Best Campgrounds near Rhododendron, OR

The Mount Hood National Forest surrounding Rhododendron, Oregon provides numerous camping areas ranging from developed facilities to primitive sites. Green Canyon Campground, located directly in Rhododendron, features tent and RV sites with drinking water, picnic tables and toilets, typically operating from May through September. Nearby, Mt. Hood Village Resort offers more luxurious options including cabins, yurts and glamping accommodations with full hookups for RVs. Lost Lake Resort and Campground, slightly farther away, provides lakeside camping with boat-in access, cabins and yurts amid old-growth forest with spectacular views of Mount Hood.

Road conditions and accessibility vary significantly throughout the region, with some areas requiring high-clearance vehicles. Many campgrounds in the Mount Hood area operate seasonally, typically closing in late fall through early spring due to snow conditions at higher elevations. Trillium Lake Campground, a popular destination, generally operates from late May through early October. Travelers should be aware of potential fire restrictions during dry summer months, particularly in August and September. Cell service remains limited throughout much of the forested camping areas. "The campsites can be very uneven for tents, but we've always made it work. The lake is never crowded and by using the trail that goes around the lake you can basically have your own private beach anywhere. Can be very cold at night. Cell service is non-existent," noted one camper about Timothy Lake.

Water access represents a major draw for campers in the region, with several campgrounds situated near lakes or rivers. Lakeside sites at Lost Lake and Trillium Lake provide opportunities for swimming, fishing and paddling, with one visitor describing Lost Lake as having "private 'beaches' on the waters edge" with "super clear and clean" water. The campgrounds near Rhododendron offer varying levels of privacy, with some sites tucked among rhododendron shrubs providing natural screening. Road noise affects certain campgrounds, particularly those closer to Highway 26. Many campers mention the stunning views of Mount Hood as a highlight, especially from waterfront locations. Several visitors recommend bringing bikes to explore the extensive trail systems connecting many of the area's campgrounds and recreation sites.

Best Camping Sites Near Rhododendron, Oregon (348)

    1. Mt Hood Village Resort

    46 Reviews
    Rhododendron, OR
    1 mile
    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."

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

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

    $45 - $125 / night

    "Time on the lake was incredible, camping spaces are private and beautiful surrounded by rhododendrons."

    "Parking is a premium by the general store and the boat launch and lake."

    3. Trillium Lake

    49 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 630-5721

    $26 - $100 / night

    "The best feature though, is the easy access to the trails and fishing at Trillium Lake, and proximity to Mt. Hood."

    "Gorgeous view, great for swimming, paddle boarding, floating around the lake all day. Nice, shady campsites."

    4. Kiwanis Road Free Camping

    22 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    9 miles

    "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"

    5. Ainsworth State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    North Bonneville, OR
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 695-2261

    $22 - $33 / night

    "All are very close to the highway so you will hear road noise and trains thundering past on the adjacent tracks."

    "Picture a hillside with a winding road surrounded by thick green trees. Ainsworth is that place. Absolutely gorgeous."

    6. Camp Creek

    12 Reviews
    Welches, OR
    7 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"

    7. Oxbow Regional Park

    33 Reviews
    Corbett, OR
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 797-1850

    $25 / night

    "Close proximity to Multonomah Falls. Pros - bathrooms with electric outlets, free showers, deer come close and are fun to watch, quiet & fairly private stay."

    "There is distance between you and other guests but if you want to meet your neighbors you can. They have ADA sites, a lake, play grounds and a welcome center."

    8. Milo McIver State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Estacada, OR
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 630-7150

    $8 - $78 / night

    "Just 45 minutes outside of Portland, and near the town of Estacada, is Milo McIver State Park, which I consider to be a quintessential Oregon State Park: lots of huge evergreen trees, large campsites,"

    "Estacada lake is within walking distance, and there is salmon fishing within driving distance inside of the park. There is also a "bat" barn that is close by."