Fifteen Mile Campground

Tucked away in the eastern reaches of the Mount Hood National Forest, near the charming town of Dufur, Oregon, Fifteen Mile Campground offers a rustic and tranquil escape for those seeking a more intimate camping experience. Unlike larger, bustling campgrounds, Fifteen Mile is a "nice campground for car camping" that provides a refreshing sense of peace and seclusion. It’s a place where the soothing sound of the creek becomes your primary soundtrack and the night sky is often ablaze with stars. This article aims to provide local Oregonians with a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Fifteen Mile Campground, highlighting its unique features, accessibility, and why it's a hidden gem well worth discovering for your next outdoor adventure.

Fifteen Mile Campground is particularly appealing for its no-fee policy and its first-come, first-served availability, making it an excellent option for spontaneous trips into nature. Its primitive nature encourages a back-to-basics approach to camping, allowing visitors to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the surrounding forest. While it may only offer a handful of sites, the quality of these spots, especially the coveted creek-side locations, elevates the overall experience from decent to truly phenomenal. Prepare to learn more about what makes Fifteen Mile Campground a highly recommended destination for those who appreciate quietude, natural beauty, and direct access to some of Oregon's most scenic wilderness.

Fifteen Mile Campground is located off Forest Road 2730, in the general area of Dufur, OR 97021, USA. This places it within the vast and beautiful Mount Hood National Forest, specifically near the border of the Badger Creek Wilderness on the east side of the greater Mount Hood area. Its setting along Fifteen Mile Creek provides a picturesque backdrop for camping.

Accessibility to Fifteen Mile Campground is generally considered "easy to get to on the paved road," making it suitable for car camping and accessible to most vehicles. From Hood River, OR, the route typically involves taking OR Highway 35 south for about 26 miles, then turning left (east) onto Dufur Mill Road (Forest Road 44) for approximately 8 miles. From there, turn right (south) onto Forest Road 4420 and drive about 2.1 miles. Take the left fork and continue on Forest Road 2730 for 2 miles until you reach the campground. This paved access helps ensure a smoother journey compared to more remote, unpaved forest roads. The campground itself is a small gravel loop. However, despite the paved access, it is always wise for campers to check current road conditions, especially during the shoulder seasons (late spring/early fall) as snow can linger or arrive early given its elevation (around 4600 feet). The proximity to Dufur and the larger Hood River area means essential supplies are within a reasonable driving distance, balancing seclusion with practical convenience.

Fifteen Mile Campground is a primitive, free, first-come, first-served campground, meaning its services are basic but functional, focusing on providing essential elements for a rustic camping experience.

• Campsites: There are "three spots" available for camping. These are described as designated "spots with a firepit," suitable for tents or car-top tents. The limited number of sites contributes to the campground's secluded feel.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each of the three campsites is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, providing basic facilities for outdoor cooking and campfires (always check for fire bans).
• Privy (Vault Toilet): The campground has a "privy" or vault toilet, which is a key amenity for a primitive site. Reviewers have noted that it is generally "clean."
• Creek Access: The campground is "very close to a creek," Fifteen Mile Creek. One of the three campsites has "direct access to the creek," offering easy access to water (though it should be filtered/purified before drinking).
• No Potable Water: While the creek provides water, there is no source of potable drinking water at the campground. Campers must bring their own water or be prepared to filter/purify from the creek.
• No Fee: A significant service highlight is that there is "No fee" for camping at Fifteen Mile Campground, making it a very economical option for outdoor enthusiasts.
• No Reservations: The campground operates on a "First come, first served" basis, meaning no reservations are accepted. This requires flexibility but also offers spontaneity.
• No Trash Services: Campers are expected to pack out all their trash, adhering to Leave No Trace principles, as there are no trash receptacles on site.

Fifteen Mile Campground, despite its simplicity, offers several compelling features that make it a highly desirable destination for certain types of campers.

• Exceptional Seclusion and Quiet: A paramount highlight is the profound sense of quiet and peace. Reviewers noted, "Sound of the river was soothing" and that they "didn't see another person the entire time I was there" (though this might vary by season/weekday vs. weekend). Its small size and limited number of sites ensure a less crowded experience.
• Direct Creek Access: "Very close to a creek," with one of the three sites offering "direct access," allows campers to enjoy the calming sounds of flowing water and convenient access for non-potable water needs.
• Free Camping: The "No fee" aspect is a major draw, providing an affordable option for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the Mt. Hood National Forest.
• Paved Road Accessibility: The "paved road makes it accessible" for car camping, which is a notable advantage for a primitive site, allowing for easier travel compared to rougher forest roads.
• Stunning Night Sky: The secluded location and lack of light pollution mean "lots of stars" are visible at night, offering fantastic stargazing opportunities.
• Proximity to Hiking and Biking Trails: The campground is popular due to its "proximity to Fifteen Mile trail," which is favored by "hikers and bikers," as well as its location on the "border of the Badger Creek Wilderness Boundary," offering extensive outdoor exploration.
• "Five Star" Premier Campsite: One of the three campsites, particularly the one with direct creek access, is frequently highlighted as being "5 star for sure," making it highly sought after. Planning a weekday visit is recommended to secure this spot.
• Suitability for Tent/Car-Top Tents: The primitive nature of the sites is well-suited for traditional tents or car-top tents, providing a classic camping experience.

As Fifteen Mile Campground is a primitive, first-come, first-served site managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Mount Hood National Forest, there isn't a direct reservation line for the campground itself. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on conditions, seasonal openings (which are snowpack dependent, typically late May or early June), road access, and any fire restrictions, it is best to contact the relevant U.S. Forest Service Ranger District.

Address: Dufur, OR 97021, USA (This indicates the general area, not a physical office at the campground.)

Phone: (503) 668-1700 (This number often connects to the Mt. Hood National Forest Headquarters. For specific information about the Fifteen Mile area, it's best to ask to be connected to the Barlow Ranger District, which oversees this part of the forest, or to find their direct number online.)

Mobile Phone: +1 503-668-1700

Always check the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Mount Hood National Forest before planning your trip to confirm current conditions and any alerts that might affect your visit.

Fifteen Mile Campground is an exceptionally appealing choice for Oregon locals who cherish a quiet, authentic, and uncrowded camping experience without incurring a fee. For residents seeking a genuine escape into the wilderness of the Mount Hood National Forest, this small, primitive campground offers a unique opportunity to truly disconnect and rejuvenate. Its location near Dufur, accessible via a paved road, makes it a manageable drive from various parts of Oregon, particularly for those in the Hood River Valley or central Oregon, allowing for spontaneous weekend trips or longer, peaceful stays.

What truly makes Fifteen Mile Campground suitable for locals is its emphasis on simplicity and natural beauty. The soothing sound of Fifteen Mile Creek, especially from the highly coveted creekside site, creates an immediate sense of calm and privacy that is hard to find in more developed campgrounds. This natural soundscape often drowns out any lingering thoughts of daily life, replaced instead by the rustle of leaves and the gentle flow of water.

For the budget-conscious outdoor enthusiast, the "no fee" policy is a significant advantage, making quality outdoor recreation accessible to everyone. While basic amenities like a privy and fire rings are provided, the expectation to pack out all trash and bring your own water aligns perfectly with the Leave No Trace ethic often embraced by environmentally aware Oregonians. Furthermore, the campground's close proximity to the Fifteen Mile Trail and the Badger Creek Wilderness offers immediate access to extensive hiking and biking opportunities, satisfying the adventurous spirit of many local residents. Despite the potential for early summer mosquitoes, as noted by reviewers, the overall experience of quiet solitude, stargazing, and direct connection with nature makes Fifteen Mile Campground a highly recommended and frequently revisited spot for those who know and love Oregon's wild places.

To get a visual sense of the campground and its three sites, you can watch this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMLqvHq7xlE).

Fifteen Mile Campground

Dufur, OR 97021, USA