Barlow Creek Campground

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2 reviews
Barlow Road, near Barlow Pass Sno-Park, Parkdale, OR 97041

Quick Facts

3,100 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Alaska Recreational Management site

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Barlow Creek Campground
$16.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight use for Single Sites costs $16/night. America The Beautiful Access/Senior Passes are honored and provide a 50% discount for single campsite...
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Standard Site Fee$16.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$16.00

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USFS
Provider
(907) 522-8368

What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 2 reviews

5 Google reviews

"User reviews for Barlow Creek Campground are mixed. While the campground appears to offer a historical and rustic experience, some visitors have expressed dissatisfaction with issues like outdated communication and critique of the site's facilities."

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Fees & Passes at Barlow Creek Campground

$16/night

Campsite fees

Standard Site

Basic tent/RV spot

$16/night

Stay Limit: Information on stay limit not provided in the authoritative content.

Cancellation: Reservation fee applies. Specific cancellation policy not outlined.

Prices verified November 17, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Alaska Recreational Management website.


Best Time to Camp at Barlow Creek Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal tapestry of the Oregon Cascades at 3,100 feet. Winter transforms the campground into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures hovering between 25°F and 38°F—perfect for those seeking a true cold-weather adventure. As summer arrives, the forest awakens with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 50°F to 77°F range, creating ideal conditions for hiking, creek exploration, and starlit evenings around the campfire.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Officially open year-round, operational hours are 24 hours/day.
  • Current Alerts: User review mentions that the bridge to the site was out as of 2019, with no updates provided online about its fixing.

About Barlow Creek Campground

Tucked away in the verdant depths of Mt. Hood National Forest, Barlow Creek Campground invites you to sleep where pioneers once tread. This peaceful retreat along the Historic Barlow Road—the final treacherous stretch of the Oregon Trail—offers a perfect blend of history and wilderness. Here, the gentle murmur of Barlow Creek mingles with whispers of the past, creating an atmosphere where modern campers can connect with both nature and the courageous spirit of westward expansion.
Barlow Creek Campground is suitable for standard camping setups, including spaces for tents. There is no mention of RV-specific sites, group camping, or glamping facilities.
Historical SignificanceCamp where history was made. The Historic Barlow Road, running directly through this area, served as the make-or-break final segment of the Oregon Trail. This route, carved through seemingly impossible terrain in 1846, allowed thousands of pioneer families to complete their westward journey. Today, interpretive opportunities abound as you walk in the wagon ruts of those who dared to dream of a new life in Oregon Country.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal tapestry of the Oregon Cascades at 3,100 feet. Winter transforms the campground into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures hovering between 25°F and 38°F—perfect for those seeking a true cold-weather adventure. As summer arrives, the forest awakens with temperatures climbing to a comfortable 50°F to 77°F range, creating ideal conditions for hiking, creek exploration, and starlit evenings around the campfire.
ElevationPerched at 3,100 feet above sea level, this mountain campground offers a true alpine experience. The elevation brings crisp, clean air and cooler temperatures year-round, with winter snowfall creating a magical landscape that transforms familiar trails into winter wonderlands. This height provides a refreshing escape from summer heat while offering spectacular seasonal changes that paint the forest in different hues throughout the year.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in an old-growth forest sanctuary where towering Douglas firs and western hemlocks create a natural cathedral. Barlow Creek winds through the campground, its crystal-clear waters providing a soothing soundtrack and opportunities for quiet reflection. The interplay of dappled sunlight through the canopy, moss-draped trees, and the historic road creates a uniquely atmospheric setting where every trail promises discovery and every clearing reveals another piece of Oregon's natural and cultural heritage.
Geological RegionNestled within the volcanic landscape of Mt. Hood National Forest, Barlow Creek Campground occupies a fascinating geological crossroads. The surrounding terrain, shaped by ancient lava flows and carved by glacial forces, tells a story millions of years in the making. The creek itself follows paths etched by time through volcanic soils, while the Historic Barlow Road winds through passes that challenged even the most determined pioneers. This convergence of natural forces and human determination makes every vista a testament to both geological wonder and historical perseverance.
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Campsite details

Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesDue to limited availability (only one site), it is recommended to reserve in advance.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Open 24 hours/day.
Check-out
Open 24 hours/day.
Stay Limit
Information on stay limit not provided in the authoritative content.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact number of guests allowed per site not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle site only.
Open and Closed SeasonOfficially open year-round, operational hours are 24 hours/day.
Reservation PlatformsReservations may be made; authoritative sites recommend https://store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes.
Walk-in AvailabilityPossible first-come first-serve availability not explicitly defined but implied in some reviews.
Cancellation PolicyReservation fee applies. Specific cancellation policy not outlined.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The main recreational opportunity at Barlow Creek Campground is picnicking. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views and the historical significance of the area along the Historic Barlow Road.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • No information provided on fire policies.

Hazards

General hazardsPotable water is not available, requiring visitors to bring their own water supply. Other hazards may include seasonal road closures as mentioned in user reviews.
Active alertsUser review mentions that the bridge to the site was out as of 2019, with no updates provided online about its fixing.

Weather at Barlow Creek Campground

43
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Light drizzle
Precipitation: 0.4%

Strong wind, exercise caution

Humidity: 90%

High humidity, may feel muggy

Wind: 11 mph

Strong wind, exercise caution

Very Light Rain - (0.40% chance)

Slight drizzle possible

Light drizzle

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Emergency Services

Hood River Ranger District at 6780 Highway 35, Parkdale, OR 97041 (Phone: 541-352-6002, Hours: Monday-Friday 8 AM to 4 PM).

Good to know

Proximity to water featuresProximity to Barlow Creek.
Common complaintsLack of potable water and up-to-date website updates regarding infrastructure issues like the bridge outage.
HostNo information about campground hosts provided.

Campground Map

Barlow Road, near Barlow Pass Sno-Park, Parkdale, OR 97041
Driving directionsFrom Sandy, OR - Drive 32 miles east on U.S. 26 and take the exit to OR 35. Drive another 2 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 3531. Turn left onto Forest Road 3530 just past the Barlow Pass Sno-Park. In 5 miles the campground will be on your left off Barlow Road.
Access mostly involves paved roads until entering Forest Road 3530, which may be less maintained. Seasonal closures may affect access.
Nearby places
Sandy (32 miles, approx. 45 minutes), Parkdale (approx. 15 miles, 20 min)
Nearby supplies
Supplies like groceries and fuel are available in Parkdale, approximately 15 miles from the campground.

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.0
2 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Barlow Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Barlow Creek Campground are mixed. While the campground appears to offer a historical and rustic experience, some visitors have expressed dissatisfaction with issues like outdated communication and critique of the site's facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews

Common Concerns

Users have expressed frustration such as the lack of updates on crucial information like a bridge being out. One review sarcastically described the site as 'terrible no one should ever camp here...
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Based on 2 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bridge is out, the website had no updates on that, and probably won't update when it's fixed either." - Kevin Roney. "Its terrible no one should ever camp here lol."
Based on 2 reviews

Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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Last updated November 17, 2025
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