Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or)

Star4.00
128 reviews

Quick Facts

4,600 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Open from April 18 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Mt. Hood National Forest Campgrounds (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
Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or)
$26.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates include $26 for Standard Nonelectric sites and Tent Only Nonelectric sites from April 18 to September 23, 2025. Additional vehicle...
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Standard Site Fee$26.00
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

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

4.00

Satisfactory

Based on 128 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciousfriendlysites

Some mention

noisedusty

"User reviews are mixed, with many highlighting the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, and friendly hosts. However, issues with low water levels, dusty conditions, and inconsistent enforcement of rules are recurring complaints."

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Campground Map

Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or)

45.2169, -121.3853

Driving directionsFrom Portland, travel east on Highway 26 for 42 miles. Take the Highway 35 exit to Hood River and travel northeast for 3 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 48 and travel 22 miles. Turn left on Forest Road 4810 and continue to the campground.
The access road, Forest Road 48, has numerous potholes marked by white stripes, which can be dangerous if missed. RVs over 35 feet are not recommended due to road conditions and the gravel surfaces within the campground parking areas.
Nearby places
Government Camp (30 miles, approximately 45 minutes by car).
Nearby supplies
A small town located about 15 minutes from the campground has a general store that provides essentials such as firewood, milk, tent repair kits, and other camping supplies. Fuel availability is not explicitly noted.

Best Time to Camp at Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or)

Each season brings its own personality to Rock Creek. Late spring arrives like a gentle friend, offering perfect camping temperatures and wildflower-dotted meadows. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched retreat, though savvy campers know to pack extra water as the reservoir drops to quench thirsty farmlands below. Don't let the warm days fool you—mountain breezes can turn crisp after sunset, and early summer nights often call for an extra layer around the campfire. The dusty trails of August tell stories of adventure, while cool mornings remind you that you're camping at elevation.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Open in summer but mid-summer low water frequently limits swimming/boating activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall brings seasonal hues and cooler temps; late season reservoir levels may be low.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring is cited as the best time: fuller reservoir, wildflowers and pleasant temps.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside Apr 18–Sep 23; winter use not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 18, 2025 - September 23, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from April 18 to September 23, 2025. Reservable dates start June 25, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may be imposed during hot, dry weather conditions. Alerts regarding low water levels are inconsistently communicated.

About Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or)

Perched along the serene shores of Rock Creek Reservoir, this hidden gem in Mt. Hood National Forest invites you to escape into a world where towering pines whisper secrets and mixed oak forests paint the landscape in seasonal hues. Rock Creek Campground welcomes both tent campers seeking simplicity and RV adventurers (though intimate mountain roads favor rigs under 35 feet). Wake to the gentle splash of rainbow trout breaking the water's surface, or spend lazy afternoons casting for bass and bluegill from shore. Electric motors hum quietly across the reservoir, preserving the peaceful ambiance that makes this spot special. Just steps away, a well-appointed day-use area beckons with shaded picnic tables, a convenient boat launch, and trailheads that promise discovery around every bend.
Rock Creek Campground offers single-family sites for tent and RV camping. Sites near the water are especially sought after, though water levels fluctuate significantly.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in at 14:00 (2:00 PM).
Check-out
Check-out by 12:00 (noon).
Stay Limit
14 nights during a visit, max 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Rock Creek Campground include fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The 180-acre reservoir is a central feature, though its water levels can be inconsistent. "The reservoir is a popular spot for fishing, canoeing, and boating," according to the official description. However, boats are limited to electric motors. An unmarked trail connects the campground to off-road vehicle trails at nearby Sportsman Campground. Due to wildlife in the area, birdwatching is also highly recommended.
HikingAn unmarked trail connects to Sportsman Campground, offering a network of off-road vehicle trails. A short hiking trail is also accessible at the adjacent day-use area.
FishingFishing is a popular activity. Anglers can catch bass, bluegill, and stocked rainbow trout. Reviewers generally enjoyed the fishing experience, though water levels in the reservoir significantly impact fishing conditions.
BikingBiking is not explicitly mentioned but is likely feasible on the unmarked trail and surrounding forest roads.
BoatingBoating is allowed, but only electric motors are permitted. The low reservoir levels can limit boating opportunities, especially in mid to late summer.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is home to diverse wildlife, including eagles, deer, and a variety of bird species. "Bring binoculars, great bird watching," recommended one reviewer.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include dry conditions, dusty roads, and occasional wildlife interactions (e.g., yellow jackets and hornets). Seasonal reservoir drainage can leave stagnant water, affecting recreational activities.
Active AlertsFire restrictions may be imposed during hot, dry weather conditions. Alerts regarding low water levels are inconsistently communicated.

Weather at Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or)

Reviews

4.0
128 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, with many highlighting the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, and friendly hosts. However, issues with low water levels, dusty conditions, and inconsistent enforcement of rules are recurring complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 128 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean vault toilets, spacious campsites, and friendly, helpful hosts. "This campground was the cleanest I’ve ever stayed at!" praised one reviewer.
Based on 128 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include low water levels in the reservoir, dusty campsites, and lack of privacy. "It’s a stinky mud pit not fit for swimming," noted one user. Another highlighted issues with...
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Based on 128 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Pack plenty of blankets for chilly nights. Bring your own firewood to avoid shortages, and consider extra water for washing due to the dusty conditions. "Be sure to bring your fishing poles and kayak...
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Based on 128 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that spring is the best time to visit, as the reservoir is more likely to have water. By mid-summer, water levels drop significantly, affecting water-based activities.
Based on 128 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The bathrooms were absolutely impeccable." "Bring binoculars, great bird watching." "It’s a stinky mud pit not fit for swimming." "This campground was the cleanest I’ve ever stayed at!"
Based on 128 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 012 is noted for being spacious and shaded. Site 015 offers proximity to the water, though it suffers from foot traffic. Site 030 is described as quiet with good wildlife viewing. Site 031...
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Based on 128 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets and accessible campsites are noted, though no detailed reviews from users with disabilities are provided.
Based on 128 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Several complaints about unleashed dogs and lack of enforcement of leash laws. "Dogs were running free with no leash and pooping wherever," lamented one reviewer.
Based on 128 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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