Best Dispersed Camping near Portland, OR

Nestled between the Willamette and Columbia rivers is some of the best camping in Oregon. Near Portland, OR, campers and RVers can stop in the city to stock up on supplies before heading to campsites near Mount Hood. Surrounded by numerous national forests, parks and recreation areas, explore the many miles of trails on foot, bike, or horseback spread across millions of acres. Animal lovers can visit a nearby hobby farm and rescue, home to pronghorn sheep, mule deer, and more. For campers looking for less rustic accommodations, there are unique tiny houses and cabin rentals with stunning views of the surrounding area. There are also many campground options for RVs.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Portland, Oregon (37)

    2. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    14 Reviews
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    45 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."

    3. Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 891-5000

    "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."

    4. Snag Creek Trailhead Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Stevenson, WA
    34 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)."

    5. Mount St. Helens Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    50 miles

    "This is a dispersed campsite near the south side of Mount St. Helens. It's free, which is always great. The drive in is just off the highway and up a little hill, but my car had no problems with it."

    "This dispersed camping is free, huge bonus in my book."

    6. Mirror Lake

    7 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    45 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."

    7. Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight

    6 Reviews
    Clatskanie, OR
    45 miles

    "Definitely best for car camping as the spots down by the river were pretty wet and muddy this time of year. The waterfall is amazing and only a 15 minute hike down!"

    "The river is a walk down a very steep hill behind the pullout. No place to pitch a tent, best for car camping."

    8. Alder Flat

    4 Reviews
    Mt. Hood National Forest, OR
    43 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."

    9. Blue Lake Road by Bridge of the Gods

    2 Reviews
    Stevenson, WA
    36 miles

    "I only spent a night since it was close to a hike I was doing in the morning, but it was a solid spot. A bunch of spots in the woods, lots seem to have privacy."

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Showing results 1-10 of 37 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Portland, OR

92 Reviews of 37 Portland Campgrounds



Guide to Portland

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Portland, Oregon, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. These spots offer a unique opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors while experiencing the freedom of camping in less crowded areas.

Scenic River Access for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Unique Wildlife Encounters While Free Camping Near Portland

  • At Alder Flat, you can experience a variety of wildlife while enjoying the lush surroundings, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • The Tillamook Forest Dispersed - Shots and Pecks area is known for its diverse flora and fauna, providing ample opportunities for wildlife watching and photography.
  • Campers at Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed often report sightings of deer and other wildlife, enhancing the outdoor experience.

Adventure Awaits: Hiking and Exploration

  • The Blue Lake Road by Bridge of the Gods is a great starting point for hiking enthusiasts, offering access to scenic trails and breathtaking views.
  • For a more rugged experience, Nine Mile Creek on Forest Road 056 provides a drive-in option with nearby hiking trails that lead to stunning vistas.
  • The FR-604 Dispersed Site is conveniently located near trails that lead to beautiful swimming holes and waterfalls, perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of hiking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Portland, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Portland, OR is Gee Creek Rest Area I-5 with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Portland, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 37 dispersed camping locations near Portland, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.