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Camping near Mt. Hood National Forest

1,719 Reviews

Several great camping spots lie within Mt. Hood National Forest, just a short drive from Portland. Lost Lake Resort and Campground sits right on the water, making it easy for campers to fish or take boats out during their stay. Government Camp has good facilities for kids, which is why many families choose to camp there when visiting the area. Many campers mention the "Super easy and convenient spot to camp" for its easy access and clear views of Mt. Hood. Hiking trails run all through the forest, connecting many of the camping areas to lookout points and natural features. Most campgrounds have basic restrooms and tables for eating. Weather changes quickly around Mt. Hood, and it's usually cooler at higher elevations than in Portland. Summer brings the best camping conditions, though rangers sometimes put fire bans in place during dry spells. The forest works well for both quiet campers and those looking for more active trips. Following Leave No Trace practices helps keep these camping areas in good shape for everyone.

Map showing campgrounds near Mt. Hood National Forest, OregonExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Mt. Hood National Forest (335)

    1. Trillium Lake

    49 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 630-5721

    $26 - $100 / night

    "Campground on Trillium Lake at the base of Mt Hood in the Mt Hood National Forest. Awesome tent sites among towering fir trees. Lake for paddle boarding, kayaking or canoeing (nothing motorized)."

    "The best feature though, is the easy access to the trails and fishing at Trillium Lake, and proximity to Mt. Hood."

    2. Clear Lake Campground

    24 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 630-5721

    $26 - $28 / night

    "The campground pros were its proximity to Clear Lake, the huge campsites, and it was not very crowded. We absolutely loved clear lake and it was great for paddleboarding,swimming, and fishing."

    "I highly recommend this campground as it is beautiful and tucked back off 26 far enough that you don't hear the highway."

    3. Hoodview Campground

    20 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 464-8515

    $22 - $28 / night

    "Mt. Hood National Forest, and the views of Mt. Hood are spectacular. The campsite itself is near a beautiful lake, Timothy Lake."

    "Great spot on Timothy lake to hang out, drink a beer, and not have to deal with the crowds at a day use area.

    The walk-in sites are a little close together, but that’s expected at most campgrounds."

    4. Mt Hood Village Resort

    43 Reviews
    Rhododendron, OR
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "There is a playground onsite for those with children and plenty of bike paths and walking paths to keep you busy."

    "We were parked next to the bathroom that was in the area and the facilities were very clean. The river that runs along the property was very beautiful."

    5. Little Crater Lake

    17 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 630-5721

    $25 - $27 / night

    "Mt. Hood National Forest. Not too busy and had a wonderful 3 nights visiting. Great summer weather in August and not too buggy."

    "Intimate & quiet little campground close to Portland. Little crater lake is beautiful and a quick walk from the campsite. The PCT is a minute or two walk from the lake."

    6. Kiwanis Road Free Camping

    21 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    8 miles

    "Mt. Hood National Forest there are roughly 8-10 free pullouts. On the south side of the road, the pullouts are alongside a peaceful little creek."

    "We arrived at the location around 11:30pm and first thing we noticed was how pitch black it was and how loud (in the best way) the adjacent Zigzag River was."

    7. Frog Lake

    15 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 630-5721

    $26 - $28 / night

    "We stayed here as Trillium Lake was full."

    "Small lake. Good for swimming and kayaking. Watching osprey. I walked around the lake, although there really isn't a trail. '

    Wonderful views of Mt Hood."

    8. Lost Lake Resort And Campground — Mt. Hood National Forest

    51 Reviews
    Rhododendron, OR
    20 miles
    +1 (541) 386-6366

    $44 - $125 / night

    "I have kind of a love/hate thing going on for Lost Lake Campgrounds.

    Pros: It is beautiful. There's a reason it's one of Oregon's most photographed sites."

    "Lost Lake Resort & Campground is somewhere we go at least once each summer. It has that nostalgic summer-camp vibe. A little more spendy than your typical Oregon campsite, but serene and private."

    9. North Arm Campground

    10 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 464-8515

    $22 - $28 / night

    "The scenery and the placid, warm lake, make this my favorite place to camp in Oregon. The campsites can be very uneven for tents, but we’ve always made it work."

    "Timothy Lake was clean, friendly an the campground was amazing. Lots to explore an do. P.s there is a fire ban right now so no fire pits allowed.have fun an be safe out there Oregon Campers."

    10. Summit Meadows Airstrip

    10 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 352-6002

    "Easy to find and lots of space so you won’t be directly next to someone else. Trillium Lake in walking distance. Next supermarket 8min drive away."

    "Ample amount of room as we arrived around 9pm or so. We saw so many stars too :)"

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Recent Camping Photos near Mt. Hood National Forest

747 Photos of 335 Mt. Hood National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mt. Hood National Forest

1719 Reviews of 335 Mt. Hood National Forest Campgrounds

Guide to Mt. Hood National Forest

Camping near Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon, offers a mix of stunning views, outdoor activities, and unique experiences. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the campgrounds. Many campers enjoy the two-mile hiking loop at Trillium Lake, which offers beautiful views of Mt. Hood. One visitor mentioned, "Great 2 mile hiking loop around the lake. Beautiful view of Mt Hood."
  • Fishing and Boating: Spend time on the water at Lost Lake Resort And Campground, where you can fish or rent a boat. A reviewer shared, "The lake is fun for fishing and renting a little boat or canoe to get onto the water."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. Campers at Milo McIver State Park Campground have spotted bald eagles and elk, making it a great spot for nature lovers.

What campers like:

  • Privacy and Space: Many campers appreciate the spacious sites at Mt Hood Village Resort. One guest noted, "Big sites with good amount of privacy."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean restrooms and showers are a big plus. A visitor at Ainsworth State Park Campground remarked, "Restrooms were incredibly clean and there are hot showers."
  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning scenery. A reviewer at Trillium Lake said, "The campground is quiet, not too many amenities... Camp sites are far enough apart for privacy which is always appreciated."

What you should know:

  • Accessibility Issues: Some campgrounds may not be suitable for everyone. A visitor at Lost Lake Resort And Campground expressed frustration about accessibility, stating, "This location is far from being accessible for handicapped visitors."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect busy campgrounds in the summer. A camper at Milo McIver State Park Campground mentioned, "It can be super crowded, but this place is a gem."
  • Noise from Trains: Some campgrounds, like Cascade Locks KOA, are near train tracks. A guest noted, "The train was very loud (especially at night)."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. Mt Hood Village Resort has a playground that kids enjoy. One parent said, "Our kids love cruising the loops on their bikes and stopping in at the playground."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring along games or crafts for downtime. A family at Tucker Park Campground enjoyed their stay, saying, "Lovely little campground with some fantastic spots along the river."
  • Keep an Eye on Noise Levels: Be mindful of noise, especially at night. A camper at Milo McIver State Park Campground mentioned, "Ranger was really good at telling them to stfu."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Barton County Park Campground noted, "The CG is very clean and well maintained."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. Mt Hood Village Resort offers these amenities, making it a popular choice.
  • Be Prepared for Weather Changes: Weather can change quickly in the mountains. A visitor at Clear Lake Campground advised, "We saw several campfires at night... it was pretty bad due to forest fires."

Camping near Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Mt. Hood National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mt. Hood National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 335 campgrounds and RV parks near Mt. Hood National Forest and 42 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Mt. Hood National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mt. Hood National Forest is Trillium Lake with a 4.4-star rating from 49 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mt. Hood National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 42 free dispersed camping spots near Mt. Hood National Forest.

What parks are near Mt. Hood National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Mt. Hood National Forest that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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