Map showing campground location near St. Helens, Oregon

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Sand Island Marine Park Campground

Boaters and paddlers can access Sand Island Marine Park Campground via the Columbia River, with dock space available for loading gear. The island campground sits in the Columbia River near St. Helens, requiring boat or kayak transport to reach the sites. Staff members help transport camping gear from the dock to individual campsites.

The campground features both electric and sewer hookups for RVs, along with drinking water and restroom facilities. Sites are positioned back from the water rather than directly on the shoreline, though some offer beach access. Lisa D. notes "our site had beach access" and mentions the hosts "will help take your things to your site." The island provides walking paths for exploring the area.

Campers should prepare for the logistics of island camping, including potentially extended wait times at the dock during busy periods. Loading and unloading gear requires planning, as everything must be transported from boat to campsite. The facility includes picnic tables, allows campfires, and permits pets. Firewood is available on-site.

This boat-in campground works best for experienced campers comfortable with water access and gear transport. For additional options in the region, see campgrounds around St. Helens on the mainland.

Description

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.

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Map & DirectionsSand Island Marine Park Campground is located in Oregon near St. Helens

Public Campground

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

45.86776719 N
122.79217236 W

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Connectivity

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Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 12 users
Last on 6/13/26
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Excellent Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 6/13/26

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 12 users
Last on 6/13/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 4 users
Last on 6/13/26

Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Group

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Reservable
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sewer Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time

29 min from Longview, WA
34 min from Portland, OR
1 hr 22 min from Salem, OR
1 hr 27 min from Olympia, WA

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Sand Island Marine Park Campground

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5 Stars

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1 Star

3.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Boat-accessible island campground with helpful staff and scenic water views. Significant maintenance issues noted including poor restroom conditions and site cleanliness. Primitive camping with limited amenities but potential for improvement.

Erik M.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 27, 2023

Has 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.

Month of VisitAugust

michael

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 28, 2021

Marine 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!

Sitedocks

Month of VisitJune

Lisa D.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 22, 2021

Nice 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!

Site5

Month of VisitJune

Ryan W.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 28, 2020

Long Haul

Can be a long haul from the boat to the camp site. Lots of dock space. Sites are back from the water. Could use a map of the island and sites.

Daniel L.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 6, 2018

Secluded island across from Downtown St Helens

Accessible by boat or kayak. Sites are primitive, no tables. This is on the columbia river water kayak trail.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Sand Island Campground in St. Helens, Oregon?

Sand Island Campground is only accessible by water transportation. You can reach the island via boat, kayak, or other watercraft from St. Helens, Oregon. The island has ample dock space for mooring your vessel. Once docked, be prepared to transport your camping gear from the boat to your campsite, which can be a considerable distance. The campground is part of the Columbia River water kayak trail, making it a popular stop for paddlers.

What do reviews say about Sand Island Campground in St. Helens?

Sand Island Campground offers beautiful river views and a peaceful island environment close to the Portland metro area. The staff is consistently described as friendly and helpful, particularly with assisting campers in transporting gear to sites. Some campsites offer beach access and seclusion, while others are set back from the water. The island provides pleasant walking opportunities and excellent water access from most sites. However, visitors note the campground has room for improvement and suggest packing light due to the potentially long haul from the dock to campsites. Boaters have expressed concerns about changing accommodation priorities compared to land-based campers.

What amenities are available at Sand Island Marine Park campground?

Sand Island Marine Park Campground offers primitive camping with limited amenities. The sites are basic without picnic tables. The island features dock space for boats, beach access from some campsites, and walking trails around the island. The campground has friendly staff who can assist with transporting gear to campsites. While the facilities are minimal, the beautiful Columbia River views compensate for the rustic experience. Pack light as gear transportation can be challenging from the dock to your campsite.

Is there a shuttle service to Sand Island Campground?

There is staff assistance available to help transport your belongings from the dock to your campsite, though not a formal shuttle service. The helpful hosts will assist with gear transportation, which is valuable since the distance from the boat landing to some campsites can be significant. For transportation to the island itself, you'll need to arrange your own boat or kayak as there is no regular ferry service. Plan accordingly and pack efficiently to minimize the carrying distance.

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