Within Mt. Hood National Forest, Government Camp Safety Rest Area provides overnight parking for self-contained RVs and car campers along US Highway 26. This US Forest Service facility functions as both a highway rest stop and informal camping area, with a large paved lot that accommodates big rigs alongside standard vehicles.
The location sits directly adjacent to the highway, generating consistent road noise from passing traffic and snow plows during winter months. Jacob D. notes "The only sound you would hear is the highway with cars, and plows driving by in the lot or the road." The facility features 24-hour restroom access, and Hayden G. confirms the "restrooms were clean" despite the high-traffic location. A self-serve gas station operates next door, providing fuel access for travelers.
Morning hours bring increased activity as the parking area serves skiers and snowboarders heading to Summit Ski Area. The lot fills with day-use visitors, creating crowded conditions that contrast with quieter overnight hours. Cell service remains available, and the site includes trash service and drinking water. Some uncertainty exists about overnight regulations, with mixed signage about parking restrictions. For those seeking more traditional forest camping experiences, Still Creek sits less than a mile east.
This rest area works best for travelers needing a convenient highway stop with basic amenities rather than a wilderness camping experience.
Description
Space for 80 cars. Trailer parking available. Trailhead board with map. ODOT Sno*Park permit required Nov. 1st through April 30th.
For questions on the activities available or to obtain trail maps please contact the appropriate land manager.
You must have a valid Sno–Park permit displayed near the lower left corner of the windshield of your vehicle if you park in a designated winter recreation parking area (Sno–Park) between November 1 and April 30. Each of these areas are posted with signs identifying them as a WINTER RECREATION AREA. You will find Sno–Parks in all mountain passes of the state as well as most recognized ski, snowmobile, and snow play areas.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundGovernment Camp Safety Rest Area is located in Oregon
Directions
From Sandy, OR - travel east on US Highway 26 to the Timberline Road junction.
Coordinates
45.30247009 N
121.74468067 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 5/3/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 43 usersLast on 5/3/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 15 usersLast on 5/3/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 5/3/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 43 usersLast on 5/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 15 usersLast on 5/3/26
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 2 min from Portland, OR
- 1 hr 38 min from Salem, OR
- 1 hr 42 min from Longview, WA
- 1 hr 57 min from Albany, OR
