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Best Dispersed Camping near Wasco, OR

16 Reviews

Several dispersed camping options exist near Wasco, Oregon, primarily along the Columbia River and throughout Mount Hood National Forest. Avery Recreation Area provides free camping on Army Corps of Engineers land directly along the Columbia River, with sites accommodating both tents and RVs. Forest Road 2730 in Mount Hood National Forest offers primitive dispersed camping with established fire rings and pull-off spots. Additional backcountry areas include Elk Cove Trailhead, White River Crossing, and Bonney Meadows, which provide more remote camping experiences on public land.

Road conditions vary significantly across these dispersed camping locations. The route to White River Crossing requires 4WD and high clearance due to steep, rocky terrain. Similarly, Bonney Meadows campground is accessible only via four miles of rough road requiring high-clearance vehicles. Many forest roads become impassable during winter months or after heavy rainfall. Most dispersed sites lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service, though Avery Recreation Area provides vault toilets and trash disposal. Camping is typically limited to 7-14 days depending on land management regulations.

These backcountry areas offer varying experiences based on location. The Avery Recreation Area provides Columbia River access with views of Mount Hood, though several reviewers note significant train noise throughout day and night. "This place is free for a reason. The trains are no joke. They are seriously loud - literally every half hour with the train blaring his horn," noted one camper. Forest areas like NF-3511 and Forest Rd 2730 provide more secluded experiences with one visitor noting, "I had several options to choose from and never saw another person." Bonney Meadows offers meadow views and hiking opportunities, with a camper describing it as "perfect for people who really want to get away from people."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Wasco, Oregon (12)

    1. Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge

    10 Reviews
    Wishram, WA
    17 miles
    Website

    "There’s a pit toilet, and a garbage dumpster on-site. Over half the “sites” are right on the water, while the others are less than 50 feet away."

    "This is Army Corps of Engineers recreation site with dispersed camping, vault toilets and a boat ramp. First come first served, $0 and you can stay up to seven days."

    2. Patterson Slough on Rock Creek

    1 Review
    Cheatham Lock and Dam, WA
    14 miles

    3. Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF

    4 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 668-1700

    "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."

    "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."

    4. Three Mile Canyon Park

    3 Reviews
    Boardman, OR
    38 miles

    "We were able to back in and view the Columbia river from our dinette window."

    "The location and convenience is practically unbeatable. Does seem like a hotspot for people though, had to ask a group to turn down the music when trying to go to bed, which they did kindly."

    5. Bonney Meadows

    6 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 467-2291

    $10 / night

    "Make sure you have 4WD and a high clearance rig to get here. The last four miles are an exercise in off road driving and need to be taken slow."

    "You’ll want a 4wd or high clearance vehicle to access the last 4 miles. It’s worth it in the end. The meadow is beautiful and a nice view of Mt Hood."

    6. White River Crossing

    1 Review
    Tygh Valley, OR
    42 miles

    "Access Road in is super steep and rocky. Would not recommend coming out anytime other than summer! Nice place to sit and dip your toes when it's hot though!"

    7. Elk Cove Trailhead

    1 Review
    Government Camp, OR
    49 miles
    Website

    "There are 2-3 fire rings to either side of the parking area at Elk Cove Trailhead."

    8. pinnacle Ridge dispersed camping

    1 Review
    Government Camp, OR
    49 miles

    "Free dispersed camping near Laurence Lake and Pinnacle Ridge trailhead. Road is well maintained. Perfect for vans and RTT camping. Some pull offs have incredible views of Mount Hood Views."

    9. NF-3511 @ Mt Hood

    1 Review
    Government Camp, OR
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 352-6002

    "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!"

    10. Dog Creek Falls Camp

    1 Review
    Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, WA
    48 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Wasco, OR

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Wasco, OR

16 Reviews of 12 Wasco Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Evan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2024

    Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge

    If there wasn’t a train and if the sites were more private, this would be a 5!

    Great spot right on the shores of the Columbia River. There’s a pit toilet, and a garbage dumpster on-site. Over half the “sites” are right on the water, while the others are less than 50 feet away.

    It is just a big gravel parking lot, so don’t expect any privacy, but it’s still a great spot with Mount Hood visible down the river.

    There are train tracks and a controlled crossing right beside the campground, which means it’s loud - and even through the night, trains do blow their horns at this crossing. I’m not a light sleeper, but it even woke me up a handful of times through the night.

    Aside from that, this spot is pretty fantastic though!

  • Shelby S.The Dyrt PRO User
    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

  • Alex P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2020

    Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge

    Nice river location

    This was very pretty, down the road from some wineries, and right on the river. Only thing was that the recreation area had a sign that said it was closed for camping and only usable for day use because of covid. There seemed to be some people possibly camping, but I hate to break the rules so we left. There was another road that took you down along the train tracks to a tree lined area, on the river, but we weren’t sure if it counted as the day use only. Very pretty, and lovely views, just be aware and mindful of covid closures, would hate to direct someone to the wrong area!

  • S
    May. 6, 2022

    Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge

    Beautiful site on Columbia River

    This is Army Corps of Engineers recreation site with dispersed camping, vault toilets and a boat ramp. First come first served, $0 and you can stay up to seven days. I have a view of Mount Hood and am parked facing the river.

    The downside? Very close to the railroad tracks and there are a lot of trains, mostly during the day. There is also a lot of truck traffic during the day. It doesn’t bother me, but your mileage may vary.

  • Dalen P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge

    Choo Choo Dream

    The spot is not difficult to get to nor is it desolate. When we arrived there was trucks and rvs in the area. Parking next to water seemed like a dream, until your are awaked by the sound of a screaming train in your ear. For last minute locations, I would stop here again.

  • Jeremy P.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

Guide to Wasco

Dispersed camping near Wasco, Oregon, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of sites, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Wasco, Oregon

  • Many dispersed camping areas, like Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge, allow for a free stay, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious campers.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge has no drinking water or electric hookups, so bring your supplies.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially during peak seasons, as many areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Scenic views for dispersed campers

  • The Bonney Meadows area offers breathtaking views of Mount Hood, making it a picturesque location for those looking to enjoy stunning landscapes.
  • Campers at Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF can experience fantastic sunset views, enhancing the overall camping experience.
  • For a serene atmosphere, consider Elk Cove Trailhead, where you can enjoy beautiful surroundings while being secluded from the hustle and bustle.

Dispersed campers should check out the Columbia River

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regulations and permits needed for dispersed camping in Wasco?

Dispersed camping in the Wasco area follows Mount Hood National Forest regulations. Most sites like Bonney Meadows and Pinnacle Ridge dispersed camping operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. A Northwest Forest Pass may be required for parking at some trailheads. Standard dispersed camping rules apply: camp at least 100 feet from water sources, use existing fire rings, and pack out all trash. Fire restrictions may be in place during summer months, especially after mid-July. Always check with the local ranger district before your trip as regulations can change seasonally.

What amenities or facilities are available at dispersed camping sites near Wasco?

Dispersed camping sites near Wasco are typically primitive with few amenities. Three Mile Canyon Park offers Columbia River views but minimal facilities. Elk Cove Trailhead has 2-3 fire rings near the parking area with access to restrooms (no running water) at nearby Kinnikinnick Campground. Most sites have established fire rings, and some areas like White River Crossing provide natural water features for cooling off. Basic amenities can be found at Avery Recreation Area, which includes pit toilets and garbage dumpsters. For all dispersed sites, campers should bring their own water, waste disposal bags, and be prepared for no cell service.

Where can I find dispersed camping areas near Wasco, Oregon?

Several excellent dispersed camping areas exist near Wasco in the Mount Hood National Forest. Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF offers multiple pull-offs with established fire pits that are accessible without high clearance vehicles. It's particularly good for group camping. Along the Columbia River, Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge provides shoreline camping with river views. Other options include Pinnacle Ridge near Laurence Lake, White River Crossing, and spots along NF-3511 that offer mountain views. Most sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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