Tent Campsites on Sand Island - Camping as It Was Meant to Be
If you've been searching for tent camping near you that actually delivers on the promise, Sand Island is ready for you. Just 25 minutes from Portland, a short shuttle ride from the St. Helens Marina puts you on a private island in the middle of the Columbia River, surrounded by mountain views, sandy beaches, and absolute freedom.
This is
tent camping stripped back to what matters: fresh air, open skies, a fire, and no reason to check your phone.
Tent Campsites in St. Helens, Oregon: Unlike Anything Else
Sand Island Campground offers some of the most distinctive tent campsites in the Pacific Northwest. Accessible only by shuttle boat from the St. Helens Marina, the island creates an immediate sense of escape the moment you step off the dock. The Columbia River stretches in every direction. Mt. Hood rises to the east. Mt. St. Helens dominates the northern horizon. Massive cargo ships glide silently past the island's eastern shore.
You won't find sites like these listed under generic tent camping near me searches. Sand Island is in a category of its own.
Choose Your Campsite
Whether you're planning a solo trip, a couples' getaway, or a full group adventure, there's a
tent campsite on Sand Island that fits.
St. Helens City Residents: Bring your ID at check-in and receive a $10 cash-back gift certificate redeemable at a selection of local eateries and businesses.
What to Bring and What We've Got Covered
Tent camping on an island means planning ahead. Here's the honest rundown:
Bring with you:
- Drinking water — there is no running water on the island. Pack enough for your full stay.
- Your camping tents and all personal gear
- Food supplies and cooking equipment
- Any personal items you'd need for an off-grid overnight
Available on the island:
- 🪵 Firewood — $5 per bundle, multiple bundles available to purchase on-site
- 🚻 Bathrooms on the island, clean and accessible to all campers
- 🚿 Showers — a quick 3-minute shuttle ride to the mainland keeps you fresh
- 🎯 Games — horseshoes, corn hole, and other outdoor activities available to borrow
- 🍕
Food delivery — Sunshine Pizza delivers directly to the shuttle pick-up location. No cooking required if you'd rather not.
Getting to Sand Island: The Shuttle
The adventure starts at St. Helens Marina Launching Ramp, located just north of the marina gate. Unload your gear at the ramp, and our shuttle will take it across to the island.
Shuttle Hours:
- Thursday: 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Monday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
- Tuesday - Wednesday: Closed
On weekends, the shuttle runs hourly. On weekdays, call ahead to arrange your crossing.
Shuttle contact:
503-793-9461
Check-In & Check-Out:
- Check-In: 1:00 PM (shuttle running from 10:00 am)
- Check-Out: 11:00 AM on the morning after your final booked night
- Payment: Credit or debit card only, your card is charged at the time of booking. Cash reservations are not accepted.
Cancellations or early departures within 5 days of arrival are subject to a $15 fee.
Why Sand Island Tops Every Tent Camping Near Me Search
- Private island setting — accessible only by boat
- 360° views of Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, and the Columbia River
- Watch massive cargo ships pass from your campsite
- Sandy beach for relaxing, swimming, and games
- Suitable for families, groups, couples, and solo campers
- From just $30/night for up to 6 guests
- 25 minutes from Portland, one of the most accessible campsites in St. Helens and the wider Oregon coast
Whether you're looking for
tents for camping in a truly wild setting, a
campsite and tent campsite combo for a mixed group, or simply the best answer to
tent campsites near me in the Pacific Northwest, Sand Island delivers every time.
How to Reserve Your Tent Campsite
Spots fill up fast, especially on summer weekends. Booking is quick and done entirely online through our reservation system. Until payment is complete, your site is not secured, so don't wait.