8 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Mt Hood Village Resort accommodates pets across its tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and yurts. The sprawling campground features multiple loops with varying levels of privacy and shade, making it easy to find suitable spots for camping with dogs. Visitors use The Dyrt to find real feedback on camping near Rhododendron, Oregon. Green Canyon Campground, located in Rhododendron, also welcomes pets with picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Both campgrounds maintain clean facilities, though Mt Hood Village's bathrooms and laundry facilities occasionally receive mixed reviews regarding cleanliness during peak periods. Pet owners should note that while most sites are pet-friendly, specific pet policies such as leash requirements are strictly enforced.
Hiking trails accessible from Mt Hood Village lead to the Salmon River, providing excellent opportunities for dogs to explore and cool off. The campground's location serves as an ideal base camp for exploring Mt Hood's extensive network of dog-friendly trails, with Timberline Lodge just 30 minutes away. Many campers appreciate the property's tree coverage, which offers natural shade during summer months—an important consideration when camping with dogs. Nearby Wildwood Recreation Area features additional well-maintained trails suitable for leashed pets. Wildlife encounters are possible throughout the area, so keeping dogs leashed is essential for their safety and the protection of local wildlife. The camp store at Mt Hood Village stocks pet essentials for emergency supplies, though bringing ample pet food and waste bags is recommended for extended stays.
"Gas station (72) and great grocery store (thrift away) nearby )1.5 mi away)."
"There is a playground onsite for those with children and plenty of bike paths and walking paths to keep you busy."
"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."
from $45 - $125 / night
"Gorgeous view, great for swimming, paddle boarding, floating around the lake all day. Nice, shady campsites."
"We stayed here with a few friends and our dog. The views of the mountain are stunning and the trail around the lake is a great way to take it all in."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $120 / night
"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"
"All are very close to the highway so you will hear road noise and trains thundering past on the adjacent tracks."
"We came home with sore calves from walking the dog and going to the bathroom. The bathroom is a steep climb from either loop. Cool playground and close to all the waterfalls."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 - $31 / 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. "
"We had a nice spot right by the creek, it has nice trails. A great place to take your family or dogs."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $26 - $52 / night
"Not too far away from the main road, but far enough the only noise was the rushing river. Seriously, it was like living in the Calm app! The new camp host, Shawn, was amazing."
"Him and his dog Mika are friendly and great company, he sat with us and hung out for awhile making sure we were comfortable and set for the night w fire wood."
"They have a dog park, plenty of trails, several different areas to go down to the river, frisbee golf, area for horses. Good showers. There’s a great view point to see Mt. Hood."
"The grounds are pet friendly so we also had the dogs with us. "
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $80 / night
"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. "
"Unfortunately my booking through the dyrt didn't notify the campground manager, but he set me up with a spot very quickly PROS -great wifi connection -fun crowd to hang out with in the campsites -access to"
"Really great location right at the bottom part of Mt. Hood. There was a beautiful hike right behind the campground that takes you back into the woods and past a beautiful stream."
from $35 - $55 / night
ScoutI have to admit I’m a little biased. I was the Campos there for three years so I was there all summer long matter fact I was there the year that it got burned down. Met some great people there had a lot of fun enjoyed taking care of the place. I will always remember it finally
ScoutThis was such a cool place to camp. We stayed for a week and loved it! Sauvie Island is such a beautiful place! Watching the giant oceanliner ships sale by on the Columbia River was so cool!!! I can't wait to visit again next year!!!!
ScoutI stayed for a week and it was a great time. So peaceful and they offered fishing, swimming pool and fire pit sights! I will go back again when I get the opportunity!
ScoutThis place was difficult to find a spot this summer for more than a couple days, but I loved being next to the River!!! It was very safe and had excellent access to explore Portland!
ScoutThere airport noise is so loud all day everyday! But the price is right and the park is very clean. There is security overnight.
GuideOff season quietness. While the summer is crowded the off season is quiet and relaxing.
ScoutGreat campsite and close to the river
TravelerSeveral reservable, paid spots near the lake, but if your vehicle can make it there is free dispersed camping farther down a forest road. Took a long time to find but there was a gorgeous clearing I could back my truck into and a rock fire-ring I found that I improved upon. Beautiful woods all around the spot and very secluded.
ScoutIt’s quiet in the evening and the artificial lights are at a minimum to enjoy a fireside moment.
The Rhododendron area sits at approximately 1,600 feet elevation in the Mt. Hood corridor, providing a transitional climate between the lush Willamette Valley and the drier eastern slopes. Winter brings heavy snowfall while summer temperatures typically range from 45-80°F. Riverside camping is abundant throughout the region, with sites often positioned near hiking trails that connect to larger wilderness networks.
Disc golf courses: Milo McIver State Park features "two competition quality disc golf courses" according to camper Nancy H., who notes that "if you're not into disc golf or rafting, you probably won't see those folks at all." The park hosts the annual Beaver State Fling, a PDGA sanctioned National Tour event.
Waterfall hikes: Trails near Kiwanis Road Free Camping connect to several waterfall viewpoints. Camper Kara H. notes it's "right by the creek so you can't hear campsite neighbors even if they're close by. Zig zag falls and hidden lake trailheads are walkable." Another visitor, Dani F., confirms it's at "a really great location as it's 3 minutes to Little Zig Zag Falls path also fairly close to Government Camp."
River recreation: The Salmon River provides excellent fishing opportunities. At Green Canyon Campground, Daniel S. describes the setting as "like living in the Calm app!" with the "rushing river" creating a peaceful soundtrack. The campground connects to the Salmon River Trail, which Heather W. calls "gorgeous," noting "the trail goes through an old growth forest along the river. It's amazing."
Private, creek-side campsites: Camp Creek Campground offers secluded sites along a peaceful brook. Camper Alyson M. recommends "a nice spot on the creek" and notes "the sites are spacious and most are pretty private which is great." Corinna B. adds that "river-side spots are amazing, with several right on the water" and "just the right depth to splash around in and cool off."
Dog-friendly trails: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Rhododendron provide excellent access to pet-accessible hiking. At Trillium Lake, Gayle K. notes it's a "beautiful place and dog friendly long as your dogs are leashed." The lake loop trail provides an excellent walking route for campers with pets.
Proximity to Portland: Many campers appreciate how accessible these sites are from the city. At Oxbow Regional Park, Bjorn S. highlights its location with "beautiful river, lots of horses and fisherpeople, great trails, tall trees, lots of shade, close to Portland." This makes it ideal for weekend getaways when you can't travel far but want to camp with pets.
Reservation requirements: Popular pet-friendly campsites fill quickly during summer months. At Lost Lake Resort And Campground, Katie B. notes "the sites are large and private" but they book fast. For Trillium Lake, Molly H. advises "reservations are hard to get we booked at 6am, six months out and felt very lucky to get three spots."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Rhododendron, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Rhododendron, OR is Mt Hood Village Resort with a 4.5-star rating from 43 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Rhododendron, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 250 dog-friendly camping locations near Rhododendron, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
