Bear Springs Campground

Star3.78
41 reviews

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

$21 - $78/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

45 campsites

Season

Open from May 16th t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Vista Recreation site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Bear Springs Campground
$21.00 - $78.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly camping fees range from $21 for standard nonelectric sites to $78 for group tent areas. Group shelter nonelectric sites are $75 per night....
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Standard Site Fee$21.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$78.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
503-630-5721mthoodcampgrounds@vista-rec.com
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What Campers Say

3.78

Mixed Reviews

Based on 41 reviews

34 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquiet

"User reviews present mixed feedback regarding the campground. Some appreciate its secluded nature and peaceful environment, while others express dissatisfaction with missing advertised amenities like potable water and firewood, as well as litter on the grounds."

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Campground Map

Bear Springs Campground

45.1167, -121.5316

Driving directionsFrom Sandy: Travel east on Highway 26 for 48 miles to the Highway 26/I-216 junctions. Turn left onto I-216 and travel east for 4 and 1/4 miles. Turn Right at Bear Springs campground.
Road access is primarily paved until reaching the campground, with gravel and dirt parking areas. The directions provided indicate easy navigation from Highway 26 and I-216.
Nearby places
19 miles to Government Camp (approximately 25 minutes), 24 miles to the Deschutes River (approximately 30 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Spring Drive RV Campground is less than one mile away for potential supplies. Larger supply opportunities are found in Maupin or Government Camp.

Best Time to Camp at Bear Springs Campground

Each season transforms Bear Springs into a unique outdoor paradise. Spring awakens the forest with cool, dappled sunlight filtering through the evergreen canopy, creating perfect conditions for peaceful morning hikes. As autumn arrives, the understory erupts in a symphony of golden and crimson hues, offering photographers and nature lovers a spectacular show in blissful solitude. Winter brings a hushed magic to the forest, with occasional snowfall dusting the firs and freezing temperatures that transform the landscape into a crystalline wonderland. Be prepared for nature's moods – moderate rain showers refresh the forest throughout the year, adding to the authentic Pacific Northwest experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open in summer; reviews praise summer rafting trips and pleasant conditions.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall provides 'empty and serene' experiences with striking autumn colors.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Description praises spring forest renewal, but site opens mid-May (limited spring window).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed outside May 16–Sept 21, so winter visits not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16, 2025 - September 21, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 16th to September 21st, peak season dates are included.
  • Current Alerts: Recent reviews indicate lack of water and firewood availability, contradicting the website claims. These issues could affect user experience.

About Bear Springs Campground

Nestled beneath a canopy of towering pine and fir trees, Bear Springs Campground invites you to experience the serene beauty of the Pacific Northwest wilderness. Whether you're planning an intimate family getaway or organizing a memorable group adventure, this forested retreat offers the perfect escape from everyday life. Your campsite comes equipped with all the essentials for comfortable outdoor living: sturdy picnic tables for evening meals under the stars, fire rings for storytelling sessions, vault toilets, and seasonal drinking water. The campground's gravel and dirt parking areas blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, while regular trash collection ensures the pristine forest remains unspoiled for future generations.
Bear Springs Campground accommodates a range of camping types, including tent and RV camping as well as group sites.
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Bear Springs Campground provides a variety of activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and water sports like rafting and kayaking. Picnicking is particularly popular due to the availability of a day-use area with a covered picnic shelter.
HikingShort hiking trails are available near the campground, alongside off-highway vehicle trails. The trails provide opportunities to explore the Mt. Hood National Forest's natural beauty.
FishingFishing opportunities are accessible at nearby lakes and streams, although specific types of fish or fishing conditions are not detailed.
SwimmingSwimming is available at nearby lakes. Specific safety measures or facilities are not mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
BoatingRafting and kayaking opportunities are available on the nearby Deschutes River, providing excellent water adventures.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is described as a habitat for deer and other wildlife, offering good opportunities for wildlife observation.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include hilly terrain and tree roots in group sites, making tent setups challenging, as noted by users. Wildlife like deer is common but not reported as a danger.
Active AlertsRecent reviews indicate lack of water and firewood availability, contradicting the website claims. These issues could affect user experience.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Bear Springs Campground

Reviews

3.8
41 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Bear Springs Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews present mixed feedback regarding the campground. Some appreciate its secluded nature and peaceful environment, while others express dissatisfaction with missing advertised amenities like potable water and firewood, as well as litter on the grounds.
Review Summaries
Based on 41 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews mention the campground's beauty, quiet nights without road noise, the availability of a day-use shelter, and enjoyable nearby activities such as rafting and skiing.
Based on 41 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water, firewood, and a host despite being advertised. Other issues raised involve uneven terrain at group sites and poor cleanliness, with cigarette...
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Based on 41 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include visiting during fall for fewer crowds and beautiful foliage. Campers suggest confirming amenities beforehand due to discrepancies between the website and actual availability.
Based on 41 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors note that late summer vault toilets may smell unpleasant, while fall provides an empty and serene camping experience with stunning autumn colors.
Based on 41 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Lovely camp site, shady and a little cool for spring. We'll be back later this summer for sure.' - Eric Hansen 2. 'Campgrounds are well kept and clean.' - Patrick Jannsen 3. 'Do you love camping...
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Based on 41 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One user review specifically praised Group Site D for being spacious and conveniently located near lakes for swimming and fishing.
Based on 41 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences from users with disabilities.
Based on 41 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically address pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 41 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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