Best Dispersed Camping near Wasco, OR
Planning a dispersed camping trip near Wasco? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Oregon excursion.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Wasco, OR (9)
1. Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge
Wishram, Washington6 Reviews•10 Photos•156 SavesOpen to the public except during commercial treaty fishing seasons
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Trash
2. Bonney Meadows
Government Camp, Oregon6 Reviews•9 Photos•310 SavesA 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
3. Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF
Government Camp, Oregon2 Reviews•21 Photos•77 SavesDispersed 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
5. NF-3511 @ Mt Hood
Government Camp, Oregon1 Review•2 Photos•16 SavesCamping 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
7. Dog Creek Falls Camp
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon1 Review•21 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Dispersed
9. Teacup Lake Sno Park
Government Camp, Oregon1 Review•4 Photos•10 SavesThis convenient staging area is ideal for accessing the Teacup winter trails just beyond the parking area. During the winter, groomed cross country skiing trails are maintained by the Teacup Lake Nordic Club. The trails are surrounded by towering Douglass firs. Space for 45 vehicles in the parking area with trailer parking available.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Wasco
10 Reviews of 9 Wasco Campgrounds
Tavi C.
Scout
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.
- Steve G.
Traveler
Teacup Lake Sno Park
Paved Pull off
Maybe if you’re in a pinch this place would work for the night but definitely not somewhere I’d stay longer than that.
Evan W.
GuideAvery 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!
Jeremy P.Traveler
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.
Jason B.GuideForest 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.Guide
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
- HHenri H.Scout
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.
Ann W.GuideAvery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge
Relaxing on the Coulmbia
Nice small first come first service sites along the Columbia and free. We had a great spot on the River with beautiful views of Mt. Hood and the Gorge. Great little swimming spot steps from our spot. Trains will come every hour and tracks are close to sites. A few wineries within a mile and one about .5 miles from spot. We will be back to this great find.
- SSally L.Traveler
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.
Alex P.
RangerAvery 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!
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
- The Patterson Slough on Rock Creek area provides a tranquil setting along the river, perfect for fishing and relaxing by the water.
- Campers at Dog Creek Falls Camp can enjoy the soothing sounds of nearby waterfalls, adding to the natural ambiance of the site.
- The proximity of Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge to the Columbia River makes it an ideal spot for water activities and enjoying scenic river views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Wasco, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Wasco, 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 Wasco, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 dispersed camping locations near Wasco, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.