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Best Dispersed Camping near Oregon City, OR

103 Reviews

The forested areas surrounding Oregon City, Oregon provide a gateway to diverse camping experiences, with Mount Hood National Forest offering numerous dispersed camping options within a 90-minute drive. Tillamook State Forest to the west and Mount Hood to the east create a spectrum of camping environments from coastal forest to alpine settings. Free dispersed camping dominates the landscape, with popular areas including Trillium Lake Airstrip, White River West Sno-Park, and various forest service roads throughout Mount Hood National Forest. Most sites lack amenities but compensate with scenic views, particularly of Mount Hood, and proximity to hiking trails, lakes, and rivers.

Forest service roads throughout the region vary significantly in quality, with many requiring high-clearance vehicles or four-wheel drive, especially after rain. As one camper noted, "Diamond Mill Road is a tight logging road with a steep danger zone cliff on the edge." Cell service is spotty or nonexistent in most areas, making offline maps essential. Seasonal considerations heavily impact accessibility, with some areas closed during winter months or requiring snow equipment. Fire restrictions are common during summer and fall, particularly following the 2021 wildfires that affected areas like Alder Flat. Most dispersed sites operate under a 14-day stay limit and many require a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.

Mount Hood views dominate camper experiences, with many seeking sites offering glimpses of the iconic peak. As one visitor to Trillium Lake Airstrip mentioned, "The road behind this gets a great view of Mt. Hood!" Weekend crowding affects popular areas, particularly during summer months, while weekdays offer more solitude. Noise levels vary by location, with some Tillamook State Forest sites experiencing "incredibly loud ATV and dirt bike activity" according to reviews. Wildlife encounters are common, and campers frequently mention creek access as a valued amenity. Most sites require pack-in, pack-out practices for all waste, and Forest Service rangers regularly patrol popular areas to check permits and enforce regulations.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Oregon City, Oregon (40)

    1. Alder Flat

    4 Reviews
    Mt. Hood National Forest, OR
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 630-8700

    "This gorgeous trail and dispersed camp is so unrecognizable from the 2021 fires that there is no turn off. May we remember it’s memories!"

    "Dispersal camping all year."

    2. Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed

    16 Reviews
    Carson, WA
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 891-5000

    "It looks like there might be two walk-in campsites as well and I believe there might be one if you walk across the Creek. It's very close to trapper Creek trailhead and there is a vault toilet there."

    "Spent a quiet weekend at Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed and loved it. The area is peaceful with a nice mix of forest and open space—felt super remote with hardly anyone else around."

    3. White River West Sno-Park

    13 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    45 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. "

    4. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    15 Reviews
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 357-2191

    "Accessible through the Jones Creek campground turn off, continue up the forest roads past the OHV staging area and you’re in paradise!"

    "My mistake, these coordinates took us to the top of the mountain. It is currently an active logging area, so the truckers are out at 3am. The road up was a very narrow road."

    5. Mirror Lake

    7 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 622-5622

    "There are several backpacking campsites that are on the water, there is nothing more beautiful than watching the sunrise over the lake with Mt.Hood in the background."

    "It's best to come up with a couple backup plans as this is a popular spot! The hike in off the road isn't difficult, and the tent sites are all situated relatively close to the trail."

    6. Trillium Lake Airstrip Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    43 miles
    Website

    "Quite a few dispersed spots, kinda close to one another- everyone was respectful. The road behind this gets a great view of Mt. Hood!!

    No amenities. Dry camping!

    PACK IT OUT"

    "Nice forest service camping area. There are plenty of spots, but it can get pretty crowded on weekends. There is a beautiful view of Mt. Hood down the road and a nice hiking path to Trillium Lake."

    7. Snag Creek Trailhead Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Stevenson, WA
    40 miles
    Website

    "I wanted to add videos of the river sites to my other review for this site, but the website wouldn't let me - anyway, the hike has 3 river sites about 1 mile in from the trailhead and they are beautiful"

    "We wanted a beginner backpacking trip (10 to 12 miles round trip) close to town - this one is a pretty hike with views at the end (theoretically, we saw fog)."

    8. Gee Creek Rest Area I-5

    1 Review
    Ridgefield, WA
    31 miles

    9. Mount Hood National Forest - NF 2656 -Dispersed Camping

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

    "There are many park campgrounds in the Mt Hood NF but also tons of dispersed camping in the forest.

    We camped off FS 2656 just south of Trillium Lake in August 2020. There are many other locations."

    "Road can be rough in some places but 4WD not necessary. Not many pull-in camping spots so you’ll have to search around. Overall decent spot and close to Trillium Lake"

    10. Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 891-5000

    "Found in typical condition. Please pick up after yourself. Many sites out here. Camped on a week day. One other camper out here. No traffic on road. Like others said road getting in sucks."

    "Road got a little bumpy getting out here but once we found a spot right near the riverbank, you felt like you were deep in it. Saw a few people on the way out."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Oregon City, OR

84 Photos of 40 Oregon City Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Oregon City, OR

103 Reviews of 40 Oregon City Campgrounds

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2022

    Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    Perfect for Overland and off-road vehicle camping

    Accessible through the Jones Creek campground turn off, continue up the forest roads past the OHV staging area and you’re in paradise! Gorgeous spots all over that are accessible in most 4WD/off-road capable vehicles. There is a massive network of forest service roads many with spots to set up your own quiet camp away from all the dirt bikes and RVs. No facilities obviously but that’s what makes this place special. It’s incredibly quiet and peaceful and a gorgeous piece of the PNW coastal area.

  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2025

    Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    GPS takes you to the top!

    My mistake, these coordinates took us to the top of the mountain. It is currently an active logging area, so the truckers are out at 3am. The road up was a very narrow road. So careful if there’s other cars coming through, especially the logging semis.

    Nonetheless a cool spot. Dry camping. Please clean up after yourselves.

  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 29, 2025

    Trillium Lake Airstrip Dispersed

    Win for Memorial Day weekend!

    Surprised we were able to snag a spot here on Memorial Day weekend! Drove in Sunday evening. Quite a few dispersed spots, kinda close to one another- everyone was respectful. The road behind this gets a great view of Mt. Hood!!

    No amenities. Dry camping!

    PACK IT OUT

  • Mark F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2021

    Historic Clackamas Ranger Station - Dispersed Camping - Roadside

    Convenient, free roadside site near trails, lakes, & meadow in Mt Hood NF

    I was running in an ultramarathon race in September in the Mt Hood National Forest and all of the local campgrounds managed by PGE around Timothy Lake were closed due to the end of the season.  I was able to use map layers in The Dyrt PRO to identify where I was within National Forest boundaries and was able to confirm with local officials that I was in a free, dispersed camping zone. So, using the map layers and the search function on The Dyrt I looked for an area near the race start at the Historic Clackamas Ranger Station to park my RV for a 2 night off-grid stay.  The location was a wide gravel area on the side of the road that allowed for enough space to park, put out my awning, set up some chairs and a propane fire pit (no live campfires - propane only) while being within a few hundred yards of the Ranger Station.  There was room to walk along the road on the shoulder and you are very close walk to the Historic Clackamas Ranger Cabin with a beautiful meadow view, the Joe Graham Horse Camp, and just a couple of mile drive from Timothy Lake.  Clackamas Lake Campground was nearby as well with many accessible miles of hikable trails, including access to the Pacific Crest Trail, for hikers of all levels. There was some smoke from local wildfires but that went away as the fall rains arrived that weekend.  If you are looking for a place to park your RV near all of these amazing views and experiences this free, dispersed camping site worked great for me and my family for a couple of nights.

  • Vanessa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping

    You may get lost

    The coordinates here were incorrect coming from Hood River Oregon. It sent me down a rough dead end forest service road. I ended up lost on the mountain for 3 hours and finally made it out somewhere near camas. Make sure you have lots of fuel

  • Vanessa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 11, 2025

    Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed

    Amazing spot!

    Absolutely loved the spot. There were about three sites. I believe from what I saw. I stayed at the first site when you first get there back there on the right hand side. It's a short hike down to the creek. It looks like there might be two walk-in campsites as well and I believe there might be one if you walk across the Creek. It's very close to trapper Creek trailhead and there is a vault toilet there. Minimal bugs didn't get any bug bites and it was in the '90s while I was there. Very little traffic. Not far from the highway just in case of emergencies. Absolutely no cell service. You must have a Northwest Forest pass or America the beautiful pass. Forest service does drive through there frequently to check

  • 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.

  • Johny B.
    Jun. 19, 2025

    Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed

    Peaceful and Scenic Getaway

    Spent a quiet weekend at Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed and loved it. The area is peaceful with a nice mix of forest and open space—felt super remote with hardly anyone else around. We found a great shady spot not far from a small creek, and it was perfect for relaxing. Heads up: there’s absolutely no cell service, so make sure to download any maps or trail guides(we used an offline hiking APK) before you get there. It’s close to Mount St. Helens and Columbia River Gorge, so we got in a great day hike. Nights were cool, days were warm and bug-free. Forest service came by once, which was nice to see. You’ll need a Forest Pass.

  • Ariel & John W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 15, 2020

    Mount Hood National Forest - NF 2656 -Dispersed Camping

    Tons of dispersed in the shadow of Mt Hood

    There are many park campgrounds in the Mt Hood NF but also tons of dispersed camping in the forest.

    We camped off FS 2656 just south of Trillium Lake in August 2020. There are many other locations. Many are separate drives off a forest road but some side of the road spots too. Lake Trillium gets super crowded.

    Download the forest map from Avenza for accurate locations of all the forest roads and trails.

    The Mt Hood NF is amazing, with tons of lakes, creeks, waterfalls and hiking trails as well as great views of Mt Hood.

    No amenities for dispersed locations but you can use nearby campgrounds for water, trash and dump stations.

    There was decent Verizon service when we camped there.

    Would definitely camp here again.

Guide to Oregon City

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Oregon City, Oregon, where nature awaits just beyond the urban sprawl. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Alder Flat

  • Nestled near Estacada, Alder Flat offers a serene environment with plenty of shaded areas and scenic views, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • This location allows for campfires, making it an ideal spot for evening gatherings under the stars, though be sure to bring your own firewood as it is not provided.
  • The hike to the camping area is just under a mile, providing a peaceful trek through nature before settling down for the night.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Oregon City, Oregon

  • When visiting Gee Creek Rest Area I-5, remember that no permits are required, making it a hassle-free option for spontaneous trips.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; many dispersed sites, like Collawash River Dispersed Campsite, do not offer drinking water or trash disposal, so plan accordingly and pack out what you bring in.
  • Arriving early can help you secure a good spot, especially at popular locations like Mirror Lake, which can fill up quickly on weekends.

Enjoy hiking and nature while free camping near Oregon City

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find dry or off-grid camping sites near Oregon City?

Yes, several excellent dry camping and off-grid options exist near Oregon City. Trillium Lake Airstrip Dispersed offers primitive camping with no amenities but rewards campers with stunning views of Mt. Hood. It's popular even on holiday weekends but remains respectfully uncrowded. Another great option is pinnacle Ridge dispersed camping near Laurence Lake, which features well-maintained roads perfect for vans and rooftop tent camping. Some sites offer incredible Mount Hood views and established fire rings. Remember that dry camping means bringing all supplies including water, food, and waste disposal systems. Cell service may be limited, so download offline maps and inform someone of your plans before heading out.

What are the free camping options near Portland and Oregon City?

The Mount Hood National Forest offers several free camping options within reasonable driving distance from Portland and Oregon City. Mount Hood National Forest - NF 2656 -Dispersed Camping provides numerous spots, particularly around the Trillium Lake area. Many sites are accessible via forest roads with varying degrees of privacy. Another excellent option is Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed, which offers peaceful sites near a creek. For those seeking more seclusion, look for closed forest roads that offer wide, open areas for camping. Most sites have no amenities, so pack accordingly with enough water, food, and proper waste disposal methods. Check for seasonal closures and current forest regulations before your trip.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Oregon City?

Several excellent dispersed camping options exist within an hour's drive of Oregon City. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping offers numerous spots accessible via forest roads past the Jones Creek campground and OHV staging area. For those willing to drive a bit further, Historic Clackamas Ranger Station - Dispersed Camping - Roadside in Mt. Hood National Forest provides convenient roadside camping. Both areas require adherence to Leave No Trace principles. Remember that dispersed camping typically means no facilities, so come prepared with water, waste disposal solutions, and fire safety equipment. Always check current forest conditions and restrictions before heading out, especially during fire season.

Are there free RV camping spots available around Oregon City?

Yes, RV-friendly free camping spots can be found within driving distance of Oregon City, though site accessibility varies by vehicle size and clearance. Kevin's Mt Hood OG in Mt. Hood National Forest offers spacious dispersed camping on an old forest road that accommodates smaller to medium RVs. For those with higher clearance or 4WD rigs, Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping provides additional options, though navigation can be challenging on forest service roads. Most sites have no hookups or facilities, so come prepared for true boondocking with sufficient water, waste capacity, and power. Check road conditions beforehand, particularly during or after wet weather, and respect fire restrictions which change seasonally.

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