Camping Spots, Cheap Camping (FREE) in National Forest Sno-Parks

Snow Parks or Sno-Parks as they are known in National Forests are a wonderful recreational resource which is often overlooked by campers and hikers in summer months. This website is a guide to these summer time camping spots.

Sno-parks are ideal camping locations for RV users. All sno-parks have large parking areas where RVers can spread out, make themselves comfortable and use their RVs as a home base.

Tent campers have the same luxury of a base camp setup, but not all sno-parks have designated tent sites. This should not discourage avid tent campers as camping is permitted throughout the National Forests. Simply find a suitable tent site and make camp. Please follow all regulations pertaining to camping spots and fire use.

Cheap Camping in National Forest Sno-Parks

Most Snow-Park use is FREE in summer months but do require Snow-Park permits in winter months. There are exceptions. Times and fees vary and change so are not included at this website. Fees are minimal and so are the services so if you PACK IT IN - PACK IT OUT! This will keep the area clean and the fees to a minimum.

Some Sno-Parks have a small town family park atmosphere suitable for family or group gatherings including permanent structures called warming huts. Many warming huts include picnic tables and chairs. Some warming huts have facilities for electricity if you supply your own portable generator. With a wood burning stove and ample parking, these Sno-Parks are perfect camping spots for large group get-togethers. Many warming huts were built by local snowmobile cubs and donated to the public in memory of fellow snowmobilers.

Great Camping Locations and Trail Access

In summer months the snowmobile trails can be used by hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and ATVs. Please check local regulations before you ride to be sure your activity is permitted at that time and location. Regulations change frequently throughout the year based on weather and fire conditions.

Snowmobile trail maps are great for summertime trail users. Many trail maps can be found on line or you can call the local ranger district to obtain one. In winter a limited number of snowmobile trail maps are available at the Sno-Parks. Some local snowmobile clubs and businesses have their own maps. Contact them for more information.

Snowmobile trails in California, Oregon and Washington can be used by hikers, mountain bikes, horseback riders, and ATVs.

Selecting the right GPS for you; from road directions to hiking trails. GPS basics for FREE!

Although water sports such as fishing, swimming, boating and water skiing are not generally found in free camping locations; facilities may be found nearby. Sno-parks.com has noted any water activities that may be found in the vicinity.

National Forest contact information for each District in California, Oregon and Washington can be found using the [Contact Info] link found on each National Forest heading on the Sno-Parks index page.

Rated Sno-Parks are distinguished by a link on the listings page. This link will take you to a detail page with photos, GPS co-ordinance, and more detailed information about the Sno-Park.

Some rated Sno-parks have a 1 minute YouTube video showing the parking areas and other facilities. Look for these links under the featured photo of the Sno-park. For a complete listing of our videos visit our blog sno-parks.blogspot.com.

To be included in Sno-Parks.com a park must be a “true” US National Forest Sno-Park, located in the National Forests in California, Oregon and Washington and permits overnight camping.

Not found in Sno-Parks.com are:

Campgrounds that have snowmobile staging areas.
Roadside snowmobile staging areas.
Trailhead parking lots with staging areas. (Camping is not permitted at trailheads)
Snow Play areas.
Sno-Parks without road access.

This website explores the summertime use of these Sno-Parks and references to snowmobiles and other winter activities are frequent for obvious reasons. I hope the information collected here will be of help to all visitors using the Sno-Parks for any reason.

Note to Winter Sports Enthusiasts.

Although Sno-Parks.com focuses on summertime camping spots; the data available here is very useful to winter sports enthusiasts. Now snowmobilers, cross country skiers, snowshoe hikers and dogsledders can pre-plan their outdoor activities using our Sno-Park guide.

Ranger District contact information for each National Forest in California, Oregon and Washington is just a click away. Before leaving home; check with the local ranger station for road conditions and snowmobile trail conditions.

Each National Forest and Ranger District is responsible for the content of their website so no two websites are alike. Some of these USFS “Contact Us” web pages contain snowmobile trail conditions, grooming reports and printable snowmobile trail maps. Check the USFS website associated with your Sno-Park to learn more.

If known; the local snowmobile cubs are listed. Many or the snowmobile cubs have websites with additional information and/or their contact information. Many of the warming huts found throughout the National Forests were built by snowmobile clubs. Their knowledge of the area and current winter sports events may be of interest. Many local snowmobile cubs have their own trail maps of the area.

Non-motorized winter sport enthusiasts are also welcome at Sno-Parks. When X-C (cross country skiing), snowshoeing or dog sledding is specified on our site; the USFS has set aside trails and areas for just that purpose. No motorized vehicles are allowed. However non-motorized winter sports are permitted throughout the National Forests.

One Last Reminder: Sno-Park parking permits are required to park in Sno-Parks. Parking permits are NOT sold at the parks and must be purchased in advance. Sno-Park parking permits can be purchased at most (not all) USFS offices and some local retailers. Check with the local Ranger District, on line or by phone, for the nearest parking permit retailer.

Tread Lightly and Respect Your Surroundings so future generations can enjoy these overlooked wilderness camping locations.

Guide to USFS Sno-Parks

National Forest Camping Spots

Cheap Camping in National Forest Sno-Parks

Great Camping Locations and Trail Access