Alder Springs Campground

A tiny, tent-only campground tucked into the trees along the historic McKenzie Pass Highway — no RVs, no drinking water, just a quiet first-come, first-served spot across the road from the Linton Lake trailhead.

•Primitive, tent-only campground — first-come, first-served, no potable water, no RVs or trailers.

Camping here

confirm site count locally

SitesA handful of small, closely-spaced tent sites (exact count not published by the Forest Service)

Site typeTent camping only — RVs and group camping are not permitted

WaterNo potable water — bring your own

RestroomsVault toilet

Fees$10/night single site · extra vehicle around $5–6/night · day-use $5

More detail

Getting there & parking+

From McKenzie Bridge, travel 3 miles east on Highway 126 to Highway 242 (the historic McKenzie Pass Highway), then continue about 9 miles east. Access depends on Highway 242’s seasonal closure — it typically closes for winter and reopens in early summer. A general 35-foot vehicle-length limit applies to the access road, on top of the tent-only camping rule.

Facilities & accessibility+

Vault toilet
Picnic tables
No potable water on-site
No hookups

Reservations & fees+

First-come, first-served only — there’s no advance reservation option here. Pay on-site via the Recreation.gov Scan-and-Pay app or the fee tube. Senior and Access Pass holders get 50% off the site fee.

Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., max stay is 14 days in a 60-day window, and chainsaws are prohibited. Dogs need a leash no longer than 6 feet, or must be under direct physical control.

Nearby attractions+

The Linton Lake Trailhead, a gateway into the Three Sisters Wilderness, sits directly across the highway — a natural pairing for a hiking-focused overnight.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions +

Do I need a reservation to camp at Alder Springs?
No — all sites are first-come, first-served. Show up, pick a site, and pay via the Recreation.gov Scan-and-Pay app or the on-site fee tube.

Can I bring my RV or trailer?
No — Alder Springs is tent camping only; RV and group camping aren’t permitted here.

Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on a leash no longer than 6 feet, or under direct physical control.

Is there drinking water on-site?
No — there’s no potable water at Alder Springs, so bring what you’ll need.

When is the campground open?
Typically June through October, and access depends on the seasonal opening of Highway 242 (McKenzie Pass Highway), which usually closes for winter.