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Nature
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Camping
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Water
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Facilities

Established Camping

McNeil Campground

McNeil Campground, near Rhododendron, Oregon, is a great choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Set against the stunning backdrop of Mt. Hood, this campground offers spacious sites where you can kick back, enjoy a campfire, and soak in the natural beauty around you.

Visitors appreciate the campground's proximity to fantastic outdoor activities, including hiking trails like Ramona Falls and McNeil Point. While amenities are basic—think pit toilets and no drinking water—campers have noted that the sites are roomy and often available, making it easy to find a spot even on busy weekends. As one camper put it, “The sites are huge with a good mix of sun and shade.”

If you’re in the mood for a quick getaway, McNeil Campground is just an hour outside of Portland, making it perfect for a spontaneous overnight trip. The area is known for its unique biome, with a peaceful atmosphere that allows for a relaxing stay. Just keep an eye out for the occasional wildlife, as some campers have mentioned the lack of critters around the camp itself.

Whether you're setting up a tent or parking your RV, McNeil Campground provides a straightforward camping experience with beautiful views and easy access to the great outdoors.

Description

National Forest

Mt. Hood National Forest

McNeil Campground lies along the Wild and Scenic Sandy River. While it does not have drinking water, it has all the other camping amenities in a mixed lodgepole forest in an old Mt. Hood mud flow where moss carpets the ground. It is close to many hiking trails including Ramona Falls. Located on the Wild and Scenic Sandy River.

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Location

McNeil Campground is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

Directions from Sandy, OR - Travel southeast on Highway 26 about one mile past the town on Wemme to Primary Forest Route 18. Follow 18 northeast across the forest boundary and to Forest Road 1825. Follow 1825 east to the campground.

Coordinates

45.3837909 N
121.86798397 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Fair
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Dec. 7, 2021

Dispersed Camping Near McNeil Campground

The actual campground is closed during the winter months, but the dispersed camping in this area is great. Plenty of space and nice flat areas with several established fire pits. Lots of wildlife in the area when I was there in December.

Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of McNeil Campground by Michael S., December 7, 2021
  • Review photo of McNeil Campground by Michael S., December 7, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 9, 2021

At the foot of Mt Hood

Super close to all Mt Hood day trip activities. We took in a day on the stunning Trillium Lake. Visited during fire season so no campfires were allowed. No amenities, hookups or water for RVs but large sites can be found if you search a bit. Lots of large rocks and snags on the ground so keep an eye on young kids, and adults when dark. Beautiful and not very crowded, likely because of no water access.

Site8
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of McNeil Campground by Wes B., September 9, 2021
  • Review photo of McNeil Campground by Wes B., September 9, 2021
  • Review photo of McNeil Campground by Wes B., September 9, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 9, 2020

Close to PDX

This is a nice spot that is close to PDX if you're looking for a quick overnight to get out of the city.  Close to Lolo Pass.  Pretty basic sites with no water available.  Pit toilets are available.  Great view of Mt. Hood from the entrance of the campground and even better views from Lolo Pass.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of McNeil Campground by Jeff K., September 9, 2020
  • Review photo of McNeil Campground by Jeff K., September 9, 2020
  • Review photo of McNeil Campground by Jeff K., September 9, 2020
Reviewed Jun. 3, 2020

A perfect quick escape

This campground has become my go-to spot for quick weekends away. The sites are huge with a good mix of sun and shade, the facilities and clean, and there always seems to be an open spot no matter how busy the weekend. Close proximity to great trailheads  and only an hour outside of Portland.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of McNeil Campground by Bridget H., June 3, 2020
  • Review photo of McNeil Campground by Bridget H., June 3, 2020
  • Review photo of McNeil Campground by Bridget H., June 3, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Mar. 1, 2020

Gets the job done

Pretty much your standard little campground. Not too many sites or crowded at all. The area is beautiful obviously being near mount hood. Sites were roomy enough and there were toilets. Bummed there was no drinking water though. 

Romona falls trail not too far from there was neat. I love Oregon camping

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of McNeil Campground by Sam M., March 1, 2020
  • Review photo of McNeil Campground by Sam M., March 1, 2020
  • Review photo of McNeil Campground by Sam M., March 1, 2020
Reviewed Jun. 6, 2018

very unique biome

This area is on a glacial tillage area, very sterile yet peaceful. Have left food out at night and was never touched by anything. Never have seen a chipmunk or much of anything but an occasional Raven. Yet a short walk away and Lost Creek is there in an almost rain forest setting. Great trails all over the area, careful bushwacking there are ticks but not in the camp area. Ramona Falls, Mcneil Point, Burnt Lake are a few of the many hikes. There are fish in Lost creek, the Sandy is too silty for fishing up that high. Pit toilets, water available at Riley horse camp or Lost Creek campground.

Site7 and 13
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of McNeil Campground by bruce W., June 6, 2018
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2016

Ranger Review: Swrve Moire Wave Purist Water Bottle at McNeil Campground

Not scenic? Give me a break. Place was 40-50% full on a Aug. Saturday, but I don't get the bad rap. Sure, there are less trees and more gravel due to the proximity to the Sandy River, but you've also got a view of Mt. Hood at the entrance, lots of nearby trails, an open feel, good availability and a good location close to a nice spot on our aforementioned river. Due to the availability, you can also get a site without others too nearby and a quieter overall experience. Don't let McNeil get too lonely. GEAR REVIEW: Swrve Moire Wave Purist Water Bottle, 26 oz. tall... What stands out here is smooth, flexible plastic, a rubberized top grip and a spout that shoots out water in an intense spurt, perfect for a good, decisive hit of agua while hiking or biking. Artistic, clearer design. No carabiner clip but instead an ample middle indent means you can tighten a strap around it for backpacking. An affordable, quality option.

  • Review photo of McNeil Campground by Bjorn S., August 28, 2016
  • Review photo of McNeil Campground by Bjorn S., August 28, 2016
  • Review photo of McNeil Campground by Bjorn S., August 28, 2016
  • (13) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at McNeil Campground?

    Camping at McNeil Campground can starts at $17.00.

  • What is the max vehicle length at McNeil Campground?

    McNeil Campground allows vehicles up to 22 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at McNeil Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at McNeil Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at McNeil Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is good.