Mcneil Campground

Star4.23
48 reviews
70220 E Highway 26 Zigzag, OR 97049

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$15 - $21/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

34 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Zigzag Ranger District site

Official Website
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Mcneil Campground
$15.00 - $21.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight camping fees are $21/night for single sites, with an additional vehicle fee of $8/night. Payment must be made via cash or check. Discounts...
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Standard Site Fee$19.00
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

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Provider
(503) 622-3191
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What Campers Say

4.23

Satisfactory

Based on 48 reviews

44 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspacioushiking

"User reviews present a mixed picture of McNeil Campground. Positive comments highlight the peaceful environment, well-maintained sites, and friendly camp hosts, while critical reviews focus on issues like lack of water and intrusive behavior by some camp hosts."

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Campground Map

70220 E Highway 26 Zigzag, OR 97049

Mcneil Campground

70220 E Highway 26 Zigzag, OR 97049

Driving directionsIn Zigzag, OR, at the intersection of US Rt. 26 and E Lolo Pass Rd., take E Lolo Pass Rd. 4.1 miles to "Campgrounds/Trailheads" sign. Turn right onto Forest Rt. 1825 and go 0.6 miles to another "Campgrounds/Trailheads" sign. Turn right at sign and go 0.1 miles to campground on left.
Accessible via paved roads, slight detours from Highway 26 near Zigzag. Seasonal gate closures limit access during the winter.
Nearby places
Sandy, OR (approx. 11 miles, 20-minute drive)
Zigzag, OR (approx. 4.8 miles, 10-minute drive)
Portland, OR (approx. 44 miles, 60-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Mt. Hood Village RV Resort (waste station with potable water at mile marker 38.7 on US Route 26). Zigzag, OR offers small grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel options.

Best Time to Camp at Mcneil Campground

McNeil transforms with the seasons, from winter's crystalline quietude to summer's warm embrace. The prime camping season unfolds from June through August, when gentle temperatures between 60°F and 79°F create perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. These sun-kissed months bring reliably dry weather, making it ideal for everything from lazy riverside afternoons to ambitious hiking expeditions. As autumn approaches, the forest begins its colorful transformation, while spring arrives with wildflower displays and the musical rush of snowmelt-fed streams.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May 22–Sept 7; summer is prime with sunny sites and positive summer reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into early September; fall experiences limited to early season and can see peak crowds.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open late spring from May 22; late-spring weather can be variable and season just starting.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed outside May 22–Sept 7, so winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season aligns with open dates: May 22 - September 7.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 22 through September 7.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal gate closures during winter.

About Mcneil Campground

Nestled alongside the pristine waters of the Wild and Scenic Sandy River, McNeil Campground offers an enchanting escape into Oregon's natural beauty. This sun-drenched retreat features a welcoming single-loop design that winds through a captivating landscape where towering lodgepole pines and Douglas firs create a natural cathedral. Beneath your feet, a soft carpet of emerald moss cushions your steps, while ancient volcanic boulders stand as silent sentinels throughout the grounds, telling stories of the mountain's dramatic past.
McNeil Campground accommodates a variety of campers, providing spaces for both tent camping and combined (tent/RV) sites. It is first-come, first-serve.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Open 24/7.
Check-out
Open 24/7.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is limited to 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities at McNeil Campground include hiking, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. It is close to popular trails like Ramona Falls.
HikingThere are several hiking trails nearby, including the popular Ramona Falls. Trails vary in difficulty and are suitable for day hikes and backpacking.
FishingThe nearby Sandy River offers fishing opportunities for cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and whitefish. Catch-and-release regulations apply.
Wildlife viewingThe natural surroundings offer opportunities to observe local wildlife, though no specific species or viewing areas were highlighted.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal wildlife activity, including potential interactions with bears. No potable water available; campers should plan accordingly. User reviews highlight issues with camp host behavior and generator noise.
Active AlertsSeasonal gate closures during winter.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Mcneil Campground

Reviews

4.2
48 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Mcneil Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews present a mixed picture of McNeil Campground. Positive comments highlight the peaceful environment, well-maintained sites, and friendly camp hosts, while critical reviews focus on issues like lack of water and intrusive behavior by some camp hosts.
Review Summaries
Based on 48 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews praise the campground's tranquil setting, cleanliness, spacious sites, and proximity to hiking trails like Ramona Falls. "Amazing! We stumbled on this campground by mistake... there is not a...
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Based on 48 reviews

Common Concerns

Criticisms include the absence of drinking water, outhouse-style restrooms, and occasional issues with camp hosts being overly intrusive. "The camp host Elizabeth was horrible, felt like I was being...
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Based on 48 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing your own water supply due to the lack of potable water on-site. They also suggest arriving early since the campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Based on 48 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open seasonally from May 22 to September 7. Summer reviews are generally positive, emphasizing the sunny sites and good weather. Negative experiences often relate to peak season...
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Based on 48 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Eric and Vanessa are amazing. They take pride in their work and go above and beyond to make your stay feel like home." "The campsites are very well maintained and they offer all sizes." "Great...
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Based on 48 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers or detailed reviews about individual sites were available.
Based on 48 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews explicitly discuss accessibility features.
Based on 48 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically address pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Based on 48 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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