The best star host camping near Government Camp

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At the base of Mount Hood, Government Camp is a small tourist village servicing the nearby ski resorts at Mount Hood. It’s one of the last spots to stock up on supplies before heading south into the Mount Hood National Forest, known for its lakes, rivers, hiking trails, and ample camping opportunities. Government Camp and its surroundings are popular both with day trippers from nearby Portland and overnight guests, and the region offers a variety of recreation opportunities in winter and summer alike, both up at the ski resorts at Mount Hood, and further afield in the massive Mount Hood National Forest.

99% (6.1K) 268 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Government Camp

Marmot House Old Growth Forest

1. Marmot House Old Growth Forest

96%
(148)
19mi from Government Camp · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Marmot House is a lush 13 acres of mostly old growth forest in the foothills of Mt. Hood, right on the Historic Oregon Trail. It is close to hiking, biking, and forested waterfalls a short drive away. We have beautiful short hikes on trails in our forest on the property. World class windsurfing 30 miles away in Hood River, as well as more amazing waterfall hikes in the Columbia River Gorge. The Sandy River recreation area is just up the road from us and we are 10 mins. from The Sandy Ridge Trail with its 17 miles of mountain bike trails. Each campsite is tucked in the woods and has access our communal fire pit at our gathering space. Our well water tastes amazing! The is not a developed campground, it is our home. We see ourselves as stewards of this hidden forest gem and welcome people to enjoy its beauty. We are avid campers and recently spend 9 months in our teardrop trailer off grid on public lands. Living here we are three family members, one renter and short term volunteer traveler workers. We all work from home, Arehn a spiritual life coach, who loves to cook, Jim a software engineer and disc golfer, son Ian, software engineer and writer and Zuzu, forest fire fighter and logger lives in a separate apartment on the property.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$25
 / night
Zen Acres

2. Zen Acres

98%
(452)
30mi from Government Camp · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We purchased this slice of paradise in 2003 as a place to relax, recharge, and someday build our dream home. It started as nothing more than a gravel road leading to a small clearing with an old bus and a couple decks. Our children have grown up out here learning a deep respect for nature and the real (non digital) world. Now empty nesters, we live on site. Part of our retirement planning is to spend next several years developing the lower portion of the property (approx. 15 acres) into a campground and retreat for our guests, as well as our own family, friends, and grandchildren. The campground area (currently) consists of a handful of primitive campsites, and a group area. We are working steadily on improvements, including adding more sites, improving the roadways, and upgrading the common areas. In all we will likely have 12-15 total designated camping areas (including a group area or two, as well as a couple hike to secluded locations). There is also a lot of additional information listed on the individual campsite descriptions.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$43
 / night
Your Farm in the City

3. Your Farm in the City

96%
(314)
42mi from Government Camp · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Our farm is a very special place in the heart of Portland. We have been farming continuously for 5 generations, since 1880! Our farm has seen many changes around us in such an urban setting. We focus on best sustainability practices as well as giving our local community access to agriculture. Sharing the land with fellow hipcampers helps us stay in business as well as continue to foster our positive impacts in the local community.
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
from 
$41
 / night
Cedar Root at Highland Butte

4. Cedar Root at Highland Butte

98%
(1077)
33mi from Government Camp · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Cedar Root Woods is hidden just outside of Portland on 20 acres of forests, trails, a small spring-fed pond and a wood fired sauna. Your host Brad who lives nearby in a Timberframe home built from the trees on the land. 2 tent campsites (sites #3 #4) and two RV/car camping areas (sites #1 #2) allow plenty of private space for you or your family.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$47
 / night
Timberlake Campground & RV Park

5. Timberlake Campground & RV Park

97%
(52)
30mi from Government Camp · 39 sites · Tents, RVs
Nestled in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. Located away from highway & train noise, our forested 22 acre park was designed to provide the ideal camping experience in a peaceful setting. We have 43 full hook-up RV Sites and 22 Tent Sites, located just 2.5 miles off WA SR14. Close to all the activities the Gorge has to offer, but far enough off the highway and train tracks allowing you to enjoy a peaceful and serene setting. We are a privately family-owned and operated Campground and RV Park in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. We take great pride in offering a clean, safe environment for all guests.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$43
 / night

At the base of Mount Hood, Government Camp is a small tourist village servicing the nearby ski resorts at Mount Hood. It’s one of the last spots to stock up on supplies before heading south into the Mount Hood National Forest, known for its lakes, rivers, hiking trails, and ample camping opportunities. Government Camp and its surroundings are popular both with day trippers from nearby Portland and overnight guests, and the region offers a variety of recreation opportunities in winter and summer alike, both up at the ski resorts at Mount Hood, and further afield in the massive Mount Hood National Forest.

99% (6.1K) 268 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Government Camp

Marmot House Old Growth Forest

1. Marmot House Old Growth Forest

96%
(148)
19mi from Government Camp · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Marmot House is a lush 13 acres of mostly old growth forest in the foothills of Mt. Hood, right on the Historic Oregon Trail. It is close to hiking, biking, and forested waterfalls a short drive away. We have beautiful short hikes on trails in our forest on the property. World class windsurfing 30 miles away in Hood River, as well as more amazing waterfall hikes in the Columbia River Gorge. The Sandy River recreation area is just up the road from us and we are 10 mins. from The Sandy Ridge Trail with its 17 miles of mountain bike trails. Each campsite is tucked in the woods and has access our communal fire pit at our gathering space. Our well water tastes amazing! The is not a developed campground, it is our home. We see ourselves as stewards of this hidden forest gem and welcome people to enjoy its beauty. We are avid campers and recently spend 9 months in our teardrop trailer off grid on public lands. Living here we are three family members, one renter and short term volunteer traveler workers. We all work from home, Arehn a spiritual life coach, who loves to cook, Jim a software engineer and disc golfer, son Ian, software engineer and writer and Zuzu, forest fire fighter and logger lives in a separate apartment on the property.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$25
 / night
Zen Acres

2. Zen Acres

98%
(452)
30mi from Government Camp · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We purchased this slice of paradise in 2003 as a place to relax, recharge, and someday build our dream home. It started as nothing more than a gravel road leading to a small clearing with an old bus and a couple decks. Our children have grown up out here learning a deep respect for nature and the real (non digital) world. Now empty nesters, we live on site. Part of our retirement planning is to spend next several years developing the lower portion of the property (approx. 15 acres) into a campground and retreat for our guests, as well as our own family, friends, and grandchildren. The campground area (currently) consists of a handful of primitive campsites, and a group area. We are working steadily on improvements, including adding more sites, improving the roadways, and upgrading the common areas. In all we will likely have 12-15 total designated camping areas (including a group area or two, as well as a couple hike to secluded locations). There is also a lot of additional information listed on the individual campsite descriptions.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$43
 / night
Your Farm in the City

3. Your Farm in the City

96%
(314)
42mi from Government Camp · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Our farm is a very special place in the heart of Portland. We have been farming continuously for 5 generations, since 1880! Our farm has seen many changes around us in such an urban setting. We focus on best sustainability practices as well as giving our local community access to agriculture. Sharing the land with fellow hipcampers helps us stay in business as well as continue to foster our positive impacts in the local community.
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
from 
$41
 / night
Cedar Root at Highland Butte

4. Cedar Root at Highland Butte

98%
(1077)
33mi from Government Camp · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Cedar Root Woods is hidden just outside of Portland on 20 acres of forests, trails, a small spring-fed pond and a wood fired sauna. Your host Brad who lives nearby in a Timberframe home built from the trees on the land. 2 tent campsites (sites #3 #4) and two RV/car camping areas (sites #1 #2) allow plenty of private space for you or your family.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$47
 / night
Timberlake Campground & RV Park

5. Timberlake Campground & RV Park

97%
(52)
30mi from Government Camp · 39 sites · Tents, RVs
Nestled in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. Located away from highway & train noise, our forested 22 acre park was designed to provide the ideal camping experience in a peaceful setting. We have 43 full hook-up RV Sites and 22 Tent Sites, located just 2.5 miles off WA SR14. Close to all the activities the Gorge has to offer, but far enough off the highway and train tracks allowing you to enjoy a peaceful and serene setting. We are a privately family-owned and operated Campground and RV Park in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge. We take great pride in offering a clean, safe environment for all guests.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$43
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best star host camping near Government Camp guide

Where to go

Mount Hood

The main attraction in the Government Camp area is Mount Hood. While skiing, snowboarding, and inner tubing are the main draws here, it’s also fun to just head up to Timberline Lodge (made famous by Stanley Kubrick's film, The Shining) for dinner or a cup of hot cocoa.

Local Lakes

Government Camp makes a great jumping-off point for exploring area lakes, particularly in the hot summer months. Popular spots for swimming include Trillium Lake, Timothy Lake, Lost Lake, and Frog Lake.

Warm Springs Reservation

For a drastic change in scenery, make your way south to Warm Springs, about a 45-minute drive away. Here you can learn about indigenous cultures at the Museum At Warm Springs or simply explore the desert landscape—keep an eye out for wild mustangs who live in the area.

When to go

Government Camp and its surroundings are popular year round, and while summer temperatures can reach as high as the 80s, winters tend to be cool and snowy. Ski season varies by year, but usually starts in early December and goes until May. Cold-weather activities include skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, while the summer months are popular for mountain biking, disc golf, and taking thrilling rides down the half-mile-long Alpine Slide.