Established Camping
Sand Island Marine Park Campground
About
Municipal
Sand Island St. Helens Campground is located just 25 minutes from Portland, Oregon and Longview, Washington. This 31.7 acre offshore overnight camping experience offers docks, nature trails, beaches, picnic tables, campsites, restrooms, kayak connections, water adventure rides and more. This brand new camping facility is fun for the entire family and sure to become a frequent camping destination.
Upon arrival for overnight stays first check in at the St. Helens Marina. Our courtesy shuttle will unload your gear and take you to the parking lot for your vehicle and bring you back to the marina.
Once you arrive on the island via our boat shuttle our staff on the island will take you to your campsite and even take your gear to your campsite with our speedy people mover. Each overnight camping group is offered this free shuttle to and from the St. Helens, Marina daily. Overnight guests can receive a phone number for late night check in if you plan to arrive after 5 p.m. Please ask for this in your booking description area online. Bathrooms are on the island, showers are a 3 minute shuttle ride to the main land.
The island offers spectacular views of Mt. St. Helens in Washington State and Mt. Hood in Oregon State plus stunning river views. Huge commercial ships will take your breath away as they grace the river on the east side of the island. The sandy beach point is a wonderful place to take it all in. Horseshoes, corn hole, and other games are available to check out and enjoy. Pets in your control are welcome as long as you clean up after them and do not disrupt other guests.
A dog that barks at strangers or just because…will be politely asked to go home. A peaceful experience is our goal for all guests. Additionally, the island is just a shuttle ride away to the City of St. Helens river front district complete with lovely dining experiences, fun shopping, buying souvenirs at local gift shops or at the famous 2 C’s Vendor Mall. You can even take in a movie at the historic Columbia Theater or savor a wonderful cocktail or craft beer if the mood hits you.
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonAvailable
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileAvailable
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
TravelerHas potential
This place definitely has potential to be a great little getaway, that’s close to the metro area. It’s just not up to par yet in our opinion.
Pros: Friendly staff, great views, easy water access from most campsites, a handful of secluded campsites.
Cons: Loading and unloading gear (pack light, condense as much as possible) wait time… we waited over an hour on the dock in 90 degree heat to get to the island. The biggest con by far was the lack of cleanliness. We understand toilets are always an issue camping, but these were so bad we couldn’t even use them. We had to walk to the other side of the island to use the only toilets that were somewhat usable. Our campsite upon arrival had leftover empty liquor bottles, used toilet paper strung about in the bushes (clearly other people didn’t wanna use the bathrooms either) overall, they just need to step up the care of the campsites, and facilities.
ScoutMarine park?
Used to love taking the boat here, lately they’re catering more to land campers and treating boaters like second class citizens! The ones who buy a lot of fuel at their fuel dock! Very frustrating!
ScoutNice hosts, good veiw
Beautiful view, hosts very nice people. They will help take your things to your site. Island is lovely to walk around, our site had beach access. Site to reserve has pictures. Will definitely return!
Location
Sand Island Marine Park Campground is located in Oregon
Directions
35 minutes out of downtown Portland. West on hwy 30, to the first stop light in St Helens, which is Gable road. (Walmart on your right!). Turn right on Gable and go 2 and a half miles all the way down to the river. Go thru the stop sign, and take a left on River St, and the marina and launching ramp are at the end of river st.. Go to the launching ramp to unload your gear, and then we will help you park your car, and get your gear to the island, and then to your campsite. St Helens Marina is 134 N River St.
Coordinates
45.86776755894502 N
122.7921722561477 W