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Best Campgrounds near Sandy, OR

2,062 Reviews

Campgrounds near Sandy, Oregon span a range of developed and primitive sites within the Mt. Hood corridor. Oxbow Regional Park provides tent and RV camping along the Sandy River, while Mt Hood Village Resort offers cabin accommodations and RV hookups in nearby Welches. These mixed-use campgrounds typically feature both wooded and riverside sites, with several options providing year-round access. The surrounding national forest land includes both established campgrounds and more remote options between the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood wilderness areas.

Most campgrounds in the region require advance reservations during the peak summer months of June through September. Winter camping remains available at select locations like Mt. Hood Village and Portland Fairview RV Park, though many sites close seasonally from November through March. The area experiences significant snowfall at higher elevations during winter, with spring bringing potential flooding along riverside campgrounds. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with many forested areas having limited connectivity. A camper noted this limitation at Oxbow Regional Park: "No cell service which is cool if that is what you're going for. River and beach are great! Campground facilities are clean and nice."

The Sandy River corridor provides popular swimming and fishing access points at several campgrounds. Campsites with river frontage tend to fill quickly, especially on summer weekends when temperatures in Portland rise. Many camping areas feature old-growth forest settings with significant shade coverage. Family-friendly amenities appear frequently in reviews, with one visitor highlighting Oxbow Regional Park's "two nature playgrounds that are pretty fantastic" including "a wooden water course with a hand pump and an elevated wooden plank course." Proximity to Portland makes these campgrounds popular for weekend trips, with several reviewers noting the area's convenience for quick getaways from the city while still providing a forest experience. RV sites with full hookups are concentrated in the larger resorts and commercial campgrounds, while tent campers have more diverse options throughout public lands.

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Best Camping Sites Near Sandy, Oregon (351)

    1. Oxbow Regional Park

    38 Reviews
    Corbett, OR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 797-1850

    $25 / night

    "Easy distance from Portland on the Sandy River. Down a steep hill (important if you're biking). Nothing that incredible, but nice enough for one night or a weekend away."

    "One of the new playgrounds, right before the boat launch, features a trail with a mud kitchen, two a-frame tents and a big area where you can use fallen logs and branches to build shelters."

    2. Milo McIver State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Estacada, OR
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 630-7150

    $8 - $78 / night

    "Just 45 minutes outside of Portland, and near the town of Estacada, is Milo McIver State Park, which I consider to be a quintessential Oregon State Park: lots of huge evergreen trees, large campsites,"

    "Estacada lake is within walking distance, and there is salmon fishing within driving distance inside of the park. There is also a "bat" barn that is close by."

    3. Mt Hood Village Resort

    49 Reviews
    Rhododendron, OR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "The main attraction of this place is the nearby recreation."

    "There is a playground onsite for those with children and plenty of bike paths and walking paths to keep you busy."

    4. Barton County Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Eagle Creek, OR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 742-4422

    $28 - $81 / night

    "Close to Portland so it gets a lot of day traffic. Access to river so it has summer activities. Sites for large get togethers."

    "The kids enjoyed the playground and biking around the loop. The river access down at the day use was lovely. All the park staff were friendly."

    5. Ainsworth State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    North Bonneville, WA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 695-2261

    $20 - $31 / night

    "All are very close to the highway so you will hear road noise and trains thundering past on the adjacent tracks."

    "Picture a hillside with a winding road surrounded by thick green trees. Ainsworth is that place. Absolutely gorgeous."

    6. Lost Lake Resort And Campground — Mt. Hood National Forest

    54 Reviews
    Rhododendron, OR
    22 miles
    +1 (541) 386-6366

    $45 - $125 / night

    "We had a walk-in site on the F Loop. The site had separate tiers for lake access, tent pads, and the eating/fire area. But the those spots to fill up quickly, so reserve well ahead of time."

    "I have kind of a love/hate thing going on for Lost Lake Campgrounds. Pros: It is beautiful. There's a reason it's one of Oregon's most photographed sites."

    7. Portland Fairview RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Fairview, OR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Most spots were pull-though with decently wide streets to drive in. Even though it's just off a semi-major street, it's set back enough and surrounded by trees to be more quiet."

    8. Promontory Park

    14 Reviews
    Estacada, OR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 630-7229

    "If you are looking for some more off the grid camping you can take the NF4610 up the hill from Promontory Park and continue till you find a good cut off near Whiskey Creek for some good camping."

    "There is also a play area for the kiddos along with walking paths along the water. One knock on the place is that the campsites are bumped up really close to each other."

    9. Beacon Rock State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    North Bonneville, WA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 427-8265

    "The climb up the rock is through a well-built trail. It can get narrow at spots and not for those who fear heights. The view at the top, however, is amazing."

    "We didn’t have any issues at the site, but noticed that spots RV4 and RV5 were relatively distanced from each other, while spots RV1-RV3 were pretty close to each other."

    10. Clackamas River RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Estacada, OR
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 630-7000

    "So this campground is quite well maintained The people are very friendly everywhere around it and the view of the great mountains are quite beautiful especially with the snow still on on top and what early"

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Recent Camping Photos near Sandy, OR

792 Photos of 351 Sandy Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Sandy, OR

2062 Reviews of 351 Sandy Campgrounds

  • Shantelle B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Ainsworth State Park Campground

    Not ADA accessible

    The site itself is great, full hookups, flat enough. But the Shower Block/toilets are completely inaccessible. No bench inside any of the showers. No grab bars. And to get dressed I had to leave the door open and put my mobility device in the walkway. Also, the paths to get there you have a choice...Steep or Steeper. Not great options when you're in the PNW and the ground is slippery.

  • Mr Bubbas A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Beautiful Spot NF 4630 by the River

    Gorgeous! Can’t ask for more…

    This spot is large, private and is easy to get to, you’re right on the creek and you can hear the it perfectly! The creek is actually the Oak Grove Fork of the Calakamas River. There’s actually a bunch of shots of this road to chose but this one was perfect for us. Minimal cell and Star Link due to being under a canopy of trees.

  • Mr Bubbas A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    White River West Sno-Park

    Great View of Mt Hood

    Large Gravel area. We’re here in mid October at 4:30 pm and no one else is here. Great views! Glad we came.

  • Jenna C.
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground

    Peaceful Escape at Champoeg State Park

    Champoeg State Park is such a peaceful and well-kept spot, perfect for both weekend campers and road-trippers. The mix of open fields, riverside views, and walking trails makes it ideal for a relaxing outdoor getaway. What I really like is how easy it is to plan your stay, even using a simple camping trip calculator or planning tool helps figure out travel time, supplies, and costs before heading out. Definitely one of Oregon’s hidden gems for nature lovers.

  • Barbara H.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Cedar Grove Recreation Site

    Great bday 2025

    Friends took me here for few nights for my bday. Clean camp ground,quiet,not very big here n ur vehicle not prkd at ur site but really enjoyed staying here. Water wz to low to fish nearby but had fun looking for rocks. Will go again next yr.

  • Vinny A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Silver Falls State Park Campground

    Silver Falls Campground

    Very nice campground. Spots have a paved driveway and all seem to be relatively level. Private free hot showers! Right next to the ten falls trail loop.

  • E
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Trillium Lake Airstrip Dispersed

    Lots of spaces

    Came on a Sunday night so had lots of spots to choose from. Good camping for a quick stop. There are warning signs about potentially closing the campground cause people keep leaving trash. So if you come please LNT!

  • Susan M.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Phoenix RV Park

    Nope

    We stayed here for 11 months. We had a problem with our fridge overheating and the compressor being noisy when the afternoon sun hit the front side. We built an insulated box to solve the problem. Painted it. It wasn't an eyesore. We didn't have more than 5 personal items in our lot. Manager made us take it down. Said there would be a spot in September that she could move us to. Was unwilling to switch around someone who wasn't coming in for 2 months. When September hit, nothing happened. She never did move us. But she did move her RV to the prime spot, facing the way that we needed, up front when it came open. Lots of spots with so much junk under their RVs. We had a whitewater raft under ours and were told that we couldn't have it under there. Instead of paying a ridiculous price for a storage unit, we sold it. We already had one in the RV. Head management was coming through in a couple of weeks and she had to make the place look like she actually enforced the rules? Their sprinkler system quit working. The maintenance person put the sprinkler on the grass on the side of us. My window was wide open. Soaked my couch, left a water stain all across the blinds(RV was 9 months old) and the water stained a handmade quilt on the back of my couch. When I called the office the manager told me to stop yelling at her. I guess a loud voice was yelling? The guy said he didn't see that my window was open, yet I saw it was as I drove up. The manager also charged my debit card for our last couple of days/electricity without my permission. When I called to confront her about it, she hung up on me. I had to call my bank to get my card cancelled but the charge went through. Even though she sent me an email saying I was refunded. I am now trying to deal with the head office about her. Rent also going up to$830 a month. For a parking spot and water. No internet. Lots of sirens. Heard gunfire a lot. Not a great part of town. Lots of homeless people, garbage because it's near the can redemption center.

  • Emille R.
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Oxbow Regional Park

    Most Beautifil Place Oxbow Regional Park

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    Recently i visit this place such a great experience, Nestled along the wild and scenic Sandy River, Oxbow Regional Park is a natural sanctuary offering a classic Pacific Northwest escape. The park's 1,200 acres of ancient forest are crisscrossed with hiking trails and provide habitat for elk, deer, and osprey. Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, and rafting in the river, or reserve one of its rustic campsites for a truly immersive experience in nature, all just a short drive from the Portland metropolitan area.

Guide to Sandy

Camping near Sandy, Oregon, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails around Champoeg State Heritage Area. "There are a lot of good trails for hiking and biking with the dogs," noted one visitor. The area is perfect for a day trip to the Columbia River Gorge, too.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Lost Lake Resort and Campground — Mt. Hood National Forest, you can enjoy fishing or rent a boat. A camper shared, "The lake is fun for fishing and renting a little boat or canoe to get onto the water."
  • Frisbee Golf and Outdoor Games: Champoeg State Heritage Area also has frisbee golf and other outdoor activities. One reviewer mentioned, "There’s also stuff for frisbee golf and some other outdoor activities."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the sites. One visitor at Milo McIver State Park Campground said, "The actual park/forest/river are amazing. Just be prepared for it to be noisy while you try to enjoy it."
  • Privacy Between Sites: Many campers enjoy the spaciousness of sites. A reviewer at Trillium Lake noted, "Big sites with good amount of privacy."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Campers love the chance to see wildlife. One camper at Oxbow Regional Park mentioned, "The camp ground is in the middle of the forest... deer come close and are fun to watch."

What you should know

  • Train Noise: If you stay at Cascade Locks KOA, be prepared for train noise. A camper said, "The train was very loud (especially at night)."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lost Lake Resort and Campground, have limited services. One visitor noted, "The only positive aspect of our trip was the stunning view of the lake and Mt. Hood."
  • Busy During Peak Season: Campgrounds can get crowded, especially in summer. A reviewer at Trillium Lake mentioned, "Over the years, it has become too busy and lots of loud campers partying."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places like Milo McIver State Park Campground that offer trails and wildlife viewing. One family shared, "There’s a wildlife viewing area close by. We saw so many elk, water birds, and at least 5 bald eagles."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Many campgrounds have quiet hours. A visitor at Oxbow Regional Park appreciated the "quiet hours to enjoy the peace and quiet of outside."
  • Pack for All Weather: Be ready for changing weather conditions. A camper at Clear Lake Campground mentioned, "The lake water was very clear and several families were paddle boarding."

Tips from RVers

  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Mt Hood Village Resort offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. One RVer said, "The property overall was really nice, lots of amenities."
  • Check for Wi-Fi Availability: Some campgrounds have limited Wi-Fi. A visitor at Cascade Locks KOA noted, "The only downside was the train which is really out of the park’s control."
  • Plan for Space: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The lake is small but awesome."

Camping near Sandy, Oregon, has something for everyone. Whether you're in an RV or tent, you'll find a spot that suits your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Sandy, Oregon?

The Mt. Hood area near Sandy offers exceptional camping options. Lost Lake Resort And Campground provides beautiful lakeside sites with views of Mt. Hood, offering tent pads and amenities like pay showers at the lodge. Reserve well ahead as prime spots fill quickly. Trillium Lake is another excellent choice with spacious sites nestled in old-growth forest, running water, and stunning views of Mt. Hood across the lake. For those seeking variety, Mt. Hood National Forest features numerous campgrounds within a short drive from Sandy, each offering unique experiences from riverside relaxation to mountain views. Most campgrounds in the area are open from late spring through early fall, with peak season being July and August.

Can you camp along the Sandy River in Oregon?

Yes, camping is available along the Sandy River in Oregon at several designated campgrounds. Green Canyon is a popular choice with sites right along the riverside, allowing campers to fall asleep to the sound of flowing water. This campground is easily accessible from Portland but fills quickly on weekends. McNeil Campground also offers camping near the Sandy River with views of Mt. Hood at the entrance. The campground features an open feel with good site availability and access to nearby trails. Both campgrounds are typically open during the warmer months. Remember that dispersed camping directly on riverbanks is generally not permitted to protect these sensitive riparian areas.

What amenities do Sandy, Oregon campgrounds offer?

Campgrounds near Sandy, Oregon offer a range of amenities to suit different camping preferences. Oxbow Regional Park provides drive-in access with reservable sites, potable water, and toilets, making it comfortable for families and RVers. Mt Hood Village Resort offers more extensive amenities with both drive-in and walk-in access, full hookups for RVs, bathhouses with hot showers, and on-site conveniences like a store and laundry facilities. Throughout the Sandy area, most established campgrounds provide at minimum vault toilets and picnic tables, while some feature fire rings, potable water, garbage service, and shower facilities. For RV campers, several parks offer electric hookups, dump stations, and big-rig-friendly spaces, though amenities vary by location and season.

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