Ottertail Lake Dispersed Camping Area
Open for free dispersed camping year-round, weather and road conditions permitting. No reservations required or accepted. Forest roads may be impassable due to snow during winter months; check current conditions with the Hood River Ranger District before traveling.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 10:46AM PDT by NWS Portland OR
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has continued an Air Quality Advisory, which is IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON PDT WEDNESDAY. An Air Quality Advisory for Smoke and Ozone remains in effect. Wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels due to smoke and ozone at times through 12 PM PDT Wednesday. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. More information about air quality can be found at: www.oregon.gov/DEQ
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
About
Ottertail Lake Dispersed Camping Area sits at the terminus of Forest Service Road 2810 in the Waucoma backcountry region of Mount Hood National Forest. Once a developed campground, the site was decommissioned but continues to welcome dispersed campers seeking a primitive backcountry experience near the shores of Ottertail Lake. This is true dispersed camping with no facilities whatsoever. There is no potable water, no restrooms, no picnic tables, no fire rings, and no trash service. Campers must be entirely self-sufficient, packing out all garbage and digging cat holes at least 100 feet from the lake for human waste. Standard National Forest dispersed camping rules apply: stays are limited to 14 consecutive days and 28 days total per calendar year at any single location. The surrounding Waucoma area offers opportunities for hiking and exploring old logging roads, with views of Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams. Access requires navigating forest roads that can be rough and challenging, particularly for low-clearance vehicles.
Directions
From Hood River, travel south on Highway 281 approximately 11 miles to Dee. Bear right at the old Dee Mill Site and cross the East Fork Hood River. Turn right and continue 1.2 miles up Punchbowl Road until it crosses the West Fork Hood River. The road becomes Dead Point Road (Forest Service Road 2820). Follow FS Road 2820, then turn onto FS Road 2810 and follow it to the end near Ottertail Lake.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 352-6002 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Mt. Hood NF Dispersed Camping | |
| Hood River Ranger District |
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