Mt. Hood National Forest is home to Trillium Lake campground, a Forest Service-managed site set among old-growth fir trees along the shore of a small, non-motorized lake about 2,300 feet below the summit of Mt. Hood. Sites are distributed through the forest, some more private than others, with groomed trails leading from the campground down to the water's edge. The lake reflects the snow-capped peak on clear days, a view that draws consistent attention from reviewers across multiple seasons.
Camping here means being close to your neighbors, though the tree cover between sites provides a degree of separation. The day-use area draws its own crowds, and campers note that trash left behind by day visitors can be an issue, particularly on summer weekends. Evenings tend to settle down. One reviewer, Terésa M., noted that clear skies made it possible to "lay on the boat dock late at night" and see the Milky Way, an experience that required no special equipment.
The lake is open to kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. No motorized boats are allowed, which keeps the water calm and makes it accessible for beginner paddlers. Fishing is permitted. The Trillium Lake Loop trail covers roughly two miles around the lake, with boardwalks through the marshy sections, though portions have been closed in recent seasons and signage has been inconsistent, so it is worth checking trail conditions before you go. The campground accommodates RVs up to 95 feet, though pull-through sites can be narrow between trees.
Reservations are strongly recommended and historically go fast. Molly H. notes that her group "booked at 6am, six months out and felt very lucky" to secure three sites. A small number of first-come, first-served sites are sometimes available, posted on the information board at the entrance. The access road has a notable slope, and at least one reviewer cautions against underestimating it, particularly in wet conditions. The season runs from late May through early October. Dogs are welcome. For campers interested in dog-friendly camping near Mt. Hood National Forest, the surrounding forest has several other options worth considering, including Trillium Lake Airstrip Dispersed less than a mile away for a more dispersed experience.
Description
Overview
Trillium Lake Campground is a beautiful and popular campground not far from the quaint town of Government Camp. It provides spectacular views of majestic Mt. Hood, Oregon's highest point. The campground is well-known for its scenery and abundant recreational opportunities, as well as being a great, family-friendly place to camp.
Recreation
Boating, swimming and fishing are popular on 63-acre Trillium Lake. A small boat ramp is available within the campground and a larger ramp is available in the nearby day-use area. An accessible fishing pier is also available. Anglers cast for a variety of trout. The 2-mile Trillium Shoreline Trail circles the lake, and parts of it are accessible. Visitors also enjoy hiking and biking on other trails in the vicinity. Tours of the area's historical sites are also popular.
Facilities
The campground offers dozens of single and double sites for tent and RV camping. Some first-come, first-served sites are available, as well as some fully accessible sites. Parking surfaces are mostly paved, but some are gravel. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. An accessible picnic shelter is adjacent and can accommodate up to 30 people. Parking is available. An accessible amphitheater within the campground can be reserved for day use and can accommodate up to 30 people. Educational programs are held on weekends throughout the summer.
Natural Features
The campground is located about 40 miles southeast of Portland, in the Mt. Hood National Forest. It sits alongside Trillium Lake at an elevation of 3,600 feet, and is nestled in a shady, mixed conifer forest that provides privacy between campsites.
Nearby Attractions
Timberline Lodge, a National Historic Landmark on Mt. Hood, is located within 10 miles of the campground.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (503) 622-3191.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsTrillium Lake is located in Oregon near Government Camp
Directions
From Portland, travel southeast on Highway 26 for about 40 miles. Turn right a mile east of Government Camp. Continue 2 miles to the campground entrance.
Address
MT. HOOD
OR
Coordinates
45.270695 N
121.734511 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/25/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 39 usersLast on 7/25/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/25/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/25/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 39 usersLast on 7/25/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/25/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Yurts
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 6 min from Portland, OR
- 1 hr 42 min from Salem, OR
- 1 hr 46 min from Longview, WA
- 2 hrs 1 min from Albany, OR











































