Best Dispersed Camping near Welches, OR
Looking for dispersed camping near Welches? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Oregon camping adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Welches, OR (38)
1. Mirror Lake
Government Camp, Oregon7 Reviews•46 Photos•250 SavesMirror 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
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
2. White River West Sno-Park
Government Camp, Oregon8 Reviews•30 Photos•220 SavesSno Park permit required November 1 - April 30
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Trash
3. Mount Hood National Forest - NF 2656 -Dispersed Camping
Government Camp, Oregon5 Reviews•14 Photos•423 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
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
4. 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
5. McNeil Point Dispersed Camping
Government Camp, Oregon4 Reviews•43 Photos•228 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
6. Trillium Lake Airstrip Dispersed
Government Camp, Oregon3 Reviews•123 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
7. NF2656 - Mt. Hood Dispersed Camping
Government Camp, Oregon3 Reviews•12 Photos•167 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
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
8. Alder Flat
Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon4 Reviews•15 Photos•118 SavesParking area for 4-5 vehicles overflow on the Highway 224. Alder Flat Trail #574. Link to Trail Description and Map
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
9. Trillium Sno-Park
Government Camp, Oregon3 Reviews•2 Photos•49 SavesSno Park permit required November 1 - April 30.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Welches
62 Reviews of 38 Welches Campgrounds
Kenny L.
Scout
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.
- GGarrett B.
Guide
White River West Sno-Park
Good camp site, but hard to level
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.
- 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.
Isaac H.Traveler
Panther Creek Creekside Camp
PNW road trip 🏕️
A great spot with privacy ! Lots of turnouts along the road with river accesses just steps away ! Definitely recommend!
Jeffrey P.Guide
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
MouniTraveler
NF-65 National Forest Dispersed Site
Don’t recommend
Good luck. This takes you to the middle of nowhere with no camping spots. You’ll have no service.
Daniel W.Guide
Britenbush River Dispersed
Cliff jump swimming hole
Awesome little cliff jumping swimming spot to teach the kids how to swim
Todd J.Guide
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.
- MMelissa B.Guide
Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping
Trail of Turds…
The site was great honestly, nice flat pads for tents, plenty of room for a trailer if you’re brave enough to bring it down about 5 miles of rough rough gravel road. For being such a remote location it was very busy this weekend lots of cars, foot traffic, and fishermen. It’s beautiful u can’t blame anyone for wanting to come but i was surprised by the volume. Maybe try a weekday for less crowds.
We had a private trail (about a country block in length), we quickly realized it was a “shitty” trail, a trail of Turds😭😭💩🧻
Other then that water and surrounding scenery was breath taking..
tom P.Scout
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
Bobby J.
RangerPanther Creek Creekside Camp
Awesome stay on the creek
This was an awesome stay right on the creek which was secluded and nice to hear the rushing water of the creek
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.
Kennedy F.Guide
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.
- JJack O.Scout
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.Guide
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.ScoutNF-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.
Bradley B.Guide
Dispersed Camping above Panther Creek Falls
Chill spot
It’s a little busy with everyone checking out the water fall during the day . Quite at night ! Nice and chill
- Jeffrey P.Guide
Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping
Pretty good!
Road got a little bumpy getting out here but once we found a spot right near the riverbank, you felt like you were deep in it. Saw a few people on the way out. Really relaxing next to the sound of the river. Would definitely recommend sleeping mats if you’re in a tent as the grounds rather hard. The spot we went didn’t really have anywhere for hammocks but saw a couple on the way out. “Spaces” were far enough apart that you couldn’t even tell anyone else was out there. Wood was kinda sparse in the spot we were in too but you’re close enough to your car that you can just bring some. Would definitely recommend for a quick and convenient spot.
- Marty T.Guide
Brightenbush Access Road
Hidden Gem
This spot has easy access to a clean creek for wading pools. Very clean area with some road traffic noise.
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
Susannah H.ScoutWhite 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.ScoutPanther 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!!
- KKyle S.Scout
Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping
Beware of Samsquatch
He’s out there 👽
- MMikeGuide
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.
- RRon G.Scout
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.
LegendWhite 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.
Guide to Welches
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Welches, Oregon, where nature's tranquility awaits. With stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities, these spots offer a perfect escape for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers
- Experience breathtaking vistas at McNeil Point Dispersed Camping, where you can wake up to the majestic sight of Mt. Hood right outside your tent.
- The White River West Sno-Park provides a large paved area with a stunning view of the mountain, making it an ideal spot for those who appreciate scenic landscapes.
- For a more secluded experience, head to NF-3511 @ Mt Hood, where you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and beautiful views during your drive up.
Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Welches, Oregon
- Be prepared for varying road conditions when visiting Bonney Meadows, as the access road can be challenging, especially for standard vehicles.
- Bring your own firewood to Mount Hood National Forest - NF 2656 -Dispersed Camping, as there are no firewood supplies available on-site.
- Keep an eye out for mosquitoes, particularly in the summer months at Alder Flat, where the elevation can attract these pesky insects.
Hiking and Outdoor Activities While Free Camping Near Welches
- Enjoy a short hike to the picturesque Mirror Lake, where you can set up camp and take in the stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains.
- Explore the trails around Trillium Lake Airstrip Dispersed, which offers easy access to hiking paths and beautiful views of the lake and Mt. Hood.
- For those seeking adventure, the area around Clear Lake dispersed camping provides opportunities for fishing and exploring nearby trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Welches, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Welches, OR is Mirror Lake with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Welches, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 38 dispersed camping locations near Welches, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.