Mt. Hood Vacation Rentals · Oregon
Government Camp
Perched at 3,600 feet on the south slope of Mount Hood, Government Camp is Oregon's quintessential mountain village — a tight-knit, spirited community where the ski culture runs deep and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. In winter, it serves as the hub for skiing and snowboarding at Timberline, Mt. Hood Meadows, and Ski Bowl; in summer, the same slopes and surrounding forests transform into a hiker's paradise, with the iconic Timberline Lodge — a National Historic Landmark — as a stunning backdrop for it all. Compact, charming, and refreshingly unpretentious, Government Camp is the beating heart of the Mount Hood experience.
Stay in Government Camp
Good to know.
Do we need chains or 4-wheel drive?
Between November and March, plan on it. Snow chains, or 4-wheel drive with proper snow tires, are regularly required to reach Government Camp and go higher--Avoid showing up on the Govy 500. Oregon authorities do issue fines for driving without the required equipment, and getting stuck up here means calling for help you'll pay for. If you'd rather not drive it, the Mt. Hood Express and Hoodland Shuttle run from Portland up to Government Camp and on to Timberline.
Where do we park?
This one catches people out. Parking in the village is first-come, first-served with limited spaces , and street parking often requires a Sno-Park permit in winter. A second vehicle may need to go on the road. Check your listing before you plan a two-car ski weekend, and buy the permit before you drive up — they're sold at DMV offices and outdoor retailers, not at the roadside.
Some homes mention an HOA pool and rec room — are those guaranteed?
No, and we'd rather say so plainly. In our Thunderhead Lodge building the pool, rec room, laundry and common areas are managed by the HOA, not by us. They occasionally close sections for maintenance and don't always tell us in advance. Your rental is the unit itself; shared amenities are a bonus when they're open and we can't refund against them.
Can I bring my dog?
At some of our Government Camp homes, yes — but most of them are no-pets . Thunderhead Lodge HOA does not allow pets. Check the individual listing, and note that unauthorized pets carry a $500 charge. We're dog-friendly, not pet-friendly: no cats anywhere in our portfolio. Plenty of our Welches and Rhododendron cabins do take dogs.
Is there anything to do in summer?
Plenty, and it's the quieter half of the year. Skibowl runs an adventure park through summer. The Mirror Lake trailhead is right on the highway, Trillium Lake is fifteen minutes away with the postcard reflection of the mountain, and Timberline stays open for hiking and summer skiing on the glacier. Government Camp itself is far calmer than in ski season, and rates reflect it.
How's the cell service and wifi?
Variable at 4,000 feet. Most homes have wifi you can make calls over, but coverage moves with your carrier and the weather. Turn on wifi calling before you drive up.
We're a big group — what fits?
Government Camp is good for it. Our largest chalet here sleeps twenty, with several homes in the 8–16 range, which suits ski weekends and family reunions. Occupancy is total people on the property, not just overnight guests , and parking is the real constraint rather than beds — a sixteen-person booking with eight cars won't work. Tell us the group and the vehicles and we'll be straight about what fits.
Guest experiences
From our guests.
4.7 out of 5From 206 reviews of these homes
AirbnbWe love everything about the place. The location is great. The house is beautiful with lots of bathrooms. Everything is also very clean and organized.
VrboLovely, rustic cabin located in an excellent location in Govt Village. Our kids loved the upstairs area and we loved that it was on the other end of the cabin so we could sit and quietly read in the other end. The heritage cabin's age can show in some places, but it was, for me, part of the charm of the place.
Booked directGreat getaway! Positives: Well located, perfectly equipped for a family, comfortable beds and hot water! Close to the mountain and Trillium Lake. Negatives: N/A. It was perfect - a later checkout would be great for the price.
AirbnbBeautiful and peaceful place to stay. Local restaurants were within walking distance and the town was soo cute! We drove to Timberline only 3 miles away. Breathtaking views. Really had a great time!
VrboThis property was clean and comfortable; it contained everything we needed and was just a one minute walk to the Loop.No issues, no problems, in and out. Just the way we like it.I will recommend this property and service to all.Thanks!Scott
Booked directOur stay at Holzhütte with Cascadia was great and they were very lenient with check in times, there was a problem with Wi-Fi but we got it sorted with prompt and speedy responses! Easily recommend if you want somewhere quiet up on the mountain!
AirbnbPerfect stay. And owners were super responsive and kept us informed. Would happily return!
VrboI made a mistake when I booked on the days for the stay. Very easy to work with to correct it
Booked directI made a mistake when I booked on the days for the stay. Very easy to work with to correct it.
AirbnbGreat place, super close to Timber Line Lodge and can walk to locations in Government Camp!
