Sand Island Campground

This was my first time camping with my hubby who LOVES camping.. this place was awesome! Andrew was exceptional! There weren’t a lot of people there so he gave us an option to move to another campsite away from a big party of people. We said we needed trees for two hammocks and he picked the absolute PERFECT spot!

The island has spread out bathrooms, but no running water so bring lots of water! You can buy wood at the island and they bring it right to your campsite which is awesome. We had a picnic table and a fire pit in our campsite and the area was clean and beautiful.

Husband had a great time fishing off the beach and I had great cell reception to watch a movie in my hammock! The staff was above and beyond friendly and helpful. It was fun to watch the boats go by (quieter than I thought they’d be) and there was lots of wildlife to watch as well as some really cool wood carving hiding around the island. We 100% recommend this place and will be back for sure ☺️

The island itself is beautiful. And a fun place to camp for quick beach access. However, the ferry situation is a disaster on a busy weekend. Waited nearly two hours to get off the island. No real system for who got their first. The bathrooms are pit bathrooms, which we knew, but they are not very well maintained. Ran out of TP. Garbage everywhere. Not sure we will return because of those things.

We just spent four days here, I have four small kids and it was their first time camping and I won't be taking them anywhere else! The staff is amazing, the location is beautiful, my kids are 1,3,5,6 and it was so safe for them. There truly is no where else you would want to go! I will say if you're going on busy weekend be ready to be patient and wait for your turn to load up and leave, the staff goes as fast as they can to get people off the island and load all their stuff so be kind and patient and enjoy the water while you wait.... Also though the bathrooms are pretty gnarly smell wise so be ready for that!🤣

A small island in the middle of the Columbia river at the town of St.Helens. Tent sites and restroom. Bring your own drinking water.

We've been visiting since 2024 and we fall in love with new things each time! Derek driving the shuttle is friendly and hilarious, he definitely goes above and beyond to assist us getting back and forth from the island. Their hours for the shuttle go until 8 pm on Fridays too so we don't have to panic on our way here after work. Andrew (and his family) helping drive the cart back and forth to the sites and caretaking the island have been so kind and patient with us. Really cuts the work of primitive camping in half. Thank you! Campsites are simple and many private, we've found a few favorites so far. We've always had a great time here cooking our food, playing cards and painting. Bring your own water. Marina across the way has ice you can buy, and they sell on the island firewood until they run out. Plan accordingly. This is a great little secret spot, easy to pop into St Helens for shopping or a meal out. Incredibly well priced, just a peaceful experience all around. Family, pet, and "I'm over people" friendly. We'll be back!