Campground

Alpine Campground

The highest campground in Mt. Hood National Forest, above Government Camp near Timberline Lodge, with trails and scenery all around.

Photo: USDA Forest Service via Mt. Hood National Forest · Public domain

No campground in Mt. Hood National Forest sits higher than Alpine Campground. It’s high on the mountain, near the Salmon River’s headwaters, in the Zigzag Ranger District. Take Highway 26 beyond Government Camp, then turn north on Forest Service Road 173.

The location is handy. Timberline Lodge is nearby, Government Camp sits just below, and hiking and mountain biking trails are all around. Campers also come for the scenery and a picnic. Snow can linger even in midsummer, so bring warm layers. Vault toilets and drinking water are available.

Things to do

  • Picnicking
  • Viewing

Getting there

From Sandy, OR

  1. Travel east on Highway 26 past Government Camp to Forest Service Road 173.
  2. Follow 173 north to the campground.

From the Forest Service

Good to know

This campground has a seasonal gate that closes for the winter.

Reservations

This campground is first come, first served and does not take reservations.

Rules and restrictions

Vehicles 16 ft. maximum.

All fees

Overnight Use:
Single Site: $25 per night
Additional Vehicle Fee: $8 per vehicle per night

Passes and permits

Camping: 50% discount for single site camping with any of these passes: Interagency Senior, Interagency Access, Golden Age or Golden Access.

Season details

7/3/2025 - 9/22/2025

Ranger office

Zigzag Ranger District
Address: 70220 E Highway 26 Zigzag, OR 97049
Phone: 503-622-3191
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed 12 to 1 for lunch. (Closed on federal holidays)

Details from the official Forest Service page, a public-domain U.S. government source.

Last checked November 4, 2026