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Map showing campground location near Government Camp, Oregon
Camper submitted image from Bear Springs CampgroundView 29 Photos
CampingMap showing campground location near Government Camp, Oregon

Bear Springs Campground

2 ReviewsAdd Review

Highway 216 runs directly past this Mt. Hood National Forest campground, creating consistent road noise that campers should expect. The Forest Service manages approximately 15 individual sites here, despite official listings showing it as group camping only. Large fire pits and mature pine and fir trees provide the primary amenities, along with standard picnic tables at each site.

Sites accommodate RVs up to 25 feet, though the campground sits at 3,000 feet elevation about 20 miles from Government Camp. The location works well for spring camping when higher elevations remain snowy. Campers can explore campgrounds near Mt. Hood National Forest throughout the surrounding forest. Reservations help secure a spot during the May through September season.

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Location

Public Campground

Bear Springs Campground is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Sandy: Travel east on Highway 26 for 48 miles to the Highway 26/I-216 junctions. Turn left onto I-216 and travel east for 4 and 1/4 miles. Turn Right at Bear Springs campground.

Coordinates

45.116715 N
121.53162 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time

Reviews

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4.0

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2 Reviews

Sarah S.The Dyrt ADMIN User
Reviewed May. 2, 2017

Nice group site but nothing super special

This is a small campground in Mt. Hood National Forest. We stayed at a large group site right in the middle of the campground which was great because we were the only people there. It might feel much less private if there had been campers in the sites around us. There is nothing super special about this campground (no river or lake) and you are close to a road and can hear the traffic, but it was still nice, especially because we had the whole place to ourselves.

SiteGroup
  • Review photo of Bear Springs Campground by Sarah S., May 2, 2017
  • Review photo of Bear Springs Campground by Sarah S., May 2, 2017
Kevin L.The Dyrt ADMIN User
Reviewed May. 1, 2017

Ranger Review: Marmot Limelight Tent at Bear Springs Campground

Campground Review:

About 20 miles from Government Camp, this is a pretty cool campground as you are hopping over Mt Hood. With its location south east of the mountain and about 3000 foot elevation, good place to camp in the early spring if you want to then drive up Hood to get to snow.

The government website shows it as "4 groups sites" but it has about 15 individual campsites from what I saw.

You can hear cars drive by on Highway 216 but loved the open sites, big pine and fir trees and huge group-sized firepits. It also sits on the edge of Mt Hood National Forest so the background to most sites give you a good feel of the national forest.

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**Product Review:**

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products. At this campground, I tested the Three Person Limelight Tent from Marmot. I actually upgraded from my 10 year old tent and - wow - could not be happier.

Top reasons I loved the Limelight Marmot tent:

  1. Easy of use: What used to be 4 separate poles with my old tent is now one pre-connected pole for the Limelight that hooks into the four corners making it super easy to use. Got to the campground late Friday night and with no directions I easily set this up in a couple minutes.
  2. Footprint included! Don't you hate it when you invest in a tent AND THEN have to buy the ground water blocking footprint? Not with the Limelight cause it comes included.
  3. Size and view: The poles at the corners are rounded to give you bonus space and the entire inner top ceiling is a net so on clear (warm) night this tent is going to be great for viewing the stars.
  • Review photo of Bear Springs Campground by Kevin L., May 1, 2017
  • Video view from inside my Marmot Limelight tent at Bear Springs Campground. Perfect balance of shade and sun at this campground. Love the full net ceiling view from this tent too!
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  • Video review of 4D (stated on the government website as "D"), the center group camping site.
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Showing results 1-2 of 2 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities are available at Bear Springs Campground?

Bear Springs Campground offers basic facilities for campers in the Mt. Hood National Forest. The campground features standard campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. Located at approximately 3,000 feet elevation, it provides a more rustic camping experience in a forested setting. While not extensive in amenities, the campground's natural surroundings and peaceful atmosphere make it an attractive option for those seeking a simple outdoor experience. Facilities are typical of a smaller Forest Service campground, focusing on essential needs rather than luxury amenities.

What recreational activities are available near Bear Springs in Oregon?

Bear Springs Campground's location in Mt. Hood National Forest provides access to numerous recreational opportunities. Being about 20 miles from Government Camp, it serves as an excellent base for exploring Mt. Hood, especially for those wanting to access snow activities in early spring. The surrounding forest offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and photography opportunities. The campground's 3,000-foot elevation provides a comfortable climate for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy typical forest recreation including hiking, mountain biking on nearby trails, and scenic drives through the national forest.

What do visitor reviews say about Bear Springs Campground?

Bear Springs Campground is described as a small, simple campground in Mt. Hood National Forest. Its location about 20 miles from Government Camp makes it a good stopping point when traveling around Mt. Hood. At approximately 3,000 feet elevation, it's particularly appealing in early spring for those wanting to access snow higher up on Mt. Hood. Privacy can vary depending on occupancy - the campground feels more secluded when less crowded. While not offering exceptional amenities or standout features, it provides a basic forest camping experience. The campground is valued primarily for its convenient location rather than for unique characteristics.

Is there a group camping area at Bear Springs Campground in Oregon?

Yes, Bear Springs Campground does have a group camping area. The group site is located in the central part of the campground and can accommodate larger parties. This centralized location makes it convenient for group activities while still allowing access to the campground's natural surroundings. For specific capacity limits and reservation requirements, contact the Mt. Hood National Forest service or the official campground management.

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