Best Dispersed Camping near Moro, OR

Dispersed camping near Moro, Oregon includes several primitive sites on public land, primarily along the Columbia River and in the Mount Hood National Forest. Free camping options include Avery Recreation Area on the Columbia River in Washington, White River Crossing, and multiple forest road pull-offs like Forest Road 2730 in Mount Hood National Forest. These areas typically require no permits and allow stays up to seven days at Avery Recreation Area, with standard 14-day limits likely applying at other locations on forest service land.

Access varies significantly between sites, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles or 4WD. Forest Road 2730 in Mount Hood National Forest has accessible conditions where most vehicles can navigate, while White River Crossing demands 4WD and high clearance on "super steep and rocky" terrain. Bonney Meadows, though technically a campground, functions more as a primitive camping area with challenging access. As one visitor noted, "The last four miles are an exercise in off-road driving and need to be taken slow." Most sites lack drinking water, designated camping pads, and hookups, with vault toilets available at some locations like Avery Recreation Area and Three Mile Canyon Park.

These primitive camping areas provide varied experiences depending on location. The Columbia River sites offer waterfront camping with mountain views but come with notable noise challenges. According to visitors at Avery Recreation Area, "Trains will come every hour and tracks are close to sites" with horns blowing through the night. Sites in Mount Hood National Forest provide more seclusion and quiet. A camper at Forest Road 2730 reported, "I parked nearest the access road, as my van would have hit trees to go a little further in. For smaller vehicles, you can get in a little further and off the access road." Many forest sites offer seasonal views of Mount Hood, though they may be inaccessible during winter months due to snow. Most dispersed sites in the region have established fire rings, though fire restrictions often apply during dry summer months.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Moro, Oregon (17)

    1. Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge

    10 Reviews
    Wishram, WA
    19 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."

    2. Patterson Slough on Rock Creek

    1 Review
    Cheatham Lock and Dam, WA
    21 miles

    3. Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF

    4 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    37 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."

    4. 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. "

    5. Bonney Meadows

    6 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 467-2291

    $10 / night

    "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."

    "You’ll want a 4wd or high clearance vehicle to access the last 4 miles. It’s worth it in the end. The meadow is beautiful and a nice view of Mt Hood."

    6. White River Crossing

    1 Review
    Tygh Valley, OR
    36 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!"

    7. Three Mile Canyon Park

    3 Reviews
    Boardman, OR
    43 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."

    8. McNeil Point Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    50 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)."

    9. Kevin's Mt Hood OG

    3 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 352-6002

    "This is a dispersed camping spot in the Mt.Hood National Forest that is free --- from both campground payment and people."

    "Quiet dispersed camping with a few options along NF-2610. Had 4 cars pass by camp in 3 days. Lots of old logging trails to explore on foot. A little buggy but more flies than ‘squitos."

    10. Dispersed Site - End of NF 4800-532

    2 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    46 miles

    "Was only there for a night, but no complaints for a free dispersed spot!"

    "Access to a stream down the hill if you need to filter water, and it sounds very pleasant at night."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Moro, OR

35 Reviews of 17 Moro 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.

  • 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.

  • James C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2025

    Kevin's Mt Hood OG

    Dispersed Camping near Mt. Hood

    Quiet dispersed camping with a few options along NF-2610. Had 4 cars pass by camp in 3 days. Lots of old logging trails to explore on foot. A little buggy but more flies than ‘squitos. Did not need bug spray.

  • Sara R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 13, 2020

    White River West Sno-Park

    Best free camping on Hood!

    One of our favorite free spots ever!! Incredible access to back country hiking at Mt. Hood! Know before you go: this is not a camp site - in the summer, parking lots near mount hood are free for car camping (in the winter they’re full with people driving in for skiing). This is a huge parking lot with 2 vault toilets. Anyone can park overnight for free (summer only). There were just a few other cars there. At night we had a great view of the Perseid Meteor Shower 💫 Highly recommend if you’re going on a trip where you just want to spend all day hiking and have a convenient spot to sleep.

  • Stephanie Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 1, 2021

    McNeil Point Dispersed Camping

    Backcountry in your Backyard

    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. 

    While McNeil point is a popular hike, most people visiting are day hikers, or backpackers taking a few days for circumnavigating the Timberline trail. Since we only had one day, 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. 

    There are quite a few dispersed, designated spots to camp. The most obvious ones are those along the Timberline trail—and they are also likely the busiest. There are also obvious sites well up near the McNeil summit. These aren't as busy, but you'll have to haul your packs up the whole way.  We chose a site that we found in a clearing that had a good view of the mountain. Note - You cannot camp in most of the meadows around the lakes. There are signs that designate this.

    When we hiked up to the McNeil summit in the morning, we only took our day packs, and left our big packs in our tents. After summiting we hiked back down, cooked lunch at the campsite, and then packed out.  It's definitely a recommended trip if you have a short time, but still want to feel like you got far, far away.

  • Kelly H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 7, 2024

    White River West Sno-Park

    So easy! Great view!

    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.  So much room it never felt crowded with other folks coming and going.

    Paved, Pit toilets, garbage can.

    Walking and hiking from here.  Road noice not bad!  We actually spent 3 nights and explored the area around Mt. Hood.  

    Just a couple hours from home, an easy get away.

  • Susannah H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2024

    White River West Sno-Park

    Great view and pit toilets

    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, and a breathtaking view of Mt. Hood.


Guide to Moro

Rustic camping near Moro, Oregon encompasses dry, high desert terrain between 1,500-3,000 feet elevation with sagebrush flats and river valleys. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F while winter snowfall can make access difficult from November through April. Many sites require driving on unpaved roads that deteriorate after rainfall.

What to do

Waterfront activities: Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge offers direct river access for water recreation. While swimming conditions vary, one camper noted, "Great little swimming spot steps from our spot." The location works well for boat launching but can be challenging for some watersports: "Not hard to get to and literally right on the Columbia River but a bit too windy for kayaking unless you're a pro."

Hiking opportunities: The Mount Hood area provides multiple hiking options with varying difficulty levels. From McNeil Point Dispersed Camping, hikers can access trails with significant elevation gain. As one backpacker described, "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)." Many trails remain snow-covered until late spring.

Wildlife viewing: Early mornings at White River Sno-Park provide opportunities to spot deer and small mammals. Bonney Meadows offers seasonal wildflower viewing in summer months. Bird watchers should visit Bonney Butte as one camper recommended: "I suggest hike down to boulder lake for the day and also walk up to Bonney butte. The butte has incredible views of Hood, Adams, Jefferson and the Sisters."

What campers like

Mountain views: White River West Sno-Park offers accessible camping with exceptional panoramas. A camper noted, "Super easy and convenient spot to Camp. We visited in early May, and there were several places to park and camp in the large, open parking lot. The views of Mt Hood from this Sno Park are stunning!" Another visitor mentioned, "Tucked our trailers up in the far corner with a commanding view of Mt. Hood!"

Solitude opportunities: Secluded sites can be found along forest roads away from major highways. At Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF, campers report minimal traffic: "Took a while to discover this spot, but clearly seems well used for dispersed camping... There was actually someone else back there, and we can't hear nor see each other." Another camper experienced similar isolation: "I had several options to choose from and never saw another person. This was on a Thursday afternoon."

Established fire rings: Many dispersed sites contain pre-existing fire rings when seasonal restrictions allow their use. At dispersed sites along NF 4800-532, campers mentioned "Established fire pit, for the 2-3 days a year that's legal to use." Most Forest Service land permits fires except during high fire danger periods, typically July through September.

What you should know

Road conditions: Many primitive sites require appropriate vehicles. At White River Crossing, visitors warn "BEWARE 4x4 required. Access Road in is super steep and rocky. Would not recommend coming out anytime other than summer!" Similarly, sites near Bonney Meadows demand high-clearance vehicles: "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."

Environmental factors: Prepare for insects, particularly mosquitoes, in summer months. Wind conditions can affect comfort at some locations. For Three Mile Canyon Park, visitors should note safety concerns: "Bathrooms did have toilet paper and warning signs about rattlesnakes but did not see or hear any, thankfully."

Train noise: Columbia River sites experience significant railway disturbance. One camper at Avery Recreation Area warned, "This place is free for a reason. It has actually nice location, but the trains are no joke. They are seriously loud do not underestimate this." Another visitor elaborated, "I wore noise canceling headphones and played a white noise machine in the background- and still had to take a sleeping pill at 3am after being woken up multiple times."

Tips for camping with families

Bathroom considerations: For primitive camping with children, prioritize locations with vault toilets. At Three Mile Canyon Park, facilities are maintained but basic: "Bathrooms did have toilet paper and warning signs about rattlesnakes." Similarly, White River West Sno-Park offers "accessible rest rooms" according to visitors.

Level parking areas: Family setups often require more space and stable ground. White River West provides a large parking area though "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."

Proximity to water features: Children often enjoy areas near creeks or lakes for exploration. At dispersed sites near NF 4800-532, one camper noted "Access to a stream down the hill if you need to filter water, and it sounds very pleasant at night." This provides both practical water access and natural white noise for sleeping.

Tips from RVers

Parking limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. At Kevin's Mt Hood OG, campers advise "A small trailer or tent will do well here. Anything over 25ft might be a little cramped for parking." Forest Road pull-offs typically limit larger vehicles due to tree cover and narrow access points.

Leveling challenges: Prepare with leveling blocks at designated sno-parks. One RVer at White River West noted, "This is a large, paved parking lot with a stream nearby... 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."

Seasonal access limitations: RV camping in the Moro region becomes significantly restricted after October. Most forest roads close with first snowfall, and access remains difficult until late May. At White River West Sno-Park, camping is available "Free to stay from May 1 to October 31."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Moro, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Moro, OR is Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge with a 3.5-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Moro, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Moro, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.