#Dispersed camping boondocking oregon free#

Follow 18 northeast across toįorest Road 1825, which starts at the right fork onto a bridge. Ramona Falls, which is an excellent, seven-mile-round-trip hike. Stunning views of Hood, and you're near the trailhead for spectacular Provide much shade and ground covered in low-set shrubs. There's a smattering of tall pines that don't

It's what this 34-spot, reservation-free campground along the Sandy In the summer, that may or may not appeal to you, but That hot, brittle, high-desert pine scent, like it's about to catch fireĪt any moment. Follow the road south for approximately four miles. On NF-2618 (E Salmon River Road), which is about a mile past the town Strike out there, too? Just over theīridge there are a few more spots on the left, by the creek. The ground is flat and soft, with a decomposing pine providing a natural Spots near a deep bend in the creek that has its own little sand beach. To the cement bridge there's a pull-off by a handful of unofficial Or want an even more picturesque spot without water and toilets? Goįarther down the road for some well-trod primitive spots. Spaced, with 15 sites and two pit toilets. 26 you'll follow a tunnel of moss and pineĪlong a rushing creek, past the 742A trailhead and a tall, black rockįace that's popular with climbers. Lulling you to sleep so you can wake up early and drink beer. Grove Fork tributary of the Clackamas, with the sound of the water Thursday night), they are all yours, hugged right up against the Oak And they don't have power.Īnd they don't have a restroom. You'll begin to discover, on your left toward the river, little untendedĬampsites. Take the NF-57 fork at the end of Oregon 224, and All you have to do is keep driving, until you hit the end of the Highway-along the river, and mostly what you'll find is a pile ofĬampsites that have already been staked out on the Internet. And they ask that you pack out every damn thing you pack Your personal dookie closer than 100 feet from any trail or 200 feetįrom any river. Them, so make sure you have them.) You may not pitch your tent nor drop But it's pretty simple not to screw it up:ĭon't light a fire except in a fire pit, and not unless you have a Simple rules to dispersed camping in the forest, and you should expect aįriendly visit from a ranger who tracks such things, including the Says it's unlikely that people will chase you down if you're a badĬitizen who likes to cheat the Forest Service. Forest Service spokesman Chris Bentley says you're notĪllowed to wander into nearby campsites and use their showers, but also Might just pay the day-use/parking fee and make use of the facilities

#Dispersed camping boondocking oregon free#

If youįind free spots near a public-use area with restrooms, smart campers The national forest is pretty much fair game for a 14-day span. Smart locals have known for years that basically every plot of land in Lake Road and follow twists and turns until you see signs for theĭispersed camping anywhere in Mount Hood National ForestĬampsites with useless luxuries like 'running water' and 'plumbing,' but Miles and right onto Dee Highway for 6.3 miles. After 1.2 miles, go right onto Tucker Road, then go two Turn right atĬascade Avenue, then right onto Country Club Road, then left ontoīarrett Drive.

Portlanders who aren't planners, this is the spot. They'll rent you boats to take out onto that lake, too. That assures you won't run out of beer and marshmallows by SaturdayĪfternoon. Third, because there's a lodge with a well-stocked camp store Second,īecause it's big-148 campsites, only a few of which can be reserved inĪdvance. South-side lakes that have been booked up since Valentine's Day. Lake on the north face of the mountain is ideal in almost every way.įirst, because it's beautiful-in fact, every bit the equal of the Quick getaway to a postcard-worthy spot in the Hoodland, this little It's here just in case you're unaware of this gem.