Bonney Meadow Campground

For Oregonians who truly seek to escape the hustle and bustle and embrace a more rugged, authentic camping experience, Bonney Meadow Campground offers a pristine retreat within the majestic Mt. Hood National Forest. Located near Maupin, this small and quiet campground is a hidden gem for those prepared for a bit of an adventure to reach it. It’s a place where the sounds of nature prevail, and the starry night sky offers an uninterrupted spectacle. If you’re equipped for off-grid living and eager to explore challenging trails leading to stunning natural features like Boulder Lake, Bonney Meadow is an ideal destination for a truly immersive Oregon wilderness experience.

Bonney Meadow Campground is a primitive, first-come, first-served campground managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Mt. Hood National Forest. It's known for its small size, typically featuring 6 to 8 sites, and its secluded, peaceful atmosphere. Unlike many developed campgrounds, Bonney Meadow is designed for those who appreciate a more rustic approach to camping, with no electricity or potable water available on-site. Visitors frequently highlight the "beautiful campground" setting and its quietude, making it "perfect for people who really want to get away from people."

The reviews consistently mention the challenging access road, emphasizing the necessity of an "SUV or truck" or a "high clearance or four-wheel drive" vehicle, as the road can be "pretty rough" and "sketchy." Despite the difficult access, the reward is a tranquil environment often described as "usually empty," offering a sense of solitude. The campground is adjacent to beautiful meadows and trails, including the Bonney Meadows Trail #471, popular with hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Its proximity to significant hiking destinations like Boulder Lake, with its "nice walk by meadows, through woods, and rock fields," adds to its appeal for active outdoor enthusiasts. While basic, the presence of an "outhouse" (vault toilet) that is "maintained and full of TP and appears clean" is a notable convenience for a campground of this nature. Bonney Meadow embodies the spirit of a true wilderness getaway, providing a genuine escape into the heart of Oregon's natural beauty.

Bonney Meadow Campground is situated within the expansive Mt. Hood National Forest, with its official address listed as Maupin, OR 97037, USA. However, pinpointing its exact location and understanding its accessibility requires more detail than a standard street address. It is located on a high ridge near a lush meadow, adjacent to the Badger Creek Wilderness.

Access to Bonney Meadow is known to be challenging and requires careful planning. Reviewers consistently note that the road to the campground is "pretty rough," "crazy," and "sometimes sketchy," necessitating a "high clearance" vehicle, such as an SUV or truck, or even a four-wheel drive. The journey typically involves navigating a series of unpaved and unimproved forest roads (e.g., Forest Road 4891). For instance, directions from Tygh Valley or Sandy involve a multi-mile drive on paved roads that transition to gravel or dirt forest roads, which can be narrow, rocky, and filled with potholes.

Due to the remote nature and road conditions, cell service is likely to be nonexistent or extremely unreliable in the vicinity of Bonney Meadow. This means Oregonians planning a trip must download maps, directions, and any necessary information beforehand. Despite the challenging journey, the remote location is precisely what appeals to many, ensuring a quiet, uncrowded experience far from mainstream tourist routes. This level of accessibility means it's best suited for experienced campers who are comfortable driving on rugged terrain and are prepared for a self-sufficient wilderness adventure.

Bonney Meadow Campground offers a minimalist set of services, focusing on providing a natural and undisturbed camping experience. As a primitive, off-grid site, visitors should arrive fully prepared to be self-sufficient. The services typically available include:

• Campsites: Approximately 6 to 8 individual campsites are available. These are unpowered and designed for tents, with some possibly accommodating small RVs (maximum vehicle length of 16 ft is sometimes noted for similar BLM campgrounds, so check for current restrictions).

• Picnic Tables: Each campsite generally includes a picnic table, providing a designated surface for meal preparation and dining.

• Fire Rings: Individual campsites are equipped with metal fire rings with grills, allowing for campfires (contingent on current fire restrictions) and outdoor cooking.

• Vault Toilet: The campground has at least one vault toilet (outhouse). Reviews suggest it is maintained and generally clean, though a strong odor can be present, which is common for such facilities.

• No Potable Water: It is crucial to note that there is NO potable drinking water available at Bonney Meadow Campground. Campers must bring all their water for drinking, cooking, and washing, or be prepared to filter/treat water from natural sources if available nearby.

• No Electricity/Hookups: There are no electrical hookups or other utility services at the campsites, reinforcing the primitive nature of the experience.

• No Reservations: The campground typically operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning sites cannot be reserved in advance. This can require an early arrival, especially during peak seasons, if you want to secure a spot.

Bonney Meadow Campground, despite its limited services, offers compelling features and highlights that draw a specific type of outdoor enthusiast:

• Secluded and Quiet Atmosphere: Its remote location and challenging access typically mean fewer crowds, fostering a truly peaceful and quiet environment. Reviewers consistently praise its emptiness and tranquility, making it "perfect for people who really want to get away from people."

• Access to Boulder Lake Trail: A significant highlight is the direct access to the trail leading down to Boulder Lake. This challenging hike involves an approximate 800-foot elevation drop but rewards hikers with stunning views of the lake, meadows, woods, and rock fields. Boulder Lake itself is a beautiful spot for day use, and other nearby hikes exist around Bonney Lake.

• Scenic Meadow Setting: The campground is adjacent to beautiful alpine meadows, providing picturesque views and opportunities for leisurely strolls right from your campsite. Bonney Creek flows through the meadow, and springs can be found at the upper end.

• Wildlife Viewing: The Bonney Meadow area is known for abundant wildlife, including views of Mt. Hood. It's also recognized as one of Oregon's highest concentrations of migratory raptors, with Bonney Butte being the annual site for Oregon's HawkWatch in September and October, offering unique birdwatching opportunities.

• Backcountry Horse Camping: The campground is sometimes noted for having corrals, making it suitable for those who enjoy horseback riding and wish to camp with their horses, with adjacent single-track trails for riding.

• Stargazing Opportunities: With minimal light pollution due to its remote location, Bonney Meadow offers exceptional conditions for stargazing on clear nights.

• Rustic, Off-Grid Experience: For campers who prioritize disconnecting and embracing a simpler, self-reliant outdoor adventure, the lack of modern amenities is a feature, not a drawback, enhancing the wilderness immersion.

For those considering a trip to Bonney Meadow Campground, here is the essential contact information, along with important details regarding its management:

Address: Maupin, OR 97037, USA. (As noted, this is a general location. Navigation relies more on forest road numbers and GPS coordinates. It is located within the Mt. Hood National Forest.)

Phone: (503) 668-1700 or +1 503-668-1700. This phone number is typically for the Mt. Hood National Forest Headquarters in Sandy, OR (Clackamas River Ranger District), which is the managing authority for campgrounds like Bonney Meadow.

For specific information regarding Bonney Meadow Campground, it would be best to try contacting the Barlow Ranger District office, as they might have more localized details on road conditions, seasonal closures, or specific regulations:

Barlow Ranger District Phone: (541) 467-2291.

It is highly recommended to call one of these ranger district offices before your trip. This is especially crucial for Bonney Meadow due to:

• Road Conditions: Inquire about the current state of the access roads (e.g., Forest Road 4891). These unimproved roads can be rough and may be impassable to certain vehicles, or even closed entirely due to weather, maintenance, or landslides.

• Seasonal Closures: Confirm the operating season. Forest Service campgrounds are often closed in winter due to snow.

• Water Availability: Verify if the well providing potable water is operational. If not, plan to bring all your water.

• Fire Restrictions: Always check for current fire bans, as campfires may be prohibited during dry periods.

• First-Come, First-Served: As there are no reservations, contact the ranger district for an idea of typical occupancy, though this is never a guarantee.

Having up-to-date information directly from the Forest Service will ensure a safer and more enjoyable visit to this remote campground.

Bonney Meadow Campground is exceptionally well-suited for Oregon locals who are seasoned campers and genuinely crave an escape into the untouched wilderness. For those of us in Oregon, the allure of the backcountry is strong, and Bonney Meadow delivers that experience without having to travel across state lines. Its challenging access road, which often requires a "high clearance vehicle or truck," acts as a natural filter, ensuring that the campground remains "usually empty" and truly peaceful, free from the crowds that can sometimes diminish the wilderness experience at more accessible sites. This level of solitude is a major draw for locals seeking a genuine digital detox and a deep connection with nature.

The primitive nature of the campground, with only vault toilets and no potable water, encourages self-sufficiency and a deeper appreciation for the simple comforts of outdoor living. This aligns perfectly with the ethos of many Oregonians who are comfortable with "leave no trace" principles and being prepared for all conditions. Beyond the camp itself, the direct access to challenging yet rewarding trails like the one leading to Boulder Lake, combined with opportunities for horseback riding and unique wildlife viewing (like the fall raptor migration at Bonney Butte), provides diverse recreational opportunities that cater to the active Oregonian. Bonney Meadow offers a raw, authentic, and truly quiet camping experience, allowing locals to tap into the rugged beauty of their own state's forest lands, creating lasting memories of serene nights under a canopy of stars and invigorating days exploring the high country. It's the perfect spot for those who believe the journey, no matter how rough, is as much a part of the adventure as the destination itself.

Bonney Meadow Campground

Maupin, OR 97037, USA