Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Mt. Hood National Forest, OR has a lot to offer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Mt. Hood National Forest. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
"It’s very private being far from the trail and has good access to the shore but is very shady at all times, although also sheltered from the wind."
"I ended up parking on the side of the road, and hiked in to the other side of the lake! There was a nice area that looked like someone had camped previously so I set up camp for the night there!"
"The second site could easily fit 3 or 4 tents and has plenty of additional space for parking, kitchen set-up, etc… both sites also have really nice fire pits."
"FS Rd 2656 across from Trillium Lake Campground. Follow 2656 up a couple miles. Turn left on porcupine Trail. There is one small campsite on your left approximately 100 yards."
"Decent, well stocked vault toilet. Thumbs up all around, I will definitely return to this gem."
"Super easy to drive in, with lots of options for spots we parked at the top of the hill and walked about 5 min down to our spot right on the creek, however there were many spots that you could drive right"
"Our site was really private, enough for multiple tents and a hammock, and it had a big picnic table as well as a fire pit. Views of Mt."
"We arrived around 4 pm the Sunday of Labor Day and grabbed the last site. The first few sites when you enter are pretty private which is nice, sites further down the road more open."
"My group and I had a great overnight backpacking trip here last weekend! A good, well-maintained trail for beginners. It is clearly defined and not overly challenging, with only one blowdown."
"I highly recommend this backpacking campsite to anyone who has explored around the Mt. Hood area. This is a hidden gem that I had never been to!"
"This is one of my favorite places to camp near Mount Hood. The road leading into the campgrounds (NF-2613/Kinzel Lake Road) is primitive and just challenging enough to keep most folks away."
"Took the NF route out there was about 35-40 minutes in my husband and I’s ford ranger 4x4. Pretty bumpy road all the way there and some deep dips."
"Has designated fire pits. Spectacular day to sit and do nothing and bask in nature's beauty."
"Spent some time at the day use areas of Timothy Lake, both the main cove and upper arm. It was pretty crowded in both areas, but less at the northern arm."
$10 / night
"Short walk, or 7 miles in, start on west shoreline trail 528 on the NW parking lot past the day use area."
" I’m an avid Hobie 16 sailor and Timothy I can say has one of the best evening winds that I’ve sailed in a long time mornings are great light glass but the evenings are the best "
$10 / night
"This is a fairly easy trail to backpack on with lots of great sites to camp. If you’re hiking up to the lake you might want to make it a two day trip to really enjoy it."
"The drive up the the lake is not super peaceful but once you get there it's pretty great."
"Right off the road but not much road noise, lots of stream sounds. We love camping near water."
"We visited again and it was completely full except for one spot where you have to hike in."
GuideCampground 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). Water and toilets and trash. No showers. Adequate cellular service. No Wi-Fi. Amazing wooded experience with spectacular views of Mt Hood across the lake. Ducks and river otters.
LegendCamped here for the second year in a row, and it did not disappoint. We got lucky with a nice spot on the creek this year, which I would recommend for the best experience. The sites are spacious and most are pretty private which is great. It is primitive, no showers and just one vault toilet. I will say that the site did have a fair amount of trash on it which was disappointing, but we cleaned it up before heading out. Remember to leave no trace!!
GuideSituated on the Clackamas River in the Mt. Hood National Forest. River is easily accessible from most riverside sites. Hiking trails nearby (I enjoyed the Fish Creek trail just up the road). Vault toilets were in good shape in April 2019 and there is water available via hand pump well.
LegendBarton Park is a county park basically at the entrance of the Mt. Hood National Forest. As it has easy access to the Clackamas River, it is insanely popular for tubers and kayakers as a spot to put-in. A short drive to Barton Mercantile and gasoline for supplies, so you’re not too isolated, unlike the national forest sports, where once you go in, you’re in. Numerous campsites available, the majority of which have water and electric hookups for RVs plus a handful of “primitive” tent-only sites. Nice river views.
ScoutStayed just one night in site 1, which was the only one available. It’s very private being far from the trail and has good access to the shore but is very shady at all times, although also sheltered from the wind. There was a fire ring (although no fires allowed) and a table. Several viable tent spots on the site. The toilets were closed and, unfortunately, previous campers weren’t so great at “leave no trace” because we found a bunch of dog and human feces around.
ScoutI camped there in my RV several times and always tried to get slot A13. It’s all the way at the end and has a nice amount of space and only a potential neighbor on one side. I also tent camped and, after scouting the sites, chose C6. That site is a bit small but is away from the rest and above them on the slope so you don’t need your rain fly for privacy.
TravelerShort walk, or 7 miles in, start on west shoreline trail 528 on the NW parking lot past the day use area. Great mostly flat trail for backpacking or cart camping along the west shoreline of Timothy Lake in the Mt Hood National Forest. Sites are well marked and $10 per night fee. Northwest Forest Parking Pass required for overnight parking.
LegendRead up on this location with some good info. Flat paved sites for dry camping.
Lost Creek Campground has 10 single-family campsites and is located on one of the largest pyroclastic volcanic mudflows from Mt. Hood’s “Old Maid” eruption in the 1700s. Fortunately all of the mudflows have cooled. Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Two yurts are also available. Campground amenities include a picnic area, drinking water and vault toilets. Firewood is also available for sale from the camp host.
Lost Creek / Mt. Hood Area Recreation
Outdoor recreation includes fishing. Visitors also enjoy fishing, hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing. The Wild and Scenic Sandy River is also not far from the popular Ramona Falls Trailhead. Mt. Hood is just southeast of the campground offers visitors the opportunity for a nice a day trip.
AMENITIES
BBQ Grills
Campsite Tables
Comfort Station
Drinking Water
Fire Pit
Fire Rings
Firewood Available
Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
Grills
Pets OK
Picnic Tables
Restrooms (Vault Toilets)
ACTIVITIES
Biking
Bird Watching
Creek
Fishing
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Nature Trails
Photography
Picnicking
River
Walking Trails
Wildlife Viewing
GuideBonney Crossing campground is located in the Eastern most side of the Mt Hood National Forest. Our campsite provided us a quiet relaxing two nights of camping. Site is located just next to Badger Creek and the Badger Creek trail. Kids loved spending time exploring the creek and cooling off in it. Campsites are first come first serve and only has 7 established sites. Campground is, "primitive" so you must bring your own potable water. Site does have an accessible pit toilet.
Tent camping near Mt. Hood National Forest in Oregon offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best tent camping sites in Mt. Hood National Forest?
Mt. Hood National Forest offers excellent tent camping options for all preferences. Timothy Lake Meditation Point features well-marked sites along a mostly flat trail, ideal for backpacking or cart camping with beautiful lake views for $10 per night. For those seeking solitude, Cast Lake provides secluded sites accessible via hiking trails from Lolo Pass, with several spots situated right on the water. If you prefer drive-up sites near flowing water, Bonney Crossing offers quiet camping next to Badger Creek with great opportunities for kids to explore. Many dispersed camping options are also available throughout the forest for those seeking more primitive experiences.
What amenities are available at Mt. Hood National Forest campgrounds?
Amenities vary across Mt. Hood National Forest campgrounds. Marion Forks Campground offers clean vault toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, and trash receptacles, though no water is available. Shellrock Creek provides wooden picnic tables, fire rings with adjustable grills, composting toilets, and trash bins, all within earshot of soothing stream sounds. Some campgrounds like Alpine include water access and are reservable, while more primitive sites may only have basic facilities. Most established campgrounds include at minimum a toilet facility, designated campsites with fire rings, and picnic tables, though amenities decrease as you venture into more remote areas.
Do I need a permit for tent camping in Mt. Hood National Forest?
Yes, permits are required for camping in Mt. Hood National Forest, though the type varies by location. For established campgrounds like Crest Camp Trailhead Campground, you'll pay a fee at the site. At Meditation Point Campground, campers must purchase a Northwest Forest Pass. Dispersed camping is generally free but still requires a free self-issued wilderness permit for overnight stays in designated wilderness areas. During fire season (typically June-October), you'll need a campfire permit if fires are allowed at all. Always check current regulations before your trip, as requirements can change seasonally or based on conditions.
Keep Exploring
