    1 Review
    Trout Lake, WA
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 395-3400

    "Nice flat tent sites, good fire rings, and picnic table. 2 pit toilets and a trailhead."

    9. NF-3511 @ Mt Hood

    1 Review
    Government Camp, OR
    50 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. Dog Creek Falls Camp

    1 Review
    Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, OR
    48 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla

15 Photos of 11 John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla

18 Reviews of 11 John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla 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 John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla

Dispersed camping near John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla 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 views and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for adventurers seeking a more rustic experience.

Scenic Waterfront Spots for Dispersed Campers

  • The Avery Rec Area - Columbia River Gorge provides a picturesque setting right on the shores of the Columbia River, making it an ideal location for those who love waterfront views.
  • Many sites at this area are just steps away from the water, allowing for easy access to swimming and fishing opportunities.
  • While the proximity to train tracks can be a downside, the beautiful scenery and the sight of Mount Hood make it a worthwhile experience for nature lovers.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla in Oregon

  • Consider visiting Morrison Creek, where you can find flat tent sites along the creek, complete with fire rings and picnic tables for a comfortable stay.
  • This area is known for its peaceful environment, especially during the heat of summer, making it a great escape from the hustle and bustle.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities, as there are no trash services available, so plan to pack out what you bring in.

Unique Features of Dispersed Camping in the Region

  • At Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF, you can enjoy fantastic sunset views of Mount Hood while camping in a secluded area that feels far removed from the crowds.
  • This site offers a variety of dispersed camping options, allowing you to choose a spot that suits your needs, whether you prefer to be near the road or deeper in the forest.
  • The lack of amenities like drinking water and toilets means you'll need to come prepared, but the trade-off is a more authentic camping experience in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla is Rufus Landing with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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