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Dispersed Camping

White River West Sno-Park

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

White River West Sno-Park, near Mount Hood, Oregon, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without the fuss of traditional campgrounds. This location features a large paved parking area that’s perfect for RVs and trailers, and it’s free to stay from May 1 to October 31, making it a budget-friendly option for campers.

Visitors rave about the stunning views of Mt. Hood, especially when the weather cooperates. One camper mentioned, “The view out our door was amazing,” and many appreciate the easy access to nearby hiking trails and the serene atmosphere. The site is equipped with well-maintained pit toilets and trash disposal, ensuring a clean and comfortable experience.

While there are no electric hookups or drinking water available, the area allows for campfires, which adds to the cozy vibe. Reviewers have noted that it never feels crowded, even during peak times, allowing for a peaceful retreat. If you're looking for a convenient base to explore the Mt. Hood National Forest, this spot is hard to beat.

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Location

White River West Sno-Park is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

White River West Sno*Park is located on Oregon Highway 35 approximately 4 miles north of US Highway 26.

Coordinates

45.30294935 N
121.67375536 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

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 White River West Sno-Park needs a permit.


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

12 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 20, 2025

Totally shocked

Not gonna lie, I had little expectations of our first Sno park. I was blown away by the view. Several other overnights have arrived.

Sitegravel parking lot
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Sep. 15, 2025

Lot Spot

This is an easy camping spot. A huge parking lot where everybody is respectful of each other space. It wasn’t too crowded when we went maybe about six other campers. There is a beautiful river that you can hike to and around and a few other trails here and there. The restrooms were Fairly clean. I would definitely come and stay here again.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Play button icon
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  • Review photo of White River West Sno-Park by Sarah S., September 15, 2025
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jul. 18, 2025

Very Relaxing Stay

This is a Hugh parking lot that you may need to level out in unless you get the furthest upper right corner that is pretty level. Keep in mind that there will be more foot traffic in this corner due to the trail. The lower left side gets road traffic stopping to take photos of the stunning views. It has two pit toilets and a garbage can. It’s really quiet at night. We really liked it here as an alternative to camps.

SiteLL area
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of White River West Sno-Park by Kathy B., July 18, 2025
  • Review photo of White River West Sno-Park by Kathy B., July 18, 2025
  • Review photo of White River West Sno-Park by Kathy B., July 18, 2025
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 11, 2025

Easy Place to Camp w/ a View of Mt Hood!

Super easy and convenient spot to Camp. We visited in early May, and there were several places to park and camp in the large, open parking lot. The views of Mt Hood from this Sno Park are stunning! Accessible rest rooms as well.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of White River West Sno-Park by Brendan R., May 11, 2025
  • Review photo of White River West Sno-Park by Brendan R., May 11, 2025
  • Review photo of White River West Sno-Park by Brendan R., May 11, 2025
Reviewed Oct. 9, 2024

Good camp site, but hard to level

This is a large, paved parking lot with a stream nearby.  Has a good view of Mt. Hood and vault toilets, so that's a positive.  The downside is that it's not level.  Trailers shouldn't have a problem, but even with several blocks under our tires, our 39ft Class A was still  un-level.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jun. 8, 2024

Great view and pit toilets

Big paved lot with really well managed pit toilets. Short walk takes you to the White River, which was more of a creek when we were there, and a breathtaking view of Mt. Hood.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of White River West Sno-Park by Susannah H., June 8, 2024
  • Review photo of White River West Sno-Park by Susannah H., June 8, 2024
  • Review photo of White River West Sno-Park by Susannah H., June 8, 2024
Reviewed May. 25, 2024

Great spot to stay.

We did not know what to expect when we reached this site. It is just a large parking area, we found a pretty level place for our travel trailer. Only 2 other trailers and 1 tent camper during the day. A lot of van and car campers the latter the day got. Good spot to stay when checking out the area. The view out our door was amazing, when the sun was out. We stayed 5 nights, had all types of weather on our stay, from lots of rain to sun and also snow. Would stay here again if in the area. Free to stay from May 1 to October 31.

Sitefar end of the lot from the entrance.
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of White River West Sno-Park by Mike , May 25, 2024
  • Review photo of White River West Sno-Park by Mike , May 25, 2024
  • Review photo of White River West Sno-Park by Mike , May 25, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jan. 7, 2024

So easy! Great view!

We thought we'd try this out with some friends.  Tucked our trailers up in the far corner with a commanding view of Mt. Hood!  Well, not much view the first smokey day, but it cleared up nicely after a wind shift the following day.  So much room it never felt crowded with other folks coming and going.

Paved, Pit toilets, garbage can.

Walking and hiking from here.  Road noice not bad!  We actually spent 3 nights and explored the area around Mt. Hood.  

Just a couple hours from home, an easy get away.

SiteDispersed
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of White River West Sno-Park by Kelly H., January 7, 2024
  • Review photo of White River West Sno-Park by Kelly H., January 7, 2024
  • Review photo of White River West Sno-Park by Kelly H., January 7, 2024
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Sep. 5, 2023

Safe clean and free

Summertime best spot with beautiful view of MT Hood. Bathroom were spotless. Lot is big and spacious. Respectful campers:)

Sitelot
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 26, 2023

Plenty of spots w/ great view of Mt Hood

Huge parking lot w/ two bathrooms. Less than 10 vans when I showed up on a Friday night. Stream nearby but very muddy. T-mobile ok - About 2-3 5G bars.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of White River West Sno-Park by Callie C., August 26, 2023
  • Review photo of White River West Sno-Park by Callie C., August 26, 2023
  • Review photo of White River West Sno-Park by Callie C., August 26, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 9, 2021

Nice quiet spot on Mt. Hood

The snow park itself is a somewhat steep lot, but still very useable with a few blocks. However, just west of it on highway 35 there is a smaller “alcove” that is much more level and secluded. Most people who visit this location never notice this separate, paved spot.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Nov. 13, 2020

Best free camping on Hood!

One of our favorite free spots ever!! Incredible access to back country hiking at Mt. Hood! Know before you go: this is not a camp site - in the summer, parking lots near mount hood are free for car camping (in the winter they’re full with people driving in for skiing). This is a huge parking lot with 2 vault toilets. Anyone can park overnight for free (summer only). There were just a few other cars there. At night we had a great view of the Perseid Meteor Shower 💫 Highly recommend if you’re going on a trip where you just want to spend all day hiking and have a convenient spot to sleep.

  • Review photo of White River West Sno-Park by Sara R., November 13, 2020
  • Review photo of White River West Sno-Park by Sara R., November 13, 2020
  • Review photo of White River West Sno-Park by Sara R., November 13, 2020
  • (9) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit for White River Sno-Park and how much does it cost?

Yes, you need a Sno-Park permit during winter months (typically November through April) to park at White River West Sno-Park. In summer, the parking lot is free for overnight camping and day use. Winter Sno-Park permits can be purchased as daily, 3-day, or annual passes from Oregon DMV, sporting goods stores, or online through Oregon's DMV website. For current pricing and exact seasonal requirements, check with Oregon Department of Transportation or the Mt. Hood National Forest office before your visit.

Where is White River West Sno-Park located on Mt. Hood?

White River West Sno-Park is located on Highway 35 on the eastern side of Mt. Hood in Oregon. It's positioned with excellent views of Mt. Hood and provides access to the White River area. The sno-park consists of a large paved parking lot with nearby access to trails and the White River itself, which in summer months can be more of a creek depending on conditions. The location offers stunning panoramic views of Mt. Hood, making it a popular spot for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

What are the best times to visit White River West Sno-Park to avoid crowds?

To avoid crowds at White River West Sno-Park, visit on weekdays rather than weekends, especially during winter when skiers fill the lot. Early May through mid-June typically offers good weather with fewer visitors than peak summer months. Arriving on weekday evenings often means finding the huge lot with only a handful of other campers. The upper corners of the lot tend to be less busy than areas near the entrance. For summer visits, early morning arrivals help secure a spot with the best views of Mt. Hood before day-visitors arrive for photos.

What winter activities can you do at White River West Sno-Park?

White River West Sno-Park offers excellent winter recreation opportunities including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and backcountry skiing. The area provides access to numerous winter trails with stunning views of Mt. Hood. Sledding is popular in appropriate areas, and winter photography draws many visitors due to the spectacular snow-covered mountain views. The spacious parking lot serves as a convenient base for winter adventurers. Due to its accessibility from Highway 35, it's a favorite starting point for day trips into the snowy backcountry around Mt. Hood.