How much does camping cost at Tilly Jane Guard Station?

Camping fees at Tilly Jane Guard Station range from $200/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Tilly Jane Guard Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Tilly Jane Guard Station 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 Tilly Jane Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Tilly Jane Guard Station 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 Tilly Jane Guard Station?

Tilly Jane Guard Station is open January 01 to June 30. 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 Tilly Jane Guard Station?

Tilly Jane Guard Station does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Tilly Jane Guard Station have?

Tilly Jane Guard Station has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Tilly Jane Guard Station?

Pets are not allowed at Tilly Jane Guard Station. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Tilly Jane Guard Station?

Tilly Jane Guard Station offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Tilly Jane Guard Station?

Popular activities at Tilly Jane Guard Station include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Tilly Jane Guard Station

4.22

14 reviews

C/O HOOD RIVER RANGER STATION, 6780 HWY 35, Parkdale, OR, 97041, USA

Top 1% in ORWinter

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Mountain Camping Oregon#2 Winter Camping Fall Camping Oregon +1 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,700 ft

Price

$200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open January 1 throu...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Oregon Nordic Club Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,700 ft

Price

$200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open January 1 throu...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Oregon Nordic Club Official Website

Get Directions

Tilly Jane Guard Station

$200.00 - $200.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $200.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

C/O HOOD RIVER RANGER STATION, 6780 HWY 35, Parkdale, OR, 97041, USA

Tilly Jane Guard Station

C/O HOOD RIVER RANGER STATION, 6780 HWY 35, Parkdale, OR, 97041, USA

Nearby places

Hood River (approximately 8.5 miles south)

Driving directionsFrom Hood River, Oregon, travel south on Highway 35 for 8.5 miles, past the Hood River Ranger Station. Look for the Cooper Spur Inn sign and turn right off Highway 35, just north of Olallie Trailhead, onto Forest Road 3510 and drive to Copper Spur Inn. Turn left at the Cloud Cap/Tilly Jane Road 3512. The first trailhead is just past the intersection with Forest Service Road 620, with parking on the right and the trail on the left side of the road. The second option is to follow the Cloud Cap Road (FS Road 3512). This is the 9 mile gently sloping road.

Weather at Tilly Jane Guard Station

Current alert: road is closed from late October until early July.

Best Time to Camp at Tilly Jane Guard Station

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

5.0 / 5

Top 1% in OR

Winter is the highlight: cabin accessed by ski/snowshoe and praised for backcountry skiing/snowshoeing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to June 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open January 1 through June 30, 2025.

About Tilly Jane Guard Station

Tilly Jane Guard Station sits in the mid-elevation forest of Mt. Hood National Forest near Parkdale, operated by the Oregon Nordic Club as a backcountry cabin rental. The historic guard station features a fireplace, propane lighting, and a well-equipped kitchen, serving as a base camp for winter backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. Guests appreciate the indoor pit toilet and rustic amenities, though the cabin's dark interior and occasional mice are trade-offs for the remote mountain experience.

Tilly Jane Guard Station provides backcountry cabin accommodations ideal for winter recreation enthusiasts. The site is accessible by trail or road, though both routes can be challenging during winter conditions.

Elevation5700 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin occupies volcanic terrain below Cooper Spur, where glacial carving has shaped the surrounding ridges and valleys. Oregon's deepest snowfall buries this high-altitude environment each winter, transforming the landscape into backcountry ski terrain. The area shows evidence of the 2008 Gnarl Ridge Fire, with silver snag forests standing among surviving timber. Views stretch across the Cascade Range to Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Rainier when storms clear. Water sources include Tilly Creek and melted snow, both requiring treatment.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin is one of the oldest structures on Mt. Hood, featuring historical significance as part of the Cloud Cap/Tilly Jane Historic District. It is equipped with propane lighting, a cooking stove/oven, a wood stove and fireplace, and sleeping accommodations for up to eight people. "Wonderful cabin that's well-equipped," noted one user, who also reminded visitors to "be vigilant on storing food" due to mice activity.

Programs & ActivitiesThe cabin is part of the Cloud Cap/Tilly Jane Historic District, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The historical significance provides cultural insights for visitors.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Up to 2 nights during a visit at this campground

Guests Allowed Per Site

The cabin accommodates up to 8 people.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityGuests need to access the cabin either via a 9-mile road or the Tilly Jane Ski Trail, a steep 2.7-mile route with an elevation gain of 1,900 feet. Winter access often requires backcountry travel skills, and the entrance may involve digging out snow.

Site SizeThe cabin can accommodate up to eight people with a sleeping loft featuring pads.

PrivacyThe cabin offers private accommodations in a secluded backcountry setting, accessible by trail or unplowed road.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesAdvanced backcountry survival skills are recommended. For skiers, taking the Tilly Jane Trail to the cabin and following the road on the way down is advised.

Best CampsitesThe single cabin features a sleeping loft with pads for up to eight people. Reviews note the fireplace and wood stove for heat, propane lighting, and a well-supplied kitchen with an indoor pit toilet. The cabin attracts mice, and the fireplace provides less efficient heat than the stove. Reviewers recommend bringing extra bedding and warm clothing.

Need help booking Tilly Jane Guard Station?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Tilly Jane Guard Station features a well-equipped cabin that provides shelter and warmth, especially for winter visitors. The cabin accommodates up to eight people and includes a full kitchen (no running water), propane lighting, a cooking stove/oven, all necessary cooking pots and utensils, a wood stove and fireplace with firewood, and a second-story sleeping loft with pads. "The cabin was great and sitting in front of the fire was wonderful--much more comfortable than snow camping," according to one user review. Pit toilets are located within the wood room of the cabin. Guests can obtain water by melting snow or digging an access hole to Tilly Jane Creek, though all water must be treated.

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Tilly Jane Guard Station offers exceptional opportunities for winter sports, hiking, camping, and exploring the area's historical and cultural sites. Its backcountry setting makes it ideal for snowshoeing and backcountry skiing, with trail options such as the Tilly Jane Ski Trail and Cloud Cap Road. "Great location for skiing in the trees and near/below/on the Cooper Spur," one reviewer shared. Visitors also enjoy hiking above the treeline, where views of Mt. Adams, St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, and the Hood River Valley are visible.

Hiking

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; pit toilets are located within the wood room of the cabin.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

14 reviews

Satisfactory

Tilly Jane Guard Station is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the cabin's cozy atmosphere, well-supplied kitchen, and suitability as a basecamp for winter sports. Many visitors praised its unique location below Cooper Spur and its historical charm. However, some noted challenges such as rodent activity and the need for backcountry skills to access the site.

Review Summaries

Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the cabin's amenities like the fireplace, propane lighting, and kitchen supplies. "Makes a great 'base camp' for backcountry skiing/snowshoeing," stated one reviewer, while another...

Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues raised by reviewers include rodent activity, requiring vigilance in food storage, and the inefficiency of the fireplace for heating compared to the kitchen stove. One user stated, "Mice are...

Based on 14 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews consistently reference the Guard Station cabin positively for its amenities and backcountry setting. "Great location for skiing in the trees and near/below/on the Cooper Spur," noted a user.

Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra bedding and clothing for warmth, as the cabin's fireplace and stove may take time to heat the space. Melting snow or accessing Tilly Creek for water is necessary, and all water should be...

Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter visits are highly praised for snowshoeing and skiing opportunities, though visitors should be prepared for deep snow and extreme weather conditions. "Deep snow even in early April," one...

Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great cozy place to spend a weekend in the woods in the winter." "Cozy cabin in a great location. Deep snow even in early April so we did have to use the 2nd story hatch to enter!" "Wonderful cabin...

Based on 14 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility challenges include the steep and unmarked trail routes, requiring backcountry navigation skills. Winter visitors may need to dig out the entrance hatch to access the cabin.

Based on 14 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not permitted at Tilly Jane Guard Station.

Based on 14 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a well-equipped backcountry cabin with kitchen amenities and don't mind rustic conditions like propane lighting and occasional wildlife.

Skip if

You need modern conveniences, dislike mice, or prefer campgrounds with multiple site options and electric hookups.

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Campgrounds

Mt. Hood National Forest

Tilly Jane Guard Station

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Tilly Jane Guard Station sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

This campground is located on Tilly Jane Creek near the border of <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mthood/recarea/?recid=79439">Mount Hood Wilderness</a>. Hiking trails are accessible from the campground, including <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mthood/recarea/?recid=53624">Tilly Jane Trail #600 A</a>. This campground has NO potable water. Campground is wheelchair accessible.

About the campground

The elevation is 5,700 ft. Mt. Hood National Forest 240 This walk-in tent only campground is located on Ghost Ridge next to Mt Hood Wilderness in a dense stand of Engelmann spruce. This is an old stand with many dead and down trees scattered around the campground. The campground is co-located with the currently closed Tilly Jane Guard Station and is well-located for exploring the Mt Hood Wilderness, hiking Cooper Spur trail, and visiting the Cloud Cap Inn. This "Inn" was built in 1889 and although not open to the public, it is still in use by the Crag Rats, a search and rescue group. There are great views of Mt Hood and its many glaciers from Cloud Cap Inn. Check with the Ranger District Office for ranger-led tours of the historic Cloud Cap Inn.

Seasons & access

Open June 1 through October 15

Facilities

Drinking water is available at nearby Cloud Cap campground.

Directions

From Parkdale, OR, take Baseline Dr. east 0.1 miles to an intersection. Turn right at intersection onto Cooper Spur Rd. and go 0.8 miles to Cloud Cap Rd. Turn right at sign onto Cloud Cap Rd. and go 9.7 miles to a "T" intersection. Turn left and go 0.3 miles to campground. Note: Last 9.6 miles are rough and rocky. Be sure the spare tire is in working condition.

National Forest: Hood National Forest
Ranger District: Hood River
Elevation: 5700
Rate: $10 per day
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: 7/12/2024