Located about 31 miles east of Portland, Sandy sits at the gateway to Mt. Hood, where forest elevation ranges from 1,000 to 4,000 feet. The surrounding area features dense Douglas fir forests with numerous rivers and creeks. Summer temperatures average 75°F with cool nights dropping to 50°F, creating ideal conditions for outdoor exploration.
What to do
Trail exploration near creeks: At Camp Creek Campground, visitors can access multiple hiking options. "It has nice trails. A great place to take your family or dogs," notes Chelsy S. The campground connects to Still Creek Trail #780 which one camper described as "Beautiful hiking!"
Disc golf tournaments: Milo McIver State Park offers world-class disc golf courses. "Milo McIver may be best known for it's twin 18 hole disc golf courses, or single 27 hole layout when tournaments aren't in progress. Home of the annual Beaver State Fling, a PDGA sanctioned National Tour event," shares Steve C.
Fishing spots for beginners: Lake fishing provides excellent opportunities for novices. "Really easy fishing if you're just learning. They have tons of rentals," reports ChiAnn M. about Lost Lake Resort, where trout are readily catchable from the shore.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate secluded spots despite proximity to Portland. "The outer loop sites are quiet, spacious and wooded. They are also very close to a trailhead to nice hikes and the beach," notes Finn M. about Oxbow Regional Park.
Mountain viewpoints: The visibility of Mt. Hood from certain camping areas ranks high with visitors. "The lake is picturesque! The drive to it was amazing too which breathtaking views," writes Molly H. about Trillium Lake. Another camper adds, "Beautiful views of Mt Hood and the lake is breathtaking."
Swimming holes: Natural water features provide cooling options during summer. "There is a creek to play in," explains Holli G. about Metzler Park. Another visitor elaborates: "Metzler Park offered beautiful, shaded campsites along Clear Creek. My site was just above the creek and I fell asleep to its calming sound... and the creek has a swimming hole!"
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between sites. At Roamer Sites, "The internet is super fast - I was getting 75mbps up/down when I was in my tent," reports Colin B. In contrast, Camp Creek Campground has virtually no service, and at Oxbow Regional Park, "Barely got 1 bar of 4g at the welcome center."
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. For Trillium Lake, "Reservations are hard to get we booked at 6am, six months out and felt very lucky to get three spots for our family Campout."
Facility differences: Amenities vary widely between locations. "There is no Wi-Fi, Verizon was there but I don't know where. Not at the site. But as we walked around the phone would connect in my pocket," notes Jason S. about Lost Lake Resort. Another camper mentions, "This is primitive campground, no restroom or showers, just one vault toilet and there is one water pump if you need to wash dishes."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Champoeg State Park offers numerous structured options. "What Champoeg has is plenty of heritage activities. The farmhouse fascinated my boys... they got to water the garden with a water pump and buckets!" shares Leslie C. Another parent adds, "There was a huge playground for the kids."
Security considerations: Some locations offer additional peace of mind for parents. The park gate at Oxbow Regional Park "closes at 8pm and a security guard is on duty for the night," providing extra safety measures that families appreciate.
Glamping options for beginners: Luxury camping near Sandy provides an easier transition for families new to outdoor experiences. "The glamping tents have heaters, lights etc. There are heated indoor bathrooms with nice free hot water showers just a short walk away," explains a visitor to Roamer Sites, which features 27 glamping accommodations.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Carefully research campground layouts before booking. "Easy to access, even for larger rigs. We stayed in 39 foot 5th wheel. Plenty of pull thru spots, full hookups, regularly spaced bathroom/showers," reports Steve R. about Mt. Hood Village Resort.
Length restrictions: Many forest service campgrounds have size limitations. At Camp Creek, one camper advises: "Since the site is nearly 100 years old, its off limits for large RVs. I, personal wouldn't bring in much larger then a long van, BUT, there are a few sites that will accommodate an 18ish foot trailer and its short tow vehicle."
Seasonal access: Winter conditions affect RV camping possibilities. The road to Trillium Lake requires careful navigation in winter months: "There is also snow-shoeing here in the winter, but don't underestimate the sloped road you have to get down (and back-up) to get to the lake in the first place!"
