Green Canyon Campground & Day Use Area
4.3526 reviewsGreen Canyon Campground, Near Zigzag, OR
Green Canyon Campground & Day Use Area
$10.00 - $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
Overnight camping costs $25 per single site per night, with an additional vehicle fee of $8 per night. Day-use fees are $10 per vehicle per day. Interagency Senior/Access Pass holders receive a 50% discount for single campsites only.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness, Green Canyon Campground offers an intimate escape beneath towering old-growth Douglas firs and ancient cedars. This hidden gem along the pristine Salmon River provides the perfect basecamp for wilderness adventurers seeking solitude among giants. With its small, primitive sites sheltered by a cathedral-like canopy of maples and alders, Green Canyon invites you to disconnect from the modern world and immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Mt. Hood National Forest.
Green Canyon Campground accommodates traditional camping setups, primarily tents, with no electrical or water hookups. RV camping is possible with restrictions on vehicle length.
Historical SignificanceWhile the ancient trees standing sentinel over Green Canyon have witnessed centuries of change, the campground itself remains refreshingly uncommercial and undeveloped, preserving the wilderness experience that draws visitors seeking authentic connections with nature.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the Pacific Northwest's ever-changing moods at Green Canyon, where misty mornings give way to dappled sunlight filtering through the forest canopy. Spring and fall bring crisp air with temperatures hovering in the low 50s, accompanied by the gentle patter of rain on leaves overhead. Summer offers the most stable conditions with pleasant temperatures perfect for trail exploration, while winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland. Pack layers and rain gear year-round to fully embrace the mountain's dynamic climate.
ElevationPerched at 1,600 feet above sea level, Green Canyon occupies a sweet spot in the Cascade foothills where mountain air stays refreshingly cool even on summer days. This moderate elevation creates an ideal microclimate that nurtures the lush forest ecosystem while providing comfortable camping conditions throughout the season.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living cathedral where centuries-old Douglas and silver firs stretch skyward, their massive trunks creating natural pillars in this temperate rainforest sanctuary. Western red cedars mingle with big-leaf maples and red alders, forming a multi-layered canopy that filters sunlight into ethereal green hues. Though your campsite may be nestled in the forest's embrace, a short walk leads to the crystal-clear Salmon River, where anglers cast for native trout and the sound of rushing water provides nature's soundtrack.
Geological RegionGreen Canyon tells the story of water's patient artistry, carved over millennia by the persistent flow of the Salmon River through the volcanic landscape of Mt. Hood National Forest. This corner of the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness showcases the raw beauty of the Cascade Range, where ancient lava flows gave way to rushing rivers and towering forests, creating a dramatic backdrop for your outdoor adventures.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are wheelchair accessible. However, the terrain may be uneven due to the natural forest environment.
Sites SizeThe sites are described as fairly large and capable of accommodating multiple vehicles. Parking aprons are paved.
Sites PrivacySites are shaded and spread out, providing a good level of privacy with dense vegetation such as ferns and shrubs between them. Some campers noted that riverside sites have less privacy due to trails running near them.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSelect sites close to the river for better access and ambiance. Early arrival is advised for site selection.
Best CampsitesSite #10 is highlighted in reviews as being desirable for its proximity to the river.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in is available 24 hours as the campground is first-come, first-served.
Check-out
Check-out time is not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights per reservation.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact guest limits not specified, but generally follows the norm of 6-8 guests per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 15 single sites arranged along a loop road, each with a picnic table, fire ring, and parking space.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 22 through September 27. A seasonal gate closes during winter.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available for this campground. Sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 15 sites are first-come, first-served. Early arrival is recommended during peak season to secure a spot.
Cancellation PolicyPayment is accepted via cash or check. Reservation cancellation policies are not applicable as all sites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of activities such as hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The surrounding Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness is accessible via nearby trails. The Salmon River provides opportunities for catch-and-release fishing.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include Green Canyon Way Trail #793A (3 miles) and Old Salmon River Trail #742A (2.6 miles). Trails range from easy to challenging and offer access to the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness.Fishing
Fishing in the Salmon River includes catch-and-release opportunities for cutthroat and rainbow trout as well as whitefish. Oregon Fish & Wildlife regulations apply.Biking
The Old Salmon River Trail allows mountain biking, though specifics about trail conditions are not detailed.Wildlife viewing
Campers have the opportunity to observe forest wildlife, though specific species are not mentioned.Winter Activities
The campground is closed for the winter season, and no specific winter activities are noted.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or canoeing are not mentioned or supported.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed in designated fire rings. Campers must adhere to local fire restrictions during the fire season.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsBears are a known hazard in the area, making safe food storage essential. User reviews also mention the presence of potholes on the road leading to the campground.
Active alertsNo active alerts are mentioned in the sources.
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 2.1 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
The Zigzag Ranger District is located nearby for assistance. For medical emergencies, the nearest hospital appears to be in Sandy, OR, approximately 14 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season aligns with the open season (May 22 to September 27).
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the available information.
Proximity to water featuresThe Salmon River runs adjacent to the campground and is an excellent location for fishing, particularly for catch-and-release trout fishing.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include poor road conditions near the campground and lack of potable water. Some users also noted that cell phone service is unavailable.
HostCamp hosts are occasionally present, but this is not guaranteed. Firewood is available from camp hosts if present, or from the Thriftway store 6 miles away.
Campground Map
Green Canyon Campground, Near Zigzag, OR
Driving directionsFrom Sandy, OR, travel southeast on Highway 26 to Forest Road 2618 (about one mile past the town of Wemme). Follow 2618 south for approximately four miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. However, some user reviews report that the last few miles of the road contain "car killer potholes," making careful driving essential.Nearby places
Sandy, OR (approximately 14 miles), Portland, OR (approximately 50 miles), Government Camp, OR (approximately 20 miles)
Nearby supplies
The closest grocery is 6 miles away (Thriftway in Welches, OR). Additional supplies and fuel are available in Sandy, OR.
Camper Reviews
4.4
26 reviews
Green Canyon Campground & Day Use Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's beautiful natural setting, proximity to the Salmon River, and access to hiking trails. While many praise the cleanliness of the vault toilets and the seclusion of sites, others note the lack of potable water and cell phone service as drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 26 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users appreciated the "beautiful old-growth timber," "secluded and quiet" sites, and the "star-filled nights." Others highlighted its close proximity to trails and the river, making it an...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of potable water, occasional odors from the vault toilets, and no cell phone reception. A few users also reported car break-ins at nearby trailheads.
Based on 26 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing your own drinking water, practicing bear-safe food storage, and being cautious of potholes on the access road.
Based on 26 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is most popular during the summer months when all sites are open. Some visitors recommended staying at riverside sites for better access to the Salmon River. Fall offers stunning...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"One of the closest campgrounds to PDX that feels deeply in the forest." - Loren Blaine. "Each site has an attached parking spot, fire pit, and table." - Xavier Salazar. "Great place if you have dogs...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #10 is highlighted in a review for its "nice river access right on the Salmon River." Some riverside spots have less privacy due to trails running near campsites.
Based on 26 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets are wheelchair accessible, but no reviews specifically from disabled users address broader accessibility concerns.
Based on 26 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and one user noted that the campground is "great for dogs."
Based on 26 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025