J
Jack O.
Traveler
TravelerTrillium Sno-Park
Lots of garbage, but close to hiking.
This area is covered with litter and is fairly noisy by the road. However, there is some nice secluded hiking trails nearby.
Camping near Government Camp, OR
348 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Campgrounds surrounding Government Camp, Oregon feature a mix of established Forest Service sites and dispersed camping areas on Mount Hood. Trillium Lake Campground provides tent and RV sites with stunning views of Mount Hood, while Kiwanis Road Free Camping offers basic dispersed options without facilities. Camp Creek and Little Crater Lake campgrounds provide additional developed sites with toilet facilities. Several campgrounds in the area feature fire rings, picnic tables, and tent pads, with accommodations ranging from basic tent sites to cabins at Mt. Hood Village Resort, which has full hookups for RVs.
Road conditions and seasonal closures impact camping accessibility throughout the Mount Hood region. Many campgrounds operate from late May through early October, with limited winter camping options. "This is one of my favorite places to camp near Mount Hood. The road leading into the campgrounds is primitive and just challenging enough to keep most folks away. You will want a motorcycle or 4WD vehicle to get here," noted one visitor about Kinzel Lake. Elevation ranges from approximately 3,000 to 4,500 feet, resulting in cool overnight temperatures even during summer months. Cell service is sparse or non-existent at most sites, particularly at higher elevations and more remote locations. Campgrounds near highways may experience road noise, while those on forest roads offer more solitude but require vehicles with higher clearance.
Proximity to lakes and mountain views represents a primary draw for campers in the Government Camp area. Waterfront sites at Trillium Lake and Lost Lake provide popular swimming and paddling opportunities with scenic Mount Hood backdrops. A camper described Trillium Lake as offering "a classic camping spot with an amazing view of Mt. Hood across Trillium Lake. The campground is nestled deep in old growth forest with spacious sites and running water." Many campgrounds connect to hiking trails, including access to the Pacific Crest Trail. Crowds concentrate at developed sites during summer weekends, particularly at locations with lake access. Sites with more privacy can be found along forest roads, though these generally lack amenities beyond fire rings. Winter camping options remain limited to designated sno-parks or lower-elevation areas that maintain year-round access.
Best Campgrounds near Government Camp (348)
1. Trillium Lake
"Just learned you can rent a canoe in Government Camp and they’ll drop it at the lake for you. It is kind of expensive- you have to really want that canoe ride."
"Gorgeous view, great for swimming, paddle boarding, floating around the lake all day. Nice, shady campsites."
from $30 - $100 / night
Check Availability2. Lost Lake Resort And Campground — Mt. Hood National Forest
"I have kind of a love/hate thing going on for Lost Lake Campgrounds. Pros: It is beautiful. There's a reason it's one of Oregon's most photographed sites."
"Lost Lake Resort & Campground is somewhere we go at least once each summer. It has that nostalgic summer-camp vibe. A little more spendy than your typical Oregon campsite, but serene and private."
from $45 - $125 / night
Check Availability3. Mt Hood Village Resort
"Up at the base of Mt Hood, this large resort style campground (operates by Thousand Trails/Encore) offers various areas for camping."
"There is a playground onsite for those with children and plenty of bike paths and walking paths to keep you busy."
4. Kiwanis Road Free Camping
"It's at a really great location as it's 3 minutes to Little Zig Zag Falls path also fairly close to Government Camp"
"It was convenient to Government Camp and Portland, and the view was great. I imagine on a nice weekend- this could be very busy and full."
5. Clear Lake Campground
"The campground pros were its proximity to Clear Lake, the huge campsites, and it was not very crowded. We absolutely loved clear lake and it was great for paddleboarding,swimming, and fishing."
"I highly recommend this campground as it is beautiful and tucked back off 26 far enough that you don't hear the highway."
from $26 / night
Check Availability6. White River West Sno-Park
"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. "
7. Camp Creek
"Campground Review Midway between Welches and Government Camp, I picked Camp Creek as a my Mt."
"Hood/Government Camp. Spots are decent sized, including some doubles (to share with friends), and lots of trees and greenery between spots."
from $26 - $52 / night
Check Availability8. Frog Lake
"We stayed here as Trillium Lake was full."
"Small lake. Good for swimming and kayaking. Watching osprey. I walked around the lake, although there really isn't a trail. ' Wonderful views of Mt Hood."
from $26 / night
Check Availability9. Little Crater Lake
"Intimate & quiet little campground close to Portland. Little crater lake is beautiful and a quick walk from the campsite. The PCT is a minute or two walk from the lake."
"Little Crater Lake Campground is a small loop with varied sites. We stayed in #7, which is nestled in the interior of the loop and provides a lot of space and moderate privacy."
from $26 / night
Check Availability10. Hoodview Campground
"The campsite itself is near a beautiful lake, Timothy Lake. There are plenty of campsites that are on the edge of the lake, which is one of my favorite parts about this campground."
"Great spot on Timothy lake to hang out, drink a beer, and not have to deal with the crowds at a day use area. The walk-in sites are a little close together, but that’s expected at most campgrounds."
from $24 - $32 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 1 hr 2 min from Portland, OR
- 1 hr 38 min from Salem, OR
- 1 hr 41 min from Longview, WA
- 1 hr 56 min from Albany, OR
Recent Camping Photos near Government Camp, OR
773 Photos of 348 Government Camp Campgrounds
Katie M.
Summit Meadows Airstrip
brendan
Trillium Lake Airstrip Dispersed
Jeff K.
Still Creek
Paula G.
Mirror Lake
Ellen W.
Trillium Lake
Shannon C.
Alpine
the J.
Kiwanis Road Free Camping
Emma B.
Mount Hood National Forest - NF 2656 -Dispersed Camping
Todd J.
Dispersed Site - End of NF 4800-532
Chelsy S.
Camp Creek
Ashley B.
Frog Lake
Nicole L.
Mount Hood National Forest Frog Lake Campground
Recent Reviews near Government Camp, OR
1877 Reviews of 348 Government Camp Campgrounds
Hana B.
GuideSandy Riverfront RV Resort
Clean & Friendly
This is a small and tightly-packed park with all amenities. Although the spaces are close, there is a nice plot of grass and a table. There are many full-timers here, and their spaces are nicely kept/decorated.
There are many places to eat, shop, coffee, etc. in the nearby downtown area and just beyond. It was a perfect stop for stocking up on supplies and enjoying the river, and only about half hour away from Portland.
The park is full of furry friends & friendly people, but we were disappointed that our dog was not allowed at the Glenn Otto park across the road. We walked up a couple of blocks and found a nice little trail behind the Harlow House Museum for an evening hike.
We didn't make reservations, but got lucky on arrival as there were only a handful of available sites. Ours was a pull-thru, and our 25' trailer fit easily, although it was a tight fit with our truck. There were many there with much larger rigs than ours, so it's obviously doable. This park has a lot of R&Rs, which isn't our favorite way to camp, but they were so friendly and gracious, that it gets 5 stars easily! It will be our go-to when visiting the Portland area!
- MMark M.Traveler
Elk Meadows RV Park
Most private RV park I have ever been to.
I cannot say enough good things about Elk Meadows. The park is laid out very well and the sites were deep and very private. We had site 50 and had no trouble getting our 36' class A in and out of the site. The view out our window was beyond description, absolutely gorgeous. Drinking coffee in the morning, looking at that view and listening to the Sand Hill Cranes was absolute heaven.
micheal W.
ScoutClackamas River RV Park
Wonderful place to stay or extended stay
This place is amazing as a location to stay. It’s 6 miles up river from town that has anything you need. Nestled in the mountains along an amazing river and lake for boating and fishing. Close to many mountain lakes as well and winter activities. The people here are great to work with and care that you are comfortable during your stay. With mail boxes and all deliveries go to the office so they are safe and secure having stuff delivered. The staff is very helpful and the showers and laundry facilities are clean and well kept. Great value for the money. Better than many I have seen.
Danny S.ScoutHome Valley Campground
Great campground
Loved our stay here. the trains were loud but didn't ruin our trip at all. Tons of boats here during spring salmon runs at Drano lake and the wind river but we would absolutely come back. The site that we were at was super private but not all the spots had as much room surrounding them as we did
- NNicole C.Traveler
Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls
Quiet spot near a waterfall
This location is private and near a beautiful waterfall. Like another review mentioned, you’ll take a right onto a road before the parking site for Panther Creek Falls. There is a gate that makes it look like the camp site is closed, but it’s not locked.
I was here for a few hours on a weekday. You can hear people coming and going from the trail parking, but it’s not too noticeable. Previous visitors have made a few makeshift fire pits. And the hum of the waterfall is lovely!!
- QQuincey H.Guide
Avery Recreation Area
Beautiful overnight spot
If you stay here beware the trains will wake you up. They blare their horns just a few hundred feet away. But the location it Fantastic with so much to do nearby including a small winery just above the campsite. There are bathrooms, no trash. It’s open for overnight camping from April to October for a 7 day maximum stay . It’s a day use only area the rest of the year.
- JJuan carlos M.Guide
Lost Lake Resort And Campground — Mt. Hood National Forest
Lost Lake Campground
I went to lost lake a long time ago. And I e noticed that they have done quite a bit of an upgrade at lost lake. The last time I was there they only had shop and the boat rentals and the camp sites lol. But me and my family loved it. Now I hear that it is a beautiful Resort and they have a lot more things or should I say activities to do besides just camping. And wow that is one of my goals sometime this year is to go back and enjoy there new renovations. So I really recommend everyone to go and take your entire family to lost lake resort. I hear that it will be worth your time and money. Enjoy my brothers and sisters and Godbless you all.
- JJuan carlos M.Guide
Kiwanis Road Free Camping
Beautiful Free kiwanis side road Campsite
I spent a day and a night there and it was the most amazing relaxing very clean and extremely beautiful lush landscape for camping. And what I loved the most is that the little river is right next to the campsites. And also the campsites are really huge and that’s how a lot of other campsites should look like. I have a huge family and I am definitely going back with my family to enjoy this little paradise.
Guide to Government Camp
Camping sites near Government Camp, Oregon range in elevation from 3,000 to 4,500 feet across Mount Hood National Forest. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing with summer nights averaging 45-50°F. Several campgrounds remain accessible into early fall, with some roads requiring higher clearance vehicles during shoulder seasons.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Trillium Lake Campground offers productive fishing in calm waters. "Really pretty campground with open campsites. The lake has great fishing and there are lots of nice mountain activities very close to the campground," notes Ashley C.
Paddleboarding and kayaking: Lost Lake Resort provides equipment rentals for water activities. "The lake is always cold no matter the season. Really easy fishing if you're just learning. They have tons of rentals," explains ChiAnn M., making it suitable for beginners.
Hiking trails: Clear Lake Campground connects to several walking paths. A camper named Corinna B. shares: "About $20/site, including some amazing spots with water views. There's a boat dock/area, but when we arrived there in August the 'lake' was more of a river, which was perfect for all the splashing and playing that we wanted to do."
What campers like
Quiet settings: Many campers value the solitude at Kiwanis Road Free Camping. "Great spot for free car camping! On the way to the Kiwanis campground, lots of spots right off the road. Right by the creek so you can't hear campsite neighbors even if they're close by," says Kara H.
Natural water features: The unusual geological formation at Little Crater Lake draws visitors. "It is absolutely beautiful, and there are plenty of places to go hiking around it. Timothy lake is located about 5 miles away," mentions Natasha R.
Private spaces: Many Government Camp area campgrounds offer secluded sites. "The sites are large and private, lots of amenities such as trails, boat rental, well equipped store, picnic tables and much more," shares Katie B. about Lost Lake Resort.
What you should know
Road access varies: Some campgrounds require planning for vehicle access. At Camp Creek Campground, "Since the site is nearly 100 years old, it's off limits for large RVs. I personally wouldn't bring in much larger than a long van, BUT, there are a few sites that will accommodate an 18ish foot trailer and its short tow vehicle," advises c S.
Seasonal conditions: Campground water levels fluctuate throughout the year. "When we went in early May, there were several places to park and camp in the large, open parking lot. The views of Mt Hood from this Sno Park are stunning!" reports Brendan R. about White River West Sno-Park.
Amenities limitations: Most Government Camp camping sites have basic facilities. "This is a primitive campground, no restroom or showers, just one vault toilet and there is one water pump if you need to wash dishes," explains Lady L. about Camp Creek.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Frog Lake provides shallow water ideal for children. "Millions of tadpoles in the water and twice as many baby frogs on the north side of the lake by the swamp. Warm water, not deep at all. Beautiful view of mt hood," describes Connor J.
Wildlife viewing: Many camping sites near Government Camp offer nature observation opportunities. "I have not camped here but we go up and spend the day often. The facilities are clean and well kept. The best part about this place is the tiny frogs you catch. The ground literally moves with them!" explains Ashley M. about Frog Lake.
Safety considerations: Lakes in the area vary in depth and temperature. "Trillium Lake is easier and faster to get to than many of the other Mt. Hood Lakes, and with one of the best views of the mountain. There is also snow-shoeing here in the winter, but don't underestimate the sloped road you have to get down (and back-up) to get to the lake in the first place!" cautions Raphaela H.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Mt Hood Village Resort provides full services for RVs. "Easy to access, even for larger rigs. We stayed in 39 foot 5th wheel. Plenty of pull thru spots, full hookups, regularly spaced bathroom/showers. Nice store for basic needs, nice laundry room," reports Steve R.
Leveling challenges: Not all sites accommodate larger vehicles. "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. Trailers shouldn't have a problem, but even with several blocks under our tires, our 39ft Class A was still un-level," warns Garrett B. about White River West Sno-Park.
Base camp options: Some RVers prefer established campgrounds for extended stays. "The full hook up sites are in old growth timber giving each site a feeling of seclusion. The lodge, pool, hot tub and saunas are in good condition. The campground provides easy access to a number of nearby activities," notes Jack B. about Mt Hood Village Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping facilities are available at Government Camp campgrounds?
What camping facilities are available at Government Camp campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Government Camp offer a range of facilities to accommodate different camping styles. Still Creek Campground provides large sites perfect for families, with central access to Government Camp, Trillium Lake, and Timberline Lodge. The campground has basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables, though you may hear some highway noise. For more developed options, Mt Hood Village Resort features full RV hookups, tent sites, group camping areas, electricity/water sites, and cabin/yurt accommodations. Most RV sites can accommodate at least one vehicle and a tent. Many campgrounds in the area provide toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, with some offering water access. Facilities vary by season, with most campgrounds operating from late spring through early fall.
Where can I find camping near Government Camp, Oregon?
Where can I find camping near Government Camp, Oregon?
Government Camp offers diverse camping options within a short drive. Trillium Lake Campground is a popular choice just minutes from town with scenic lake views and opportunities for canoeing. For those seeking free, more secluded camping, Kiwanis Road Free Camping offers spots just 3 minutes from Little Zig Zag Falls and close to Government Camp. Camp Creek serves as an excellent base for Mount Hood hiking, located midway between Welches and Government Camp with proximity to Mirror Lake trails. Additional options include Pioneer Bridle Trail Camp for larger groups and Kinzel Lake Campground for those with 4WD vehicles seeking more remote experiences.
Is lodging available near Government Camp for non-campers?
Is lodging available near Government Camp for non-campers?
Non-campers have several lodging options near Government Camp. Spring Drive RV Campground offers full hookup sites bookable through Recreation.gov, providing a comfortable alternative to tent camping. For those wanting more substantial accommodations, the Government Camp area has cabins and yurts available at Lost Lake Resort And Campground. Timberline Lodge, a historic mountain lodge on Mount Hood, provides hotel-style accommodations year-round just a short drive from Government Camp. The area also features vacation rentals, condos, and chalets catering to skiers and mountain visitors. These non-camping options are especially valuable during shoulder seasons when weather can be unpredictable or for visitors who want to enjoy Mount Hood's recreational opportunities with more amenities than traditional camping provides.
Keep Exploring