Camp Creek
4.3775 reviewsMT. HOOD
Camp Creek
$23.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$23.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard Nonelectric sites range from $23 to $50 per night. Additional fees include $2-$4 for holiday stays. Reservation fees include $8 for online/app, $9 for contact center, and $3 for in-person.
About this campground
Nestled beside a melodious mountain creek in the heart of Mt. Hood National Forest, Camp Creek Campground invites you to disconnect and unwind among nearly two dozen thoughtfully spaced campsites. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, you'll find each site equipped with sturdy picnic tables and fire rings complete with grills for those memorable campfire meals. The campground maintains vault toilets throughout, and while water pumps provide drinking water, seasoned campers recommend bringing a backup supply or filtration system based on recent visitor experiences.
Camp Creek Campground accommodates a range of camping preferences, primarily focused on tent and RV camping. It also advertises group sites, though their suitability has been questioned by users.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at Camp Creek, where the enduring craftsmanship of the Civilian Conservation Corps lives on. In 1936, these dedicated workers shaped this wilderness retreat, leaving behind distinctive stone fireplaces that still grace the campground today. These historic structures stand as monuments to Depression-era ingenuity and the timeless appeal of connecting with nature.
Weather and SeasonsThe mountain climate at Camp Creek brings refreshing variety throughout the year, with crisp, sometimes frosty conditions greeting spring and fall adventurers. Winter's touch can linger here, occasionally dusting the campground with snow or mixed precipitation even during shoulder seasons. Summer emerges as the sweet spot for camping, when moderate temperatures create perfect conditions for hiking by day and stargazing by night, all while staying comfortably cool under the forest canopy.
ElevationPerched at 2,200 feet in the Cascade foothills, Camp Creek occupies that perfect sweet spot where mountain air stays refreshingly cool without the harsh extremes of higher elevations. This ideal altitude puts you within easy reach of both lowland trails and alpine adventures, making it a strategic basecamp for exploring Mt. Hood's diverse recreational offerings.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in an enchanted forest where ancient Douglas firs and aromatic cedars create a living cathedral overhead. Soft moss carpets the forest floor and drapes from branches like nature's velvet, while filtered sunlight creates an ever-changing tapestry of shadows and green-gold light. The namesake creek provides a constant, soothing soundtrack as it tumbles over rocks and pools in quiet eddies, creating a genuinely peaceful retreat from the modern world.
Geological RegionCamp Creek sits within the magnificent Mt. Hood National Forest, a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest's volcanic landscape. Here, the region's signature old-growth forests thrive in the rich volcanic soils, with massive Douglas firs and western red cedars creating a multilayered ecosystem. The creek itself tells the geological story of Mt. Hood, carrying glacial meltwater and spring runoff through ancient lava flows, constantly reshaping this dynamic landscape that perfectly embodies the raw beauty of Cascadia.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible vault toilets, but there is limited information about other specific accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size, with some being described as large and spacious. Site 15, for example, is noted as huge but lacking many flat spots for tents. Other sites, like 023, are criticized for being too small to accommodate groups despite being advertised as group sites.
Sites PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy. Some are described as secluded and private, while others are noted to be more open. Dense tree cover provides a natural sense of separation in many areas.
Total Campsites24 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose waterfront sites like site 16 for the best creek sounds and seclusion. Avoid site 023 due to inaccurate size listings.
Best CampsitesSites closer to the creek (e.g., sites 16, 21) are frequently praised for privacy and serenity.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Unknown
Check-out
Unknown
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 nights per visit or within rolling 30 days.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground consists of approximately two dozen single-family and double occupancy sites. Sites are spacious and well spread out.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 9, 2025, through September 21, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are available through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityMentioned as highly popular, reservations are recommended, but walk-up availability is not explicitly detailed.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made prior to arrival incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations subtract the first night's recreation fee as well. Modifications cost $10 if completely changing dates.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
A variety of recreational activities are available, offering something for campers of all interests. Popular pursuits include hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. The Still Creek Trail and Pioneer Bridle Trail are highly recommended for hikers and bikers, offering scenic views and manageable distances. The nearby creek provides opportunities for catch-and-release fishing, wading, and playing for children.
Hiking
Several hiking trails are accessible from the campground, including the 1.6-mile Still Creek Trail, which is family-friendly and features beautiful vegetation, and the Pioneer Bridle Trail, which stretches approximately 10 miles through scenic wilderness areas.Fishing
The nearby creek is populated with trout and whitefish, making it popular among anglers for catch-and-release fishing. Wading in the creek is also a common activity.Biking
Mountain biking is popular, particularly along the Zigzag River and the Pioneer Bridle Trail. However, bikes are not permitted in designated wilderness areas along these trails.Wildlife viewing
The campground's natural setting, with its mature forest and proximity to the creek, offers ample opportunities for observing local wildlife. Specific species are not detailed.Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not discussed in the provided sources.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire restrictions may occur due to dry conditions.
- Quiet hours are Unknown
Hazards
General hazardsCampground is in bear country; visitors are advised to use precautions such as securing trash and food.
Active alertsPotential seasonal fire restrictions due to dry conditions.
Weather forecast
84
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services not explicitly identified, but Rhododendron, the closest town, may have essential services.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 9, 2025 - September 21, 2025.
Trash and recyclingDumpsters are available for trash disposal, but several user reviews note that they were overfilled during their stays. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresCamp Creek runs through the campground, offering creekside views and sounds. Nearby Still Creek and Zigzag River provide additional water-based recreation.
Common complaintsMany reviews criticize the water quality due to rust and iron content, issues with campsite sizes (particularly site 023), and occasional generator noise from hosts.
HostHosts are frequently praised for cleanliness and helpfulness, though occasional issues with generator noise are noted.
Campground Map
MT. HOOD
Driving directionsFrom Portland, travel east on Highway 26 for approximately 32 miles. Camp Creek Campground is located on the south side of the highway, about 3 miles past the community of Rhododendron.
Vehicles beyond 22 ft. in length are not recommended at the campground. The road is accessible via Highway 26 and is paved. Utility hookups are not available.Nearby places
Rhododendron (3 miles, approximately 5 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
Rhododendron (3 miles) offers services and supplies including groceries and restaurants.
Camper Reviews
4.4
75 reviews
Camp Creek is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user sentiment is mixed, with an average rating of 4.23. Positive reviews highlight the natural beauty, spacious sites, and serene environment. However, recurring complaints about water quality, site misrepresentation, and overfilled dumpsters have also been noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 75 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently praise the campground's beautiful setting, spacious and shady sites, and proximity to hiking trails. Many enjoy the sound of the creek and find the atmosphere peaceful and relaxing....
Based on 75 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Several users express dissatisfaction with the water quality, describing it as rusty, metallic-tasting, and discolored. Others criticize issues such as overfilled dumpsters, the small size of some...
Based on 75 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own drinking water due to poor water quality. Reserve sites near the creek for a more serene experience and natural white noise. Avoid sites close to vault toilets to minimize odor. Site...
Based on 75 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season, with users appreciating the shade and coolness provided by the tree cover. However, fire restrictions and overfilled dumpsters are common issues during this time....
Based on 75 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The campground was very beautiful. The sites well spaced. Host very personable. The water at the campground was horrible! Please do something about it." - JUDITH B. "We enjoyed our stay at Camp...
Based on 75 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 15: Noted for its large size, but with limited flat spots for tents. Site 16: Highly praised for its creek-side location, providing natural white noise. Site 023: Criticized for being too small...
Based on 75 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are limited. Vault toilets are accessible, but no other specific accommodations are mentioned.
Based on 75 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not specifically mentioned in the reviews or authoritative content.
Based on 75 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025