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Best Dispersed Camping near Sandy, OR

97 Reviews

Mount Hood National Forest provides multiple dispersed camping areas near Sandy, Oregon. Mirror Lake offers hike-in primitive camping with established spots around the lake, requiring a 1.7-mile uphill trek. No facilities are available except for some sites at White River West Sno-Park, which has toilets and trash service. Trillium Lake Airstrip allows drive-in access for both tents and RVs with no amenities, though the area fills quickly on weekends and holidays.

Most dispersed sites in the region operate on the standard 14-day camping limit. Alder Flat was previously a popular spot but was heavily damaged in the 2021 wildfires. McNeil Point provides backcountry camping opportunities with spectacular mountain views, though it requires a challenging hike. One camper shared that McNeil Point offers "views of Hood, Rainier, and Adams with plenty of nearby meadows and ridges to explore." Fire restrictions apply seasonally, with most areas allowing fires when conditions permit.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Sandy, Oregon (49)

    1. Mirror Lake

    7 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    24 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."

    2. White River West Sno-Park

    14 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    29 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. "

    3. Trillium Lake Airstrip Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    27 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."

    4. Alder Flat

    4 Reviews
    Mt. Hood National Forest, OR
    24 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."

    5. McNeil Point Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    25 miles
    Website

    "Dispersed camping at McNeil point is a backpackers dream — you get to hike far into the clouds, far away from the people, yet this location is nearly as convenient as car camping. "

    "I started at the Top Spur trailhead and hiked the clockwise route up to McNeil (a little longer but saved be the scramble through rocks)."

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

    6 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    27 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"

    7. Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed

    17 Reviews
    Carson, WA
    36 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."

    8. Snag Creek Trailhead Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Stevenson, WA
    28 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)."

    9. Trillium Sno-Park

    5 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 668-1700

    "I am beyond happy with this app it shows you areas with free camping and helps out greatly"

    "Access to Redtop meadows trail. Hike the trail access to berries"

    10. Pioneer Bridle Trail Camp off Hwy 26

    1 Review
    Government Camp, OR
    21 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Sandy, OR

67 Photos of 49 Sandy Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Sandy, OR

97 Reviews of 49 Sandy Campgrounds

  • 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

  • Jason B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2024

    Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF

    Great/Quiet Spot

    Took a while to discover this spot, but clearly seems well used for dispersed camping. I parked nearest the access road, as my van would have hit trees to go a little further in. For smaller vehicles (e.g. roof top tents), you can get in a little further and off the access road. There was actually someone else back there, and we can't hear nor see each other.

  • Brendan R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 11, 2025

    Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF

    Great Area to Camp and Relax!

    There are several places along FR 2730 where you can pull off and camp. The road was very accessible, high clearance not required. We found a large pull off with several established fire pits. It's absolutely perfect for a group campsite. I imagine it will be a busier spot in the summer, but we couldn't find a single other person within miles of us in early May. To get up to the group camp site, you may need higher clearance (most SUVs should be fine) and 4wd/AWD, as there is a short rocky section that might cause some issues for FWD/RWD.

    Got a little chilly at night with winds whipping down through the area we were in, but overall very peaceful. You can see Mt Hood from the campsite through the trees, albeit it is decently far away and is subject to the visibility at the time you visit. We were able to see Mt Hood just before sunset, but couldn't see her at all the following morning.

  • 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 Sandy

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Sandy, Oregon, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, it's the perfect getaway for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Mirror Lake

  • Mirror Lake is known for its stunning views and easy access, making it a favorite among dog owners and families alike.
  • The area is popular during the day but transforms into a peaceful retreat by evening, allowing for a quiet night under the stars.
  • With no permits required and a welcoming atmosphere for pets, this spot is ideal for spontaneous camping trips.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Sandy, Oregon

  • Always have a backup plan, as spots like Alder Flat can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; many areas, including Alder Flat, do not offer drinking water or toilets, so plan accordingly.
  • Respect the environment by packing out all trash and ensuring your campsite is clean, as some sites have reported littering issues.

Scenic views for dispersed campers at McNeil Point

  • For breathtaking vistas, McNeil Point offers a challenging hike that rewards campers with stunning sunsets and views of Mt. Hood.
  • This location is perfect for backpackers seeking solitude, as it tends to attract fewer overnight visitors compared to more accessible areas.
  • Campers should note that water sources are limited, so it's essential to carry enough supplies for your stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the dispersed camping areas near Sandy, Oregon?

Several dispersed camping areas exist near Sandy in the Mt. Hood National Forest. Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF offers multiple pull-offs with established fire pits, accessible without high clearance vehicles. Trillium Lake Airstrip Dispersed provides spots with views of Mt. Hood, though sites can be close to one another. Other options include Little Soda Springs Road, Pinnacle Ridge near Laurence Lake, and spots along the Historic Clackamas Ranger Station area. Most sites are first-come, first-served, so arriving early, especially on weekends, is recommended. For the best experience, carry detailed forest service maps or use navigation apps with offline capability, as cell service can be unreliable in these remote areas.

Is a permit required for dispersed camping near Sandy?

No specific permit is required for most dispersed camping near Sandy within Mt. Hood National Forest. Areas like Historic Clackamas Ranger Station - Dispersed Camping and Pinnacle Ridge dispersed camping are generally free to use without permits. However, during high fire danger seasons, a free campfire permit might be required. Some areas may require a Northwest Forest Pass for parking at certain trailheads, though this isn't specifically for camping. The regulations can change seasonally, so it's advisable to check with the Mt. Hood National Forest Zigzag Ranger District office in Sandy before heading out to confirm current requirements and any seasonal restrictions that might be in effect.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Sandy?

Dispersed camping in the Sandy area follows standard Mt. Hood National Forest regulations. At Bonney Meadows and similar locations, the pack-it-out principle is strictly enforced - all trash must leave with you. Campers should use existing fire rings when available, and seasonal fire restrictions may apply, especially during summer months. The standard stay limit is 14 days within a 30-day period. Many sites like Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed have no amenities or facilities, so proper waste disposal is essential. Camp at least 200 feet from water sources, and respect closure areas. Vehicle access is limited to established roads and pull-offs - no off-road driving to create new sites is allowed.

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