Mcneil Campground
4.2720 reviews70220 E Highway 26 Zigzag, OR 97049
Mcneil Campground
$15.00 - $21.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$19.00
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 camping fees are $21/night for single sites, with an additional vehicle fee of $8/night. Payment must be made via cash or check. Discounts available for holders of Interagency Access or Senior Passes.
About this campground
Nestled alongside the pristine waters of the Wild and Scenic Sandy River, McNeil Campground offers an enchanting escape into Oregon's natural beauty. This sun-drenched retreat features a welcoming single-loop design that winds through a captivating landscape where towering lodgepole pines and Douglas firs create a natural cathedral. Beneath your feet, a soft carpet of emerald moss cushions your steps, while ancient volcanic boulders stand as silent sentinels throughout the grounds, telling stories of the mountain's dramatic past.
McNeil Campground accommodates a variety of campers, providing spaces for both tent camping and combined (tent/RV) sites. It is first-come, first-serve.
Historical SignificanceThis remarkable landscape within Mt. Hood National Forest bears witness to the mountain's volcanic legacy. The very ground beneath McNeil Campground tells an ancient story—formed by massive mudflows that once cascaded down Mt. Hood's slopes, reshaping the terrain and creating the unique geological canvas that exists today. These prehistoric events have left their mark in the scattered boulders and distinctive terrain, making every campsite a window into the Pacific Northwest's dynamic geological history.
Weather and SeasonsMcNeil transforms with the seasons, from winter's crystalline quietude to summer's warm embrace. The prime camping season unfolds from June through August, when gentle temperatures between 60°F and 79°F create perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. These sun-kissed months bring reliably dry weather, making it ideal for everything from lazy riverside afternoons to ambitious hiking expeditions. As autumn approaches, the forest begins its colorful transformation, while spring arrives with wildflower displays and the musical rush of snowmelt-fed streams.
ElevationPerched at 2,000 feet above sea level, McNeil Campground basks in generous sunshine that filters through the forest canopy. This moderate elevation strikes the perfect balance—high enough to escape summer's most intense heat while remaining accessible year-round. The campground's open, airy atmosphere sets it apart from the denser, more shaded sites found elsewhere in the region, creating bright, welcoming spaces where morning light arrives early and evening alpenglow lingers on the surrounding peaks.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living tapestry where lodgepole pines stretch skyward alongside majestic Douglas firs, their intertwining branches creating a natural architecture of light and shadow. The forest floor presents a wonderland of textures—plush moss blankets ancient volcanic rocks, creating miniature landscapes that invite closer inspection. The star attraction, the Wild and Scenic Sandy River, flows mere steps from your campsite, its crystal-clear waters providing a constant soundtrack of mountain music. This designated Wild and Scenic waterway offers excellent opportunities for fishing, photography, or simply contemplating nature's artistry.
Geological RegionMcNeil Campground occupies a fascinating geological intersection within Mt. Hood National Forest, where ancient volcanic forces have sculpted an extraordinary landscape. The campground sits atop one of Mt. Hood's prehistoric mudflows—a lahars that thundered down the mountainside thousands of years ago, carrying volcanic debris and forever altering the terrain. Today, this dramatic past is visible in the moss-draped volcanic rocks scattered throughout the forest and the unique soil composition that supports the thriving ecosystem of lodgepole pines and Douglas firs. This living geological museum offers campers a chance to literally sleep on history while surrounded by the ongoing story of the Cascade Range.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned in the sources provided. Wheelchair-friendly toilets are not available.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size and are suitable for small to medium setups. Larger sites are also available for bigger tents.
Sites PrivacyThe campground offers good to fair privacy with separation between sites, enhanced by the natural forest setting.
Total Campsites34 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites vary in size, accommodating different tent sizes. Larger campsites are suitable for families, while smaller sites offer more privacy.
Best Campsites"There is not a bad spot in the campground," according to user reviews.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24/7.
Check-out
Open 24/7.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is limited to 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Sites accommodate varying guest numbers.
Groups
No group-specific sites or information about group camping were provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle loop layout with good privacy between sites, but mostly sunny and open.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 22 through September 7.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations; first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with consistent availability noted in user reviews.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservation required as campsites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational opportunities at McNeil Campground include hiking, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. It is close to popular trails like Ramona Falls.
Hiking
There are several hiking trails nearby, including the popular Ramona Falls. Trails vary in difficulty and are suitable for day hikes and backpacking.Fishing
The nearby Sandy River offers fishing opportunities for cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and whitefish. Catch-and-release regulations apply.Wildlife viewing
The natural surroundings offer opportunities to observe local wildlife, though no specific species or viewing areas were highlighted.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
The campground does not support water sports activities such as kayaking or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed seasonally, with restrictions during fire-prone periods.
- Quiet hours are No designated quiet hours; some user reviews cite noise as a concern during overnight stays.
Hazards
General hazardsSeasonal wildlife activity, including potential interactions with bears. No potable water available; campers should plan accordingly. User reviews highlight issues with camp host behavior and generator noise.
Active alertsSeasonal gate closures during winter.
Weather forecast
86
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Zigzag Ranger District (70220 E Highway 26, Zigzag, OR 97049, Phone: (503) 622-3191). Closest hospital: Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center in Gresham, OR (~27 miles away).
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season aligns with open dates: May 22 - September 7.
Trash and recyclingThere is no specific information about trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along the Wild and Scenic Sandy River; nearby fishing opportunities include cutthroat and rainbow trout (catch and release).
Common complaintsMixed reviews regarding camp hosts; some campers found them overbearing. Lack of potable water and basic amenities like showers.
HostHosts Eric and Vanessa received positive feedback in older reviews for their helpfulness. Recent reviews mention issues with host behavior and noise from generators.
Campground Map
70220 E Highway 26 Zigzag, OR 97049
Driving directionsIn Zigzag, OR, at the intersection of US Rt. 26 and E Lolo Pass Rd., take E Lolo Pass Rd. 4.1 miles to "Campgrounds/Trailheads" sign. Turn right onto Forest Rt. 1825 and go 0.6 miles to another "Campgrounds/Trailheads" sign. Turn right at sign and go 0.1 miles to campground on left.
Accessible via paved roads, slight detours from Highway 26 near Zigzag. Seasonal gate closures limit access during the winter.Nearby places
Sandy, OR (approx. 11 miles, 20-minute drive)
Zigzag, OR (approx. 4.8 miles, 10-minute drive)
Portland, OR (approx. 44 miles, 60-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Mt. Hood Village RV Resort (waste station with potable water at mile marker 38.7 on US Route 26). Zigzag, OR offers small grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel options.
Camper Reviews
4.3
20 reviews
Mcneil Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews present a mixed picture of McNeil Campground. Positive comments highlight the peaceful environment, well-maintained sites, and friendly camp hosts, while critical reviews focus on issues like lack of water and intrusive behavior by some camp hosts.
Review Summaries
Based on 20 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviews praise the campground's tranquil setting, cleanliness, spacious sites, and proximity to hiking trails like Ramona Falls. "Amazing! We stumbled on this campground by mistake... there is not a...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Criticisms include the absence of drinking water, outhouse-style restrooms, and occasional issues with camp hosts being overly intrusive. "The camp host Elizabeth was horrible, felt like I was being...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing your own water supply due to the lack of potable water on-site. They also suggest arriving early since the campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Based on 20 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open seasonally from May 22 to September 7. Summer reviews are generally positive, emphasizing the sunny sites and good weather. Negative experiences often relate to peak season...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Eric and Vanessa are amazing. They take pride in their work and go above and beyond to make your stay feel like home." "The campsites are very well maintained and they offer all sizes." "Great...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers or detailed reviews about individual sites were available.
Based on 20 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews explicitly discuss accessibility features.
Based on 20 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Based on 20 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025