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.

McNeil Campground

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.

Close to PDX

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.  

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

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.

very unique biome

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

Gets the job done 

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.

A perfect quick escape

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. 

At the foot of Mt Hood

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.