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Camping near Mt. Hood National Forest

1,811 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 (344)

    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

    26 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. Mt Hood Village Resort

    46 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."

    4. 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."

    5. Kiwanis Road Free Camping

    22 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."

    6. 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."

    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."

    "This small campground is a great alternative to the busier campgrounds found near by.  It does not have the views of Mt."

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

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

    $45 - $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

    11 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. Camp Creek

    12 Reviews
    Welches, OR
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 630-5721

    $23 - $54 / night

    "Camp Creek, built in 1936, is one of the first CCC campgrounds in Oregon.  Although not preserved, you can still see and use some of the original stone fireplaces. "

    "Hood hiking base for the weekend because of it's proximity to access Mirror Lake for a morning hike for a true test of my new vivobarefoot hiking shoes (see below) Note: Mirror Lake does have its own primitive"

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Recent Camping Photos near Mt. Hood National Forest

768 Photos of 344 Mt. Hood National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mt. Hood National Forest

1811 Reviews of 344 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 are the best campgrounds in Mt. Hood National Forest?

Mt. Hood National Forest offers several exceptional campgrounds with unique features. Trillium Lake stands out with its stunning views of Mt. Hood, tent sites nestled among towering fir trees, and a lake perfect for paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing (no motorized boats). For a quieter experience, Hideaway Lake Campground provides a secluded retreat down a bumpy forest road with nine sites, half offering direct lake access. Each site includes a picnic table and fire pit. Timothy Lake Meditation Point offers backpacking options with a mostly flat trail, while Bonney Crossing provides a peaceful setting along Badger Creek with great hiking access. For incredible views, Hoodview Campground is also highly recommended.

When is the best season for camping in Mt. Hood National Forest?

Summer (June through August) is ideal for camping in Mt. Hood National Forest, offering warm days, minimal bugs, and optimal access to all facilities. Little Crater Lake is particularly pleasant in August with great weather and relatively few insects. The shoulder seasons can also be rewarding - Bonney Crossing offers peaceful camping in late spring and early fall when crowds thin out. Many higher elevation campgrounds open later in the season (mid-June to early July) as snow melts. The eastern side of the forest, being drier, often has a longer camping season. Most campgrounds close by late September or October, though some lower elevation sites remain open year-round. Always check current conditions before planning your trip.

Are reservations required for Mt. Hood National Forest campgrounds?

Reservation policies vary across Mt. Hood National Forest campgrounds. Timothy Lake Meditation Point operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a $10 per night fee, requiring no advance reservations. Sites are well-marked along the west shoreline trail. In contrast, popular destinations like Mt Hood Village Resort near Welches require reservations, especially during peak summer months. Many forest campgrounds use recreation.gov for advance bookings, with reservation windows typically opening 6 months ahead. First-come, first-served campgrounds like Bear Springs fill quickly on summer weekends. For the best chance at securing a spot without a reservation, arrive mid-week or early Thursday. Some campgrounds maintain a portion of sites for walk-ins even during peak season.

What amenities are available at Mt. Hood National Forest camping areas?

Amenities vary widely across Mt. Hood National Forest campgrounds. Armstrong Campground offers vault toilets and water via hand pump well, with easy river access from most riverside sites. Sunstrip Campground, situated on the Clackamas River, features unpaved driveways and vault toilets rather than flush facilities. Most developed campgrounds provide picnic tables, fire rings, and vault or flush toilets. Water availability varies - some have potable water from pumps or spigots while others require you to bring your own. Trash service is common at larger campgrounds like Trillium Lake, though pack-in, pack-out may be required at smaller sites. Cell coverage is spotty throughout the forest but available at some locations. No campgrounds offer electrical hookups except for designated RV areas, and shower facilities are rare throughout the forest.

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