244 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Gaston, Oregon range from established state parks to RV resorts, with several options within a 30-minute drive. Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground in nearby St. Paul offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts with year-round availability. L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park's Dairy Creek West campground provides similar accommodation types with drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in access. The region includes both forested settings and open areas, with most developed campgrounds featuring standard amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and restroom facilities.
Many campgrounds in the area maintain year-round operations, though specific amenities and accessibility may vary seasonally. Reservations are recommended, particularly during summer months when occupancy rates increase. A visitor commented, "We came during offseason (November) and camped at this State Park for 3 nights. Man, it was so amazing. It was super quiet and empty so we felt like we had the entire park to ourselves." Road conditions generally allow standard vehicle access to established campgrounds, though some dispersed camping areas may require high-clearance vehicles. Facilities range from basic toilets at primitive sites to full hookups with showers and electric connections at developed campgrounds.
The camping experience near Gaston benefits from proximity to natural attractions and recreational opportunities. Several campgrounds provide access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and water activities. Reviews indicate high satisfaction with Oregon state park facilities compared to other states. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "I'm starting to realize that Oregon State Parks are SOOO much superior to California State Parks. The amenities at all the Oregon campgrounds I've visited are wonderful." Campers frequently mention wildlife sightings, including deer and various bird species. While some campgrounds offer spacious, private sites with natural separation, others feature more closely arranged sites that may feel crowded during peak season. Most developed campgrounds in the area provide electric hookups, water access, and sanitary facilities, making them suitable for both tent and RV camping.
"As I rode up to the site, I noticed right away that it was not tucked far away from the amenities such as restrooms, and showers. It was part of one of the campground loops."
"Champoeg State Heritage Area is a great place to visit for camping, biking, and especially if you're excited about Oregon history."
from $29 - $254 / night
Check Availability"As we had been here before, it was an easy drive in on US-26 to the campground (CG)."
"The sites are larger than at most of the Oregon state parks we have been to. The site was the levelest we have ever stayed in, usually there is a slight tilt one way or another."
from $32 - $57 / night
Check Availability"We stayed at the hagg lake house and had a blast. It was a little hard to find with just coordinates and gps pretty spotty but we found the house and was greeted and shown our area."
"Just remember, get directions before you drive out and you’ll have a great time. Couldn’t expect a more hospitable host anywhere. Cheers!"
from $35 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Lovely park tucked away just far enough it's like you're miles away but you're just a turn away from town and a stones throw from the highway quiet clean and just big enough to never get lost."
"It was a solid place to stay, surrounded by vineyards and walking distance to a few wineries and a couple of restaurants."
"Just off highway 6 (between Portland and Tillamook) is a series of lovely campgrounds in the Tillamook State Forest."
"The fees were $10 to drive in and $5 to walk in. We parked outside the gate and walked to a campground."
"The positives outweigh the couple of minor things, so we gave it 5/5. Positives:
- Walkway to Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum."
"It was hot outside and the pool was fantastic. Highly recommend."
"First of all, it is an easy enough drive from Portland, about an hour or so."
"Nice access to water. At night you can see headlights in the distance and hear cars all day but once traffic dies down it isn’t so bad."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"I would pick a site that isn’t next to the bathroom trail or you’ll have someone walking through your site every 5 minutes. Each site is Steps away from beach access."
"Steps to the beach? ✅ In the forest? ✅ Access to amazing hiking? ✅ Private? ✅ We love Cape Lookout for all the diverse scenery it has to offer."
from $32 - $154 / night
Check Availability"Hwy. 6 is a twisting, overmodest bounty of recreational options leading to the Oregon coast, which is entirely public."
"Off busy Highway 6 on the way to Tillamook and the Oregon coast, Elk Creek Campground is a sweet getaway from a lot of busier campgrounds and destinations in this region of Oregon (i.e., an hour from Portland"
"There’s a fenced in dog area and lawn you can walk on leash. The only downside is that the standard sites are small and very close to neighbors."
"It is located right of the interstate but feels secluded. They have both back in and pull through sites, a little tight with neighbors but I was told it is better than other RV resorts."
TravelerBeautiful park is well maintained clean, spacious and quiet. Showers are very clean and private. great laundry room. Have stayed here several times on our way to and from the Oregon coast. Will stop again!
ScoutThere are 3 camp sites in this area. I was in #1 for 9 days, site 3 seems to be the best of them as it's on a pond, unlike 2 was more like stream . Each has a fire ring with plenty of space for 2 or more rigs. I arrived on a Saturday thinking there will never be a spot, but as luck would have it site 1 was clear. There was plenty of blackberries for the pickin, and wild life to observe, Site3 was occupied the first weekend, but it seems that they left the tent up and left for the week, only to return the following weekend with a group.
ScoutThis park boasts one of the finest riverfront locations in the area, providing stunning views of passing vessels and picturesque sunsets directly from your campsite. The facilities consistently receive high ratings; the showers and restrooms are clean, well-stocked, and properly maintained, while the staff is typically friendly and accommodating. However, recent feedback indicates notable changes: a new gravel processing plant has commenced operations next door, resulting in intermittent loud noises and truck traffic throughout the night. The landscape predominantly consists of gravel with limited greenery, and some sites may feel cramped with restricted privacy. The beach area has faced criticism regarding litter and driftwood, rendering it less appealing for families. Priced at$85–$100 per night, many long-time visitors believe the value has decreased and are opting to seek alternatives. In summary, if you manage to secure a riverfront site and can tolerate industrial noise, it remains a beautiful spot, but it is advisable to adjust your expectations accordingly.
ScoutThe previous Google and Dyrt reviews made us a little nervous as well as the things we’ve heard about the location. But we were very pleasantly surprised with how nice it was. It was a little pricey for what you get, but it seems to be the norm in this area. It felt safe and clean which is all we are looking for on a short trip. Very quiet park. We would stay again!
GuideWe have a small 17 foot trailer, and this was plenty of room to set up and get some sleep.
Sure, there is a lot of traffic and others looking for a pull off, but we felt safe (enough). We also have two large Great Pyrenees dogs. Just watch out for trash and some pretty large mice and/or rats.
The place quieted down around 8 pm, there were hikers parking there by 6 am, but no issues. It's a big enough lot.
If you need to catch some sleep, this is a good, spacious spot.
GuideWe found this place on our way to the Tillamook creamery. Most places were packed on the weekend. The shower and laundry facilities were really clean. The dog run was perfect for our fur babies to run around and play after long days on the road. Lots of berries on the property when we were there. It was a little high for the weekend. I think around $68 or $70 for a night.
GuideWe stayed here one night with no problems. No signs say no camping but can see you getting harassed if not careful. Swam in the ocean at night, had the visitor center restroom across the street, and great coffee shops within walking distance.
ScoutPorta potty bathrooms, one porta potty shower. A bit of a junkyard vibe that sketched us out a little bit. Maybe it’s because we arrived after dark, but at any rate, we left first thing in the morning.
ScoutTent only friendly too! Right beside the municipal airport of Tillamook but it’s a quiet airport with maybe 1 landing at most a day. At night you hear animals more than planes and cars, even with it beside the road. Self check in is super simple and clear, bathrooms are super clean
Campgrounds near Gaston, Oregon range from secluded forest sites to lakeside retreats, with most located within a 40-minute drive radius. The region experiences a temperate climate with wet winters and dry summers, making May through September the prime camping season. Tillamook State Forest provides much of the public land camping in this area, with elevations ranging from 500 to 2,000 feet.
Hiking access: L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park offers extensive trail systems for all skill levels. "There are lots of hiking, biking, and horse trails. They even have a disc golf course within the park," explains a camper who appreciated the variety of recreation options.
Mountain biking: The network of trails in Tillamook State Forest provides technical riding opportunities for different skill levels. "The park has many hiking trails of varying length, access to the Banks-Vernonia State Trail, several disc golf courses, cabins, a horse camp, a day use picnic/event area and a hike-in camp area," notes a visitor to L.L. Stub Stewart.
Water activities: Elk Creek Campground offers direct access to both Elk Creek and Wilson River for swimming and fishing. "The campsite is located in the heart of the Tillamook State Forest, surrounded by majestic Douglas firs that create an atmosphere of comfort and harmony," reports one visitor who enjoyed the setting.
Historical exploration: At Champoeg State Heritage Area, visitors can experience Oregon's pioneer past. "The farmhouse fascinated my boys... they got to water the garden with a water pump and buckets!" shares a camper who found educational opportunities during their stay.
River access: Gales Creek Campground receives praise for its streamside sites. "This campground was right on Gales Creek, with lush vegetation providing nice privacy," notes a visitor who enjoyed the natural setting despite the campground being full during their visit.
Privacy at walk-in sites: Keenig Creek Campground offers secluded tent camping. "The campsites are dispersed nicely and are clean and flat. The trails between the sites are well maintained to drag a cooler to your site," reports a camper who stayed at site 3, which has "a nice view to the hills on the other side of the river, and great morning sun."
Swimming holes: Natural water features rank high with campers. "The river was an excellent location to play in and in some spots we were able to swim," shares a visitor to Elk Creek Campground, which sits at the confluence of Elk Creek and Wilson River.
Wildlife viewing: The forests around Gaston provide habitat for diverse wildlife. "We had a blast looking at all the hens, roosters, and turkeys immensely," states a visitor to a small farm-based camping area near Hagg Lake who enjoyed the rural setting.
Reservation systems vary: Many campgrounds require planning ahead, but others operate first-come, first-served. "No reservations online, first come first serve on the sites so sometimes the place is full when you arrive, but it's always worth checking back," advises a visitor to Elk Creek Campground.
Camp host availability: Most established campgrounds have hosts from May through September. "The camp host was spectacular," notes a recent visitor to Elk Creek, highlighting the value of on-site assistance.
Seasonal considerations: Early spring camping brings mud and rain. "We came during offseason (November) and camped at this State Park for 3 nights," reports a visitor who enjoyed the quiet conditions but packed appropriate gear.
Cell service limitations: Hagg Lake House and surrounding areas have minimal connectivity. "Little/no access to internet so do not assume you can make phone calls or use phone apps," warns a visitor who suggests obtaining directions before arrival.
Kid-friendly water features: Select campgrounds with gentle creek access. "Elk Creek is also day-use, so people heading to the creek or river will be walking by your site all day," notes a visitor who found the smaller creek "the perfect size for playing and swimming without the stress of a larger river" for their children.
Biking opportunities: Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground offers flat, paved trails ideal for children learning to ride. "GREAT biking trails that are kid friendly. There lots of historical sites around the campground to enjoy as well," shares a camper who visits year after year with their kids.
Playground access: Several campgrounds include dedicated play areas. "The kiddos absolutely loved the three pools, playground, and basketball hoops," reports a visitor about Jantzen Beach RV Park, noting it was "great for beginner campers and families" despite not being a typical campground setting.
Educational opportunities: The Tillamook Forest Center provides interactive exhibits for children. "A 7-minute drive from the awesome Tillamook Forest Center, which has really cool exhibits on the area," notes a visitor to Elk Creek Campground who appreciated this nearby resource.
Site selection: At Olde Stone Village, choose sites based on length requirements. "Spaces are long enough for big rigs, as long as you get the 65 foot sites. They have two sizes: 50 foot and 65 foot. I'd recommend the 65 foot sites for a big rig, so you have enough room to park your vehicle," advises an RVer.
Hookup locations: Pay attention to utility placement. "The water and sewer hookups were in the middle of the site, with electric being at the back of the pad," notes a visitor to L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park who found water pressure "not very good at around 35 psi."
Entrance challenges: Some sites have difficult approaches. "The entrance to the concrete pads was a little steep and might result in bottoming out. It was not a gentle slope, but a sharp incline," cautions a visitor about one RV park in the region.
Pad materials: Surface types affect leveling requirements. "The pad starts with asphalt and then goes to gravel, where you actually park the rig," explains an RVer who stayed at L.L. Stub Stewart, providing useful information for others planning visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Gaston, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Gaston, OR offers a wide range of camping options, with 244 campgrounds and RV parks near Gaston, OR and 24 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Gaston, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gaston, OR is Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 69 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gaston, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 free dispersed camping spots near Gaston, OR.
Keep Exploring
