Barlow Creek Campground
02 reviewsBarlow Road, near Barlow Pass Sno-Park, Parkdale, OR 97041
Barlow Creek Campground
$16.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$16.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Overnight use for Single Sites costs $16/night. America The Beautiful Access/Senior Passes are honored and provide a 50% discount for single campsite fees occupied by pass holders.
About this campground
Tucked away in the verdant depths of Mt. Hood National Forest, Barlow Creek Campground invites you to sleep where pioneers once tread. This peaceful retreat along the Historic Barlow Road—the final treacherous stretch of the Oregon Trail—offers a perfect blend of history and wilderness. Here, the gentle murmur of Barlow Creek mingles with whispers of the past, creating an atmosphere where modern campers can connect with both nature and the courageous spirit of westward expansion.
Barlow Creek Campground is suitable for standard camping setups, including spaces for tents. There is no mention of RV-specific sites, group camping, or glamping facilities.
Historical SignificanceCamp where history was made. The Historic Barlow Road, running directly through this area, served as the make-or-break final segment of the Oregon Trail. This route, carved through seemingly impossible terrain in 1846, allowed thousands of pioneer families to complete their westward journey. Today, interpretive opportunities abound as you walk in the wagon ruts of those who dared to dream of a new life in Oregon Country.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal tapestry of the Oregon Cascades at 3,100 feet. Winter transforms the campground into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures hovering between 25°F and 38°F—perfect for those seeking a true cold-weather adventure. As summer arrives, the forest awakens with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 50°F to 77°F range, creating ideal conditions for hiking, creek exploration, and starlit evenings around the campfire.
ElevationPerched at 3,100 feet above sea level, this mountain campground offers a true alpine experience. The elevation brings crisp, clean air and cooler temperatures year-round, with winter snowfall creating a magical landscape that transforms familiar trails into winter wonderlands. This height provides a refreshing escape from summer heat while offering spectacular seasonal changes that paint the forest in different hues throughout the year.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in an old-growth forest sanctuary where towering Douglas firs and western hemlocks create a natural cathedral. Barlow Creek winds through the campground, its crystal-clear waters providing a soothing soundtrack and opportunities for quiet reflection. The interplay of dappled sunlight through the canopy, moss-draped trees, and the historic road creates a uniquely atmospheric setting where every trail promises discovery and every clearing reveals another piece of Oregon's natural and cultural heritage.
Geological RegionNestled within the volcanic landscape of Mt. Hood National Forest, Barlow Creek Campground occupies a fascinating geological crossroads. The surrounding terrain, shaped by ancient lava flows and carved by glacial forces, tells a story millions of years in the making. The creek itself follows paths etched by time through volcanic soils, while the Historic Barlow Road winds through passes that challenged even the most determined pioneers. This convergence of natural forces and human determination makes every vista a testament to both geological wonder and historical perseverance.
Campsite details
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesDue to limited availability (only one site), it is recommended to reserve in advance.
Best CampsitesSingle site available.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours/day.
Check-out
Open 24 hours/day.
Stay Limit
Information on stay limit not provided in the authoritative content.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact number of guests allowed per site not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle site only.
Open and Closed SeasonOfficially open year-round, operational hours are 24 hours/day.
Reservation PlatformsReservations may be made; authoritative sites recommend https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes.
Walk-in AvailabilityPossible first-come first-serve availability not explicitly defined but implied in some reviews.
Cancellation PolicyReservation fee applies. Specific cancellation policy not outlined.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
The main recreational opportunity at Barlow Creek Campground is picnicking. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views and the historical significance of the area along the Historic Barlow Road.
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No information provided on fire policies.
Hazards
General hazardsPotable water is not available, requiring visitors to bring their own water supply. Other hazards may include seasonal road closures as mentioned in user reviews.
Active alertsUser review mentions that the bridge to the site was out as of 2019, with no updates provided online about its fixing.
Weather forecast
84
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 3.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Hood River Ranger District at 6780 Highway 35, Parkdale, OR 97041 (Phone: 541-352-6002, Hours: Monday-Friday 8 AM to 4 PM).
Good to know
Proximity to water featuresProximity to Barlow Creek.
Common complaintsLack of potable water and up-to-date website updates regarding infrastructure issues like the bridge outage.
HostNo information about campground hosts provided.
Campground Map
Barlow Road, near Barlow Pass Sno-Park, Parkdale, OR 97041
Driving directionsFrom Sandy, OR - Drive 32 miles east on U.S. 26 and take the exit to OR 35. Drive another 2 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 3531. Turn left onto Forest Road 3530 just past the Barlow Pass Sno-Park. In 5 miles the campground will be on your left off Barlow Road.
Access mostly involves paved roads until entering Forest Road 3530, which may be less maintained. Seasonal closures may affect access.Nearby places
Sandy (32 miles, approx. 45 minutes), Parkdale (approx. 15 miles, 20 min)
Nearby supplies
Supplies like groceries and fuel are available in Parkdale, approximately 15 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Barlow Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Barlow Creek Campground are mixed. While the campground appears to offer a historical and rustic experience, some visitors have expressed dissatisfaction with issues like outdated communication and critique of the site's facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
Common Concerns
Users have expressed frustration such as the lack of updates on crucial information like a bridge being out. One review sarcastically described the site as 'terrible no one should ever camp here...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Bridge is out, the website had no updates on that, and probably won't update when it's fixed either." - Kevin Roney. "Its terrible no one should ever camp here lol."
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025