Where's your favorite uncongested place to camp outside of Portland?

Joe Link · Jul 25, 2009

We're packing up and heading out to spend the night either out by the beach or somewhere on Mt. Hood. I haven't found a 4Runner yet so we're taking the car, which means it has to be easily accessible. Everyone and their brother is camping this weekend, and we'd like to find somewhere that isn't absolutely packed. We were thinking maybe Clear Lake, Timothy Lake, or Frog Lake, but we're open to any suggestions you might have. Being able to shoot would be a huge bonus, but not required :s0155:

aflineman · Jul 25, 2009

Joey Link said:
We're packing up and heading out to spend the night either out by the beach or somewhere on Mt. Hood. I haven't found a 4Runner yet so we're taking the car, which means it has to be easily accessible. Everyone and their brother is camping this weekend, and we'd like to find somewhere that isn't absolutely packed. We were thinking maybe Clear Lake, Timothy Lake, or Frog Lake, but we're open to any suggestions you might have. Being able to shoot would be a huge bonus, but not required

The Olallie scenic area is always nice, I like Horseshoe Lake the best. I don't know about car access though, I have not been there in years. I have driven there in a '65 Mustang in the past. But that car has been places that a normal car would cringe at (Grandma used to take it Everywhere).

Horseshoe Lake |Opening 7/24/09 | $10/night per site,| 6 sites - 16 ft. max Toilet pumped 7/09.

Bring water.

5200 ft. elev

Access via Forest Road 4220

finch6013 · Jul 25, 2009

clear lake is one of my faves

Joe Link · Jul 25, 2009

Thanks guys, I'm going to look into both of them. Is clear accessible by car?

finch6013 · Jul 25, 2009

what one? the one on Mt hood or the one that is near the McKenzie river towards sisters?
I think either is accessible by car.

Grizzly_A · Jul 25, 2009

I'm guessing you've already headed out for the weekend, so let us know where you found that was good. If you don't mind hiking there's lots of free camping.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood/recreation/campgrounds/index.shtml

If not, Clear Lake or Ollalie would be next on the list.

You looking for a 4Runner?

kentsboots · Jul 27, 2009

I always go to clear lake on mt hood, free if you drive around the lake and stay out of the campground by the dam. most cars will make it if you go slow over the bumps , but a truck is definatly better... Although i would imagine the fire restictions are already in effect with the heat wave we have. I also go to browns camp area alot. Usually go to lyda camp or even better is jordan creek, both are in the same trail system and right up the highway from browns camp. Dont think you can shoot anywhere besides the pit by browns tho, and last time I was there about 2 weeks ago there were signs up already for the fire restriction.

gunnails · Jul 27, 2009

kentsboots said:
I always go to clear lake on mt hood, free if you drive around the lake and stay out of the campground by the dam. most cars will make it if you go slow over the bumps , but a truck is definatly better... Although i would imagine the fire restictions are already in effect with the heat wave we have. I also go to browns camp area alot. Usually go to lyda camp or even better is jordan creek, both are in the same trail system and right up the highway from browns camp. Dont think you can shoot anywhere besides the pit by browns tho, and last time I was there about 2 weeks ago there were signs up already for the fire restriction.

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I go to Elk Creek camp ground every year, about 20 walk in sites, it's close to Browns gravel pit, and i can get there in about 40 minutes. I live @ Hwy 26 and Corneilius Pass.