Dispersed Camping

Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping, or camping outside of designated campgrounds, can be a great way to enjoy the Forest if everyone follows basic rules and guidelines to protect wildlife, plants, water quality, and the health of others.  

Dispersed camping means no toilets, no drinking water, no metal fire rings, and no trash service - and, therefore, no camping fees. You are responsible for learning the skills of Leave No Trace camping before you head out. 

Dispersed camping is not for everyone - and that's okay! Mt. Hood National Forest has over 70 designated campgrounds for people who want or need amenities.

Basic Rules & Guidance

• There are some areas in Wilderness that are not open to dispersed camping. Learn more about wilderness regulations and read the forest order for more wilderness-specific prohibitions.
• Certain areas are closed to dispersed camping, such as within developed recreation sites, along certain roads, and particularly sensitive areas. Contact your local Ranger District for details.
• You may camp in a single location on the Forest for only up to 14 consecutive days at a time and camp in any location on the Forest for no more than 28 days total during a calendar year.
• Please choose an existing dispersed site rather than create a new one to reduce impacts on natural resources. 
• If you must dispersed camp outside of an existing site, camp on bare soil if possible and generally in a less visible location so other visitors can enjoy nature with less distraction.
• Camp at least 100 ft. away from streams, rivers, and lakes. 
• Check in advance if there are any fire restrictions in effect.
• If you didn't bring firewood and intend to build a campfire, only collect already down wood. Do not cut down any tree or branches, dead or alive.
• If your campfire is too hot to touch with bare hands, it's too hot for you to leave! Never leave a campfire unattended. Bring plenty of water and a shovel to help you put out your fire.
• Treat or filter any drinking water collected from streams/lakes or bring water from home.
• Your group must be under 75 people. If larger, you must obtain a permit in advance from the local Ranger District.

When Nature Calls

• Be prepared for your own sanitation! 
• To dispose of feces, dig a hole 6 inches deep at least 100 feet away from any water source. When you're done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and take your toilet paper with you to dispose of in a proper waste container.
• Never defecate or leave toilet paper on top of the ground. Animals might eat it; it could easily get into the local water source and contaminate it; and leaving poop exposed is just gross.

Leave No Trace

• Pack out everything you brought with you! Dispose of your garbage properly off the Forest.
• The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace provide a basic framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors. They apply to virtually every recreational activity and help increase your safety and enjoyment of the Forest. Learn more about the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace.
• The Mt. Hood National Forest belongs to all Americans - including those who will come long after us. Do your part to keep the Forest clean every time you visit.