Dispersed camping sites near Welches, Oregon range from remote forest locations to riverside spots with natural sound barriers. Mount Hood National Forest offers both established tent campsites and primitive camping options, with elevations varying from 1,400 to 3,500 feet. The area experiences warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters with significant snowfall at higher elevations from November through May.
What to do
Hiking to scenic viewpoints: From Meditation Point Campground, campers can access multiple hiking trails including the Pacific Crest Trail. "I ended up parking on the side of the road, and hiked in to the other side of the lake! There are many hikes, and other lakes that are close by. Definitely hike on the PCT," notes Natasha R.
Fishing for fresh dinner: The Clackamas River provides fishing opportunities near campsites. A camper at Rainbow Campground shared, "We fished, grilled up our fresh fish and swam until we were all cooked. I brought my kayak and ended up trolling of that to make my catch."
Mountain views: For those seeking views of Mount Hood, several campsites offer glimpses of the mountain. A visitor to Alpine Campground mentioned, "Our site was really private, enough for multiple tents and a hammock, and it had a big picnic table as well as a fire pit. Views of Mt. Hood peak thru the trees in the site."
Swimming in secluded spots: Many tent campsites near Welches feature swimming access. At Rainbow Campground, Katherine H. discovered "the most private, delightful swimming hole I've ever experienced in Oregon. There was no one else in sight, and the water was crystal clear, with lots of rocks to climb on and lay out."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate when tent sites offer separation from neighbors. At Meditation Point Campground, a reviewer noted, "We were able to get a spot midweek. Beautiful spot on the end of the peninsula. Easy 1.5 mile hike in."
Riverside locations: 39 Road Dispersed Site offers primitive camping directly beside water. "The river is loud you could hear it from both sides of the road. I actually looked, and there are rivers on both sides of the road. It is out of the way there is no light pollution," reports Ron R.
Free dispersed camping options: NF2656 - Mt. Hood Dispersed Camping provides no-cost tent sites near Trillium Lake. Kenny L. shares, "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."
High elevation camping: Cloud Cap Saddle Campground sits at a higher elevation, offering unique experiences. Amanda L. explains, "The drive up is beautiful and the glimpses of Mount Hood on the way up are worth the ruts. The sites are close in. Despite this it seems open due to the tall trees scattered throughout and the views to the left and right."
What you should know
Road conditions vary: Many tent campsites near Welches require driving on unpaved roads. At Kinzel Lake Campground, Tori L. reports, "Took the NF route out there was about 35-40 minutes in my husband and I's ford ranger 4x4. Pretty bumpy road all the way there and some deep dips."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping areas have no amenities. At Mt. Hood Dispersed Camping, visitors must bring everything they need, including water. The sites have fire rings but no toilets, trash service, or water sources.
Site availability challenges: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. At Alpine Campground, Justine B. found "We arrived around 4 pm the Sunday of Labor Day and grabbed the last site. The first few sites when you enter are pretty private which is nice, sites further down the road more open."
Campsite surfaces vary: Some sites have level tent pads while others require more setup work. At Meditation Point Campground, CJ S. found "Several viable tent spots on the site" but also noted issues with previous campers not following leave-no-trace principles.
Tips for camping with families
Look for beaches: Some campsites offer kid-friendly water access. Jesse H. at Meditation Point Campground found their "site situated in a little cove and has a beachy area for playing in the water or launching water craft," though they caution to "be sure to wear water shoes" due to small pieces of broken glass.
Choose developed campgrounds for amenities: When camping with children, sites with toilets make the experience easier. Rainbow Campground has toilet facilities and trash service, though campers note there's "only one double sided vault toilet for the campground."
Consider hiking distances with children: Some of the best tent campsites near Welches require hiking in. At Devil's Peak Lookout, Tyler N. notes it's "A 3000ft hike to get to this old fire lookout. It's first come first served and sleeps maybe 4 inside."
Watch for hazards: Several campgrounds have specific safety concerns for children. At Rainbow Campground, Elizabeth R. cautions, "Close to water, some places have drop of cliffs watch little ones."
Tips from RVers
Small trailers only: Most tent campsites near Welches accommodate small trailers or pop-ups but not large RVs. At Rainbow Campground, Tony P. found "space #10 to be extremely accommodating to our pop-up trailer, SUV, and one additional vehicle."
Plan for limited hookups: None of the campgrounds in the immediate area offer electric, water, or sewer hookups. RVers must be self-contained and prepared for dry camping.
Consider site location carefully: At Rainbow Campground, site selection makes a significant difference. One camper recommends, "Out of all of the available spaces, we found space #10 to be extremely accommodating" while noting some sites are "right along the driveway and we could see 4 or 5 other tents/campsites from our spot."
