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.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
$30 - $120 / 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)."
"Gorgeous view, great for swimming, paddle boarding, floating around the lake all day. Nice, shady campsites."
$26 / 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."
$24 - $32 / 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."
"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."
"It's at a really great location as it's 3 minutes to Little Zig Zag Falls path also fairly close to Government Camp"
$26 / 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."
"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."
$26 / 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."
"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. "
"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. "
$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."
$24 - $30 / 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."
ScoutThis spot was great!
It was quite rocky so we couldn't stake our tent down but we got along just fine.
Another thing is that there is no tree coverage. We knew it was going to be hot so we set up a canopy to protect us but just something to think about.
Otherwise it was a great spot and we loved how many stars we could see at night.
We will definitely be back!
ScoutWe tried to go while we were passing through on a Saturday night and it was very busy. We ended up not finding a spot to camp but if it wasn’t full it looks like a great option right by the river not too far from the highway!
TravelerWide parking lot with many chances for overnight camping, tent or car. But there are no places to put stakes in the ground unless you set up on the east side of the lot on the little hill
ScoutBe ready for trains! They move thru here all day and night..beyond that the area is pretty cool. Right on the river...free, ACoE maintained and tiny. Maybe 8 spots. Several cool things to see and do within a few miles. Research Maryhill Stonehenge and Museum.
ScoutThe menu here is part of the draw, all natural, delicious organic food. If you like hot springs, you'll probably love it here. I'd recommend coming on a few days during the week and a few on the weekend, just so you have a less crowded experience. For the most part everyone in the clothing optional tubs is pretty respectful, but if you are there with a partner you may not feel like cozying up to a chatty odd ball (there were a few 'lone wolf' weirdos in one of the tubs a couple of times, for the most part though it was fine). Note there are enough clawfoot tubs you can move if you want, provided you aren't there during a high traffic time. It is fun to share a claw foot tub with a partner, again, being their at a lower traffic time will guarantee you can grab one. Pro tips: head to the tubs to secure a good spot while folks are in line for time specific meals! Everyone was pretty chill and nice. The scenery is epic.
The site seems in recovery from the fires when we visited in 2025 and not all the amenities were in full operation. Be cool if they had an open mic or learning activities where a ranger or someone else told information about the region.
We were given a camp site for our van that was actually dead center in an ad hoc trail campers would walk through. This proved strange as I am sure you can imagine, and we wished the resort had placed signs on it that said 'not a trail' or 'respect camper's privacy'. We brought the issue to the front desk staff, but they just shrugged. Our advice would be to try to discern the nature of the site you are being assigned before booking.
GuideI see a lot of people say about the trains. They do go by quite frequently, but they don’t bother me so for a place to stop and stay for a week I’ve I’ve only been here two days so far met some very nice people. It’s almost like sitting here with an ocean breeze. I’m 15 feet from the river.
ScoutNice hot showers but if you can't sleep through noise not the place for you,highway traffic and frequent trains will be keeping you up all night.
GuideThe dispersed campsites, on the shore of Timothy Lake, along the Pacific Crest Trail, are some of my fav places to camp. Get there on a Wednesday or Thursday though, cuz in the summer sites go FAST! I always say that these sites are like if backpacking & car camping had a baby. I usually carry most of my stuff in a backpack, but you usually end up within a 1/2 mile of your car and can make multiple trips. It’s the perfect place to swim or float on a hot weekend.
GuideCurrently chillin on the bluff watching the sunset over the river. Extremely chill. Room for lots of cars (3-5). It’s technically a truck turnaround spot so gotta leave room for that.
Timothy Lake camping areas in Mt. Hood National Forest sit at elevations between 3,100-3,300 feet, creating cooler night temperatures even in summer months. Vault toilets are the standard bathroom facility at most wilderness campgrounds, with no showers available at primitive sites. Water temperatures in forest lakes typically range from 55-68°F depending on the season and elevation.
Fishing the alpine lakes: Clear Lake Campground offers good fishing opportunities despite water levels sometimes being low. "Great fishing. They have a little restaurant where you can rent boats," shares Shelby W., who notes that "there is no service and closest gas station is far away and closes at night."
Trail running from dispersed sites: At Kiwanis Road Free Camping, campers can access hiking and running trails directly from their sites. "There seems to be an old fire road that goes through this campsite, so hiking (or trail running) is completely doable from camp," mentions one visitor who found it "literally the perfect escape."
Winter recreation options: For those camping during colder months, White River West Sno-Park serves as a base camp. "We stayed 5 nights, had all types of weather on our stay, from lots of rain to sun and also snow," reports Mike, who found it convenient for exploring seasonal activities around Mt. Hood.
Paddling clear waters: At Little Crater Lake, campers can walk to Timothy Lake for water recreation. "We did this and had a lovely picnic lunch and afternoon swim in Timothy Lake," explains Scott B., who accessed the Pacific Crest Trail directly from the campground to reach swimming spots.
Walk-in sites for privacy: Campers praise the walk-in tent sites at Hoodview Campground for their tranquility. "If you don't have a RV or Trailer and want the illusion of a hike in campsite, this is your spot," recommends Kyahn D., who appreciated "being away from the road going through the campground."
Well-spaced campsites: North Arm Campground on Timothy Lake features sites with good separation. "The spots are huge," Nicole R. reports after spending a full week tent camping, though she cautions that "the toilets smell so bad" and recommends bringing hand sanitizer.
Off-grid experiences: Many campers value the lack of connectivity. "There is no cell service which can be good or bad," notes Alicia F. about Clear Lake Campground, which offers "very spacious sites that give privacy" and a "very quiet" atmosphere even when nearly full.
Lake views with wildlife: The lakes provide wildlife viewing opportunities. "Good lake for beginner kayakers as it is small, still, and doesn't allow motor traffic. There is also snow-shoeing here in the winter," shares Raphaela H., who watched osprey while camping at Hoodview.
Reservation challenges: Popular sites like Trillium Lake Campground require planning months ahead. "Reservations are hard to get we booked at 6am, six months out and felt very lucky to get three spots for our family Campout," says Molly H., who wasn't able to secure waterfront locations despite early booking.
Increasing popularity issues: Some longtime visitors note changes in the camping experience. "Over the years, it has become too busy and lots of loud campers partying and such. I liked it better 5 yrs ago when It was less of a tourist attraction," observes Gayle K. about Trillium Lake Campground.
Seasonal bugs: Mosquito problems are common, especially at certain sites. "Nice hike around the lake but the bugs are horrible!!" warns Tracy L. about Frog Lake, while others recommend timing visits for late summer or early fall to avoid the worst of insect season.
Limited facilities: Most forest campgrounds have basic amenities only. "No showers unfortunately. The lake was low when we were there," reports Alicia F., while others note the lack of hookups, limited water access, and often poor cell reception throughout the forest.
Frog spotting adventures: Frog Lake lives up to its name with amphibian viewing opportunities for children. "Millions of tadpoles in the water and twice as many baby frogs on the north side of the lake by the swamp," reports Connor J., adding it has "warm water, not deep at all" making it ideal for younger swimmers.
Tent site selection: For families tent camping, scout locations carefully. "If you're tent camping the bathrooms are quite the hike, the tent sites are crammed together, there's only one working faucet in the entire tent camping area," warns Tyson C. about Mt. Hood Village Resort, suggesting families request sites T1 or T4 for the best experience.
Water temperature considerations: Parents should test water before letting kids swim. "Trillium Lake is easier and faster to get to than many of the other Mt. Hood Lakes... Good lake for beginner kayakers as it is small, still, and doesn't allow motor traffic," notes a camper who warns about the cold water temperatures even in summer.
Accessible recreation options: Some areas offer kid-friendly facilities. "Nice indoor pool and hot tub. Good playground for kids. Very family friendly," says Jon F. about Mt. Hood Village Resort, which serves as a good base camp for families with various comfort requirements.
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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