Six dispersed sites occupy a high-elevation meadow where the access road demands commitment. The final four miles require 4WD or high clearance vehicles, with reviewers consistently noting the rough conditions that turn away casual visitors. This first-come, first-serve campground fills quickly despite its remote location.
Open terrain provides clear sightlines toward Mount Hood, with elevation bringing cooler temperatures that catch some campers unprepared. Sites spread across the meadow with picnic tables and fire rings, plus vault toilets and ample downed wood for campfires. Cell service reaches the area, though mosquitoes can be intense during early season visits. The $10 fee covers stays from late June through October when snow typically blocks access.
Hiking opportunities extend in multiple directions from camp. Boulder Lake sits within day-hike distance, while Bonney Butte offers views spanning multiple Cascade peaks including Mount Adams, Mount Jefferson, and the Three Sisters. Badger Lake Campground provides another camping option less than three miles northeast, though reviewers report challenging winter road conditions between the two areas.
"Plenty of hiking too," notes Lisa K., who recommends both the lake and butte destinations. The combination of scenic access, hiking proximity, and relative solitude appeals to campers willing to navigate the demanding approach road for a less crowded mountain experience.
Description
A 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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBonney Meadows is located in Oregon near Government Camp
Directions
From Tygh Valley, OR - Follow Wamic Market road for approximately 6 miles. Continue onto Rock Creek / White River Road for another 7 miles. Once you reach the forest boundary you will be on Forest Road 48 which you will follow for approximately 11 miles. Turn right and head North on Forest Road 4890 for 3.6 miles. Once you reach a 4-way intersection continue north onto 4891. FR 4891 is an unimproved road and may require high clearance or four-wheel drive. Follow FR 4891 for 4 miles and the entrance to Bonney Meadows will be on the right. From Sandy, OR - Follow Highway 26 East to merge onto Highway 35 North. Continue on Hwy 35 for 4.5 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 48. Continue on 48 for 6.8 miles. Turn left and head North on 4890 for 3.6 miles. Once you reach a 4-way intersection continue north onto 4891. FR 4891 is an unimproved road and may require high clearance or four-wheel drive. Follow FR 4891 for 4 miles and the entrance to Bonney Meadows will be on the right. From Hood River, OR - Follow Highway 35 South for 34 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 48. Continue on 48 for 6.8 miles. Turn left and head North on 4890 for 3.6 miles. Once you reach a 4-way intersection continue north onto 4891. FR 4891 is an unimproved road and may require high clearance or four-wheel drive. Follow FR 4891 for 4 miles and the entrance to Bonney Meadows will be on the right.
Coordinates
45.2650003 N
121.58400075 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Bonney Meadows needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 42 min from Portland, OR
- 2 hrs 16 min from Bend, OR
- 2 hrs 18 min from Salem, OR
- 2 hrs 36 min from Albany, OR
