Escape to Mount Hood's 17 Best Campgrounds

Summer is beginning to fade, and if you haven't had a chance to go camping yet, you should definitely get an overnight trip on the calendar. To help you get started we've composed a list of the 17 best places to camp out in and around spectacular Mount Hood. Reservations can be hard to get for the prime summer weekends, but if you have any flexibility in your schedule, you'll find there are plenty of sites with beautiful lake and mountain views. 

In no particular order, our 17 favorite campgrounds on Mount Hood's are:  

Trillium Lake Campground. One of the most iconic views of Wy'east, but you'll be confronted with crowds.

Still Creek Campground. Located close to Trillium Lake, you'll find 27 shaded sites with picnic tables and fire pits. 

Salmon River, Old Trail (backcountry campsites). One of the best escapes from crowds under a canopy of old-growth forest.

Timothy Lake, Hoodview Campground. Best views of the mountain, but booking a site may be tricky.

Timothy Lake, Oak Fork Campground. Spacious sites with direct access to Timothy Lake.

Timothy Lake, Meditation Point Campsites (all walk-in sites). No views of the Mount Hood, but easily the lake's best camping spots.

White River Campground. Secluded and quiet escape from all the other weekend warriors.

Clackamas Lake Campground. Majestic meadows and lake, but may be a bit buggy. Horses and trail riding welcome, though!

Lost Creek Campground. Quiet campground, but right next to Ramona Falls.

Nottingham Campground. The east side's best camp spot, these campsites are spacious and spread apart.

McNeil Campground. Often forgotten about, this campground is tucked in a grove of lodgepole pine and moss has close access to a ton of adventures.

Lost Lake Resort + Campground. Big views and one of the area's most popular spots, this campground features a massive group site and rustic cabins.

Frog Lake Campground. Awesome views of Mount Hood, you'll just have to walk to the other side of the lake to get them.

Kinnikinnick Campground. Located at Laurance Lake, you'll find 20 sites all along the lake, some with impressive views of Mount Hood. 

Barlow Crossing Campground. There are no mountain views here, but it's often quieter than neighboring campgrounds.

Little Crater Lake Campground. Ideally situated for those hoping to access Timothy Lake while avoiding the reservoir's summer crowds.  

Tilly Jane Campground. Located on Hood's northeastern slope, you'll find 15 primitive sites tucked in the trees.