Bonney Crossing Campground

For Oregonians seeking a genuine escape into the heart of the Mt. Hood National Forest, Bonney Crossing Campground offers a truly rustic and peaceful wilderness experience. Nestled alongside the beautiful Badger Creek and serving as one of the portals to the expansive Badger Creek Wilderness, this campground is a hidden gem for those who appreciate the quieter side of outdoor adventure. It’s a place where the sounds of rushing water and rustling leaves replace city noise, inviting campers to unwind and reconnect with nature in its purest form.

Bonney Crossing Campground appeals specifically to individuals and families who enjoy activities such as fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. Its charm lies in its simplicity and its deep integration with the natural environment. While it offers a more primitive camping experience, lacking some of the modern amenities found in more developed parks, this is precisely what draws many to its serene setting. Visitors often praise its tranquil atmosphere, finding it an ideal spot to truly disconnect. The campground's location right next to Badger Creek means campers can fall asleep to the calming sounds of the water, a feature highly valued by those seeking relaxation.

With a limited number of sites, Bonney Crossing maintains an uncrowded feel, allowing for a more personal and intimate interaction with the wilderness. This makes it a perfect choice for those looking for a quiet weekend getaway or a base for exploring the vast trails and natural beauty of the Badger Creek Wilderness. If your idea of camping involves immersion in nature, with opportunities for quiet reflection, active exploration, and a break from the digital world, Bonney Crossing Campground might just be your next favorite Oregon destination.

Bonney Crossing Campground is located in Oregon, specifically at NF-2710, near Tygh Valley, OR 97063, USA. This places it on the eastern side of the Mt. Hood National Forest, offering a distinct landscape compared to the wetter western slopes. The campground's setting is particularly appealing, situated on beautiful Badger Creek, right at the foot of the Badger Creek Wilderness. This strategic position provides immediate access to a vast wilderness area, making it a prime spot for adventurers.

Accessing Bonney Crossing Campground typically involves navigating through forest roads. From Wamic, OR, visitors would head west on Road 48, then connect to Road 4810 (near Camp Cody), follow 4810 to Road 4811, and finally take Road 2710 east directly to the campground. It is important for prospective campers to be aware that these forest roads, while generally maintained, can vary in condition. They might be unpaved, gravel, or subject to seasonal conditions, particularly in early spring or late fall. Therefore, it's always advisable to check current road conditions with the Mt. Hood National Forest (Barlow Ranger District) before embarking on your trip, especially if you are driving a low-clearance vehicle or an RV. While RVs are permitted, the maximum vehicle length is typically limited to 16 feet, indicating that it's more suitable for smaller RVs or trailers.

Despite its somewhat remote setting, which contributes to its peaceful ambiance, the campground is considered "drive-in" for most sites. This means you can typically drive your vehicle right up to your chosen spot. Its location also puts it within reasonable driving distance for many Oregonians, offering a relatively accessible wilderness experience without an excessively long journey from cities like Portland or Bend. This balance of seclusion and accessibility makes Bonney Crossing a viable option for a weekend escape into the heart of Oregon's natural landscapes.

Bonney Crossing Campground embraces a more rustic and traditional camping experience, focusing on essential amenities that allow for a genuine connection with nature. It's important for visitors to be prepared for a less developed setting, which is part of its charm. Here are the typical services offered:

• Campsites: The campground offers a total of eight sites, comprising six single sites and two double sites. These sites are designed primarily for tent camping, though smaller RVs (up to 16 ft max length) can also be accommodated. Sites are generally well-spaced, offering a degree of privacy and a natural setting amongst the trees.

• Picnic Tables: Each designated campsite is equipped with a sturdy picnic table, providing a convenient space for meal preparation, dining, and gathering during your stay.

• Fire Rings: Every campsite includes a metal fire ring, allowing campers to safely build campfires (when fire restrictions permit) for warmth, cooking, and ambiance. It's always crucial to check current fire regulations before lighting a fire.

• Vault Toilets: For sanitation, the campground provides vault toilets. These are primitive, non-flush restroom facilities that are regularly maintained by the Forest Service, offering a basic but essential amenity for campers.

• No Potable Water: A crucial point for prospective campers is that Bonney Crossing Campground does NOT offer potable (drinking) water. Visitors must bring their own supply of drinking water for the duration of their stay. This emphasizes the rustic nature of the campground.

• No Showers or Cell Service: Consistent with its primitive designation, there are no shower facilities available at the campground. Additionally, cell service is generally not available, encouraging a true digital detox and immersion in the natural surroundings.

• First-Come, First-Served Basis: All campsites at Bonney Crossing are available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not accepted. This requires campers to arrive early, especially during peak season or weekends, to secure a spot.

• Overnight Fee: There is a fee for overnight camping, typically around $16 per night for a single unit. Discounts may apply for holders of certain recreation passes (e.g., Interagency Senior, Interagency Access).

• Located on Beautiful Badger Creek: One of the most defining features of Bonney Crossing is its direct proximity to Badger Creek. This pristine waterway provides a constant, soothing backdrop for camping, with the calming sounds of the creek enhancing the overall peaceful atmosphere. It also offers opportunities for creekside relaxation and exploration, with kids often enjoying splashing and cooling off in the water.

• Gateway to Badger Creek Wilderness: The campground serves as a key access point to the Badger Creek Wilderness. This vast wilderness area offers extensive opportunities for true backcountry adventures, including multi-day hiking and horseback riding. The popular and scenic Badger Creek Trail (#479) begins directly at the campground, leading over 12 miles upstream beyond Badger Lake.

• Ideal for Fishing: With Badger Creek right at its doorstep, Bonney Crossing is a favored spot for fishing enthusiasts. The creek is known to hold various fish species, providing a relaxing and rewarding activity for campers.

• Excellent Hiking and Horseback Riding: Beyond fishing, the campground is a prime base for both hiking and horseback riding. The trail network extending into the Badger Creek Wilderness caters to a range of skill levels, from leisurely day hikes along the creek to more challenging treks through the wilderness. The presence of equestrian-friendly sites and trails highlights its suitability for riders.

• Quiet and Uncrowded Atmosphere: Bonney Crossing is consistently praised for its serene and uncrowded nature. With only a limited number of sites, it offers a more secluded and intimate camping experience, appealing to those who wish to truly get away from the hustle and bustle of more populated campgrounds. This quiet environment is a significant highlight for visitors seeking peace and tranquility.

• Rustic and Primitive Charm: For campers who appreciate a more traditional, "back to basics" experience, Bonney Crossing delivers. Its primitive amenities (vault toilets, no potable water on-site, no showers) encourage self-sufficiency and a deeper connection with the natural surroundings, a desirable feature for many wilderness lovers.

• Scenic Landscape: Situated in the Mt. Hood National Forest, the campground boasts beautiful natural scenery. The transition from the dense forests of the western slopes to the drier, sage-bushy eastern side of Oregon creates a unique and captivating landscape for exploration.

Address: NF-2710, Tygh Valley, OR 97063, USA

Phone for Mt. Hood National Forest (Barlow Ranger District): (541) 467-2291

General inquiries for Mt. Hood National Forest: (503) 668-1700

Email: info@clm-services.com (operator for some Mt. Hood National Forest campgrounds)

For Oregon locals, Bonney Crossing Campground represents an authentic and accessible opportunity to truly immerse themselves in the state's remarkable wilderness. Its location within the vast Mt. Hood National Forest, particularly on the eastern side, offers a distinct natural environment that many Oregonians cherish for its drier climate and diverse landscapes compared to the more frequently visited coastal or western Cascades regions. This provides a refreshing change of pace and scenery for regular campers.

The campground's inherent suitability for locals stems from its focus on traditional outdoor activities. For those who enjoy "fishing, hiking, or horseback riding," Bonney Crossing is a direct invitation. The presence of Badger Creek, offering not just calming sounds but also tangible fishing opportunities and a place for kids to play, is a significant draw. Furthermore, its role as a direct portal to the Badger Creek Wilderness appeals strongly to Oregonians' innate love for exploration and backcountry adventures, providing access to extensive trail networks that promise days of discovery.

In an increasingly crowded world, the "quiet campground" and "unlittered" environment often cited by visitors speak volumes to locals seeking genuine tranquility. The limited number of sites contributes to a less crowded experience, fostering a stronger connection with nature and a true sense of escape. This absence of overwhelming crowds is a highly valued aspect for those who camp regularly and prefer a more serene setting. The requirement to bring your own water and the lack of cell service, while perhaps a slight inconvenience, are often embraced by Oregonians as part of the authentic wilderness experience, encouraging a much-needed digital detox and a deeper appreciation for self-sufficiency.

Moreover, the journey to Bonney Crossing, while on forest roads, adds to the sense of adventure without being prohibitively far from major Oregon communities. It allows for a relatively quick transition from urban or suburban life to a remote natural setting. This makes it an ideal spot for spontaneous weekend trips or a planned, longer retreat where locals can reconnect with the foundational elements of outdoor living. Bonney Crossing Campground isn't just a place to sleep; it's an opportunity for Oregonians to reaffirm their bond with their state's wild spaces, offering peace, adventure, and the timeless beauty of the Mt. Hood region.

Bonney Crossing Campground

Oregon 97063, USA