St. Helens - Sand Island Camp Ground

Welcome to St. Helens - Sand Island Camp Ground, a truly unique and captivating outdoor destination nestled on a beautiful island in the middle of the majestic Columbia River, right here in St. Helens, Oregon. For local residents across the Beaver State seeking an extraordinary camping adventure that feels both secluded and surprisingly accessible, Sand Island offers an unforgettable experience. It’s a perfect choice for those who appreciate the gentle lapping of river waves, the excitement of an island escape, and stunning panoramic views of both Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Hood.

Our commitment at St. Helens - Sand Island Camp Ground is to provide a well-maintained and peaceful environment where campers can truly unplug and connect with nature, while enjoying a host of surprising amenities. We understand that finding the ideal camping spot in Oregon involves balancing rustic charm with essential conveniences and unique recreational opportunities. Sand Island stands out for its exceptional island setting, its friendly and helpful staff, and the distinct sense of adventure that comes with a boat-access-only campground. This overview aims to provide a comprehensive look at what makes St. Helens - Sand Island Camp Ground a suitable and incredibly enjoyable choice for your next outdoor escape in Oregon.

St. Helens - Sand Island Camp Ground is located at 134 River St, St Helens, OR 97051, USA. This address refers to the St. Helens Marina, which serves as the mainland access point and shuttle service for the campground on Sand Island itself. The island is situated in the middle of the Columbia River, just downstream of the confluence of the Multnomah Channel and the Columbia River.

The accessibility of Sand Island Camp Ground is a key part of its unique charm. Being an island campground, it is accessible only by boat or kayak. However, for those without their own watercraft, a significant convenience is the complimentary boat shuttle service provided by the campground. Upon arrival at the St. Helens Marina (134 River St), campers check in, unload their gear, and a courtesy shuttle takes them to the parking lot for their vehicle. They are then brought back to the marina, and a quick, approximately 3-minute boat ride ferries them and their belongings directly to the island. Once on the island, staff are often available with a "speedy people mover" to help transport gear directly to your campsite, making the "boat-in" aspect surprisingly hassle-free.

This island location provides a wonderful sense of escape, making it feel like you have the island almost to yourselves, especially during off-peak times. Despite being an island, it's remarkably close to mainland amenities. St. Helens is just a few minutes away by shuttle, offering access to grocery stores, restaurants, and other services. Furthermore, the campground is strategically located approximately 25-35 minutes from downtown Portland, Oregon, and Longview, Washington, making it a highly accessible and convenient getaway for locals across the broader region. The quiet passing of large commercial ships on the Columbia River adds to the unique maritime atmosphere without being overly disruptive.

St. Helens - Sand Island Camp Ground offers a range of services and facilities specifically designed to provide a comfortable, enjoyable, and unique island camping experience, despite its lack of running water at individual sites.

• Varied Campsite Options: The campground features approximately 74 available sites, including both primitive tent sites and group tent sites. All sites generally include a picnic table and a fire pit, providing essential amenities for outdoor cooking and gathering.

• Boat Shuttle Service: A major convenience is the free courtesy boat shuttle offered daily from the St. Helens Marina to the island, and vice versa. This removes the barrier of needing your own boat for access.

• Gear Transport: Upon arrival on the island, staff often assist with transporting campers' gear directly to their campsites using a "speedy people mover," making setup easier.

• Well-Maintained Bathrooms: Spread out across the island are clean and well-maintained bathrooms (vault toilets). While there is no running water, campers consistently praise their cleanliness.

• Firewood for Sale: Firewood can be purchased directly at the island, and staff often deliver it right to your campsite, which is a highly appreciated service.

• Disc Golf Course: The island boasts a 12-basket disc golf course, suitable for beginners and intermediate players, providing a fun recreational activity right on-site.

• Games and Activities: Beyond disc golf, games like horseshoes and corn hole are available for check-out, offering more entertainment options for groups and families.

• Designated Group Sites: For larger parties, specific group tent sites are available, often equipped with multiple picnic tables and a fire pit.

• Pet-Friendly: The campground welcomes pets, as long as they are kept under control and owners clean up after them, ensuring a peaceful experience for all guests.

St. Helens - Sand Island Camp Ground offers a host of distinctive features and highlights that make it a truly memorable and highly recommended camping destination for Oregon locals.

• Unique Island Camping Experience: The most significant highlight is the opportunity to camp on a genuine island in the Columbia River. This provides a sense of adventure and seclusion that few other campgrounds can offer, making it feel like you "had the island to ourselves" as one reviewer noted.

• Exceptional Staff and Service: Repeatedly praised by visitors, the staff, including the camp host Andrew, are described as "exceptional," "above and beyond friendly and helpful," and "incredibly helpful and responsive." Their willingness to go the extra mile, such as helping select the perfect site for hammocks or delivering firewood, greatly enhances the overall experience.

• Hassle-Free Boat Access: Despite being boat-in only, the free courtesy shuttle and gear transport service make access surprisingly easy and convenient, even for those without their own boat.

• Stunning Panoramic Views: Campers are treated to spectacular views of both iconic Oregon and Washington landmarks, including Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Hood, along with the constant, fascinating activity on the Columbia River, watching commercial ships go by.

• Abundant Wildlife and Nature: The island is rich in wildlife, offering opportunities for observation. There are also nature trails for walking and exploring the island's 30+ acres, allowing for true nature immersion.

• Great Fishing Opportunities: The beach areas on the island provide excellent spots for fishing, as highlighted by a satisfied camper's husband who "had a great time fishing off the beach."

• Good Cell Reception: A practical highlight for many is the "great cell reception," allowing for convenience like watching a movie in a hammock, even while feeling completely immersed in nature.

• Quirky Wood Carvings and Hidden Gems: The presence of "some really cool wood carving hiding around the island" adds a delightful element of discovery and charm to the camping experience.

• Well-Maintained and Clean Facilities: Despite the rustic nature of an island campground (no running water at sites), the bathrooms are consistently described as "clean and beautiful," contributing to a comfortable stay.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about St. Helens - Sand Island Camp Ground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 134 River St, St Helens, OR 97051, USA (This is the address for the St. Helens Marina, where you access the shuttle to the island.)

Phone: (503) 793-9461

Mobile Phone: +1 503-793-9461 (This number is directly associated with the camp host, Andrew, who is often praised in reviews for his helpfulness.)

Website: It is highly recommended to visit the official website,

sandislandcampground.com

St. Helens - Sand Island Camp Ground is an undeniably suitable and highly recommended destination for Oregon locals seeking a truly unique and memorable camping experience. Its distinction as an island oasis in the Columbia River offers a genuine sense of escape and adventure right in our backyard. For those who love the idea of "boat-in" camping but might be intimidated, the complimentary and efficient shuttle service, coupled with staff assistance for gear transport, makes it surprisingly accessible and hassle-free.

The consistent praise for the exceptional staff, the cleanliness of the facilities, and the unexpected amenities like a disc golf course and reliable cell reception, elevates this campground above a typical primitive site. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat to watch boats go by, a fun family outing with fishing and disc golf, or a truly unique setting for a special occasion, Sand Island delivers. Its stunning views of two iconic Northwest mountains, combined with the tranquil river environment, make it a cherished "gem" that locals will undoubtedly want to return to again and again for an unforgettable Oregon outdoor adventure.

St. Helens - Sand Island Camp Ground

134 River St, St Helens, OR 97051, USA