Tollgate
4.4445 reviewsMt. Hood, Oregon, USA
Tollgate
$26.00 - $52.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$26.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$60.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Campsites range from $26 to $52 per night. Group picnic areas are available for $60. Holiday rates add $2-$4. Additional vehicle fees apply.
About this campground
Just a scenic drive from Portland's urban bustle, Tollgate Campground serves as your gateway to Mt. Hood's wilderness wonderland. Here, where pioneers once paid their toll to cross the legendary Barlow Road, modern adventurers find their basecamp for mountain exploration. Stand beside the meticulously recreated tollgate where Oregon Trail travelers once paused on their westward journey, then set off on the same historic paths now transformed into hiking and biking trails. Cast a line in crystal-clear mountain waters, or simply breathe in the pine-scented air that has welcomed travelers for generations.
Tollgate Campground accommodates both tent and RV camping. It also provides a group picnic shelter for day use.
Historical SignificanceStep back to the 1930s when young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps shaped this campground with their own hands, leaving a lasting legacy in every stone fireplace and timber structure. These master craftsmen built to last, and their handiwork still serves campers today—from the sturdy rock fireplaces that have warmed countless gatherings to the lovingly reconstructed picnic shelter that echoes their original design. Each historic feature tells the story of America's conservation movement and the dedicated workers who transformed raw wilderness into welcoming refuges for future generations.
Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives gently at Tollgate, bringing mild days perfect for outdoor adventures, though wise campers pack rain gear for those refreshing Pacific Northwest showers that keep the forest so vibrantly green. As autumn approaches and winter settles in, the campground transforms into a quieter retreat where cold mornings might greet you with frost on your tent and occasionally, a magical dusting of snow. These shoulder seasons offer their own rewards—fewer crowds, misty mornings that turn the forest ethereal, and the cozy satisfaction of warming by your campfire as clouds drift overhead.
ElevationPerched at 2,100 feet where the mountain air grows crisp and clean, Tollgate offers a refreshing escape from valley heat. This sweet spot elevation creates a microclimate where towering evergreens thrive in cool, moist conditions, and summer temperatures stay pleasantly mild even on the warmest days. The altitude brings morning mists that cling to the treetops and evening breezes that make campfire gatherings all the more inviting.
Natural Features and SceneryAncient Douglas firs and aromatic cedars create a natural cathedral around Tollgate, their massive trunks rising like pillars toward the canopy above. The melodic Zigzag River provides the soundtrack to your stay, its waters tumbling over smooth stones just steps from your campsite. Emerald moss carpets the forest floor, while sword ferns unfurl in the understory, creating a lush Pacific Northwest paradise. Winding trails beckon from the campground, leading to hidden waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and babbling creeks that have carved their paths through this verdant landscape for millennia.
Geological RegionTucked into Mt. Hood National Forest along the north bank of the aptly named Zigzag River, Tollgate occupies a unique ecological niche where volcanic soils meet glacial waters. This humid pocket of the Cascade Range nurtures a classic Pacific Northwest forest ecosystem, where moisture-loving Douglas firs stretch skyward alongside fragrant western red cedars. The river's winding course tells the geological story of Mt. Hood itself, carrying glacial melt and volcanic sediments through a landscape shaped by fire, ice, and time.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are available, and some historic features like rock fireplaces and a reconstructed picnic shelter add character.
Sites SizeSites are generally described as spacious. For example, one user noted, "Our site had a ton of space and a couple of flat spots that were perfect for tents."
Sites PrivacyReviews indicate that campsites are well-spaced, offering privacy. One camper stated, "The sites are far away from each other," while another said, "Sites are large and well-spaced, providing more privacy than other campgrounds."
Total Campsites30 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid campsite #14 due to its proximity to the highway. Opt for riverfront sites (#4, #5, or #9) to minimize road noise.
Best CampsitesCampsites #4, #5, and #9 are highly praised for privacy and proximity to the river.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights within rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Standard campsites accommodate up to 8 people.
Groups
Group picnic shelter accommodates up to 30 people and 10 vehicles, available for day use only.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are spaced well apart, offering privacy. Some are right along the river, others closer to the highway.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 9, 2025, through September 21, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo details provided about walk-up availability.
Cancellation PolicyChanges incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's fee and incur a $10 fee. Group site cancellations lose total day-use fees within 14 days before check-in.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, biking, and observing historic sites. The Pioneer Bridle Trail, which spans nearly 10 miles, passes through the campground. Catch-and-release fishing is available for small trout and whitefish in the nearby river and creek.
Hiking
The nearly 10-mile Pioneer Bridle Trail passes through the campground, offering hiking opportunities. Additionally, a short nature walk leads to a scenic bridge over the river. One user recommended, "Hiking to Mirror Lake and other nearby trails for a great experience."Fishing
Anglers can enjoy catch-and-release fishing for small trout and whitefish in nearby waters. No additional details about fishing quality were mentioned in user reviews or authoritative sources.Biking
Mountain biking is highlighted, and there are trails nearby suitable for this activity. One user mentioned, "Great bike path and cycling opportunities."Cultural and Educational Programs
Historic sites such as the replica of the original Barlow Road tollgate, linked to the Oregon Trail, are located near the campground, providing educational value.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire restrictions may be imposed during dry weather conditions. No campfires or charcoal fires allowed during bans.
- Quiet hours are Starts at 10:00 PM nightly.
Hazards
General hazardsProximity to Highway 26 results in road noise. Drinking water spigots may cause upset stomachs according to user reviews.
Active alertsFire restrictions may occasionally be imposed. Posted 'no campfire' signs were erroneously displayed in the past.
Weather forecast
86
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.7 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
Emergency services are available in Zigzag town, 2.5 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 9, 2025 - September 21, 2025.
Trash and recyclingVisitors are encouraged to keep the area clean, but specific details about on-site trash and recycling facilities were not provided.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Zigzag River, with some campsites offering direct views and sounds of the water.
Common complaintsPrimary complaints include highway noise, lack of wildlife due to proximity to the road, and occasional issues with the water supply.
HostHosts are described as friendly, helpful, and attentive. They maintain clean facilities and provide local guidance.
Campground Map
Mt. Hood, Oregon, USA
Driving directionsFrom Portland, travel southeast on Highway 26 for about 32 miles.
Directly accessible via Highway 26. Roads are paved but parking surfaces within the campground are dirt and gravel, which can be uneven.Nearby places
32 miles southeast of Portland (~1 hour), 2.5 miles from Zigzag (~5 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Supplies including camping gear and groceries can be found in Zigzag, which has lodging, eateries, and a variety of shops.
Camper Reviews
4.4
45 reviews
Tollgate is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Tollgate Campground are generally positive, with comments highlighting its cleanliness, natural surroundings, and convenience to Portland and Mount Hood. However, some concerns about highway noise and a lack of amenities like showers were noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 45 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean and well-maintained facilities, spacious and private campsites, proximity to the Zigzag River, and easy access to hiking and biking trails.
Based on 45 reviewsCommon Concerns
Proximity to the highway results in noticeable road noise for many campers. Additionally, some visitors expressed disappointment about the lack of wildlife and amenities like showers.
Based on 45 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Choose campsites along the Zigzag River to minimize road noise. Bring a portable propane fire pit during fire bans. Verizon users may need to step closer to the road for better service.
Based on 45 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Peak season from May to September is well-reviewed, with positive mentions about the weather and natural surroundings. Road noise appears a consistent complaint across seasons.
Based on 45 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The cleanest campground bathroom I've ever seen!" "Sites are large and well-spaced, so there's more privacy than other campsites." "The road noise from our spot, number 13, was a little loud but it...
Based on 45 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 14 is noted as particularly noisy due to its proximity to the highway, while riverside sites like 5 and 4 are highly recommended for their natural beauty and sound of the river masking road...
Based on 45 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Positive feedback on the accessible vault toilets and the friendly campground host. Some users suggested adding trail information for enhanced accessibility.
Based on 45 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025