Mt. Hood National Forest provides an ideal backdrop for yurt camping near Welches, Oregon, where elevation ranges from 1,350 to 4,200 feet depending on your campsite. The area receives about 80 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush forests of Douglas fir, western hemlock, and cedar trees. During summer months, temperatures typically range from 45-85°F with cooler nights even in July and August.
What to do
Hiking trails: accessible year-round from multiple Welches-area campgrounds. "Lost Lake Resort has a great trail that takes you around the lake and brings you back to the campground. Calm and quiet, people seem to respect each other, and not make too much noise," notes a visitor to Lost Lake Resort.
Riverside relaxation: sandy beaches perfect for wading and cooling off during summer months. At Camp Creek Campground, "the river-side spots are amazing, with several right on the water. Several nice little hikes around the area, or just wander through the river down by the small bridge. We also saw several people fishing, though no actual fish. Just the right depth to splash around in and cool off."
Mountain biking: world-class trails within minutes of several campgrounds. As one visitor to Mt Hood Village notes, "Right across Hwy 26 is some of the best Mountain Biking in the country at the Sandy Ridge Trail System. Using this RV park as a jumping off point, there are endless hiking trails and lakes to paddle and explore in the Mt Hood wilderness."
What campers like
Natural swimming options: refreshing alternatives to crowded pools. A camper at Clear Lake Campground mentions, "The lake of course is the best part. Crystal clear but COLD. Great fishing. They have a little restaurant where you can rent boats."
Secluded waterfront sites: privacy with views. "Love this campground because noise from other campers is reduced by the water, and sites are spaced out nicely to provide privacy," explains a Camp Creek visitor. "This is my second trip to Camp Creek. This time we were able to book a spot next to the water. Probably the largest site I've ever camped on."
Wildlife viewing: early morning opportunities. At Trillium Lake, one camper advises: "Get up early to watch the Sunrise! That was the highlight!" The lake is home to osprey and other wildlife, making dawn and dusk prime viewing times.
What you should know
Seasonal tent site limitations: book early for summer weekends. "Reservations are hard to get. We booked at 6am, six months out and felt very lucky to get three spots for our family Campout," notes a Trillium Lake visitor.
Limited cell service: plan accordingly. "There is no Wi-Fi, Verizon was there but I don't know where. Not at the site. But as we walked around the phone would connect in my pocket," explains a visitor to Lost Lake Resort.
Extreme weather variations: prepare for temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night, especially at higher elevations. At Oxbow Regional Park, a camper notes: "I wore them to sleep in and they kept my toes warm on a chilly night," highlighting the need for warm sleeping gear even in summer.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible fishing: kid-friendly options available at stocked ponds. A visitor to Promontory Park shares: "Our middle son caught not only his first fish but he caught 4 in total. They have electric hot plate stations for community cooktops."
Ranger-led activities: educational entertainment. "The campground did have awesome park staff who put on two great activities for kids every day," notes a Promontory Park camper. "The hosts were welcoming and made sure we were comfortable with our stay. We also got a scavenger hunt with stickers for our toddler."
Yurt camping: comfort upgrade for families new to outdoor experiences. "The yomes are great," shares a Promontory Park visitor, referring to their unique yurt-dome hybrid structures. These provide electricity and bunk beds, making them ideal for families with small children or those testing out camping before investing in gear.
Tips from RVers
Loop selection: choose carefully for larger rigs. "I would recommend loop A if pulling a trailer or driving a small RV, big RV's could have issues accessing these sites," advises a visitor regarding Lost Lake Resort.
Hookup variability: research site specifications. "Full hookups worked well for us. There was a group of tent campers across from us, so it seems they do allow tents in RV spots as well," notes a Mt Hood Village visitor. Many campsites offer only partial hookups, so checking in advance prevents disappointment.
Off-season advantages: greater availability during shoulder seasons. "We decided to make this RV park our maiden voyage in our new Travel Trailer. It was pretty pricey for an RV park at the time we booked (+80/night) but then again there isn't much competition that is actually up on the mountain," explains a Mt Hood Village camper, suggesting spring and fall visits may offer better value and availability.
