About Bear Springs Campground
Overview Bear Springs Campground is an ideal destination for families and groups that enjoy the outdoors in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. It offers spacious group sites, single-family sites, and a day use area with a picnic shelter amid a forest of towering trees.Recreation Bear Springs is not far from some great wilderness spots, including mountain lakes and streams, as well as trails and historic sites. A variety of short hiking and off-highway vehicle trails are available nearby for exploration. The Mt. Hood area and Government Camp are within a short drive from the campground. For water enthusiasts, rafting and kayaking opportunities abound on the nearby Deschutes River. Picnicking is also a popular activity.Facilities The campground offers single-family and group sites for tent and RV camping. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Vault toilets and trash collection are provided, but utility hookups are not available. Parking surfaces are gravel and dirt. Firewood can be purchased from the host.Natural Features The campground is located on the southeastern edge of Mt. Hood National Forest at an elevation of 3,000 feet. It is situated among towering pine and fir trees, but the beauty of the campground is its secluded feel. Deer and other wildlife are common in the area. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (541) 467-2291. Nearby Attractions Bear Springs is near the Warm Springs Tribal Lands and is approximately 19 miles from Government Camp, where visitors may enjoy summertime snow skiing. It is also approximately 24 miles from the Deschutes River and less than one mile to Spring Drive RV Campground.
How to Get There
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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Bear Springs Campground
Heading to Bear Springs Campground? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Bear Springs Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Bear Springs Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234720) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Bear Springs Campground?
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.
How do I contact Bear Springs Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: 503-630-5721 or email: jacob@alaskarm.com.
References & Official Resources
