Last minute camping spots near Portland

[Kubelwagen]

Hey all -

Any advice for last minute week-end camping spots within a couple hours of Portland? Bathrooms of some sort would be nice, but not vital. Don't want to end up *too* for off the road as I don't have complete faith in the rig just yet.

Thanks,

Michael

[hambone]

Do you have any national forest maps? Anywhere on forest service land is open to camping. Find a road that crosses a creek and chances are there's a fire ring nearby. A trailhead increases your chances. But you know what? There aren't too many terrible spots out there!
A map is key though. Get to know the basic lay of the land and then you start to see the good spots. Usually a bit off the highway with cool stuff nearby.
I like to pick a direction I haven't been, then just go there and see what happens. Never boring!
I'm involved with www.trailadvocate.org they have a trail index with directions. Gives you something to do while camping - a hike or a lake or river nearby. There's also a lot going on around Mt. Hood. Here's the NF website, a good place to start:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood/recreation/
Hood River Valley is nice, Oregon 35 south past the east side of Mt. Hood. Lots of roads go off once you get up high on the mountain with nice little campspots, some right on the river.
You don't need a toilet. It's supposed to rot in a hole.
Hey do you have kids?

[Kubelwagen]

Yep, 10 and 2. Not too worried about "facilities".

Thanks, I'll look at those sites - been reading old posts too. (Which I should have done first, I suppose).

M

[Robert]

hwy 26 toward Sea Side
Spruce Run Park in Elsie, turn just before Onies.
County park right on the Nehalim river.
Clean Resting rooms, water if you wan to pump your own.
$10 per night
30 sum camp sites
Spent last Sunday night there. Very nice place.
Bob

[hambone]

South Fork Mountain this weekend!