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Best Dispersed Camping near Milwaukie, OR

99 Reviews

The forested outskirts of Milwaukie, Oregon provide access to diverse camping experiences within a 90-minute drive radius. Mount Hood National Forest to the east offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities at locations like Trillium Lake Airstrip and White River West Sno-Park, where campers can enjoy mountain views and forest settings. To the west, Tillamook State Forest provides free dispersed camping along forest service roads with varying levels of accessibility. These public lands accommodate both tent and RV camping, though amenities vary significantly from basic vault toilets at sno-parks to completely undeveloped sites in remote forest areas.

Road conditions and seasonal access significantly impact camping options around Milwaukie. Many forest service roads in Tillamook State Forest require high-clearance vehicles, with some campers reporting challenging narrow roads. "Diamond Mill road is a tight logging road with a kinda steep danger zone cliff on this edge," notes one visitor to Tillamook State Forest. Cell service is unreliable in most dispersed camping areas, making offline maps essential. Forest passes are required at many sites, particularly in national forest areas. Weather considerations include heavy rainfall in spring and potential wildfire smoke in late summer, with some areas like Alder Flat having been affected by past wildfires.

Mount Hood viewpoints receive consistently high ratings from campers, with White River West Sno-Park described by one visitor as offering "a commanding view of Mt. Hood" and "well-managed pit toilets." Noise levels vary considerably by location, with Tillamook State Forest sites experiencing "incredibly loud ATV and dirt bike activity" on weekends according to multiple reviews. Popular areas like Mirror Lake require early arrival, as one camper notes: "The first time we tried to camp here all the spots were full, so we don't always count on being able to get a spot." Most dispersed sites lack amenities, requiring visitors to pack in water and pack out waste. Weekday visits typically offer more solitude than weekends, particularly at sites within an hour of Portland.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Milwaukie, Oregon (39)

    1. Gee Creek Rest Area I-5

    1 Review
    Ridgefield, WA
    25 miles

    2. Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed

    14 Reviews
    Carson, WA
    43 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. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    15 Reviews
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 357-2191

    "Accessible through the Jones Creek campground turn off, continue up the forest roads past the OHV staging area and you’re in paradise!"

    "My mistake, these coordinates took us to the top of the mountain. It is currently an active logging area, so the truckers are out at 3am. The road up was a very narrow road."

    4. Snag Creek Trailhead Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Stevenson, WA
    36 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)."

    5. Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    38 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."

    6. White River West Sno-Park

    11 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    47 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. "

    7. Mirror Lake

    7 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    41 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."

    8. Alder Flat

    4 Reviews
    Mt. Hood National Forest, OR
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 630-8700

    "This gorgeous trail and dispersed camp is so unrecognizable from the 2021 fires that there is no turn off. May we remember it’s memories!"

    "Dispersal camping all year."

    9. Trillium Lake Airstrip Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    44 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."

    10. Blue Lake Road by Bridge of the Gods

    4 Reviews
    Stevenson, WA
    37 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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Milwaukie, OR

80 Photos of 39 Milwaukie Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Milwaukie, OR

99 Reviews of 39 Milwaukie Campgrounds

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2022

    Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    Perfect for Overland and off-road vehicle camping

    Accessible through the Jones Creek campground turn off, continue up the forest roads past the OHV staging area and you’re in paradise! Gorgeous spots all over that are accessible in most 4WD/off-road capable vehicles. There is a massive network of forest service roads many with spots to set up your own quiet camp away from all the dirt bikes and RVs. No facilities obviously but that’s what makes this place special. It’s incredibly quiet and peaceful and a gorgeous piece of the PNW coastal area.

  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2025

    Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    GPS takes you to the top!

    My mistake, these coordinates took us to the top of the mountain. It is currently an active logging area, so the truckers are out at 3am. The road up was a very narrow road. So careful if there’s other cars coming through, especially the logging semis.

    Nonetheless a cool spot. Dry camping. Please clean up after yourselves.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.
    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.

  • Ariel & John W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 15, 2020

    Mount Hood National Forest - NF 2656 -Dispersed Camping

    Tons of dispersed in the shadow of Mt Hood

    There are many park campgrounds in the Mt Hood NF but also tons of dispersed camping in the forest.

    We camped off FS 2656 just south of Trillium Lake in August 2020. There are many other locations. Many are separate drives off a forest road but some side of the road spots too. Lake Trillium gets super crowded.

    Download the forest map from Avenza for accurate locations of all the forest roads and trails.

    The Mt Hood NF is amazing, with tons of lakes, creeks, waterfalls and hiking trails as well as great views of Mt Hood.

    No amenities for dispersed locations but you can use nearby campgrounds for water, trash and dump stations.

    There was decent Verizon service when we camped there.

    Would definitely camp here again.

  • Haroon A.
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed

    Little Soda Springs Rd: Washington's Wild Camping Haven

    I love how Vanessa mentioned the creek access from that first campsite! As someone who's been searching for dispersed camping spots with water features, this feels like such a gem. The fact that Forest Service regularly patrols is actually reassuring rather than intrusive- I've been to some dispersed sites that felt a bit too"wild west" if you know what I mean. I've been using offline hiking apps for my trips in the Gifford Pinchot, but I hadn't considered Little Soda Springs until now. That tip about downloading maps beforehand due to no cell service is crucial- learned that lesson the hard way last summer near Mt. Adams! Anyone know if the creek is suitable for filtering drinking water, or should I pack in all I need?

Guide to Milwaukie

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Milwaukie, Oregon, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of locations to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Milwaukie, Oregon

  • Look for spots like Gee Creek Rest Area I-5, which requires no permits and offers easy drive-in access for a hassle-free experience.
  • Consider visiting Alder Flat, where you can enjoy a serene environment, but be prepared for limited amenities like no drinking water or toilets.
  • For a more secluded experience, check out Snag Creek Trailhead Dispersed, which features beautiful river sites but requires a hike-in access.

Scenic spots for dispersed campers

Dispersed campers should check out Alder Flat

  • Alder Flat is known for its scenic hiking trails and the opportunity to explore the surrounding nature, making it a great choice for outdoor activities.
  • This area allows for campfires, so you can enjoy cozy evenings under the stars, but remember to bring your own firewood as it is not provided.
  • With its free camping policy and pet-friendly environment, Alder Flat is perfect for families and friends looking to enjoy a weekend getaway in the wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any BLM land for camping near Milwaukie?

There isn't significant BLM land immediately around Milwaukie for dispersed camping. However, Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping offers a free alternative on state forest land about an hour west. Access points include the Jones Creek campground turnoff, where you can continue up forest roads past the OHV staging area to find numerous camping spots. For national forest options instead of BLM, Historic Clackamas Ranger Station - Dispersed Camping in Mt. Hood National Forest provides roadside dispersed camping opportunities. When choosing any dispersed site, check current regulations as they may change seasonally, and always practice Leave No Trace principles.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Milwaukie, Oregon?

While Milwaukie itself is an urban area with limited camping options, you'll find excellent free dispersed camping within 1-2 hours in Mount Hood National Forest. Mount Hood National Forest - NF 2656 -Dispersed Camping offers numerous free sites, particularly around Trillium Lake, with separate pull-offs from forest roads. For another option, Trillium Lake Airstrip Dispersed provides multiple dispersed sites with spectacular views of Mt. Hood. Remember that all dispersed camping requires you to pack out everything you bring in, and no amenities are provided. Most sites are first-come, first-served, so arriving mid-week or early in the day increases your chances of securing a spot, especially during summer months.

What vehicle requirements are needed for dispersed car camping around Milwaukie?

Vehicle requirements for dispersed camping near Milwaukie vary by location. At pinnacle Ridge dispersed camping near Laurence Lake, the roads are well-maintained and suitable for vans and roof-top tent setups without special vehicle modifications. However, for more remote areas like Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed, standard clearance vehicles can typically access the main sites, though a short hike might be required to reach some spots. For areas deeper in Tillamook State Forest, 4WD/off-road capable vehicles are recommended as forest service roads can become rough, especially after rain. Always check recent road conditions before heading out, carry a spare tire, and be prepared for potentially challenging road surfaces that may change seasonally.

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