Government Camp, OR, Website

Government Camp, Oregon. : In 1849, the Oregon Militia, part of the US Army and the first official US military presence in Oregon, used the Government Camp Road to get to Fort Vancouver. The Militia was caught in a storm crossing Mount Hood and several wagons had to be abandoned here.

Emigrants crossing the Government Camp Road the following season camped at this site, naming it Government Camp for the government wagons they found here.

Government Camp is the gateway to several nearby Oregon Trail sites and short hiking trails. An enclosed kiosk includes exhibits on the Oregon Trail and Government Camp Road. Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) markers honoring Sam and Susannah Government Camp stand nearby.

Government Camp is part of the Portland-Vancouver, Oregon-WA metro area.