How much does camping cost at Tollgate?

Camping fees at Tollgate are $30 - $75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Tollgate first-come first-served or reservation?

Tollgate accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Tollgate before I book?

Yes! Tollgate has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Tollgate?

Tollgate is open May 09 to September 21. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Tollgate?

Tollgate does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Tollgate have?

Tollgate has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Tollgate?

Pets are not allowed at Tollgate. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Tollgate?

Tollgate offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Tollgate?

Popular activities at Tollgate include Hiking, Fishing, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Tollgate

Q: Can I have a campfire at Tollgate?

Fire policies at Tollgate: Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.44

61 reviews

Mt. Hood, Oregon, USA

Top 15% in ORSummer

A-Report Card

Featured in:Forest Camping Oregon

Quick Facts

2,100 ft

Price

$30 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open May 9, 2025, th...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Mount Hood Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,100 ft

Price

$30 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open May 9, 2025, th...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Mount Hood Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Tollgate

$30.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP PICNIC AREA: $75.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $60.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov...

Group Site Fee$60.00

Get Notified When Available

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263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

503-630-5721jacob@alaskarm.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Mt. Hood, Oregon, USA

Tollgate

Mt. Hood, Oregon, USA

Nearby places

32 miles southeast of Portland (~1 hour), 2.5 miles from Zigzag (~5 minutes).

Weather at Tollgate

Current alerts(6)

Click here for more information on the Mt. Hood National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests.
In accordance with standard industry practices, Mount Hood Recreation will be assessing an additional vehicle fee on the second vehicle in each single family campsite, and on the third and fourth vehicle in any double family campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined to…
No hookups available

Best Time to Camp at Tollgate

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of mild, mostly dry weather and full access to trails and river access — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to low 80s°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F. Hiking, mountain biking and late-summer fishing are at their peak as trails dry out and river levels drop from spring runoff, while long daylight makes it easy to explore Mt. Hood National Forest after a short drive from Portland. Be prepared for busy weekends and occasional wildfire smoke or increased trail Peak months: August, July, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in OR

Best season; open May–Sep, mild dry weather and full trail/river access; well-reviewed in summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 09 to September 21. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 9, 2025, through September 21, 2025.

About Tollgate

Tollgate sits in the foothills of Mt. Hood National Forest near Rhododendron, operated by Mount Hood Recreation as a seasonal campground. Spacious, private sites offer access to the Zigzag River and trail networks for hiking and mountain biking, though highway noise is noticeable from the road.

Tollgate Campground accommodates both tent and RV camping. It also provides a group picnic shelter for day use.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of mild, mostly dry weather and full access to trails and river access — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to low 80s°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F. Hiking, mountain biking and late-summer fishing are at their peak as trails dry out and river levels drop from spring runoff, while long daylight makes it easy to explore Mt. Hood National Forest after a short drive from Portland. Be prepared for busy weekends and occasional wildfire smoke or increased trail Peak months: August, July, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation2100 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDouglas firs and western red cedars tower over the campground at 2,100 feet elevation. The Zigzag River runs along the northern edge, carrying glacial melt and volcanic sediments through a landscape shaped by Mt. Hood's geology. Moss and sword ferns cover the forest floor. The river's winding course creates both a pleasant soundtrack and fishing opportunities, though proximity to the highway means you'll hear traffic from some sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or cabins available at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesHistoric sites such as the replica of the original Barlow Road tollgate, linked to the Oregon Trail, are located near the campground, providing educational value.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Standard campsites accommodate up to 8 people.

Groups

Group picnic shelter accommodates up to 30 people and 10 vehicles, available for day use only.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are available, and some historic features like rock fireplaces and a reconstructed picnic shelter add character.

Site SizeSites are generally described as spacious. For example, one user noted, "Our site had a ton of space and a couple of flat spots that were perfect for tents.

PrivacyReviews indicate that campsites are well-spaced, offering privacy. One camper stated, "The sites are far away from each other," while another said, "Sites are large and well-spaced, providing more privacy than other campgrounds.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid campsite #14 due to its proximity to the highway. Opt for riverfront sites (#4, #5, or #9) to minimize road noise.

Best CampsitesSites #4, #5, and #9 get consistent praise for privacy and river proximity. Reviewers recommend choosing sites along the Zigzag River to minimize road noise. Sites closer to the highway will be louder but might offer better cell service if you walk toward the road.

Need help booking Tollgate?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Tollgate Campground is located within the Mt. Hood National Forest and offers a mix of facilities, including vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings. Parking surfaces are primarily dirt and gravel, which are noted to be uneven at times. An adjacent picnic shelter accommodating up to 30 people and 10 vehicles is available for reservation. The campground is surrounded by Douglas fir and cedar trees, contributing to its natural charm and providing shade.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Tollgate

Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, biking, and observing historic sites. The Pioneer Bridle Trail, which spans nearly 10 miles, passes through the campground. Catch-and-release fishing is available for small trout and whitefish in the nearby river and creek.

Hiking4.0/5

Nearly 10-mile Pioneer Bridle Trail passes through campground; multiple trail networks.

Biking4.0/5Top 9% in Oregon

Mountain biking is highlighted; nearby trails suitable for mountain bikes.

Fishing3.0/5

Catch-and-release trout/whitefish available nearby; limited detail on access or size.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Signature experiences

Photography3.5/5River, large conifers, mossy forest floor and Mt. Hood geology offer varied photo subjects.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsThere are no flush toilets at this campground. Vault toilets are the only facilities available.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.

Trash & RecyclingVisitors are encouraged to keep the area clean, but specific details about on-site trash and recycling facilities were not provided.

Cell CoverageLimited cell service is available depending on the provider. A user noted, "Verizon cell service was poor, bouncing between 1 bar of 4G and no signal." Another user mentioned, "Signal improves if you go out to the road."

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Tollgate

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From Booking Sources

4.4

61 reviews

Recommended

Tollgate is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for Tollgate Campground are generally positive, with comments highlighting its cleanliness, natural surroundings, and convenience to Portland and Mount Hood. However, some concerns about highway noise and a lack of amenities like showers were noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 61 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained facilities, spacious and private campsites, proximity to the Zigzag River, and easy access to hiking and biking trails.

Based on 61 reviews

Common Concerns

Proximity to the highway results in noticeable road noise for many campers. Additionally, some visitors expressed disappointment about the lack of wildlife and amenities like showers.

Based on 61 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 14 is noted as particularly noisy due to its proximity to the highway, while riverside sites like 5 and 4 are highly recommended for their natural beauty and sound of the river masking road...

Based on 61 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Choose campsites along the Zigzag River to minimize road noise. Bring a portable propane fire pit during fire bans. Verizon users may need to step closer to the road for better service.

Based on 61 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season from May to September is well-reviewed, with positive mentions about the weather and natural surroundings. Road noise appears a consistent complaint across seasons.

Based on 61 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The cleanest campground bathroom I've ever seen!" "Sites are large and well-spaced, so there's more privacy than other campsites." "The road noise from our spot, number 13, was a little loud but it...

Based on 61 reviews

Accessibility Features

Positive feedback on the accessible vault toilets and the friendly campground host. Some users suggested adding trail information for enhanced accessibility.

Based on 61 reviews

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Tollgate

$30.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP PICNIC AREA: $75.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $60.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov...

Group Site Fee$60.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

503-630-5721jacob@alaskarm.com

Nearby Campgrounds

Camp Creek sits in the foothills of Mt. Hood National Forest, operated by Recreation.gov as a seasonal campground with tent, RV, and primitive options. Shaded sites spread along a creek, offering hiking, fishing, and biking access from late spring through early fall. Reviewers praise the peaceful setting and spacious sites, though the water supply has noticeable iron content.

Tollgate

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Campground Map

Weather at Tollgate

Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at Tollgate

Planning Tips

About Tollgate

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Tollgate?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Tollgate

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

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Overview

Recreation

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Natural Features

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Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at Tollgate

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Tollgate?

Amenities available

Things to do at Tollgate

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews