How much does camping cost at Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or)?

Camping fees at Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or) range from $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or) first-come first-served or reservation?

Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or) accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or) before I book?

Yes! Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or) has 10 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 Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or)?

Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or) is open April 10 to September 23. 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 Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or)?

Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or) does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or) have?

Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or) has 33 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or)?

Yes, pets are allowed at Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or). Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or)?

Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or) offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or)?

Popular activities at Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or) include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

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

Q: Can I have a campfire at Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or)?

Fire policies at Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or): Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.95

128 reviews

Top 18% in ORSpring

Featured in:RV Camping Oregon

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,600 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Open from April 18 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Mt. Hood National Forest Campgrounds (Vista Recreation)Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,600 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Open from April 18 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Mt. Hood National Forest Campgrounds (Vista Recreation)Official Website

Get Directions

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

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

503-630-5721jacob@alaskarm.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

45.2169, -121.3853

Nearby places

Government Camp (30 miles, approximately 45 minutes by car).

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

Current alerts(7)

Click here for more information on the Mt. Hood National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests.
Gas-powered engines are not allowed on the lake
In accordance with standard industry practices, Mount Hood Recreation will be assessing an additional vehicle fee on the second vehicle in each single family campsite, and on the third and fourth vehicle in any double family campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined to…

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

Best season: spring. Late spring offers the best combination of mild daytime temperatures (typically 50–70°F) and lower overnight temps (around the low 30s–40s), abundant wildflowers, and active fishing as trout and bass feed near the warming shallows. Hiking, biking, wildlife viewing and early-season boating are at their peak before the reservoir drops and summer crowds intensify, and campsites are generally quieter on weekdays. Because the campground opens April 18, late May through early June is prime for stable, Peak months: June, May, September, April Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 18% in OR

Spring (late May–early June) cited as best: fuller reservoir, stable weather, wildflowers peak.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 10 to September 23. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 18 to September 23, 2025. Reservable dates start June 25, 2025.

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

Rock Creek Campground sits in mid-elevation forest near Government Camp, operated by Vista Recreation within Mt. Hood National Forest. The campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers fish, hike, swim, boat, and watch wildlife during the seasonal operating window, with reviewers praising spacious sites and exceptionally clean facilities.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Late spring offers the best combination of mild daytime temperatures (typically 50–70°F) and lower overnight temps (around the low 30s–40s), abundant wildflowers, and active fishing as trout and bass feed near the warming shallows. Hiking, biking, wildlife viewing and early-season boating are at their peak before the reservoir drops and summer crowds intensify, and campsites are generally quieter on weekdays. Because the campground opens April 18, late May through early June is prime for stable, Peak months: June, May, September, April Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation4600 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMixed oak and pine forest cradles the campground in a natural amphitheater above Rock Creek Reservoir. The setting reflects volcanic origins and glacial sculpting, now stabilized at 4,600 feet where mountain ecology thrives. Eagles ride thermals above the ridges. Deer emerge from the forest at dawn and dusk. The reservoir mirrors surrounding peaks on calm mornings, but irrigation withdrawals regularly expose shorelines and rock formations by mid-summer. The basin creates its own microclimate where pines dominate the upper slopes and oaks cluster near the water.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations or alternative lodging options like yurts or cabins are available. The campground is designed for tent and RV camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are specifically mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights during a visit, max 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum number of guests per site is not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are available through Recreation.gov and its mobile app.

AccessibilityThe campground features accessible vault toilets and accessible campsites. Specific details about paths, parking, or ADA compliance were not noted.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, with some accommodating multiple tents. One user noted that their site could fit up to three tents with space to spare.

PrivacyCampsites offer limited privacy, as many are open with minimal vegetation between sites. Some reviewers mentioned frequent foot traffic through their reserved sites, reducing the sense of seclusion.

Total Campsites33 campsites

Recommended SitesFor views, choose sites like #19 or #15. If privacy is a concern, avoid lakeside sites during peak season due to crowding. Sites on Loop 2 tend to be quieter.

Best CampsitesSite 12 gets praise for spaciousness and proximity to both trails and the reservoir. Site 19 offers scenic views. Site 15 provides lakefront access but sits in a higher-traffic area where other campers sometimes cut through.

Need help booking Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or)?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Rock Creek Campground offers family-friendly camping along the shores of Rock Creek Reservoir. "Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill," making it suitable for campers who prefer traditional facilities. Vault toilets are available and frequently complimented for their cleanliness. "The bathrooms were absolutely impeccable," noted one reviewer. Drinking water is provided via spigots throughout the campground, and firewood is available for purchase from the host. Utility hookups are not available, and parking surfaces are gravel. Sites near the water offer excellent views, but the water level in the reservoir is often low by mid-summer due to irrigation. Some users found the campground dusty and mentioned the presence of yellow jackets.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

Fire PolicyFire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal is available, but no specific details about recycling facilities or pickup schedules were noted.

Cell CoverageCell phone service at the campground is described as inconsistent. A user mentioned that "cell service was a little spotty, but the cell reception would come and go," while others did not report significant issues.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

128 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Rock Creek Campground (Mt. Hood National Forest, Or) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 128 reviews.

Site 012Loved
Site 012 is noted for being spacious and shaded.
Site 030Loved
Site 030 is described as quiet with good wildlife viewing.
Site 031Loved
Site 031 offers a great view of the reservoir.
Site 015Mentioned
Site 015 offers proximity to the water, though it suffers from foot traffic.

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...

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...

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

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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Go if

You want spacious sites near Government Camp with fishing and swimming access during spring and early summer.

Skip if

You need a full reservoir in late summer or require strict quiet hours enforcement.

Nearby Campgrounds

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3.3

(14)

Bonney Crossing Campground

Accessed via Forest Roads 48, 4810, 4811, and 2710 from Wamic, OR

Bonney Crossing sits where Badger Creek flows through Mt. Hood National Forest, six small sites clustered at the Badger Creek Wilderness boundary. The campground charges $12-16 per night and provides vault toilets, fire rings, and horse pens. Reviews praise the quiet location and trail access but warn about mosquitoes and limited parking.