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Established Camping

Mount Hood National Forest Tollgate Campground

Mount Hood National Forest Tollgate Campground, near Mt. Hood, Oregon, is a cozy spot that welcomes both tent campers and RV enthusiasts. With its serene setting alongside a rushing creek, it’s perfect for those who want to unwind and soak in nature.

The campground offers a laid-back vibe, with sites that are nicely spaced out, allowing for some privacy while still being part of a community. Campers have mentioned the calming sounds of the creek, which can lull you to sleep at night, and the beautiful views that surround the area. One visitor noted, “Our site was quite large,” making it a great choice for families or groups.

While there are no electric hookups or showers, the essentials are covered with drinking water and toilets available. Campfires are allowed, so you can roast marshmallows and share stories under the stars. Some campers appreciated the proximity to the highway, stating that “all you can hear is the river,” which keeps the ambiance peaceful.

For those looking to explore, the campground is conveniently located near various hiking trails and outdoor activities in the Mt. Hood National Forest. Whether you’re planning a quick overnight trip or a longer stay, this campground offers a welcoming atmosphere and a chance to connect with nature.

Description

Overview

Tollgate Campground is one of the most convenient to Portland, making it a great headquarters for exploring the Mt. Hood area. It stands in the southwestern shadow of Oregon's highest point, Mt. Hood. The campground provides access to a variety of trails, as well as historic sites, including spots along the famed Oregon Trail.

Recreation

A variety of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails are available in the area. The nearly 10-mile Pioneer Bridle Trail passes through the campground. A replica of the original Barlow Road tollgate is just east of the campground. The gate was used by travelers along the Oregon Trail from 1879 to 1919. A day-use picnic area at the campground, providing access to the scenic surroundings, as well as the nearby river and Camp Creek. Anglers enjoy the sport of catch-and-release fishing for small trout and whitefish.

Facilities

A variety of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails are available in the area. The nearly 10-mile Pioneer Bridle Trail passes through the campground. A replica of the original Barlow Road tollgate is just east of the campground. The gate was used by travelers along the Oregon Trail from 1879 to 1919. A day-use picnic area at the campground, providing access to the scenic surroundings, as well as the nearby river and Camp Creek. Anglers enjoy the sport of catch-and-release fishing for small trout and whitefish.

Natural Features

The campground is located in the Mt. Hood National Forest, approximately 32 miles southeast of Portland, at an elevation of about 2,100 feet. The campground sits on the north bank of the Zigzag River, just east of the community of Rhododendron, in a humid, semi-subtropic environment of Douglas fir and cedar trees. Tollgate Campground was originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and some historic features, such as rock fireplaces and a reconstructed picnic shelter still remain.

Nearby Attractions

The campground is 2.5 miles from the town of Zigzag, which offers a variety of services, including lodging, eateries and a variety of shops.

contact_info

For facility specific information, please call (503) 622-3191.

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Location

Mount Hood National Forest Tollgate Campground is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Zigzag, OR, take US Rt. 26 east 2.3 miles to campground on right. From Sandy, OR - Travel southeast on Highway 26 approximately 25 miles to the campground, which will be on the right hand side of the road..

Coordinates

45.32216838 N
121.905467 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 7, 2022

Not terrible

Stayed during the week, so it was pretty quiet. The River was sort of accessible- about a 6 "cliff" with a path down to the river. I thought the river had a bad smell (just really fishy) but you couldn't smell it at the site. The views from the sites are really nice and the water is really calming, but it is right off the freeway.

Site05
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Mount Hood National Forest Tollgate Campground by Maddie L., October 7, 2022
Reviewed Jun. 30, 2022

Summer camping

Very nice. Camp spots are well distanced from each other, camp hosts we're very nice. Beautiful scenery.

Site#10
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Apr. 23, 2022

Great spot for quick overnight trip

Right off the highway so my son and I drove up last minute to cook some steaks over an open fire and sip some beers!

Site72 west fork
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Mount Hood National Forest Tollgate Campground by Jason  B., April 23, 2022
  • Review photo of Mount Hood National Forest Tollgate Campground by Jason  B., April 23, 2022
  • Review photo of Mount Hood National Forest Tollgate Campground by Jason  B., April 23, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 3, 2021

Creek White Noise

Cozy little campground right next to a rushing creek you get to listen to all night! Deep fire pits. Well maintained.

Site13
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Mount Hood National Forest Tollgate Campground by Bethany R., May 3, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 18, 2020

Quiet campground, huge site

Lovely, clean campground in a beautiful setting. We loved that our site was right along the river as it lulled us to sleep at night! Our site was quite large.

  • Review photo of Mount Hood National Forest Tollgate Campground by Denise  D., August 18, 2020
  • Review photo of Mount Hood National Forest Tollgate Campground by Denise  D., August 18, 2020
  • Review photo of Mount Hood National Forest Tollgate Campground by Denise  D., August 18, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2020

Great!

Loved our stay at Tollgate. Super close to the road, but thankfully all you can hear is the river.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Mount Hood National Forest Tollgate Campground?

    Mount Hood National Forest Tollgate Campground is located at 1720 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Mount Hood National Forest Tollgate Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Mount Hood National Forest Tollgate Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Mount Hood National Forest Tollgate Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Mount Hood National Forest Tollgate Campground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Mount Hood National Forest Tollgate Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is available.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Mount Hood National Forest Tollgate Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Mount Hood National Forest Tollgate Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Mount Hood National Forest Tollgate Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Mount Hood National Forest Tollgate Campground?

    There are 14 campsites at Mount Hood National Forest Tollgate Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts