Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Oxbow Regional Park
Overview
Oxbow Regional Park offers a deep immersion into the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty. Managed by Metro, this 1,000-acre park is situated along the Sandy River, providing a sanctuary for those looking to escape the urban sprawl. The park is characterized by its ancient old-growth forests and a commitment to preserving local wildlife habitats. While it offers a primitive camping experience, the peaceful atmosphere and scenic river views make it a standout destination for nature lovers.
Location & Surroundings
Located just east of Gresham, Oregon, the park feels worlds away from the city despite its proximity to the Portland metro area. It sits within the Sandy River Gorge, where the water carves through lush landscapes. The surroundings are defined by towering Douglas firs and western red cedars. Because the park is a protected wildlife corridor, visitors often spot elk and deer wandering near the campsites, especially during the quiet early morning hours.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground at Oxbow is designed for a rustic experience, featuring 57 sites that accommodate tents and smaller RVs. It is important to note that there are no utility hookups available, so RVers should arrive prepared for dry camping. However, the park provides essential comforts including hot showers and modern restrooms. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire grill, and there is a sloped boat ramp providing easy access to the river for non-motorized watercraft.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the primary draw here, with miles of multi-use trails winding through the forest and along the riverbanks. The Sandy River is a premier spot for kayaking and swimming during the summer, while autumn brings the chance to witness spawning salmon in the clear waters. For those looking to explore further, the park serves as a gateway to the Columbia River Gorge, where world-class waterfalls and scenic vistas are just a short drive away.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal match for travelers who prefer a primitive camping style over luxury resort amenities. It is perfect for families wanting to teach children about ecology and hikers who crave solitude under a dense canopy. Because pets are not permitted in order to protect the sensitive wildlife, it is best suited for those traveling without furry companions. If you enjoy falling asleep to the sound of a rushing river, Oxbow offers an authentic Oregon wilderness experience.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Ben Fowler
This park is an absolutely beautiful, and expansive area with a variety of camping options as well as more than a handful of different ways to access the Sandy River. Not all beaches are the same, spanning from sandy banks to mostly river rock, but nomatter where you pick you will find pristine emerald colored waters, and hardly a speck of garbage anywhere. Keep in mind ahead of time that the majority of the park is outside of cell service.
Janna Brown
Our third stay. Tent sites are well-spaced so most have good privacy. Spaces vary in size so important to check footprint. Sites beside vault toilets can be smelly. Good hot water in shower room. Noted more PFDs available to borrow. It’s a safe, secure campground. The park is large! Plenty of hiking trails and accesses to the Sandy River. Deer, chipmunks and squirrels roam freely so keep food contained … deer will steal apples and a squirrel or chipmunk stole a baggie of instant oatmeal off the table! I wish they sold bagged ice! The rangers on staff are super professional! One year, we experienced a medical emergency and staff were extremely competent to assist.
WD Yang
Great place for kids to learn and experience the outdoors. Nice and quiet from the hustle and bustle of Portland. Great place to skip rocks, especially with the type of river rocks. River is muggy but at least it's green and lush.
Kirk Dodson
No dogs allowed. Even if they are quiet and well behaved and better citizens than many humans who are allowed into the park. For the taxes I pay I’d love to be able to take my family there, but like many tax funded places it is not allowed.
Misha Smith
We stayed at Oxford Regional Park while visiting the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls, and it was a great base for our trip. The park is huge, peaceful, and has lots of amenities. There are multiple access points to the river, which was a nice bonus. Self check-in was easy, with clear directions posted. The only downside was our spot (#1) being right at the front—cars would speed by and kick up a lot of dust. I’d recommend choosing a site further in if possible. Overall, a great place to stay if you’re exploring the area. We’d definitely come back!