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Best Campgrounds near Welches, OR

1,960 Reviews

The Mount Hood National Forest surrounding Welches, Oregon provides a diverse range of camping experiences within an hour's drive of Portland. Mt. Hood Village Resort offers year-round accommodations with full hookups for RVs, cabin rentals, and tent sites, while more rustic options like Green Canyon and Camp Creek campgrounds provide streamside settings with basic amenities. Trillium Lake Campground, approximately 15 miles east of Welches, features spectacular views of Mount Hood reflected in its waters and remains a highly sought-after destination during its May to October operating season. Free dispersed camping can be found at Kiwanis Road, offering primitive sites for those seeking a more secluded experience without facilities.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability in the Welches area. Most forest service campgrounds operate from late May through early September, with higher elevation sites like Trillium Lake sometimes experiencing snow into June. As one camper noted, "It was still pretty cold at this elevation end of May, so most other campers here were RVs and we had plenty to pick from without reservations (this will not be the case in the summer or holiday weekends)." Weekend reservations are essential during summer months, particularly for popular sites with water access. Cell service varies throughout the region, with limited connectivity in many forest campgrounds. Highway 26 provides good year-round access to most sites, though some forest roads may require higher clearance vehicles.

Riverside camping locations receive consistently high ratings from visitors to the Welches area. Green Canyon Campground earns praise for its proximity to old-growth forest trails and riverside sites. According to one reviewer, "Some of the sites are right on the river so you can go to bed listening to the river run." Road noise affects some campgrounds, particularly those closest to Highway 26. Most established campgrounds provide drinking water, vault toilets, and fire rings, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Accessibility concerns exist at some sites, particularly for visitors with mobility limitations. The proximity to Mount Hood's recreational opportunities makes these campgrounds popular bases for hiking, fishing, and winter sports, with many visitors using them as launching points for day trips to the mountain.

Map showing campgrounds near Welches, OregonExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Welches, Oregon (339)

    1. Mt Hood Village Resort

    47 Reviews
    Rhododendron, OR
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "There is a playground onsite for those with children and plenty of bike paths and walking paths to keep you busy."

    "We were parked next to the bathroom that was in the area and the facilities were very clean. The river that runs along the property was very beautiful."

    2. Trillium Lake

    50 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 630-5721

    $26 - $100 / night

    "The best feature though, is the easy access to the trails and fishing at Trillium Lake, and proximity to Mt. Hood."

    "Gorgeous view, great for swimming, paddle boarding, floating around the lake all day. Nice, shady campsites."

    3. Lost Lake Resort And Campground — Mt. Hood National Forest

    54 Reviews
    Rhododendron, OR
    13 miles
    +1 (541) 386-6366

    $45 - $125 / night

    "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."

    4. Kiwanis Road Free Camping

    22 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    7 miles

    "We arrived at the location around 11:30pm and first thing we noticed was how pitch black it was and how loud (in the best way) the adjacent Zigzag River was."

    "It's at a really great location as it's 3 minutes to Little Zig Zag Falls path also fairly close to Government Camp"

    5. Camp Creek

    13 Reviews
    Welches, OR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 630-5721

    $23 - $54 / night

    "Campground Review

    Midway between Welches and Government Camp, I picked Camp Creek as a my Mt."

    "Camp Creek, built in 1936, is one of the first CCC campgrounds in Oregon.  Although not preserved, you can still see and use some of the original stone fireplaces. "

    6. Ainsworth State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    North Bonneville, OR
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 695-2261

    $22 - $33 / night

    "All are very close to the highway so you will hear road noise and trains thundering past on the adjacent tracks."

    "Picture a hillside with a winding road surrounded by thick green trees. Ainsworth is that place. Absolutely gorgeous."

    7. Green Canyon

    10 Reviews
    Welches, OR
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 622-7674

    "The sites are pretty nice but the riverside ones are also on the very very popular trail that passes through the campground. We ended up with a large, flat site with a fire ring."

    "The campground location right off of HWY 26 on the way up to Mt Hood near Welches makes it convenient to get away for a quick trip, yet really feel like you've escaped the city."

    8. Milo McIver State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Estacada, OR
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 630-7150

    $8 - $78 / night

    "Just 45 minutes outside of Portland, and near the town of Estacada, is Milo McIver State Park, which I consider to be a quintessential Oregon State Park: lots of huge evergreen trees, large campsites,"

    "Estacada lake is within walking distance, and there is salmon fishing within driving distance inside of the park. There is also a "bat" barn that is close by."

    9. Clear Lake Campground

    26 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 630-5721

    $26 - $28 / night

    "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."

    10. Oxbow Regional Park

    36 Reviews
    Corbett, OR
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 797-1850

    $25 / night

    "Close proximity to Multonomah Falls. Pros - bathrooms with electric outlets, free showers, deer come close and are fun to watch, quiet & fairly private stay."

    "There is distance between you and other guests but if you want to meet your neighbors you can. They have ADA sites, a lake, play grounds and a welcome center."

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Recent Camping Photos near Welches, OR

794 Photos of 339 Welches Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Welches, OR

1960 Reviews of 339 Welches Campgrounds

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Trillium Lake

    Nice place with a lake

    Easy access. Nice sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground

    Nice campground

    I don’t recommend A loop as the sites are right on top of each other, B loop is much better.

    Trails are nice, very safe and quiet all around

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Ainsworth State Park Campground

    Easy access to waterfalls

    We stayed at this campground because we were wanting to do the 12 mile hike in and out of Tunnel Falls. This is a very popular yet clean facility. There are very active trains nearby that will wake you if you’re a light sleeper very early in the morning. If they run at night, I don’t know because I didn’t hear them. But that’s kind of the only downfall about this site. Well maintained and close to plenty of falls and hiking trails…. Would definitely stay here again. A lot of the larger RV sites are reservation, but we were able to get a site on first come first serve mid September.

  • TheFoxphire F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground

    This place was the best!

    Park rangers were extremely friendly and helpful. The park is very well maintained. Trails are awesome. The squirrels are fearless and the size of medium sized dogs. Beware of Poison Oak, apparently it’s everywhere. (I accidentally made my wife a small bouquet with some hahahaha) , but seriously the squirrels are huge.

  • Fondofo D.
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Columbia River RV Park

    Great location

    Great location—right by the river. We arrived late in the evening, and the staff met us and showed us to our room, which was especially helpful in the dark. The downside is that the plots are very close to each other, so it feels cramped. In addition, the bright street lights were distracting at night— perhaps they are necessary for safety, but we found them excessive. On the other hand, there are excellent amenities and a long promenade for walking. The owners are very friendly. Overall, we were satisfied.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Lost Lake Resort And Campground — Mt. Hood National Forest

    Just OK

    Pulled into here thinking it would be an easy spot to get to Tunnel Falls in the morning but it wasn’t. Maps takes you a back way on the forest roads past a lake (don’t go farther) the roads are trash and small car would definitely not make it!

    We did get one of the last 2 spots available when we drove up which was nice however they are very close to your fellow campers. As the previous reviews mention it is family friendly so there will be plenty of kids crying, yelling and just screaming for whatever reason…as kids do. For the price it’s just not worth it without having water or electricity hookups at $50 a night. Restrooms are just long drop toilets. So FOR ME this isn’t going to be a great spot for return.

  • L
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Camp Creek

    Was shot at by a group of men in 2016

    I came here off-season in 2016, parked my car on the dirt road and set up camp at a spot next to the creek. Around 7:30PM nearby was semi-automatic gunfire, shooting along the creek (illegal) and then a spray of bullets went into the trees above/surrounding my campsite. I ducked for cover and scrambled away, after the shots stopped I quietly snuck back towards my car where I saw a group of men standing in the back of a red pickup truck with guns on them on the other side of the creek. At the time there was a huge concrete barrier before the bridge to cross the creek, and they were on the other side of it. I watched them drive back into the forest and decided I didn’t want to be there anymore so I quickly broke down camp and smashed it all back into my car. That’s when I realized the car was completely surrounded by bullet shells. So, they hadn’t just been shooting from the truck but from around my car into the campground. Likely just to scare us and tell us to leave. But it was severely dangerous and we called the sheriff as soon as we had cell reception. He explained, unforgettably, “the forest is huge, things like this happen, it would be a waste of time to go looking for those people.”

    A few years later, a couple was shot to death in the mt hood national forest. A few years before that, a bullet pierced the tent of a father and son camping out there. I found this article:

    https://www.oregonlive.com/environment/2013/08/illegal_target_shooting_threat.html

    So, while this campground is beautiful and lovely, and surely my experience was among a few isolated events, and odds are EXTREMELY low you’ll have a similar experience, I have to share what happened to me & I won’t ever go back here. I don’t mess around with mt hood NF much at all, frankly.

  • Jeff A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Home Valley Campground

    Good fit for us

    New to the area on the road exploring biking and hiking from far away. Quiet place with kind knowledgeable hosts. Could only book on line. Felt mislead somewhat with GSAgent on phone. Wish had pic’s. Pricing very palatable and amenities good as we are self contained. We are not a big RV but small van & seasoned campers. Spacious sites and nice high up view of the River. We liked this unique CG. Must be advised lots of trains and highway noises on either side of CG but didn’t bother us. We would return.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    White River West Sno-Park

    Totally shocked

    Not gonna lie, I had little expectations of our first Sno park. I was blown away by the view. Several other overnights have arrived.

Guide to Welches

Camping near Welches, Oregon, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are great trails around the area. For example, at Trillium Lake, one reviewer mentioned, "Great 2 mile hiking loop around the lake. Beautiful view of Mt Hood." This makes it a perfect spot for a family hike.
  • Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Lost Lake Resort And Campground, offer fishing and boat rentals. A visitor shared, "The lake is fun for fishing and renting a little boat or canoe to get onto the water."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Milo McIver State Park, you can see a variety of wildlife. One camper noted, "We saw so many elk, water birds, and at least 5 bald eagles."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Ainsworth State Park Campground stated, "Hot showers. Nice amount of room around each site."
  • Privacy: Many campgrounds provide a sense of seclusion. A visitor at Trillium Lake mentioned, "Clean sights with good privacy between camp spots."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight helpful staff. At Mt Hood Village Resort, one guest said, "Staff was very nice and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Accessibility Issues: Some campgrounds may not be suitable for everyone. A review for Lost Lake Resort And Campground pointed out, "This location is far from being accessible for handicapped visitors."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for potential noise from nearby trains or other campers. One camper at Cascade Locks KOA noted, "The train was very loud (especially at night)."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Clear Lake Campground, have basic facilities. A visitor mentioned, "It has limited services, potable water, garbage and pit toilets."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places that offer fun for kids. At Lost Lake Resort And Campground, one reviewer said, "There’s a store, rental boats, etc."
  • Plan for Crowds: Some spots can get busy, especially during weekends. A camper at Trillium Lake mentioned, "It can be super crowded, but this place is a gem."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring your own supplies, as some campgrounds may not have markets. A visitor at Milo McIver State Park noted, "No laundry and there’s a sump station."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. One reviewer at Mt Hood Village Resort mentioned, "Many spaces are level dirt parking."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you want more comfort, choose campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Cascade Locks KOA said, "Nice sized area for our trailer with full hook-ups."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Oregon can be unpredictable. A visitor at Barton County Park Campground advised, "It’s great for groups since the spaces are so close together."

Camping near Welches, Oregon, has something for everyone. Whether you're with family or friends, there's plenty to enjoy in the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there RV parks in Welches for campers with recreational vehicles?

Yes, Welches and the surrounding area offer several RV-friendly options. Mt Hood Village Resort is the premier RV accommodation near Welches, featuring full hookups and big-rig friendly sites. For those willing to travel a bit farther, Clackamette RV Park provides another well-equipped option for recreational vehicles. Most RV parks in the region offer amenities like water, electric hookups, dump stations, and shower facilities. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak summer months and weekends. Many parks stay open year-round, though winter access may be limited depending on snow conditions. Some campgrounds have pull-through sites to accommodate larger RVs and fifth wheels.

What camping options are available in Welches, Oregon?

Welches offers diverse camping options along the Mt. Hood corridor. Camp Creek is conveniently located between Welches and Government Camp, making it an excellent base for Mt. Hood hiking adventures. For those wanting more amenities, Mt Hood Village Resort near Welches provides full-service camping with reservable sites, water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. The area also features tent camping in forested settings, with many campgrounds offering river access. Green Canyon campground is another option with riverside sites, though it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Most campgrounds in the area are open seasonally from late spring through early fall, with some weather-dependent closures.

What outdoor activities can you enjoy while camping near Welches?

The Welches area offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Hiking is exceptional, with Trillium Lake providing trails with stunning views of Mt. Hood across its pristine waters—perfect for photography. The lake is also ideal for swimming, paddle boarding, and floating. For waterfall enthusiasts, Multnomah Falls offers spectacular cascades and well-maintained trails in the Columbia River Gorge. Other popular activities include fishing in mountain streams, mountain biking on forest trails, wildlife viewing, and seasonal berry picking. Winter brings opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The area's diverse elevation ranges mean you can often find suitable outdoor activities year-round, with summer and fall offering the most comfortable conditions.

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