Best Tent Camping near Sandy, OR
Tent campsites in Mount Hood National Forest surround the Sandy, Oregon area, providing multiple options for overnight stays in forested settings. Government Island State Recreation Area offers tent-only sites accessible by boat, while dispersed camping is available at 39 Road Dispersed Site. Burnt Lake provides walk-in tent camping with several established sites around the lake perimeter, approximately 4 miles from the trailhead.
Most tent campgrounds require campers to pack in their own water and supplies, as amenities are minimal or nonexistent. Serene Lake offers free tent camping with picnic tables and fire rings but no toilets or running water. Sites at Kinzel Lake Campground sit on natural, ungraded surfaces with primitive access roads. A camper described the route as "pretty bumpy road all the way there and some deep dips" that required "a motorcycle or 4WD vehicle to get here." Seasonal access varies, with higher elevation sites often inaccessible until late spring due to snow. Fire restrictions commonly apply during summer months, particularly in drought conditions.
Tent camping areas provide direct access to hiking trails and water features throughout the Mount Hood region. Burnt Lake tent sites are scattered around the lake, offering privacy and mountain views. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "There are about 8 different sites scattered around the lake. Take a walk around the lake first to find which one suits your needs." The primitive nature of these tent campgrounds means fewer crowds at sites farther from main roads. Kinzel Lake remains particularly secluded, with one camper noting they've "never seen another person down here." Most tent campsites feature fire rings and flat tent pads, though many lack designated parking. Morning fog often blankets these forested tent areas, creating ethereal camping experiences before burning off to reveal mountain vistas.
