The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Wishram, WA

80 Reviews

Dispersed camping options along the Columbia River Gorge near Wishram include Avery Recreation Area, offering free waterfront sites with views of Mount Hood. This Army Corps of Engineers location provides vault toilets, picnic tables, and a boat ramp with a 7-day stay limit. The proximity to railroad tracks is the most notable drawback, with trains passing frequently and blowing horns at the nearby crossing. A visitor commented, "Trains are no joke. They are seriously loud do not underestimate this."

For those seeking quieter alternatives, Forest Road 2730 in Mount Hood National Forest offers several pull-off sites with established fire rings approximately 30 miles south. These primitive spots require no permits and accommodate both tents and vehicles. A camper noted, "There are several places along FR 2730 where you can pull off and camp. The road was very accessible, high clearance not required." Patterson Slough on Rock Creek provides another option north of Wishram, though reviews indicate it may be less desirable with limited amenities and poor water quality.

Map showing campgrounds near Wishram, WashingtonExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Wishram, Washington (37)

    1. Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge

    11 Reviews
    Wishram, WA
    3 miles
    Website

    "There’s a pit toilet, and a garbage dumpster on-site. Over half the “sites” are right on the water, while the others are less than 50 feet away."

    "This is Army Corps of Engineers recreation site with dispersed camping, vault toilets and a boat ramp. First come first served, $0 and you can stay up to seven days."

    2. Rufus Landing

    1 Review
    Wasco, OR
    10 miles

    "Up to 7 days allowed in a 30 day period for free boondock/dry campingbetween April 1 and October 31. Open camping rock/gravel lot in designated areas. 1 pair of toilets available (His/Hers)."

    3. Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF

    5 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 668-1700

    "Took a while to discover this spot, but clearly seems well used for dispersed camping. I parked nearest the access road, as my van would have hit trees to go a little further in."

    "The road was very accessible, high clearance not required. We found a large pull off with several established fire pits. It's absolutely perfect for a group campsite."

    4. White River West Sno-Park

    14 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 668-1700

    "Incredible access to back country hiking at Mt. Hood!"

    "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. "

    5. Patterson Slough on Rock Creek

    1 Review
    Cheatham Lock and Dam, OR
    25 miles

    6. Bonney Meadows

    6 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 467-2291

    $10 / night

    "Make sure you have 4WD and a high clearance rig to get here. The last four miles are an exercise in off road driving and need to be taken slow."

    "You’ll want a 4wd or high clearance vehicle to access the last 4 miles. It’s worth it in the end. The meadow is beautiful and a nice view of Mt Hood."

    7. Trillium Lake Airstrip Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    46 miles
    Website

    "Quite a few dispersed spots, kinda close to one another- everyone was respectful. The road behind this gets a great view of Mt. Hood!! No amenities. Dry camping!

    PACK IT OUT"

    "Nice forest service camping area. There are plenty of spots, but it can get pretty crowded on weekends. There is a beautiful view of Mt. Hood down the road and a nice hiking path to Trillium Lake."

    8. Mirror Lake

    7 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 622-5622

    "There are several backpacking campsites that are on the water, there is nothing more beautiful than watching the sunrise over the lake with Mt.Hood in the background."

    "It's best to come up with a couple backup plans as this is a popular spot! The hike in off the road isn't difficult, and the tent sites are all situated relatively close to the trail."

    9. McNeil Point Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Government Camp, OR
    42 miles
    Website

    "Dispersed camping at McNeil point is a backpackers dream — you get to hike far into the clouds, far away from the people, yet this location is nearly as convenient as car camping. "

    "I started at the Top Spur trailhead and hiked the clockwise route up to McNeil (a little longer but saved be the scramble through rocks)."

    10. Panther Creek Creekside Camp

    5 Reviews
    Carson, WA
    45 miles

    "Lots of turnouts along the road with river accesses just steps away ! Definitely recommend!"

    "Man I'm glad I did This is one of the best dispersed camp sites I've ever stayed at!!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 37 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Wishram Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Wishram, WA

51 Photos of 37 Wishram Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Wishram, WA

80 Reviews of 37 Wishram Campgrounds

  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 29, 2025

    Trillium Lake Airstrip Dispersed

    Win for Memorial Day weekend!

    Surprised we were able to snag a spot here on Memorial Day weekend! Drove in Sunday evening. Quite a few dispersed spots, kinda close to one another- everyone was respectful. The road behind this gets a great view of Mt. Hood!!

    No amenities. Dry camping!

    PACK IT OUT

  • Jason B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2024

    Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF

    Great/Quiet Spot

    Took a while to discover this spot, but clearly seems well used for dispersed camping. I parked nearest the access road, as my van would have hit trees to go a little further in. For smaller vehicles (e.g. roof top tents), you can get in a little further and off the access road. There was actually someone else back there, and we can't hear nor see each other.

  • Brendan R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 11, 2025

    Forest Rd 2730 - Mt Hood NF

    Great Area to Camp and Relax!

    There are several places along FR 2730 where you can pull off and camp. The road was very accessible, high clearance not required. We found a large pull off with several established fire pits. It's absolutely perfect for a group campsite. I imagine it will be a busier spot in the summer, but we couldn't find a single other person within miles of us in early May. To get up to the group camp site, you may need higher clearance (most SUVs should be fine) and 4wd/AWD, as there is a short rocky section that might cause some issues for FWD/RWD.

    Got a little chilly at night with winds whipping down through the area we were in, but overall very peaceful. You can see Mt Hood from the campsite through the trees, albeit it is decently far away and is subject to the visibility at the time you visit. We were able to see Mt Hood just before sunset, but couldn't see her at all the following morning.

  • Kevin L.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Aug. 9, 2020

    Kevin's Mt Hood OG

    Dispersed Camping - Get away from it all

    This is a dispersed camping spot in the Mt.Hood National Forest that is free --- from both campground payment and people. It's an old forest road off the main gravel road that has been blockaded and closed down, giving you a wide open area that gets sun, mixed with good tree coverage from the wind. 

    The spot is flat and great for an RV, van or trailer. It's just a 100 meters off the main gravel road where the old forest road is dug out/blockaded from cars getting through. 

    We parked and camped right there. Or, if you want even more solitude, park at the blockade and walk 3/4 of a mile to the end of the forest road strip for some tent camping. Not sure if that is needed as I think we only heard/saw a few car drive by the entire time (on a beautiful August weekend). 

    Love this place. Happy to share it with others. If you are looking for some dispersed camping in the summer that's not a far drive from Portland, this spot is for you. If it's full, there are a half dozen to a dozen other dispersed camping spots along this gravel road between Frog Lake Campground and Clear Creek Crossing Campground. Enjoy.

  • Ariel & John W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 15, 2020

    Mount Hood National Forest - NF 2656 -Dispersed Camping

    Tons of dispersed in the shadow of Mt Hood

    There are many park campgrounds in the Mt Hood NF but also tons of dispersed camping in the forest.

    We camped off FS 2656 just south of Trillium Lake in August 2020. There are many other locations. Many are separate drives off a forest road but some side of the road spots too. Lake Trillium gets super crowded.

    Download the forest map from Avenza for accurate locations of all the forest roads and trails.

    The Mt Hood NF is amazing, with tons of lakes, creeks, waterfalls and hiking trails as well as great views of Mt Hood.

    No amenities for dispersed locations but you can use nearby campgrounds for water, trash and dump stations.

    There was decent Verizon service when we camped there.

    Would definitely camp here again.

  • James C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2025

    Kevin's Mt Hood OG

    Dispersed Camping near Mt. Hood

    Quiet dispersed camping with a few options along NF-2610. Had 4 cars pass by camp in 3 days. Lots of old logging trails to explore on foot. A little buggy but more flies than ‘squitos. Did not need bug spray.

  • Sara R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 13, 2020

    White River West Sno-Park

    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.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2020

    Morrison Creek

    Mount Adams refuge

    Came during heatwave in August, scored one of 2 sites right on the creek, and had the place all to ourselves. Nice flat tent sites, good fire rings, and picnic table. 2 pit toilets and a trailhead.

Guide to Wishram

Dispersed camping near Wishram, Washington, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities, these spots are perfect for adventurers seeking solitude and scenic beauty.

Scenic Views and Relaxation while Free Camping Near Wishram

  • Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Hood from the Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge, where you can set up camp right by the water's edge.
  • The Bonney Meadows area is known for its beautiful meadows and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and reflection.
  • For those who appreciate the sound of flowing water, Morrison Creek provides a serene backdrop with its nearby creek, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Outdoor Adventures for Dispersed Campers

  • Hiking enthusiasts will find plenty of trails near McNeil Point Dispersed Camping, where you can trek through diverse terrain and enjoy stunning mountain views.
  • The Dog Creek Falls Camp offers access to nearby waterfalls, making it a great base for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the area.
  • If you're into fishing, the Patterson Slough on Rock Creek is a hidden gem where you can cast a line and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Unique Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • The White River West Sno-Park is not only a great camping spot but also a gateway to winter sports and summer hiking trails, making it a versatile destination year-round.
  • For a more secluded experience, the End of NF 4800-532 offers a quiet retreat surrounded by lush trees and the soothing sounds of nature, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.
  • The Big Huckleberry Mountain Dispersed Campground provides stunning views of both Mount Adams and Mount Hood, making it a picturesque spot for photography and stargazing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Wishram, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Wishram, WA is Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge with a 3.5-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Wishram, WA?

TheDyrt.com has all 37 dispersed camping locations near Wishram, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring