Camping often evokes images of frantic packing and unpacking as families load their vehicles with gear for a weekend getaway.
However, what if you could skip the car altogether and travel by bus, letting someone else handle the driving?
With limited space, you’d likely pack only the essentials: a tent, sleeping bag, flashlight, and perhaps a good book.
This approach to camping not only allows for a more relaxed journey but also opens up several options for outdoor adventures along the way to Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge.
**Mount Hood:**
For those seeking a more rugged experience, the Mt. Hood Express provides an ideal connection from Sandy to Timberline, allowing serious backpackers to embark on an extended trek down the Pacific Crest Trail for four to five days.
Less experienced campers, however, can still take advantage of this bus service to reach seasonal campgrounds along US 26.
Stop by the Skyway Bar and Grill for a comforting plate of mac and cheese or enjoy pizza at Al Forno before settling in for the night at Tollgate Campground in Rhododendron.
Alternatively, you can continue on the bus to Government Camp and then hike roughly a mile along the scenic Barlow Trail to Still Creek Campground.
Tent sites at both campgrounds are available for $26, which can be reserved at recreation.gov.
**Getting There:**
From the Gresham Central Blue Line MAX stop, catch a 25-minute ride with Sandy Area Metro to downtown Sandy (with a SAM fare of just $1).
From there, you can hop on one of the seven daily departures of the Mt. Hood Express, costing only $2.
**Cascade Locks:**
For those who enjoy a camping experience with dining options nearby, consider the Port of Cascade Locks Marine Park.
The Columbia Gorge Express, operated by Columbia Area Transit (CAT), travels through the picturesque waterfall corridor to Hood River, with a stop in Cascade Locks just a few blocks from the local campground.
Open-field campsites at this location are available on a first-come, first-served basis for just $10 from July 5 to the end of September, making it a perfect stop for carless travelers and Pacific Crest Trail hikers alike.
For those preferring more amenities, vehicle sites with picnic tables can be reserved for between $35 and $45 a night, year-round.
Set up your tent while enjoying breathtaking views of Thunder Island, then take a dip in the Columbia River before exploring the vibrant town on foot.
You can grab a delicious cone at Eastwind Drive-In while capturing a stunning photo of its neon sign surrounded by hills.
Support local brewers by picking up a cold one at Thunder Island Brewing Co. or Gorges Beer Co. to enjoy around the campfire later.
For a satisfying meal, Brigham Fish Market offers an array of options, including grilled seafood, chowders, and delectable po’boys.
If you’re in the mood for drinks and a casual atmosphere, stop by Ixtapa, located near the riverboat landing, where you can hang out, catch a game on TV, and sip margaritas.
If you’re up for a short hike, explore Dry Creek Falls, just over two miles away via a quick spur from the Pacific Crest Trail, and impress friends back home by sharing your experience of hiking the PCT.
**Getting There:**
The CAT bus includes seven daily departures from TriMet’s Gateway Transit Center for just $10 or you can purchase an annual Gorge Pass for $40.
**Stevenson:**
For those looking to avoid the hassle of setting up a tent, Skamania Lodge across the Columbia River in Stevenson offers glamping tents that come with heated mattresses and all the comforts of a hotel.
These luxurious tents start at approximately $300 during the summer season and offer entertainment options such as access to the lodge’s indoor pool, hot tubs, and various recreational activities.
If you choose to ride the bus to Stevenson, you can walk about a mile to reach the lodge or ask the driver for a flag stop that is even closer.
**Getting There:**
Taking Vancouver’s C-TRAN express from downtown Portland to Fishers Landing costs $3, and then you can catch the Stevenson bus run by Skamania County Transit with five weekday departures for $2 per trip or $40 for an annual Gorge Pass.
Alternatively, Portlanders can also take the CAT bus to Cascade Locks and connect to Stevenson.
**Yurt by Bus:**
If you want a middle ground between traditional camping and glamping, reserving a yurt can be the perfect solution.
You only need to bring a sleeping bag for your stay.
For a nearby option, use TriMet and Vancouver C-TRAN to travel to Ilani, then take a short 30-minute walk to Paradise Point State Park.
If you’d prefer not to carry food, the nearby Michael Jordan’s Steak House at the casino and the Paradise Market’s Gorilla Burger window offer great meal options, including cheeseburgers and fries, as well as Ruby Jewel ice cream sandwiches.
After indulging, take some time to enjoy a walk along the East Fork Lewis River for a relaxing outdoor experience.
Traveling to camping locations via bus opens up new possibilities for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without the stress of driving and extensive packing.
image source from：https://www.pdxmonthly.com/travel-and-outdoors/2025/06/transit-trip-camping-car-free
