The best domes near Sandy

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Halfway between Portland, Oregon and Mt. Hood, the small city of Sandy makes a fantastic base for travelers who want to explore nearby natural features—including the Columbia River Gorge and the slopes of Mt. Hood—without staying in Portland. The area is particularly popular among anglers who come to fish in the Sandy River and with mountain bikers, who flood into Sandy during the summer dry season to ride the Sandy Ridge Trail System. There are also many camping options in the area, both at nearby Oxbow Regional Park and at area Hipcamps.

96% (505)

Top-rated campgrounds

The view...

1. Waterfall Sanctuary

94%
(596)
35mi from Sandy · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Carson, WA
Welcome 2025 Hipcampers! We have many exciting changes for our guests this year INCLUDING a wood fired sauna, a store/café/multi-use space, & more! New sites added: - A gorgeous geodesic dome that can sleep 6 - A new spot to pitch your own tent or park a small RV or van. - 2 RV/Van/Bus/tent spots, the first can manage up to 30 feet; the second 40+, both with picnic tables and umbrellas BEFORE BOOKING: Please read all rules & restrictions- due to some guests we had to update & add new ones. **DOGS (MAX 2 per site- select under "Extras" for each dog- $15/night fee each): PLEASE read ALL the rules- especially about having your dog on a leash AT ALL times while on the property. More info under the pet rule section. Thank you! Waterfall Sanctuary is a hidden gem on 17 acres, bordered on two sides by the Gifford Pinchot N F. In the heart of the Columbia River Gorge just outside Carson, Washington, it is home to a mini-farm with goats, ducks, & chickens. Deer & elk walk through the property on a fairly regular basis depending on the season, it's less than a mile walk (or short drive) to the Wind River & a swimming hole, & a short distance further is the Pacific Crest Trail. A 20-minute drive & you're at the Columbia River. An hour to the West is Portland if you are in the mood for some city life, & 35 minutes east is Hood River, a gorgeous old town with tons of charm. The closest town, Stevenson, Washington is home to shops, local restaurants, & access to the Columbia River. Also in close proximity are amazing waterfalls, trails, & National Forest roads that are close by & well maintained. No matter the season there is something to do a short distance from the property. Keep in mind that the property is very rugged except for the trails we have provided to access other parts of the property. We are as off grid & sustainable as possible- while no electricity or running water is available at the individual sites, we provide battery or solar operated lighting, & a container of water for each site.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$48
 / night
River View Dome - Goode Time Ranch

3. River View Dome - Goode Time Ranch

100%
(16)
45mi from Sandy · 1 site · Lodging · Woodland, WA
1000 feet up on Green Mountain just south of Kalama WA boasting a spectacular view of the Columbia River. The south facing hillsides are nestled in a lovely forested area with fir trees all around. Enjoy staying in a 24 foot diameter geodesic dome with a gazebo, fire pit and disc golf. A short walk down the hill enjoy the infrared red light sauna. This is a hobby farm with friendly goats, and social free range chickens wandering about. Go on a forest goat walk, gaze at Mount Hood, cuddle a chicken, play ball with Boone the Border Collie. A delicious farm fresh egg breakfast is yours if you'd like. Nearby activities available are hiking, snow shoeing near Mount Saint Helens, fishing, kayaking or Stand Up Paddleboard at Horseshoe Lake, eat dinner on the roof top at Mcmenamins river side restaurant, or hit the a casino.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$135
 / night
The Secret Garden in Portland

5. The Secret Garden in Portland

97%
(69)
17mi from Sandy · 4 sites · Lodging · Portland, OR
Welcome to "The Secret Garden" campground in Portland! Meet your hosts, Amanda and Dom along with their little helpers Hugo (5), Leo (3) and baby River. Our hidden oasis in the heart of the city invites you to escape into nature. Amidst the bustling urban landscape, our campground boasts secluded spots beneath lush fruit trees, a cozy fire pit for evening gatherings and a playground for the little adventurers. Embrace the serenity of the city's best-kept secret while enjoying the warmth of community around the campfire. Located between SE Division St and Foster Rd, the Secret Garden offers easy access to Portland's vibrant food, coffee and bar scene while also being in close proximity to Mt. Tabor with hiking trails and panoramic views of the city skyline. Welcome to your urban escape.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$87
 / night

Halfway between Portland, Oregon and Mt. Hood, the small city of Sandy makes a fantastic base for travelers who want to explore nearby natural features—including the Columbia River Gorge and the slopes of Mt. Hood—without staying in Portland. The area is particularly popular among anglers who come to fish in the Sandy River and with mountain bikers, who flood into Sandy during the summer dry season to ride the Sandy Ridge Trail System. There are also many camping options in the area, both at nearby Oxbow Regional Park and at area Hipcamps.

96% (505)

Top-rated campgrounds

The view...

1. Waterfall Sanctuary

94%
(596)
35mi from Sandy · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Carson, WA
Welcome 2025 Hipcampers! We have many exciting changes for our guests this year INCLUDING a wood fired sauna, a store/café/multi-use space, & more! New sites added: - A gorgeous geodesic dome that can sleep 6 - A new spot to pitch your own tent or park a small RV or van. - 2 RV/Van/Bus/tent spots, the first can manage up to 30 feet; the second 40+, both with picnic tables and umbrellas BEFORE BOOKING: Please read all rules & restrictions- due to some guests we had to update & add new ones. **DOGS (MAX 2 per site- select under "Extras" for each dog- $15/night fee each): PLEASE read ALL the rules- especially about having your dog on a leash AT ALL times while on the property. More info under the pet rule section. Thank you! Waterfall Sanctuary is a hidden gem on 17 acres, bordered on two sides by the Gifford Pinchot N F. In the heart of the Columbia River Gorge just outside Carson, Washington, it is home to a mini-farm with goats, ducks, & chickens. Deer & elk walk through the property on a fairly regular basis depending on the season, it's less than a mile walk (or short drive) to the Wind River & a swimming hole, & a short distance further is the Pacific Crest Trail. A 20-minute drive & you're at the Columbia River. An hour to the West is Portland if you are in the mood for some city life, & 35 minutes east is Hood River, a gorgeous old town with tons of charm. The closest town, Stevenson, Washington is home to shops, local restaurants, & access to the Columbia River. Also in close proximity are amazing waterfalls, trails, & National Forest roads that are close by & well maintained. No matter the season there is something to do a short distance from the property. Keep in mind that the property is very rugged except for the trails we have provided to access other parts of the property. We are as off grid & sustainable as possible- while no electricity or running water is available at the individual sites, we provide battery or solar operated lighting, & a container of water for each site.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$48
 / night
River View Dome - Goode Time Ranch

3. River View Dome - Goode Time Ranch

100%
(16)
45mi from Sandy · 1 site · Lodging · Woodland, WA
1000 feet up on Green Mountain just south of Kalama WA boasting a spectacular view of the Columbia River. The south facing hillsides are nestled in a lovely forested area with fir trees all around. Enjoy staying in a 24 foot diameter geodesic dome with a gazebo, fire pit and disc golf. A short walk down the hill enjoy the infrared red light sauna. This is a hobby farm with friendly goats, and social free range chickens wandering about. Go on a forest goat walk, gaze at Mount Hood, cuddle a chicken, play ball with Boone the Border Collie. A delicious farm fresh egg breakfast is yours if you'd like. Nearby activities available are hiking, snow shoeing near Mount Saint Helens, fishing, kayaking or Stand Up Paddleboard at Horseshoe Lake, eat dinner on the roof top at Mcmenamins river side restaurant, or hit the a casino.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$135
 / night
The Secret Garden in Portland

5. The Secret Garden in Portland

97%
(69)
17mi from Sandy · 4 sites · Lodging · Portland, OR
Welcome to "The Secret Garden" campground in Portland! Meet your hosts, Amanda and Dom along with their little helpers Hugo (5), Leo (3) and baby River. Our hidden oasis in the heart of the city invites you to escape into nature. Amidst the bustling urban landscape, our campground boasts secluded spots beneath lush fruit trees, a cozy fire pit for evening gatherings and a playground for the little adventurers. Embrace the serenity of the city's best-kept secret while enjoying the warmth of community around the campfire. Located between SE Division St and Foster Rd, the Secret Garden offers easy access to Portland's vibrant food, coffee and bar scene while also being in close proximity to Mt. Tabor with hiking trails and panoramic views of the city skyline. Welcome to your urban escape.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$87
 / night

Stories from the community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best domes near Sandy guide

Where to go

Mt. Hood

About a 45-minute drive east of Sandy, this perpetually snow-capped mountain (which lends its name to the Mt. Hood National Forest) offers great recreation opportunities year-round. In the cooler months, campers can ski, snowboard, and snowshoe, while hot summer days make Hood an excellent destination for hiking, mountain biking, and swimming in alpine lakes.

The Columbia River Gorge

Some of the prettiest scenery in the region can be found a short drive north of Sandy in the Columbia River Gorge. This stretch of the Columbia River, which separates Oregon from Washington state to the north, is full of gushing waterfalls, tree-lined trails, and towering viewpoints that offer epic views out over the region. Just note that it's insanely popular, and permits are required to visit certain sections of the area during the summer.

Silver Falls State Park

Just over an hour’s drive south of Sandy, Silver Falls State Park is considered one of the prettiest state parks in Oregon, owing mainly to its numerous waterfalls, 10 of which you can see for yourself by hiking the 7.2-mile-long Trail of Ten Falls (you can even walk behind a few of them). There’s also a campground with RV and tent camping plus a seasonal horse camp for equestrians.

When to go

Sandy is definitely a summer destination, though you will have to contend with crowds if you come between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Fortunately, the warm season in this part of the state continues well into September. If you’re a skier or snowboarder and want to spend time up on Mount Hood, the conditions are generally at their finest between January and March, though it’s often snowy enough for winter sports well into May.