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Bonney Crossing

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Sitting at the eastern edge of Mt. Hood National Forest, Bonney Crossing occupies a transition zone where dense conifers give way to drier, sage-covered terrain. The campground runs parallel to Badger Creek, and from roughly half the sites, campers can both hear and see the water. Seven established sites are spaced well apart, all first-come, first-served, and the $16 nightly fee makes it an accessible base for those heading into the Badger Creek Wilderness. Trailers and RVs are limited to 16 feet, and the access road requires patience, particularly on the descent, where going slow is the general consensus.

Water is the defining feature here. Kids wade and cool off in Badger Creek, and the creek-adjacent sites fill first on summer weekends. Reviewers consistently note the campground runs clean and uncrowded, especially in the shoulder season, when it can empty out entirely. Fire rings are present at each site, and scrap wood is generally findable nearby. No potable water is available on-site, so campers need to bring their own supply. There is a pit toilet. Horses are permitted, and the trailhead for Badger Creek Trail sits roughly a hundred feet from camp, giving hikers and equestrians immediate access to a route that runs approximately 12 miles to Badger Lake.

Rock Creek (OR) and Mount Hood National Forest Rock Creek Reservoir Campground are both nearby alternatives for those who arrive to find Bonney Crossing full on a busy summer weekend. Campers traveling with dogs will find pet-friendly camping near Mt. Hood National Forest throughout the surrounding area. Bonney Crossing works best for tent campers, backpackers staging overnight trips, and anyone who wants direct creek access without a crowded campground.

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RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsBonney Crossing is located in Oregon near Tygh Valley

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

Directions from Wamic, OR - Access the campground by going west on Road 48 to Road 4810 (near Camp Cody). Follow 4810 to Road 4811 to Road 2710. Follow Road 2710 east to Bonney Crossing Campground.

Coordinates

45.25700024 N
121.39100067 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time


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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Bonney Crossing

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5 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the clean, well-spaced sites alongside Badger Creek offering peaceful water views. Visitors often highlighted the primitive setting requiring your own water but providing fire rings and clean facilities.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Oct. 9, 2017

Out of the way, near a river, off-season perfection

Had a great time camping at Bonney Crossing. We were there for 2 nights and didn't see a any other people. The campsites are all well spaced out parallel to a nice clean looking river. We stayed in the off-season, so that is probably why it was empty. I would expect this campsite to be packed during the summer.

All the campsites had fire rings and there was plenty of scrap wood to be found. The campground had a bathroom that was as clean as one could expect during the off-season.

I will definitely camp here again.

Site5
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Bonney Crossing by Greg L., October 9, 2017
  • Review photo of Bonney Crossing by Greg L., October 9, 2017
  • Review photo of Bonney Crossing by Greg L., October 9, 2017
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 15, 2017

Perfect spot for brief camping outing

Bonney Crossing campground is located in the Eastern most side of the Mt Hood National Forest. Our campsite provided us a quiet relaxing two nights of camping. Site is located just next to Badger Creek and the Badger Creek trail. Kids loved spending time exploring the creek and cooling off in it. Campsites are first come first serve and only has 7 established sites. Campground is, "primitive" so you must bring your own potable water. Site does have an accessible pit toilet.

Site2
Month of VisitAugust
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Bonney Crossing by Scott B., August 15, 2017
  • Review photo of Bonney Crossing by Scott B., August 15, 2017
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2017

Calm camping

I absolutely love this place. The campsite is clean with no over growth. Sleeping next to the water is calming and the hikes are top notch. The road down is a little sketchy but as long as you go slow it's well worth it.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed May. 21, 2017

Ranger Review: Gregory Paragon 68 Backpack at Bonney Crossing Campground, Badger Creek Trail, WA

Campground Review

An open, relatively unused campground next to a sleep-calling stream right in between the last forested part of Mt. Hood National Forest and the dryer, sage-bushy eastern side of Oregon. This is a fabulous go-to campground because the drive south of the Dalles produces spectacular mountain and open landscape views. Horses are welcome here; we chatted with a friendly rider. The best part is being maybe a hundred feet from Badger Creek Trail, a versatile, climate-variety hike that sports a good stopping point at Pine Creek about 6 miles in, then to Badger Lake another 6 miles beyond that. For backpacking, it was quite nice to hike in a bit, prop up a small tent and just blend into the forest as night floated down to meet us.

Product Review

As a ranger for the Dyrt, I get to test stuff, in this case the Gregory Mountain Paragon 68 Backpack. I thought my old backpack was handy and easy, but this Gregory pack upped the ante.

Top reasons I like this pack:

  1. Comfort - the most welcomed feature is that no matter how I packed it, the bag was balanced and solid on my back. I liked all the extra ways to make it sit better, like extending the length of the backpack straps themselves through a strap on each that connected to the main pack.
  2. Padding - there was wicking and padding everywhere, and because of #1 on this list, no part of my body got sore or squished. The pack has a firm aluminum backing, upping the even feel.
  3. Portability - it holds much more that you think, in a more streamlined way too, if that makes sense. The main material is slickery, making it easier to put things in and take them out. While I didn't prefer the top and bottom section to only be separated by a square piece of material attached at four corners (having the sections completely separate and zip open-able is what I'm used to), I can also see that cloth-like square as easily removable, quickly opening up more storage possibilities.
  4. Versatility - there's a smaller string pack inside, for little side trips in the event you'd like to leave the main pack behind. Of course, we took that out right away and now it's in a different location at our place. So we like it already. ; )
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Bonney Crossing by Bjorn S., May 21, 2017
  • Badger Creek is here (think I said Bonney or Badger on the video).
    Play button icon
  • Review photo of Bonney Crossing by Bjorn S., May 21, 2017
  • (11) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make reservations at Bonney Crossing Campground?

Bonney Crossing Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system in place. The campground tends to be relatively quiet and unused compared to other areas, especially during off-peak seasons when you might have the entire place to yourself. During summer months, particularly on weekends, the campground can fill up quickly. For the most current information on availability and any potential changes to the reservation policy, contact the Mt. Hood National Forest office before your trip.

What facilities and amenities are available at Bonney Crossing Campground?

Bonney Crossing Campground offers basic amenities with well-maintained, clean campsites that aren't overgrown. The sites are thoughtfully arranged parallel to Badger Creek, with many offering the calming sounds and views of flowing water. The campground is located in the easternmost side of Mt. Hood National Forest, providing access to Badger Creek Trail for hiking enthusiasts. While facilities are minimal, the natural setting compensates with opportunities for creek exploration and cooling off in the water, making it particularly appealing for families with children.

How is Bonney Crossing Campground different from Bonney Meadow Campground?

Bonney Crossing Campground is situated at the transition between forested Mt. Hood National Forest and the drier, sage-brush eastern Oregon landscape. It features campsites along Badger Creek, offering water sounds and swimming opportunities. The location provides a more accessible camping experience despite a somewhat challenging access road. In contrast, Bonney Meadow Campground is located in a different terrain setting, likely at higher elevation in meadow conditions. While both share the Bonney name, they offer distinct environmental experiences within the Mt. Hood National Forest system.