Top Free Dispersed Camping near The Dalles, OR

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to The Dalles? We've got you covered. The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of The Dalles's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near The Dalles, OR (33)

    Camper-submitted photo from Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge
    Camper-submitted photo from Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge
    Camper-submitted photo from Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge
    Camper-submitted photo from Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge
    Camper-submitted photo from Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge
    Camper-submitted photo from Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge

    1. Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge

    6 Reviews
    10 Photos
    152 Saves

    Open to the public except during commercial treaty fishing seasons

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonney Meadows
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonney Meadows
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonney Meadows
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonney Meadows
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonney Meadows
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonney Meadows

    2. Bonney Meadows

    6 Reviews
    9 Photos
    309 Saves

    A small, quiet campground with corrals, Bonney Meadows is adjacent to beautiful meadows lined with single track used by hikers, bikers and horseback riders. Campers can wake up and go for a stroll along Bonney Meadows Trail #471. Located on a high ridge near a lush meadow.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol

    $10 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF

    3. Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF

    2 Reviews
    21 Photos
    77 Saves

    Dispersed camping, or camping outside of designated campgrounds, can be a great way to experience the forest- as long as everyone follows some rules and guidelines to protect forest wildlife, plants, water quality, and the health of others.

    Dispersed camping is not for everyone- and that's fine as the Mt. Hood National Forest has over 70 designated campgrounds. Camping outside of campgrounds means no toilets, no drinking water, no metal fire rings, and no trash service. You are responsible for leaving the site cleaner than you found it and learning the skills of Leave No Trace camping before you head out.

    Basic Rules & Guidance Some areas are closed to dispersed camping, such as within developed recreation sites, along certain roads, and particularly sensitive areas. Contact your local Ranger District for more information. You may camp on the forest for only 14 consecutive days. Please choose an existing site rather than create a new campsite. Camp at least 100 ft. away from streams, rivers, and lakes. If you didn't bring firewood and intend to build a campfire only collect already down wood. If your campfire is too hot to touch with bare hands- it's too hot for you to leave! Bring plenty of water and a shovel to help you put out your fire. Check in advance if there are any fire restrictions in effect. Treat or filter any stream water you collect for drinking, or bring water from home. Your group must be under 75 people. If it larger you must obtain a (usually free) permit in advance from the local Ranger District. When Nature Calls Be prepared for your own sanitation! To dispose of feces, dig a hole 6” deep at least 100 feet away from any water source. When you're done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and take your toilet paper with you to dispose of in a proper waste container. Never defecate or leave toilet paper on top of the ground. Animals might eat it, it could easily get into the local water source and contaminate it, and plus it's just gross. Leave No Trace Pack out everything you brought with you! Dispose of your garbage properly off the forest. Leave No Trace is a framework minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors. They apply to virtually every recreational activity and help increase your safety and enjoyment of the forest. Learn more about the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace. The Mt. Hood National Forest belongs to all Americans- including those who will come long after us. Do your part to keep the forest clean every time you visit.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mirror Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Mirror Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Mirror Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Mirror Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Mirror Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Mirror Lake

    4. Mirror Lake

    7 Reviews
    46 Photos
    247 Saves

    Mirror Lake offers a few sites for overnight camping. The hike to the lake is one of the most popular hikes on Mt Hood. While the vast majority of hikers only visit during the day, a few primitive sites are located just above the lake. When I refer to primitive sites, that is what they are. There are no facilities here. No picnic tables, and no toilets. A few fire pits have been fashioned out of rock and you may also find a makeshift bench. But for some this is an ideal camping experience. By day Mirror lake can get crowded. It is surrounded on three sides by mountains and it can get loud here. But at night it is as peaceful as you could ever want. Views of Mt Hood and Tom Dick and Harry Mountain are all outstanding.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Cove Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Cove Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Cove Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from NF-3511 @ Mt Hood

    6. NF-3511 @ Mt Hood

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    17 Saves

    Camping outside campgrounds is permitted in many parts of the Mt. Hood National Forest. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days and up to 28 days total in a calendar year. If you are uncertain whether an area is open, please contact a Forest Office.

    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    • No image available

      7. Trillium Lake Airstrip Dispersed

      3 Reviews
      124 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • ADA Access
      • RVs
      • Tents
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls
      Camper-submitted photo from Panther Creek Creekside Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Panther Creek Creekside Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Panther Creek Creekside Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Panther Creek Creekside Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from NF2656 - Mt. Hood Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from NF2656 - Mt. Hood Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from NF2656 - Mt. Hood Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from NF2656 - Mt. Hood Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from NF2656 - Mt. Hood Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from NF2656 - Mt. Hood Dispersed Camping

      10. NF2656 - Mt. Hood Dispersed Camping

      3 Reviews
      12 Photos
      166 Saves

      Dispersed camping, or camping outside of designated campgrounds, can be a great way to experience the forest- as long as everyone follows some rules and guidelines to protect forest wildlife, plants, water quality, and the health of others.

      Dispersed camping is not for everyone- and that's fine as the Mt. Hood National Forest has over 70 designated campgrounds. Camping outside of campgrounds means no toilets, no drinking water, no metal fire rings, and no trash service. You are responsible for leaving the site cleaner than you found it and learning the skills of Leave No Trace camping before you head out.

      Basic Rules & Guidance Some areas are closed to dispersed camping, such as within developed recreation sites, along certain roads, and particularly sensitive areas. Contact your local Ranger District for more information. You may camp on the forest for only 14 consecutive days. Please choose an existing site rather than create a new campsite. Camp at least 100 ft. away from streams, rivers, and lakes. If you didn't bring firewood and intend to build a campfire only collect already down wood. If your campfire is too hot to touch with bare hands- it's too hot for you to leave! Bring plenty of water and a shovel to help you put out your fire. Check in advance if there are any fire restrictions in effect. Treat or filter any stream water you collect for drinking, or bring water from home. Your group must be under 75 people. If it larger you must obtain a (usually free) permit in advance from the local Ranger District. When Nature Calls Be prepared for your own sanitation! To dispose of feces, dig a hole 6” deep at least 100 feet away from any water source. When you're done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and take your toilet paper with you to dispose of in a proper waste container. Never defecate or leave toilet paper on top of the ground. Animals might eat it, it could easily get into the local water source and contaminate it, and plus it's just gross. Leave No Trace Pack out everything you brought with you! Dispose of your garbage properly off the forest. Leave No Trace is a framework minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors. They apply to virtually every recreational activity and help increase your safety and enjoyment of the forest. Learn more about the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace. The Mt. Hood National Forest belongs to all Americans- including those who will come long after us. Do your part to keep the forest clean every time you visit.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Dispersed
    Showing results 1-10 of 33 campgrounds

    Recent Dispersed Reviews In The Dalles

    55 Reviews of 33 The Dalles Campgrounds


    • Kenny L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from NF2656 - Mt. Hood Dispersed Camping
      Oct. 23, 2024

      NF2656 - Mt. Hood Dispersed Camping

      Great Spot!

      Such an awesome find! The first campsite is small and perfect for a couple tents. The second site could easily fit 3 or 4 tents and has plenty of additional space for parking, kitchen set-up, etc… both sites also have really nice fire pits. Also don’t let the Trillium Lake camp hosts scare you. They told us the gravel road to access the sites was “rough as hell” and were completely wrong. Nothing more than a few potholes. Any vehicle could make the trek.

    • Tavi C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge
      Oct. 18, 2024

      Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge

      Do you like sleep?

      I mostly want to balance out these other reviews. No one said something that wasn’t true, but the weight that they seem to put on how disruptive the trains are surprising to me. You don’t just have trains passing, you have them blowing their horn multiple times a night, and they are close enough you can feel their vibration. If you are a very VERY deep sleeper, I’d say this is a 5 star stop. I wore noise canceling headphones and played a white noise machine in the background- and still had to take a sleeping pill at 3am after being woken up multiple times.

    • Jeffrey P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed
      Aug. 31, 2024

      Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed

      Easy Get Away

      A couple spots right off the road for car camping or small campers. There was an “official” camp sight more near the Dry Creek Trail (has a bathroom). We opted to walk south along the river to try and find a space. Ended up crossing the river where there are a couple more hidden spots. We found out later that there is a trail right before you cross Trapper Creek that leads you to the spot we were at. There were a few people out and you can sometimes hear cars but overall it was an easy stay with some nice views. The river drowns out most the noise. Would definitely come back here

    • Todd J.
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site - End of NF 4800-532
      Aug. 6, 2024

      Dispersed Site - End of NF 4800-532

      Sweet spot not far from White River East

      This spot is pretty nice, feels very secluded despite White River being close enough to use the restroom if you want. Access to a stream down the hill if you need to filter water, and it sounds very pleasant at night. Lovely trees, plenty of room for a couple of small tents among the trees, plus a ton more out on the gravel. Established fire pit, for the 2-3 days a year that's legal to use. 

      We got in at 5pm on a Friday in summer; I think four more cars came down to see if the spot was free before 9pm.

    • tom P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Clear Lake dispersed camping
      Jul. 24, 2024

      Clear Lake dispersed camping

      Pretty good

      There's lots of other pull outs on the drive into this spot which are nicer. The road is in bad shape so v slow and not really suitable for cars. Quiet and private. Some trash around

    • Jeremy P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF
      Jul. 15, 2024

      Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF

      Fanastic sunset views of Mount Hood

      There's a handful of dispersed campsites throughout NF44 and various side roads. I had several options to choose from and never saw another person. This was on a Thursday afternoon.

    • Kennedy F.
      Camper-submitted photo from McNeil Point Dispersed Camping
      Jul. 15, 2024

      McNeil Point Dispersed Camping

      Can’t beat the views at McNeil point

      Ended up backpacking up here on a whim right before I headed back to Utah. 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). On my way I ended up going to Muddy Fork which added about 4 miles to my overall trek up. I ended up camping at the point rather than further down, which was a challenge to carry my pack up, but so worth it in my opinion. It’s dispersed camping so solitude is easily reachable considering not too many people stay the night. This was easily one of the top 5 most amazing sunsets I’ve ever seen. The mountain range is unbeatable and waking up to Mt. Hood as your veiw is incredible. It’s a challenge with the best reward.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Clear Lake dispersed camping
      Jul. 1, 2024

      Clear Lake dispersed camping

      Beautiful area ruined by humans.

      I stopped for the night while traveling and found a huge dispersed camping area right off the road. Unfortunately, some disgusting, disrespectful, immature family left a ton of garbage and feces all over the site. There were three sites with piles of feces and toilet paper right on the camp site. Not 100 feet away, not buried. It was disgusting. This makes me lose faith in humans.

    • Ashlyn C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from FR-604 Dispersed Site
      Jul. 1, 2024

      FR-604 Dispersed Site

      Private and spacious campsite!

      The campsite was nice, right off the road but there wasn’t an absurd amount of traffic to where it bothered me but you will hear the cars on the road while you sleep if you’re in a tent. If you follow the trail by foot in the back of the forest for maybe 10 minutes you will find a beautiful swimming hole and small waterfalls! I recommend blocking the entrance with your vehicles to block noise and people trying to drive in to the campsite.

    • Brooks H.
      Camper-submitted photo from NF-65 National Forest Dispersed Site
      Jun. 23, 2024

      NF-65 National Forest Dispersed Site

      Many Sites Available of Variety

      Plenty of spots available. At the bottom of road coming from Carson often crowded, but if you go further you are bound to find something. Beautiful trees and foliage with obvious sites on side of road.

    • Jason B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF
      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.

    • Shelby S.
      Camper-submitted photo from NF-3511 @ Mt Hood
      Jun. 15, 2024

      NF-3511 @ Mt Hood

      Great views on the drive up

      While you can't see the mountain from the site itself.There's a great turnaround point and views on the way up and down! Past a few vans pulled over on the way up, But no one drove past me the entire night

    • Susannah H.
      Camper-submitted photo from White River West Sno-Park
      Jun. 8, 2024

      White River West Sno-Park

      Great view and pit toilets

      Big paved lot with really well managed pit toilets. Short walk takes you to the White River, which was more of a creek when we were there, and a breathtaking view of Mt. Hood.

    • Vanessa T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Panther Creek Creekside Camp
      Jun. 8, 2024

      Panther Creek Creekside Camp

      Best spot ever!

      I was headed down 14 looking for somewhere to camp between the Dalles and camas. I got stuck in road construction and decided to open up the dyrt app. I clicked on one that looked closish lol I decided to take the chance and go check it out. Man I'm glad I did This is one of the best dispersed camp sites I've ever stayed at!!

    • M
      Camper-submitted photo from White River West Sno-Park
      May. 25, 2024

      White River West Sno-Park

      Great spot to stay.

      We did not know what to expect when we reached this site. It is just a large parking area, we found a pretty level place for our travel trailer. Only 2 other trailers and 1 tent camper during the day. A lot of van and car campers the latter the day got. Good spot to stay when checking out the area. The view out our door was amazing, when the sun was out. We stayed 5 nights, had all types of weather on our stay, from lots of rain to sun and also snow. Would stay here again if in the area. Free to stay from May 1 to October 31.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Zigzag River Camp
      Feb. 14, 2024

      Zigzag River Camp

      Side of the road camping?

      These coordinates get you the Kiwanis camp, other than that I wouldn't say a great dispersant camping spot, area is nice though.

    • Kelly H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from White River West Sno-Park
      Jan. 7, 2024

      White River West Sno-Park

      So easy! Great view!

      We thought we'd try this out with some friends.  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.  So much room it never felt crowded with other folks coming and going.

      Paved, Pit toilets, garbage can.

      Walking and hiking from here.  Road noice not bad!  We actually spent 3 nights and explored the area around Mt. Hood.  

      Just a couple hours from home, an easy get away.

    • H
      Camper-submitted photo from Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge
      Nov. 18, 2023

      Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge

      Awesome spot right on the river

      Can’t beat a waterfront spot. So far no one else has shown up. It’s about 6pm but been dark for an hour and half. There is a restroom although I haven’t used it yet. I’d say there’s about 5 picnic tables but there’s probably between 7-10 spots if you really tried.

    • Amber H.
      Camper-submitted photo from NF2656 - Mt. Hood Dispersed Camping
      Sep. 19, 2023

      NF2656 - Mt. Hood Dispersed Camping

      Dispersed campsite above Trillium Lake.

      I would just like to thank whomever originally uploaded this site! We used it this weekend and it was perfect for us!! We will definitely be using it again next summer! Best camping trip of the season!

    • Callie C.
      Camper-submitted photo from White River West Sno-Park
      Aug. 26, 2023

      White River West Sno-Park

      Plenty of spots w/ great view of Mt Hood

      Huge parking lot w/ two bathrooms. Less than 10 vans when I showed up on a Friday night. Stream nearby but very muddy. T-mobile ok - About 2-3 5G bars.

    • Lindsey N.
      Camper-submitted photo from FR-604 Dispersed Site
      Aug. 17, 2023

      FR-604 Dispersed Site

      Convenient spot next to the road!

      We tried 3 campgrounds that were all full and then found this free site right next to the road. Luckily, we were able to buy "US National Forrest camping passes" from the gas station in Carson. It ended up working great for us to have a trailer, 2 cars, several dogs, kids, and an SUV tent.

    • Lindsey N.
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed
      Aug. 17, 2023

      Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed

      Golden location for solo travel or with friends!

      This location has 2-3 free sites you can drive in and, 2 more walk-in sites near the bridge. It was so nice on a super hot day and there is a nearby latrine at the trailhead! Perfect for a group. There is also a nearby paid camp so, if you're a solo traveler, you will feel safe knowing there are other campers nearby. No cell service! And, these sites require a US National Forrest camping pass.



    Guide to The Dalles

    Camping near The Dalles, Oregon, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

    What to do:

    • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. One camper mentioned, "Great 2-mile hiking loop around the lake. Beautiful view of Mt. Hood" at Trillium Lake.
    • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Lost Lake Resort And Campground, offer fishing opportunities. A visitor shared, "The lake is fun for fishing and renting a little boat or canoe to get onto the water."
    • Wildflower Viewing: If you visit in spring, check out the wildflowers. One camper at Memaloose State Park Campground said, "Great spot to set up camp and hit the trails for wildflower season."

    What campers like:

    • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites. A review for Panther Creek Campground noted, "A nice, woodsy campground, with lots of privacy between camp sites."
    • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Deschutes River State Recreation Area, are praised for their cleanliness. One camper remarked, "Bathrooms are very clean. Good hiking trails along the river."
    • Scenic Views: Campers love the views. A visitor at Maryhill State Park Campground mentioned, "Beautiful park on the river. We could watch the geese, the trains, the barges."

    What you should know:

    • Train Noise: Some campgrounds are near train tracks, which can be loud. A camper at Cascade Locks KOA said, "The train was very loud (especially at night)."
    • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A review for Cottonwood Canyon State Park noted, "There are provided wind breaks and covered picnic tables as well as dedicated fire pits."
    • Busy Seasons: Campgrounds can fill up quickly during peak times. One camper at Tucker Park Campground advised, "Book early if able."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. A parent at Lost Lake Resort And Campground mentioned, "There’s a store, rental boats, etc."
    • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. One camper shared a cautionary tale about a creepy experience at Trillium Lake, emphasizing the importance of safety.
    • Plan for Quiet Time: After a busy day, make sure to have some downtime. A visitor at Memaloose State Park Campground noted, "This location is usually the last camping site of the year."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check Hookups: Ensure your campground has the right hookups for your RV. A camper at Deschutes River State Recreation Area mentioned, "The electric worked fine and the water pressure was on the low side."
    • Space for Maneuvering: Look for campgrounds with ample space for parking. One RV owner at Peach Beach RV Park said, "Easy back-ins and some pull-throughs."
    • Be Prepared for Noise: Trains and traffic can be noisy. A visitor at Maryhill State Park Campground noted, "If you don't mind the sound of trains every few hours, this is a great campsite."

    Camping near The Dalles, Oregon, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near The Dalles, OR?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near The Dalles, OR is Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge with a 3.8-star rating from 6 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near The Dalles, OR?

      TheDyrt.com has all 33 dispersed camping locations near The Dalles, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.