Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon Camping & Hiking

Mt. Hood National Forest

Mt. Hood National Forest offers a huge variety of world-class recreational activities with opportunities for everyone. Mt Hood National Forest encompasses eight unique Wilderness areas as well as multiple barrier free accessible sites to explore. Whether it’s skiing, hiking, boating, rafting, climbing, backpacking, horseback riding, or fishing that you are hoping to experience, you’re sure to find great opportunities in your National Forest.

Activities

BIKING, BOATING, CLIMBING, CAMPING, INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS, FISHING, HIKING, HORSEBACK RIDING, PICNICKING, WINTER SPORTS, RECREATIONAL VEHICLES, WILDLIFE VIEWING, FIRE LOOKOUTS/CABINS OVERNIGHT, SWIMMING, HORSE CAMPING

Mt. Hood National Forest Camping Reservations

Reserve your campsite at these Mt. Hood National Forest camping areas:

1. ARMSTRONG >> Camping Area

Armstrong Campground is a small but beautiful place to camp, right on the edge of the Clackamas Wild and Scenic River. The river flows right by spacious, lush, family-friendly campsites, giving visitors plenty of access to the river, as well as to the surrounding forest.

2. BEAR SPRINGS GROUP CAMPGROUND >> Camping Area

Bear Springs Campground is an ideal destination for families and groups that enjoy the outdoors in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. It offers spacious group sites, single-family sites, and a day use area with a picnic shelter amid a forest of towering trees.

3. CAMP CREEK >> Camping Area

The Camp Creek Campground sits next to a babbling forest creek in the country’s scenic Pacific Northwest region. The campground is not far from the base of the majestic, snow-covered Mt. Hood, Oregon’s highest point and a prominent landmark of the area. A variety of recreational activities surround the campground, including hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, scenic views and points of exploration.

4. CLACKAMAS LAKE >> Camping Area

Clackamas Lake Campground is a great camping destination, especially when nearby Timothy Lake sites are full. The lake is small and shallow. The facility is located in the Clackamas Lake Historic District in Mt. Hood National Forest. It provides access to fishing, swimming and leisurely boating, as well as a number of trails and historic points along the way.

5. CLACKAMAS LAKE HISTORIC CABIN >> Camping Area

Clackamas Lake Historic Cabin gives campers an old-fashioned cabin experience with its well-preserved features, including a massive rock chimney, knot-free interior paneling and hand-wrought iron work. It provides access to a number of outdoor recreation opportunities as well as its namesake lake.

6. CLEAR LAKE (OR) >> Camping Area

Clear Lake Campground is a shady outdoor paradise ON Clear Lake in the mountains of northern Oregon. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, swimming and sailing on the lake, and hiking and exploring the nearby hills and terraces. Winter recreation opportunities are available in the area when it snows.

7. CLEAR LAKE CABIN LOOKOUT >> Camping Area

Clear Lake Cabin Lookout is situated on the southern slope of Mt. Hood, providing spectacular panorama views of snow-covered treetops, alpine lakes and rugged Cascade peaks. It also provides access to a variety of recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing, as well as winter sports. The lookout can only be accessed by skiing, snowmobiling or snowshoeing up to 4 miles from a parking area at the Skyline Sno-Park. A Sno-Park permit is required to park there and the trek takes about three to four hours. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

8. FISH CREEK (OR) >> Camping Area

Fish Creek Campground is ideally located next to the Clackamas Wild and Scenic River in Mt. Hood National Forest. It provides access to some of the area’s greatest whitewater, as well as a famous place to fish. Whether it is relaxation or expansive exploration, there’s something for everyone at Fish Creek.

9. FIVEMILE BUTTE LOOKOUT >> Camping Area

Fivemile Butte Lookout is available for reservation year-round. It provides stellar mountain views and access to a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing. During the winter months, the lookout is popular among hunters and winter sports enthusiasts. In the winter the lookout can only be accessed by skiing, snowmobiling or snowshoeing up to 3 miles from a parking area at the Billy Bob Sno-Park. A permit is required to park and the trek takes about three to four hours. In the summer guests can drive directly to the lookout but will need a gate code once their reservation is made. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

10. FROG LAKE >> Camping Area

Frog Lake Campground is a beautiful and somewhat rustic campground on Frog Lake. It provides access to enjoyable outdoor activities, including fishing and leisurely canoeing on the calm, mountain lake. The campground is located between the highway and Frog Lake at an elevation of 3,800 feet, just past the town of Government Camp in Mt. Hood National Forest. The small campground is situated in a heavily forested area, where the sounds of frogs are heard at night.

11. GONE CREEK >> Camping Area

Gone Creek Campground sits on the edge of the beautiful Timothy Lake, in the shadows of Mt. Hood, Oregon’s highest peak. The lush, green forest surrounding the campground provides campers with ample recreational opportunities.

12. HOODVIEW >> Camping Area

The Hoodview Campground sits on the shores of Timothy Lake, in the shadow of Oregon’s Mt. Hood. The surrounding forest setting offers spectacular views, miles of trails for exploration and abundant fishing. Proximity to Timothy Lake allows campers to enjoy a variety of water-related recreation activities, including boating and sailing, as well as swimming, windsurfing and fishing. Anglers can expect a catch of kokanee salmon and a variety of trout. A range of trails are located in the area. The Timothy Lake Trail is popular for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The 12 miles of relatively level terrain loops trekkers around the lake, providing scenic views of the area. It connects to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, a lengthy hike that extends across three states, from the borders of Canada and Mexico.

13. INDIAN HENRY >> Camping Area

Indian Henry Campground is located in the Mount Hood National Forest, along the scenic Clackamas River. The campground is a great location for relaxation and a spectacular outdoor experience, providing ample access to the river and the surrounding wilderness, as well as other scenic spots in the area.

14. JOE GRAHAM HORSE CAMPGROUND >> Camping Area

Joe Graham Horse Campground is a beautiful equestrian camp with views of majestic Mt. Hood and its surrounding forest. It provides access to a variety of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails, as well as scenic historic sites.

15. KINGFISHER >> Camping Area

Kingfisher Campground is a diamond in the rough. Its unkempt appearance gives it a true nature feel, yet it offers numerous modern conveniences and is close to a variety of recreational opportunities. It lies next to the scenic Hot Springs Fork of Collawash River, a tributary to the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River nearby. The campground is located in the Mt. Hood National Forest along the banks of the Hot Springs Fork of Collawash River, just north of the Bull of the Woods Wilderness. It is situated in a mixed evergreen forest at an elevation of about 1,250 feet. A variety of birds and wildlife make their homes in the area.

16. Kinnikinnick (Laurance Lake) Campground >> Camping Area

Kinnikinnick Campground is a hidden gem, situated north of Mt. Hood, just outside of Parkdale, Oregon. Sitting on Laurence Lake, Kinnikinnick Campground offers beautifully landscaped campsites with views of Laurence Lake and the wide-open hills that surround the lake.

17. LAKE HARRIET >> Camping Area

Lake Harriet Campground sits on the eastern shores of crystal clear Lake Harriet. It is located between the Oak Grove Fork of the Clackamas River, which flows into the lake, and the nearby forest highway. It is a great location for camping, fishing and boating.

18. LAZY BEND >> Camping Area

Lazy Bend Campground sits next to the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River, close to the city of Estacada. The adjacent river provides countless opportunities for rafting, kayaking, fishing and swimming. The lush, green campground is comfortable for individuals and families who want to escape into nature in Oregon’s Mt. Hood National Forest.

19. LITTLE CRATER LAKE >> Camping Area

Little Crater Lake Campground is one of the most scenic spots in Mt. Hood National Forest and a very comfortable place to camp. It is not far from Little Crater Lake, a cold, crystal clear, spring-fed pond. Also nearby is Timothy Lake, where boaters and anglers enjoy recreating, all in the shadows of Mt. Hood, Oregon’s highest point.

20. LOCKABY >> Camping Area

Lockaby Campground is ideally located next to the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River in the lush, green mountains of northern Oregon. It provides access to some of the area’s greatest whitewater rafting, as well as a famous place to fish. Whether it is relaxation or recreation, there’s something for everyone at the campground.

21. LOST CREEK >> Camping Area

Lost Creek Campground is a fully accessible campground allowing anyone access to campsites, fishing and a paved nature trail that meanders through the area. The campground is also near the Wild and Scenic Sandy River and not far from the popular Ramona Falls Trailhead. Mt. Hood is just southeast of the campground and is close enough for visitors to enjoy a day trip and sightseeing.

22. LOST LAKE RESORT AND CAMPGROUND >> Camping Area

Lost Lake Campground is couched between beautiful Lost Lake and Mount Hood. From Lost Lake Butte, the valley view is breathtaking, and from the viewpoint, guests can revel in the most majestic view of Mt. Hood, its glaciers and Lost Lake. Another one of the many attractions at Lost Lake Campground is the old growth boardwalk, an interpretive trail the meanders through one of Oregon’s large old growth stands.

23. OAK FORK >> Camping Area

Oak Fork Campground is located on the shores of Timothy Lake in the shadow of Oregon’s Mt. Hood. The surrounding forest setting offers spectacular views, miles of trails for exploration and abundant fishing.

24. OLALLIE LAKE GUARD STATION CABIN >> Camping Area

Olallie Lake Guard Station Cabin gives campers an old-fashioned cabin experience with its well-preserved features, including a massive rock chimney, interior wood and hand-wrought iron work. It provides access to a number of outdoor recreation opportunities as well as its namesake lake. The cabin is at nearly 5,000 feet so the season can be delayed by late snows which restricts cabin access.

25. PINE POINT >> Camping Area

Pine Point Campground is located on the shores of Timothy Lake in the shadow of Oregon’s Mt. Hood. It is a beautiful place for individuals, families and larger groups to camp and enjoy nature, as miles of scenic trails surround the campground and access to the lake provides endless recreation possibilities.

26. RAAB >> Camping Area

Raab Group Campground is a new group campground for those that are looking for multiple campsites or have large families. It is located on the banks of the Collawash River, which flows into the mighty Clackamas River in the mountains of northern Oregon.

Recreational opportunities are not far from the campground, making it the perfect getaway spot. It can comfortably accommodate any outdoorsman, including the hiking enthusiast, the fly fisherman, bicyclist and whitewater rafter, among others who wish to enjoy nature.

27. RAINBOW (OR) >> Camping Area

Rainbow Campground provides ample access to the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River. The campground offers a great location to enjoy peace and quiet in the beautiful mountains of northern Oregon. Visitors enjoy fishing, hiking, biking and rafting.

28. RILEY HORSE CAMPGROUND >> Camping Area

Riley Campground is an equestrian facility located northwest of Oregon’s majestic Mt. Hood. Horse corrals are tucked into the forest near the campsites, and several horseback riding trails can be accessed from the campground. A variety of recreational and sightseeing opportunities are available for visitors to enjoy.

29. RIPPLEBROOK >> Camping Area

Ripplebrook Campground is a charming facility for nature enthusiasts and lies in a beautiful forest setting. Fly fishing and whitewater rafting are popular near the campground, as it neighbors the Clackamas Wild and Scenic River. The small facility is geared more toward tent camping, however, tent trailers and RVs under 19 feet are welcome.

30. RIVERSIDE (OR) >> Camping Area

Riverside Campground is a charming and rustic campground, situated alongside the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River in Mt. Hood National Forest. It provides access to a variety of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails and is a great place to experience nature.

31. ROARING RIVER >> Camping Area

Roaring River Campground is located across from the Wild and Scenic Clackamas River in the beautiful Cascade Range of northern Oregon. The small, rustic campground has some charm and provides visitors with access to a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, including world-famous whitewater rafting.

32. ROCK CREEK (OR) >> Camping Area

Rock Creek Campground sits on the shores of scenic Rock Creek Reservoir in the pine-covered mountains of Mt. Hood National Forest. It is a family-friendly campground with many sites right on the water’s edge. The campground provides access to a variety of recreational activities, as well as historic sites throughout the forest.

33. SHERWOOD CAMPGROUND >> Camping Area

Sherwood campground is an easily accessible location for simple camping, with beautiful landscapes and the Hood River rushing next to it. Close to hiking and recreational locations, Sherwood campground is a prime location for those looking for a centrally located base camp near Mt. Hood, or for those looking for a surprisingly quiet, camping getaway.

34. STILL CREEK >> Camping Area

Still Creek Campground lies in the shadows of majestic Mt. Hood, in Oregon’s Mt. Hood National Forest. It is one of the closest campgrounds to the mountain, and offers access to a variety of recreational opportunities. The surrounding area contains hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails, as well as numerous mountain lakes, rivers and creeks.

35. SUNSTRIP >> Camping Area

Sunstrip Campground is a primitive campground on the banks of the Clackamas Wild and Scenic River. It provides access to a variety of outdoor activities, but retains the look and feel of true nature, with only a few amenities. Fishing is very popular in the Clackamas and anglers can expect winter Steelhead, spring Chinook and late summer Kokanee salmon, as well as other species of freshwater fish.

Whitewater rafting is also a favorite activity among visitors. The Clackamas River provides miles of wild water as it snakes through the scenic Cascade range.

A hiking trail meanders along the riverbank, north and south of the campground. Scenic driving is available on the nearby West Cascades National Scenic Byway, which follows the river.

36. TILLY JANE GUARD STATION >> Camping Area

Tilly Jane Guard Station is an ideal getaway for individuals and families who enjoy the great outdoors in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. It is one of the oldest structures on Mt. Hood and provides shelter for warmth and an escape from the elements while participating in a variety of activities, specifically winter-related recreation. During the winter months it serves as a winter retreat for visitors hardy enough to access the cabin from the Tilly Jane Sno-Park.

Guests can access the cabin following a 9-mile, gently sloping road, or via the historic Tilly Jane Ski Trail, which is roughly 2.7 miles with an elevation gain of 1,900 feet. Skis with skins or snowshoes are highly recommended and travelers should be prepared for extreme weather conditions. The TJ Ski Trail is poorly marked due to the 2008 Gnarl Ridge Fire so be on notice. Guests should be experienced in backcountry travel and survival skills. Guests must also bring several of their own amenities.

37. TOLLGATE >> Camping Area

Tollgate Campground is one of the most convenient to Portland, making it a great headquarters for exploring the Mt. Hood area. It stands in the southwestern shadow of Oregon’s highest point, Mt. Hood. The campground provides access to a variety of trails, as well as historic sites, including spots along the famed Oregon Trail.

38. TRILLIUM >> Camping Area

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.