Anglers and creek enthusiasts will find direct water access at Mount Hood National Forest Tollgate Campground, where the Sandy River flows just steps from many sites. This 40-site Forest Service campground operates from May through October along Highway 26, accommodating RVs up to 40 feet with full amenities including drinking water, restrooms, and firewood sales.
The campground sits close enough to the highway that traffic noise is audible, though several campers report the river sounds mask road noise effectively. Sites vary in size and river proximity, with some positioned directly along the water's edge. A short path with a steep drop leads down to the Sandy River for fishing access, though the bank requires careful navigation. Kim D. notes the location is "super close to the road, but thankfully all you can hear is the river."
The forested setting provides shade and site separation, with deep fire pits for evening campfires. Standard Forest Service amenities include picnic tables, vault toilets, and trash service. Reservations are available for advance planning, and pets are welcome throughout the campground.
For a different experience, Mount Hood National Forest Camp Creek Campground offers a more secluded alternative just minutes away.
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
The campground offers single-family sites for tent and RV camping. Parking surfaces are dirt and gravel and sometimes uneven. Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. An adjacent picnic shelter can be reserved for day use and can accommodate up to 30 people and 10 vehicles. It is equipped with multiple tables and pedestal grills.
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundMount Hood National Forest Tollgate Campground is located in Oregon
Directions
From Portland, travel southeast on Highway 26 for about 32 miles.
Address
MT. HOOD
OR
Coordinates
45.322123 N
121.905572 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/25/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 4/25/26- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/25/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/25/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 4/25/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/25/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
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
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 52 min from Portland, OR
- 1 hr 28 min from Salem, OR
- 1 hr 31 min from Longview, WA
- 1 hr 47 min from Albany, OR
