Sandy area campgrounds sit at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,500 feet above sea level, nestled between the Cascade foothills and Mount Hood. Winter camping often sees overnight temperatures dropping below freezing from November through March, with summer highs reaching 75-85°F. Most campgrounds require advance reservations during peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with first-come sites filling by noon on summer weekends.
What to do
Hiking through old-growth forests: Oxbow Regional Park offers several nature trails more for walking than hiking. "Oxbow feels like it is in the middle of nowhere but it's easy to get to and practically within the city limits of Portland. Accessibility and quiet is why I chose it," notes Stephanie Z. The park features 1,200 acres of ancient forest with wildlife viewing opportunities.
Fishing in stocked waters: Promontory Park provides a special fishing area for young anglers. "The stocked pond called Small Fry Lake was developed for kids and is stocked from October to April (the fish can't survive once the water temperature rises too high). Youth up to 17 can catch a limit of two fish per day," explains Jill T. Remember to bring proper fishing licenses for adults.
Disc golf courses: Milo McIver State Park hosts professional disc golf tournaments. "Milo McIver may be best known for its 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," writes Steve C.
What campers like
Private sites with waterfront access: Barton County Park Campground offers campsites near the Clackamas River. "Very clean campsites. Sites are very close together but they have tried to make some more secluded. Close to the river and a good area to launch from for a day of rafting," notes Derek S. Riverside sites provide easy water access for summer swimming.
Wooded campsites with shade: Many Sandy area campgrounds feature tall trees providing natural shade. At Lazy Bend Campground, "you can find some seclusion with thick vegetation or seclusion and shade with tall trees...most sites with good river access," says Bjorn S. Most wooded sites maintain temperatures 5-10 degrees cooler than exposed areas.
Indoor amenities for rainy days: Mt. Hood Village Resort provides options when weather turns wet. "We used the indoor swimming pool and the restaurant for some breakfasts & lunches. Food was adequate. There is a playground onsite for those with children and plenty of bike paths and walking paths to keep you busy," shares Amy H.
What you should know
Train and highway noise: Several campgrounds near Sandy experience noise from nearby transportation routes. At Ainsworth State Park, "campsites are located right next to the History Columbia River Highway, making for loud camping experience, though you are near all the great park activities. And when I say close, I mean you can see the highway from your tent," warns Brian C.
Seasonal fishing limitations: Fish stocking schedules affect fishing success. At Promontory Park, "one of the main reasons our friend booked this campground was to teach their daughters to fish in the stocked 'kids only' pond. Unfortunately, the website doesn't say the fish can't survive in the pond during the hot summer months," explains Jill T.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. At Oxbow Regional Park, Zach S. reports, "Barely got 1 bar of 4g at the welcome center. There's a guest wifi in the parking lot there too but it's 2 miles further to the camp ground and texts hardly go through."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Mt. Hood Village provides dedicated play areas for children. "There is a playground onsite for those with children and plenty of bike paths and walking paths to keep you busy," reports Amy H. The playground offers climbing structures and swings suitable for ages 4-12.
Ranger-led activities: Promontory Park offers organized activities for younger campers. "The campground did, however, have awesome park staff (Matthew was AWESOME) who put on two great activities for kids every day," shares Jill T. Activities typically run at 10am and 2pm during summer months.
Kid-friendly fishing areas: Some campgrounds maintain fishing areas designed specifically for younger anglers. "The stocked kid's pond... was developed for kids and is stocked from October to April," notes Jill T. These areas typically have easier access points and are stocked with more active fish.
Tips for RVers
Hook-up availability: Lost Lake Resort And Campground has specific navigation warnings for larger rigs. "DO NOT DRIVE YOUR RV DOWN TO THE STORE. Park at your site or somewhere near it and walk to the store. Not great for large equipment," cautions Jason S.
Site size considerations: Many Sandy area dog friendly campgrounds have limited spaces for larger rigs. At Beacon Rock State Park, Corinna B. explains the campground "was not built with RVs in mind, so most people had tents, though a smaller trailer or pop-up might work depending on maneuverability."
Winter accessibility: Several campgrounds remain open year-round but with limited services. Mt. Hood Village Resort offers winter camping, with a camper noting, "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."
