Alpine Campground
3.946 reviewsAlpine Campground
$16.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
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
Single site camping is $25/night. Additional vehicle fee is $8/night. Reservations may be required, and reservation fees may apply. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to single campsites.
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About this campground
Perched high on the slopes of majestic Mount Hood, Alpine Campground serves as your gateway to alpine adventure. Towering white pines and ancient hemlocks create a natural cathedral overhead, providing cool shade for tent campers and car campers alike. Just moments away, the iconic Timberline Lodge beckons, while miles of hiking and biking trails wind through the mountain wilderness, promising exploration at every turn.
Alpine Campground primarily caters to tent and car campers, with limited RV accessibility.
Historical SignificanceJust a stone's throw from your campsite stands the legendary Timberline Lodge, a masterpiece of 1930s craftsmanship and living testament to American ingenuity. Join knowledgeable rangers for captivating presentations that bring the mountain's rich history to life—from tales of early mountaineers to stories of the skilled artisans who hand-carved the lodge's remarkable details. This National Historic Landmark serves as both a window into the past and a vibrant hub of mountain culture.
Weather and SeasonsSummer at Alpine Campground offers a refreshing escape from valley heat, though Mother Nature keeps things interesting—snow can dust the landscape even in July and August. With temperatures running about 10°F cooler than nearby Government Camp, you'll want to pack that extra layer. The mountain's moods can shift quickly, transforming sunny mornings into misty afternoons, so come prepared for an authentic high-altitude experience where weather adds to the adventure.
ElevationAt 5,500 feet above sea level, Alpine Campground places you firmly in the high country, where the air is crisp, clean, and noticeably thinner. This elevation creates a unique environment where your morning coffee might take a bit longer to brew, and that short hike feels more vigorous than expected. Take it easy your first day as your body adjusts to the altitude—the spectacular views are worth the slight breathlessness.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled within a pristine forest of white pine and mountain hemlock, the campground sits at the birthplace of the crystal-clear Salmon River. These ancient evergreens, some centuries old, create a living tapestry of green that frames glimpses of Mount Hood's snow-capped peak. The forest floor, carpeted with moss and alpine flowers in season, tells the story of a resilient ecosystem thriving in the thin mountain air.
Geological RegionAlpine Campground occupies a remarkable perch high on Mount Hood's flanks, where the infant Salmon River begins its journey from snowmelt to sea. This volcanic landscape, sculpted by fire and ice over millennia, supports a distinctive ecosystem of white pine and mountain hemlock forests. Here, at the headwaters, you're witnessing the very beginning of one of Oregon's great rivers, surrounded by the geological drama that defines the Cascade Range.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySite 10 appears ADA-accessible as per user reviews.
Sites SizeAverage spur length is 16 feet, suitable for small RVs or tents.
Sites PrivacySites offer ample shade from white pine and hemlock trees, but privacy may be limited due to proximity to the road.
Total Campsites16 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid site 8 due to hornets.
Best CampsitesSite 10 marked as ADA-accessible.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No explicit guest limit mentioned.
Groups
No specific group camping areas or their capacities are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle loop configuration.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen June 5 through September 7. Seasonal closure during winter.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Alpine Campground offers day hiking, picnicking, and scenic viewing opportunities. Visitors can also access nearby Timberline Lodge for expanded recreational options.
Hiking
Hiking is a key activity at Alpine Campground. Visitors have access to trails connecting to Timberline Lodge and surrounding areas. Specific trail lengths and difficulty levels are not mentioned.Biking
Mountain biking opportunities exist near the campground, but details about specific trails or terrains are not provided.Cultural and Educational Programs
Timberline Lodge nearby offers ranger-led presentations and educational programs, as noted in the authoritative content.Winter Activities
Summer skiing is available at nearby Timberline Lodge.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific mentions of fire policies found.
Hazards
General hazards"Hornets nest warning for site 8"; unpredictable weather including cold and wet conditions.
Active alertsHornets reported at site 8.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 33%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Partly cloudy
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 are available at Government Camp (~4 miles away).
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 5 - September 7.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresNear the headwaters of the Salmon River.
Common complaints"Some sites are close to the road with road noise"; hornets observed.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Government Camp, OR, take US Rt. 26 east 0.2 miles to Timberline Lodge sign. Turn left at sign and go 4.3 miles to campground on left.
The campground is accessible via Forest Service Road 173, a gravel road. Vehicles over 16 feet are prohibited.Nearby places
Government Camp (~4 miles)
Nearby supplies
Government Camp (groceries, fuel, and camping supplies ~4 miles away).
Camper Reviews
3.9
6 reviews
Alpine Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the scenic beauty of Alpine Campground, its proximity to Timberline Lodge, and clean vault toilet facilities. However, road noise and unexpected weather conditions are common concerns.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean and recently replaced vault toilets; epic views of Mount Hood; proximity to Timberline Lodge; quiet after 10 PM; suitable for tents and vans.
Based on 6 reviewsCommon Concerns
Hornets' nest reported at site 8; road noise at campsites closer to the road; no water available on-site as per recent user feedback.
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Carry binoculars and cameras for scenic viewing; prepare for unexpected weather changes, including chances of rain and colder temperatures compared to Government Camp.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer months are preferred for camping, but snow may persist even in mid-summer. Unexpected weather changes are common.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Vault toilet looks to have been recently replaced and was clean.' - James Hancock
2. 'Road noise is an issue for sites near the road.' - Melinda Dominguez
3. 'Warning: HORNETS NEST IN SITE 8 ......
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 10 is noted as ADA-accessible; Site 8 has a hornet’s nest issue according to user reviews.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
Site 10 is identified as ADA-accessible by user review. No additional details are provided about accessibility features.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews do not explicitly mention pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025