Pebble Ford Campground/Day Use
4.658 reviewsPebble Ford Campground & Day Use, Mt. Hood National Forest, OR
Pebble Ford Campground/Day Use
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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
Camping: $20/night for a single site, $10/night for an extra vehicle. Day use: $10/day/vehicle. Passes like Interagency Senior, Access, Golden Age, or Golden Access provide a 50% discount for single site camping.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Mt. Hood National Forest, Pebble Ford Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience where ancient trees whisper overhead and a babbling creek provides the soundtrack to your adventure. This intimate, primitive campground serves as a perfect basecamp for mountain bikers eager to explore the renowned trails branching off Forest Road 44, while those seeking simplicity will find solace in its thoughtfully designed sites that honor the natural landscape.
Pebble Ford Campground offers primitive camping with a small number of campsites. It is suitable for tent camping and RVs, though vehicle length is restricted to 16 feet.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this tranquil spot remains unwritten, the ancient trees standing sentinel over Pebble Ford have witnessed countless seasons and stories, inviting modern visitors to create their own chapters in this timeless forest setting.
Weather and SeasonsFrom late May through October, Pebble Ford basks in the gentle warmth of Pacific Northwest summers, with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 75-80°F during peak season—perfect for afternoon creek-side relaxation or evening campfire gatherings. As daylight stretches from 9 to 15 glorious hours, you'll have ample time to explore. Spring and fall paint the forest in cooler hues, while winter transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, with freezing temperatures that close the campground but create a magical frozen forest waiting to be rediscovered come spring.
ElevationNestled at an elevation that brings together the best of Mt. Hood's diverse ecosystems, Pebble Ford sits at the perfect altitude where mountain air stays crisp and refreshing, yet comfortable enough for relaxed camping throughout the warmer months.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living cathedral where towering Ponderosa and Jack Pines create a natural canopy, their vanilla-scented bark and sun-dappled shade transforming your campsite into a high-desert sanctuary. The centerpiece of Pebble Ford is its namesake creek, which meanders through the campground like nature's own property line, its gentle waters creating intimate camping spots on either bank. This enchanting blend of old-growth forest and flowing water crafts an atmosphere of profound tranquility that feels worlds away from civilization.
Geological RegionPebble Ford rests within the diverse geological tapestry of Mt. Hood National Forest, where volcanic soils nourish stands of majestic Ponderosa and Jack Pines. The creek that defines the campground has carved its path through this ancient landscape, creating a unique high-desert oasis where water, stone, and towering conifers converge to form one of the forest's most serene camping destinations.
Campsite details
AccessibilityOne user mentions that the vault toilet is handicap accessible, but no further details about accessibility are provided.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of four campsites, with sites #3 and #4 described as large. Site #4 is specifically noted as suitable for large families.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is described as secluded and peaceful, with some sites offering privacy. Site #4 has a private drive that can be blocked off.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #4 is recommended for families due to its size and privacy. Site #3 has two large tables but is exposed to sun during the day.
Best CampsitesSites #3 and #4 are the most popular, with site #4 having a private driveway and proximity to the creek.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
Not specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No information provided.
Groups
No group camping sites are available at this location.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes four campsites, with a creek dividing some sites. Site #4 has a private driveway.
Open and Closed SeasonLate May - Mid October
Reservation PlatformsReservations cannot be made in advance.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is walk-up only; no reservations are required. The campground has 4 campsites.
Cancellation PolicyNot specified.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational opportunities include day hiking, fishing in the creek, picnicking, and enjoying the natural setting. The campground is near popular biking trails.
Hiking
Day hiking is available near the campground. The trails are maintained by the 44 Trails Association.Fishing
Fishing is permitted in the creek that runs through the campground. Specific types of fish or fishing quality are not described.Biking
The campground is located near popular biking trails maintained by the 44 Trails Association. Specific details about trail difficulty or length are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include deer, with one user reporting seeing a mother deer with two fawns. Other wildlife is not specified.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are detailed.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Not specified.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsNo potable water or restroom facilities; potential wildlife encounters including deer. Creek water is not suitable for drinking. Bugs are noted to be minimal, with black flies emerging at dusk.
Active alertsNo active alerts provided.
Weather forecast
81
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 29%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.6 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
Closest emergency services are not specified; users should confirm emergency locations before visiting.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot specified.
Trash and recyclingNo specific trash or recycling facilities are mentioned. Campers are reminded to clean up after themselves.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along a creek, which runs through the campground.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention the need for maintenance ('needed a little bit of TLC') and minimal amenities.
HostNo hosts mentioned in reviews or official sources.
Campground Map
Pebble Ford Campground & Day Use, Mt. Hood National Forest, OR
Driving directionsFrom Dufur, OR - take Forest Road 44 west about 17 miles, then turn south on FR 44-130.
Roads are paved until the last 100 yards; access may require care near the campground.Nearby places
Dufur, OR (17 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Hood River (unknown distance)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies location not specified
nearest town is Dufur, OR.
Camper Reviews
4.7
8 reviews
Pebble Ford Campground/Day Use is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives positive reviews for its peaceful atmosphere, clean environment, and proximity to a creek. However, it is noted that facilities are very basic or lacking entirely.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the secluded and peaceful setting, the clean and beautiful creek, and the large size of some campsites. The natural surroundings, including wildlife sightings, are also frequently...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of potable water, the absence of restrooms other than a single vault toilet, and the need for maintenance in some areas.
Based on 8 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing plenty of water, air fresheners for the vault toilet, and cleaning up after yourself. Site #4 is highlighted as the best spot due to its size and private drive.
Based on 8 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is most popular during the summer months, with reviews highlighting the pleasant creek sounds and the shade provided by trees. Bugs are mentioned as being manageable if food is stored...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"A very beautiful and clean campground by the creek. Secluded and peaceful!" - User T\n"This would be a perfect spot for a big family!" - User T\n"If you want secluded, this is it!" - User Curtis...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #3 and #4 are described as large, with site #4 identified as the best due to its proximity to the creek and private drive. Site #3 has two picnic tables but is noted to be in the sun for most of...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
One user mentions a handicap-accessible vault toilet, but no additional accessibility features are detailed.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, though one review notes concerns about dogs in proximity to wildlife.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025