Mount Hood National Forest offers diverse equestrian camping options around Welches, Oregon. Located at elevations between 1,200-5,700 feet, this area transitions from dense Douglas fir forests to drier eastern slopes. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-85°F with cooler nights at higher elevations, while spring and fall bring more variable conditions with occasional rainfall.
What to do
Hiking near campgrounds: At Panther Creek Campground, access to multiple trail systems is just steps away. "The PCT was a great for day hikes. Definitely on our list to return to!" notes Heather P. The campground connects directly to the Pacific Crest Trail with "a beautiful view of Mt. Hood just a couple of miles up the trail."
Swimming and water activities: Oxbow Regional Park offers excellent river access. "Easy distance from Portland on the Sandy River. Down a steep hill (important if you're biking)," writes Ben W. The park features multiple access points to cool off during summer months when "the river is refreshing on warm days to swim in."
Waterfall viewing: Silver Falls State Park provides access to multiple cascades. "What can I say? Silver Falls is a magical place and everyone should experience it," shares Jeff K. The park's trails lead to ten distinct waterfalls, making it ideal for day trips from Welches.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Campers appreciate the generous spacing at many campgrounds near Welches. At Clackamas Lake, "the sites were big and very clean. It is close to Timothy lake which is where we wanted to go kayaking at. Took us 10 minutes to get there," reports Debbie T.
Peace and quiet: Many campsites offer tranquility despite their accessibility. At Bonney Crossing Campground, "the campsite is clean with no over growth. Sleeping next to the water is calming and the hikes are top notch," according to Cheryl P. Sites are "all well spaced out parallel to a nice clean looking river."
Natural features: The combination of forests and water access ranks high with visitors. "This campground is absolutely gorgeous, worth the visit even if you're just coming to the day use area," says Laura M. about Silver Falls State Park. The varied terrain provides options for different outdoor preferences.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Prepare for basic amenities at many forest service sites. Knebal Springs Campground offers "a great option as each site is different and pretty spacious. Too bad they're right off the road and the relative lack of trees takes away some privacy," notes Bjorn S. The campground is described as "semi-primitive," adding to a more natural feel.
Weather considerations: Temperature swings can be significant, especially at higher elevations. "It got very cold at night so be prepared. Also, no cell service so download movies on Netflix or bring games," advises Astrid Q. about camping in the region.
Reservation needs: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. "The 2018 season had excellent campground hosts... They have first come first serve as well as reservable sites. It fills up quickly on the weekends, so if you don't have a site reserved I highly recommend getting there early," suggests Heartworn H.
