Discover the best desert campgrounds in Mt. Hood

United States
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Oregon
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Mt. Hood

97% (158 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Mt. Hood

5 top desert campgrounds in Mt. Hood

Available this weekend

100%

(53)

Nadja's Hideway

4 sites · Lodging5 acres · Lyle, WA

Happy New Year! We’ll be ready to open up again this spring, so start planning for the 2024 season. Hope you can be our guest this year. Play in Hood River during the day, relax in the country at night. We're 6.5 miles up in the hills, called High Prairie, above the sleepy town Lyle. Enjoy the peace on our 5 acre hideaway, wake up with the chickens - we have a rooster just FYI - (and yes we sell fresh eggs :). Take a walk to look at Mt. Adams which is just around the corner. Hiking, biking, kite boarding, windsurfing all within a few miles of reach with never ending opportunities to get your exercise. Just ask for tips. The land has mostly Oak trees where you can take your nap in your hang matt. The place is easy accessible, far away from all but still close to all Gorge attractions during the day. The town has a nice little convenience store, breakfast place and the Sandbar that has good food and some entertainment. Grocery shopping is best done in Hood River, White Salmon or The Dalles. Once up here, there isn't much, so come prepared.

Deschutes Riverview Campground

1 site · RV5 acres · OR

Our McLucas family has been operating The Oasis, which has consisted of, at various times, a cafe, historic cabins, a campground, a fishing guide service, a shuttle business and t-shirt shop over the past 65 years. In 2019 we sold the cafe and cabins to a new family to carry on, but we kept the parcel of land overlooking the Deschutes River where we have operated a campground for many years.Oasis Riverview Campground has operated during the months of July and August, primarily, giving RV's and tent campers a place to land during the busy months here in Maupin when the fishing and whitewater rafting are at their peak and the campsites along the river (managed by the BLM) were not adequate to host all visitors to the area.We are transitioning from a tent camping site to a site only for self-contained RV's or groups willing to have their own toilets brought in.

Justesen Ranches

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, TentsTygh Valley, OR

Justesen Ranches is family owned working cattle, wheat and recreation ranch . Our properties are located in the Columbia River Plateau in North Central Oregon. Enjoy wide open spaces, reservoirs for wildlife watching and clear night skies for star gazing. This is a leave no trace, pack it in, pack it out camping area.The property is located in Tygh Valley and is only a few minutes from the general store and the stunning White River Falls State Park. The Deschutes River whitewater rafting hub of Maupin is just a 10 minute drive away. The lodge two hours from Portland and 30 min from The Dalles.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

92%

(185)

Mt. Hood National Forest

Government Camp, Oregon

88%

(7)

Deschutes River State Recreation Area

Oregon

Desert camping in Mt. Hood guide

Overview

Mt. Hood towers 11,240 feet over the Oregon countryside, dominating the horizon. On a clear day, you can see the snowy peak from Portland—50 miles away! Surrounded by alpine meadows and Mt. Hood National Forest, this region offers endless ways to get into the wild.

With 71 Forest Service campgrounds to choose from, it’s easy to find one that suits your camping style. Spring Drive offers a popular RV park with full hookups. Families love the boating and fishing at Trillium Lake Campground. If you prefer a cabin or a yurt, head to Lost Lake Resort.

At Mount Hood, you’ll find an adventure for everyone. Climb up jagged rock faces, or go fishing in the Hood River, just steps from your campsite. The national forest has 1,000 miles of trails that are perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Serious mountaineers can make the technical climb to the summit; be sure to get a permit.

For a true wilderness experience, head out into the backcountry. Dispersed camping is legal in many parts of the national forest, so you can pitch your tent in a secluded spot. Local backpackers love the Timberline Trail, which takes about 3-4 days to complete.

The fun doesn’t stop when the snow falls—it’s just getting started. Load up your warmest camping year (or book a cabin) and head for the forest. Six ski areas offer sledding, skiing, and snowboarding. Or, explore the trails using snowshoes, cross-country skis, or snowmobiles.