Government Camp in a small low-key resort area on Mt. Hood only an hour from Portland, OR and a tourist hotspot in both summer and winter. The Mt. Hood National Forest has a whopping 70 designated campgrounds and a few of those are just a few miles from Government Camp such as Trillium Lake (most popular), Still Creek, and Frog Lake with scenic Frog Lake Buttes Loop Hike as well as numerous snow parks. Video
The 11,245 foot volcano Mt. Hood is the tallest mountain in Oregon and makes its claim to fame as the only year-round ski destination in North America with Timberline Ski Resort—just 3 miles from Government Camp. Olympic hopefuls trained here in the summer of 2021 in preparation for competing at the 2022 Bejiing Winter Olympics.
Related post: Trillium Lake Free RV Camping on Mt. Hood
Laid-back town with all the amenities you need
Government Camp isn’t an upscale ski area similar to over-priced Vail and Aspen, CO or Jacksonhole, WY and that’s the best thing about it. With under 200 year-round residents—some of whom complain about the increase in new housing developments and plans to build a new Timberline Express Gondola that will run from Summit Pass to Timberline Lodge—the area has a quaint, small-town appeal.
It’s small but has all the amenities you would need for a camping adventure including restaurants Ratskeller (my favorite!), Charlies, and the Mt. Hood Brewing Co. plus a small country store, gas station with propane, and High Mountain Bakery & Deli-the only coffee shop and has excellent breakfast sandwiches!
You can overnight RV park or camp near but not at the rest area
We stop at the end of the video at the rest area off of Mount Hood Highway (U.S. Route 26) and it’s important to note overnight parking is not allowed. Just across the street is a snow park area that does allow Free Overnight RV Camping and Parking. You’ll see vans and RVs parked and there’s a ton of space for any size rig.
During the main winter/ski season November 1st to April 30th you need to purchase a Sno-Park Parking Permit. More information on prices and how to purchase is here: Oregon DMV Snow-Park Permits.
Video of Free RV Camping and Parking at Government Camp
We do a short drive through the small area that encompasses the town and get to see some cool camper setups that are parked alongside the road.
There is good cell coverage
Many areas on Mt. Hood and the majority of Mt. Hood National Forest campgrounds do not have any cell service. But at Government Camp I could work online, watch movies, etc. with my 5G iPhone and Verizon hotspot.
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