Best Free Camping Near Mount Hood, OR

7 free & low-cost dispersed spots within 35 miles

Mount Hood National Forest allows dispersed camping across nearly all of its 1 million acres. The Barlow Ranger District east of the mountain has the highest density of easy-access free sites for RVs.

Best time to visit

June – September

Insider tips
  • FR 3550 (McCubbins Gulch area) has established free dispersed sites with room for larger rigs.
  • Higher elevation roads stay snowbound until late June — check FS road status.
  • NW Forest Pass is not required for dispersed camping, only for developed sites.
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Top 7 free camping spots near Mount Hood

  1. 1
    Goverment Camp Rest Area
    Rest Area· Government Camp, OR· 5.4 mi from Mount Hood

    Goverment Camp Rest Area — Rest Area

  2. 2
    Kodak Point Highway Pullout
    Rest Area· Hood River County, OR· 24.1 mi from Mount Hood

    Kodak Point Highway Pullout — Rest Area

  3. 3
    Walmart
    Walmart· Hood River, OR· 24.6 mi from Mount Hood

    Walmart — Walmart

  4. 4
    Koberg Beach State Park Rest Area
    Rest Area· Hood River, OR· 25.2 mi from Mount Hood

    Koberg Beach State Park Rest Area — Rest Area

  5. 5
    Memaloose Park Rest Area Eastbound
    Rest Area· Wasco County, OR· 28.0 mi from Mount Hood

    Memaloose Park Rest Area Eastbound — Rest Area

  6. 6
    Memaloose Park Rest Area Westbound
    Rest Area· Rowena, OR· 28.2 mi from Mount Hood

    Memaloose Park Rest Area Westbound — Rest Area

  7. 7
    The Home Depot
    Home Depot· The Dalles, OR· 29.0 mi from Mount Hood

Mount Hood boondocking — FAQ

Where can I camp free near Mt Hood?

Mount Hood National Forest's Barlow and Zigzag ranger districts have hundreds of free dispersed sites — 30–60 minutes from Government Camp or Hood River.

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