Most wildfires are preventable. Learn to be fire safe
  1. Explore
    /
  2. United States
    /
  3. Oregon
    /
  4. Welches
1 / 68
  1. Explore
    /
  2. United States
    /
  3. Oregon
    /
  4. Welches

Big Tree Retreat - River views!

Hosted by Brian · Welches, Oregon
4 guests max
100%
·
13 reviews
Avatar
Nomadic camping
Best for self-contained campers. There are no toilets, showers, or potable water at this Hipcamp.
Staff verified
Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
Welcome to Big Tree Retreat, a secluded and private property nestled alongside the majestic Salmon River. With just under an acre of land, this tranquil getaway offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Upon arrival at our home, you'll find a convenient circular driveway, perfect for parking your mid-sized RV or trailer. The house onsite will be unoccupied during your visit. As you settle in, let the soothing sounds of the river flowing by create a serene background for your stay. Whether you choose to relax by the firepit or unwind in the hammock with a good book, you'll be surrounded by the tranquility of nature. For those traveling with RVs, there's a 50 amp hookup available at the rear of the house, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. Please bring a decent length power cord as the distance is ~50 ft. You will also have access to potable water during your stay via the spigot on the side of the home. One of the highlights of our property is the magnificent Douglas Fir tree, which stands tall and proud at over 500 years old. Considered an ecological gem, this ancient tree is highly regarded by arborists in the area and adds to the natural beauty of your surroundings. While the surrounding area offers a plethora of outdoor activities and adventures, Big Tree Retreat itself serves as your personal refuge. Our property is equipped with active external security cameras for your protection and ours. **Please note: no hot tub or trash access during your stay.Escape to Salmon River Basecamp, a quiet private campsite in the Welches community with beautiful Salmon River views. Located on a small dead-end street surrounded by mountain cabins and local homes, the site offers a peaceful setting while still being close to Mt. Hood’s best outdoor recreation. The campsite is set up for relaxing evenings outdoors and features a picnic table, fire pit, multiple camp chairs, and solar-powered night lighting to create a comfortable atmosphere after sunset. There are also steps leading down toward the river, which is less than a 100 feet from the campsite, making it easy to enjoy the water, fishing, or simply the sound of the river. This is a dry camping site ideal for vans, small campers, and tents. There are no power hookups or bathroom facilities. A non-potable water pump is available for washing dishes or basic campsite cleanup. Please note: There are no bathroom facilities on-site. All campers must provide their own portable toilet (camp toilet, cassette toilet, or similar receptacle) and practice Leave No Trace principles. Please practice pack-in / pack-out camping. The site is perfectly located for exploring the Mt. Hood area, just 15 minutes from Government Camp and Timberline Lodge, making it a great basecamp for skiing, hiking, fishing, and river adventures. No parties, gatherings, generators or off-leash animals allowed at any time. Quiet time is at 10pm.
Rig suitability
Vehicles under 30 feet allowed
Allowed rigs: travel trailers, pop-up campers, class B RVs, campervans, cars, truck campers, and rooftop tents
Back-in site
Accommodates slideouts
Surface type: Loose Gravel
Surface levelness: Flat
No class A RVs, class C RVs, fifth wheels, and toy haulers
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
No sewage hookup
No TV hookup
Generators not allowed
What to expect
4WD recommended
A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for best access.
RV/tent site
You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.
4 guests max
Pets allowed
On leash
No campfires
No toilet; campers must bring camp toilets
campers must bring and use their own portable toilet or other self-contained toilet solution.
Picnic table present
No potable water
Bring your own water, purify from river or stream, purify from pump
No showers
Bathe in river or stream
Pack it out
Cooking equipment absent
No wifi
Laundry absent
Hot Tub absent
No playground

Things to know

Getting there
Check in: 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Early or late check-in may be available
Check out: Before 11:00 AM
Late check-out may be available
On arrival: Head straight to site
Cancellation policy: Super Strict (no refunds)
Minimum nights: 2 nights
Accepts bookings: 9 months out
Park at listing
No wheelchair access
Max 1 vehicle
4WD recommended
During your trip
Follow the
Leave it better
Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

RV/tent sites

1 site
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site

Salmon River Basecamp

100%
(8)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 30 ft
Escape to Salmon River Basecamp, a quiet private campsite in the Welches community with beautiful Salmon River views. Located on a small dead-end street surrounded by mountain cabins and local homes, the site offers a peaceful setting while still being close to Mt. Hood’s best outdoor recreation. The campsite is set up for relaxing evenings outdoors and features a picnic table, fire pit, multiple camp chairs, and solar-powered night lighting to create a comfortable atmosphere after sunset. There are also steps leading down toward the river, which is less than a 100 feet from the campsite, making it easy to enjoy the water, fishing, or simply the sound of the river. This is a dry camping site ideal for vans, small campers, and tents. There are no power hookups or bathroom facilities. A non-potable water pump is available for washing dishes or basic campsite cleanup. Please note: There are no bathroom facilities on-site. All campers must provide their own portable toilet (camp toilet, cassette toilet, or similar receptacle) and practice Leave No Trace principles. Please practice pack-in / pack-out camping. The site is perfectly located for exploring the Mt. Hood area, just 15 minutes from Government Camp and Timberline Lodge, making it a great basecamp for skiing, hiking, fishing, and river adventures. No parties, gatherings, generators or off-leash animals allowed at any time. Quiet time is at 10pm.
4WD recommended
No campfires
No toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup

Reviews

100% Recommend15 ratings · 13 reviews
Recommends
· June 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Salmon River Basecamp
We had a wonderful stay among the old-growth trees and ferns. We enjoyed playing and fishing by the river, seeing deer, and listening to the birds. We will be back!
J
Jadah P.
2 reviews
Recommends
· June 2026
Five stars!
20 ft campervan · With pets ·
Salmon River Basecamp
Awesome spot, very secluded close to Mt. Hood for your outdoor activities. Fire pit with the gushing sound of Salmon river cant be beat. Would stay here again next year. Five stars and Brian is awesome.
G
Gerald N.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2026
Heaven
20 ft Class B · With pets ·
Salmon River Basecamp
Absolutely loved this site. Stayed here with my husband and dog in our small camper van. The site is gorgeous with beautiful forest and purple flowers everywhere. Stream access was great, our dog loved it. The fire pit was Perfect for the long evenings, hard to find anything to fault. Would love to stay here again. Lots to do in that area.
Avatar
Olivia B.
10 reviews
Recommends
· May 2026
Lovely!
19 ft truck camper · With pets ·
Salmon River Basecamp
We had a great time camping with our pup here. Super close access to the river and a lovely forest view from the camp site. The picnic table, string lights, fire pit, and chairs were a nice bonus. This site is spaciously nestled in between two houses, so if you’re looking for maximal privacy, this might not be the spot for you. It’s still very peaceful and quiet though! We had one or two bars of Verizon cell service there.
Avatar
Sara A.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2026
22 ft campervan · Group trip ·
Salmon River Basecamp
Very informative and super easy and great spot!! Loved the fire pit and sound of creek during sleep!
Avatar
Ram B.
3 reviews
Recommends
· May 2026
Tent ·
Salmon River Basecamp
Great spot to stay for a bit when exploring around Hood. Plenty of space and well set up to relax at the end of the day. Would stay again.
J
James S.
11 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2026
12 ft rooftop tent ·
Salmon River Basecamp
Very nice site. Really enjoyed listening to the sound of the river. And it was so quiet there that that was all I heard.
P
Peter C.
4 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Camping with dogs by the water
22 ft travel trailer ·
Big Tree RV or Trailer Site
This was the perfect spot to take the dogs and teardrop camper. The short walk to the water makes for a great trip. The camp host was very responsive and the land is beautiful. I’d highly recommend this spot!
Avatar
Mariah B.
3 reviews
Recommends
· May 2025
Nice camp spot
25 ft Class C ·
Big Tree RV or Trailer Site
The location is very pleasant. It is a ways on from Mt Hood village though.
I
Ivan H.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2024
20 ft Class B · With pets ·
Big Tree RV or Trailer Site
Brian’s site was a perfect, secluded spot to recharge before heading up to Mt. Hood. We enjoyed it!
G
Greg B.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2023
16 ft car ·
Big Tree RV or Trailer Site
Brian’s camping spot was beautiful and secluded as expected! Woke up surrounded by a family of deer and it was peaceful having breakfast by the river. The directions were easy to follow too, I had no trouble finding it.
K
Krista L.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2023
Relax by the river
20 ft campervan · With pets ·
Big Tree RV or Trailer Site
If you're looking for a nice chill spot by a river, this place is perfect. The amenities are limited but the relaxation was unlimited. There are a few different hikes down the road on the Salmon River through an old-growth rainforest. It was fun to walk up and down the river with my pup and soothing to listen to the water while falling into a restful slumber. Would 100% visit again.
Avatar
Lorraine C.
14 reviews
Recommends
· May 2023
Our first hipcamp stay!
20 ft travel trailer · With pets ·
Big Tree RV or Trailer Site
Nice location. Quiet area. Beautiful surroundings. So nice to hear the river all night long. Nice place to sit by the water and let the cares of the world evaporate. Thank you!
S
Stephen H.
3 reviews

Location

Welches, Clackamas, Oregon, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Avatar

Hosted by Brian C.

Joined in October 2022
Response rate: 100%Response time: Within 8 hours

Things to do nearby

    Similar campgrounds nearby

      Campers also viewed...

        Popular searches in Oregon

        RV sites
        River, stream, or creek camping
        Dog-friendly camping
        Waterside camping
        Forest camping
        Camping with swimming
        Camping with wildlife watching
        Camping with climbing

        About us

        Gift cardsGeneral storeJournalCareersPressHipcamper FAQ

        Hosting

        Becoming a HostIs my land a fit?Professional campgroundsInsuranceStandardsHosting FAQ

        Everywhere You Want To Camp™

        Hipcamp is the #1 camping app to find and book campsites, from national parks to blueberry farms. Explore our collection of over 500,000 iconic public lands, well-equipped RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else. Browse our comprehensive maps, filter by your camping style, read millions of real reviews, and create free availability alerts. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars. Camp Your Way®

        Get Hipcamp, the #1 camping app.

        Terms of ServicePrivacy PolicySitemapLLMS
        © 2026 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
        Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.