How much does camping cost at Forest Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Forest Creek Campground range from $16/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Forest Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Forest Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. DESCRIBED AS FIRST COME FIRST SERVICE

Can I see photos of campsites at Forest Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Forest Creek Campground has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Forest Creek Campground?

Forest Creek Campground is open Anticipated May 22, 2026 to September 7, 2026. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Forest Creek Campground?

Forest Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Forest Creek Campground have?

Forest Creek Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Forest Creek Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Forest Creek Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Forest Creek Campground?

Forest Creek Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Forest Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Forest Creek Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Forest Creek Campground

3.80

15 reviews

Featured in:Primitive Camping Oregon

Quick Facts

150 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Anticipated May 22, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

150 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Anticipated May 22, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Forest Creek Campground

$16.00 - $16.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single Site: $16 per night Additional Vehicle Fee: $8 per night Day Use: $10 per vehicle per day

Standard Site Fee$16.00

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Forest Creek Campground

45.1798, -121.5246

Driving directionsDirections from Tygh Valley, OR - Travel west on Forest Road 48 across the forest boundary. Continue on 48 for an additional 10-12 miles to Forest Road 4885. Follow 4885 southeast for approximately one mile to the campground.

"The road leading to the campground is unpaved but well-maintained based on a user review (July 2018), stating that it is easily traversed by a regular passenger car. The site is reached via secondary Forest Roads, which may require extra caution during adverse weather."

Weather at Forest Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Forest Creek Campground

Summer delivers the best conditions: daytime highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F, nights cooling to the mid-40s to mid-50s°F. July and August see the most visitors, though the primitive setup keeps crowds manageable. Creek flows drop late in the season. Warm evenings and calm nights make campfires easy.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is best: mid-70s/80s, most visitors, White River called 'absolutely dazzling in the summer.'

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Anticipated May 22, 2026 to September 7, 2026

About Forest Creek Campground

Forest Creek Campground sits alongside the historic Barlow Road in Mt. Hood National Forest, offering 10 primitive sites at 150 feet elevation. The campground runs first-come, first-served at $16/night and attracts campers who want a creek-side retreat without hookups or running water.

Forest Creek Campground offers a primitive and remote camping experience, suitable for tent camping and small groups. Large RVs and trailers are not recommended due to the lack of hookups and the size restrictions on vehicles.

Historical Significance

The campground lies along the Barlow Road, the historic wagon route that allowed pioneers to bypass the Columbia River's dangerous rapids on the final stretch of the Oregon Trail.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the best conditions: daytime highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F, nights cooling to the mid-40s to mid-50s°F. July and August see the most visitors, though the primitive setup keeps crowds manageable. Creek flows drop late in the season. Warm evenings and calm nights make campfires easy.

ElevationPerched at an elevation that offers crisp mountain air and stunning vistas, this campground provides the perfect balance of accessibility and alpine atmosphere.

Natural Features and SceneryA clear creek runs through the campground, bordered by conifers that provide shade and morning birdsong. The sites spread along the water, large enough for small groups. Wildlife moves through regularly. The forest here sits low on the mountain's flank, dense but not alpine.

Geological RegionNestled within the majestic Mt. Hood National Forest alongside the legendary Barlow Road, this campground seamlessly blends historical significance with natural splendor. Ancient forests merge with crystal-clear streams, creating a diverse ecosystem where pioneer history meets pristine wilderness in perfect harmony.

Scenic ViewsReported having great mountain range views , colors pop at dusk

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations, cabins, or glamping options are available. The campground is described as remote and primitive.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not described in the available resources.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

14:00 HOURS

Check-out

10:30

Stay Limit

NO MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY REPORTED

Guests Allowed Per Site

MAXIMUM OF 8 GUESTS PER FAMILY UNIT OR GROUP OF FRIENDS

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe loop layout spaces eight to ten large sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Reviews describe the sites as well laid out and sizable, suitable for groups who don't mind vault toilets and no potable water on-site.

Walk-in AvailabilityDESCRIBED AS FIRST COME FIRST SERVICE

Site SizeThe sites are described as large and well laid out, suitable for small groups. One review mentions 'eight sizable sites' and another describes them as 'large sites.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are not explicitly described, but the campground's small size and remote location suggest a secluded setting.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesCAMPING NUMBER CHECK DESCRIBED AS QUIET

Best CampsitesSites 7 and 9 get mentioned most often. Creekside spots fill first, so arrive early if you want water access.

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Forest Creek Campground provides a range of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. The historic Barlow Road and nearby trails offer opportunities for exploration, hiking, and biking. The White River provides fishing opportunities, and the serene environment is ideal for picnicking and wildlife observation.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPitfalls injuries

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsThe campground does not have flush toilets; instead, it provides a single vault toilet which is described as basic and stocked with limited toilet paper. One review notes, 'BYOTP; the outhouse is stocked with a limited supply.'

Food Storage RequiredAll locker access remains open

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.8

15 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Forest Creek Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Forest Creek Campground are generally positive, highlighting its serene, remote location, clean and well-maintained campsites, and the natural beauty of the creekside setting. The campground's simplicity and lack of modern amenities are often noted, making it suitable for campers seeking a primitive experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the clean and well-maintained campsites, large site sizes, picturesque creekside setting, and the tranquility of the remote location. The presence of fire pits and picnic tables at each...

Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water and the need to bring one's own drinking water, as well as the limited toilet paper supply in the vault toilet. Some reviewers also noted that the...

Based on 15 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Users highly recommend the creekside sites for their ambient sound and scenic views. Reviews consistently highlight the site's cleanliness and spacious layout. Specific site numbers are not mentioned.

Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing your own drinking water and toilet paper. Arriving early is advised to secure a creekside site, as the campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. Visitors also...

Based on 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the summer months are particularly enjoyable, with one reviewer describing the White River as 'absolutely dazzling in the summer.' Seasonal conditions such as road accessibility...

Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Lovely, aptly named space with eight sizable sites. Had a great time with a group of five.' - Anne 2. 'First come, first serve – with a little foresight and luck you'll find yourself creekside.'...

Based on 15 reviews

Accessibility Features

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

Based on 15 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies and pet-friendly features are not discussed in the reviews.

Based on 15 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Tent campers who pack their own water and want a spacious creekside site with a fire ring will do well here. The two-mile trail down to the White River is worth the trip, and summer evenings cool enough for a real campfire.

Skip if

No potable water on-site is a hard stop for anyone who forgets to plan ahead, and RVs or trailers won't fit the primitive layout. First-come-first-served also means no guarantee on arrival.

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Campgrounds

Mt. Hood National Forest

Forest Creek Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Forest Creek Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Located on Forest Creek. Just follow Forest Road 4885 south about 2.5 miles to the White River. To the east you can ride up to Boulder Point and get a look around; to the west you reach the White River.</p><p>The campground itself is located on the historic Barlow Road (Forest Road 3530). Although many pioneers passed by this site, few actually camped here. They did water their stock and themselves in the creek and possibly stopped here briefly on the last leg of their long journey to the fertile valleys west of the Cascades.</p>