Oxbow Park Campground Entrance

For Oregonians seeking a truly immersive natural escape without venturing too far from the conveniences of the city, Oxbow Park Campground offers an idyllic riverside retreat. Nestled within the breathtaking Sandy River Gorge in Corbett, this Metro Regional Park provides a serene and beautiful setting for camping, hiking, and river recreation. It’s a place where the majestic Sandy River flows by, providing a constant backdrop of natural sounds, and the lush forest creates a sense of seclusion and tranquility. If you’re looking for a well-maintained campground with excellent amenities and plenty of opportunities to connect with the outdoors, Oxbow Park Campground is a fantastic choice for locals eager to explore the wonders of our state.

Oxbow Park Campground is renowned for its natural beauty and thoughtfully designed campsites. Visitors consistently praise the "beautiful place with nice campsites" and the "hot showers" – a welcome luxury after a day of adventuring. One of its unique features, and perhaps a highlight for many, is the complete absence of cell signal within the park, offering a true opportunity to unplug and disconnect from daily digital distractions. This deliberate lack of connectivity encourages campers to fully embrace their surroundings, whether it's exploring the extensive trail system, enjoying river access, or simply relaxing by the campfire. This article will guide you through the various offerings and highlights that make Oxbow Park Campground an ideal choice for your next Oregon outdoor adventure, focusing on what makes it so suitable for our local community.

Oxbow Park Campground Entrance is located in Corbett, OR 97080, USA (specifically, near the FPV4+RPQ geographical code). This puts it within the scenic Sandy River Gorge, roughly 30 minutes east of Portland. The park entrance is typically accessed from SE Oxbow Parkway, off of Division Street, or by following signs from I-205 and Division Street. This close proximity to the Portland metropolitan area makes Oxbow Park an incredibly convenient escape for many Oregon residents, allowing for easy weekend trips without extensive travel.

Access to the campground is straightforward, with paved roads leading into the park. The main gate is locked at official sunset and reopens at 6:30 AM, ensuring a secure and quiet environment during nighttime hours. While the campground is within a larger regional park, the campsites themselves are "well spaced apart" and offer a good amount of privacy, thanks to the surrounding large trees and shrubs. There are approximately 75 single-family campsites available for tents, trailers, and RVs, though there are no hookups or a dump station directly at the campsites. However, a dump station is available within the park for registered campers (or a fee for unregistered campers). A vehicle fee of $5 per car or $7 per bus is required to enter the park, or you can use an annual pass ($40; $30 for seniors). The final stretch into the camping area can be steep, but overall accessibility is excellent for most vehicles.

Services Offered:

• Campsites: Approximately 75 single-family campsites for tents, trailers, and RVs (up to 45 feet in length). Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring with an attached BBQ grill, and a lantern pole. Two campsites are handicapped accessible.
• Camper Cabins: Two camper cabins are available, offering a more comfortable stay.
• Modern Restrooms with Hot Showers: Clean restroom/shower buildings with hot and cold running water, flush toilets, and radiant floor heating are available, greatly enhancing the camping experience.
• Recycling Facilities: Containers for recyclables are located throughout the campground, promoting environmentally responsible practices.
• Tap Water: Potable tap water is available, though some visitors note a yellowish tint (it's recommended to bring your own drinking water or filter if sensitive).
• Dump Station: A dump station is available for registered campers, or for a fee ($15) for unregistered campers.
• Playgrounds: Two sets of playground equipment and several informal play fields provide entertainment for children.
• Amphitheater: The park includes an amphitheater, likely used for nature programs or gatherings.
• Boat Launch/Ramp: Direct access to the Sandy River via a boat launch ramp, perfect for kayaks, rafts, and other non-motorized watercraft.
• Firewood for Sale: Firewood is available for purchase at the campground office ($5 per bundle), as foraging for wood is prohibited.
• Park Rangers on Site: Regular presence of park rangers, described as "super cool," contributes to a safe and well-managed environment.

Features / Highlights:

• Beautiful Campsites: Campers consistently praise the beauty of the campsites themselves, often set amidst lush forest and offering good privacy.
• Extensive Trails: Oxbow Regional Park boasts 12 miles of interconnected trails, inviting visitors to explore ancient forests, river floodplains, and ridges carved by volcanic and glacial flows.
• Sandy River Access: The park provides direct and easy access to the majestic Sandy River Gorge, popular for swimming, kayaking, rafting, and fishing. The river is known for excellent winter steelhead and salmon fishing.
• Unplugged Experience: The lack of cell signal in the park offers a unique opportunity to truly disconnect from digital devices and immerse oneself in nature.
• Hot and Clean Showers: A highly appreciated amenity, ensuring comfort after outdoor activities.
• Abundant Wildlife: The area is home to diverse wildlife, including deer (which might try to eat your food, so secure it!), mink, beaver, fox, raccoon, osprey, songbirds, and even elk, black bear, and cougar (though rare sightings). Note: pets are generally not permitted to protect wildlife and habitat.
• Family-Friendly Environment: With playgrounds, river access for swimming, and plenty of space, it's an ideal spot for families with children.
• Nature Education Programs: Metro naturalists offer guided hikes, campfire programs, and wildlife workshops, enriching the visitor experience.
• Year-Round Operation: Oxbow Regional Park and its campground are open year-round, allowing for seasonal visits and different outdoor experiences.
• Proximity to Columbia River Gorge Attractions: Its location near the entrance to the Columbia River Gorge means additional waterfalls, viewpoints, and trails are just a short drive away.

Contact Information:

Address: FPV4+RPQ, Corbett, OR 97080, USA (It's part of Oxbow Regional Park, which has a primary address of 3010 SE Oxbow Parkway, Gresham, OR 97080)

Phone: (503) 663-4708 (Oxbow Regional Park office)

Mobile Phone: +1 503-663-4708

For reservations, current conditions, or detailed information about Oxbow Park Campground, it is best to contact the Oxbow Regional Park office directly via the provided phone number. Camping reservations can often be made online through the Oregon Metro Parks website (www.oregonmetro.gov/oxbow) or Reservation Northwest (1-800-452-5687). Always check for any seasonal alerts, burn bans, or gate closure times before your visit.

Oxbow Park Campground is exceptionally well-suited for Oregon locals for several compelling reasons. Its prime location, just a short and scenic drive from Portland and the surrounding metropolitan areas, makes it incredibly convenient for a spontaneous weekend getaway or a planned family vacation without the hassle of long-distance travel. For Oregonians who value ease of access to quality outdoor recreation, Oxbow delivers beautifully.

The campground's commitment to providing a truly "unplugged" experience by having no cell signal is a significant draw for locals looking for a genuine break from their digital lives. This encourages a deeper connection with nature and loved ones, fostering memorable experiences away from screens. The well-maintained campsites, clean hot showers, and abundant recreational opportunities like hiking and river access reflect the high standards we appreciate in our state parks and recreation areas. For families, the playgrounds and safe environment make it an ideal spot to introduce children to the joys of camping and outdoor play.

Furthermore, the opportunity to explore the ancient forests and enjoy the majestic Sandy River, which offers excellent fishing and floating, aligns perfectly with Oregon's outdoor-centric lifestyle. Despite the deer's mischievous attempts at snacking on unattended food, the presence of wildlife adds to the authentic wilderness feel. Oxbow Park Campground offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, convenient amenities, and a chance to truly disconnect and recharge, making it a beloved and accessible retreat for all Oregonians.

Oxbow Park Campground Entrance

FPV4+RPQ, Corbett, OR 97080, USA