Primitive camping near Astoria, Oregon exists primarily in the coastal foothills, with elevations ranging from 500-2,000 feet across various dispersed sites. The terrain consists of mixed conifer forests interspersed with clear-cut logging areas, creating a patchwork landscape. Summer temperatures typically range 65-75°F during day and 45-55°F at night, with coastal fog common in morning hours.
What to do
Waterfall exploring: Beaver Falls offers a short but rewarding hike from the Beaver Falls Trailhead parking area. "The trail all the way on the left side of the parking lot takes you to the falls. The trails in the middle of the lot are super steep and muddy and don't lead to the falls," notes Jeremy B. The falls provide a refreshing swimming opportunity during summer months, as Ryan D. mentions: "Trail is short an easy to a beautiful waterfall. Great for an evening dip."
Wildlife watching: Early mornings at Road to Snag Lake offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "Tons of rabbits and wildflowers... We stayed on a Friday night in August and were the only ones here," reports Clayton P. The area's relative isolation supports diverse wildlife, including "I saw a porcupine for the first time while wandering one of the side roads!" according to Jeremy B.
Stargazing: Clear nights reveal exceptional stargazing opportunities at higher elevation sites. At Tillamook Forest Dispersed Camping, Eric R. describes the experience: "Sunrise was one of best I've ever seen, especially with the clouds below." Jeremy B. adds that Road to Snag Lake offers a "Great view of the stars at night!" Most sites have minimal light pollution due to distance from population centers.
What campers like
Mountain views: Cole Mt Ridge provides panoramic vistas approximately 25 minutes from Cannon Beach. Hannah H. describes it as an "Off grid site with beautiful views! This spot has an almost 180 degree view around to the west!" For those willing to navigate steeper terrain, Mackenzie D. notes "Right off of 53, there's a gravel road about 5 miles in up the mountain. There's are many pull offs you can choose from... Great views."
Seclusion from crowds: Many campers appreciate the privacy found at dispersed sites. At Soapstone Lake Trail, Alicia W. notes it's "Secluded yet close to Cannon Beach. Road was very accessible. Creek and trailhead nearby. Spot at the dead end is best." Michael P. shares their experience: "I setup camp at one of the spots here 3 nights in a row & had no visitors the entire time! Very quiet & can hear some noise in the distance from time to time."
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs dramatically between sites. Mary S. reports about Road to Snag Lake: "I've got T-Mobile and had full bars," while Ryan S. explains the strategic location: "There are several spots off the road around these radio tower stations and it is quite secluded." In contrast, Kyle B. notes that in Cedar Creek Road area "Verizon cell service is nonexistent in the area."
What you should know
Road conditions: Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for many locations, particularly after rainfall. At Scenic Overlook near Foley Creek, Emma T. warns: "Definitely quite the long and slow drive up a narrow backcountry road - steep in sections but overall quite manageable." For Road to Snag Lake, Anna P. explains: "Site is up a decently maintained but long and steep gravel road, doable in a Prius but she was panting by the end."
Logging activity: Active timber harvesting occurs throughout the region, affecting both road traffic and noise levels. Brendan notes: "It is currently an active logging area, so the truckers are out at 3am. The road up was a very narrow road. So careful if there's other cars coming through, especially the logging semis." Similarly, John P. reports hearing "target shooting in the distance at sunrise."
Discovery Pass requirement: Washington sites require a state recreation permit. Augusto P. explains: "This site is listed as free, but there is a sign at the entrance for a needing a discovery pass to use the site. Visit their website for payment options. You have to print the pass or write the transaction number on a paper and on your windshield." The daily pass costs $12, while annual passes are also available.
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: Some areas experience higher levels of non-camping activity. Ryan D. shares: "Cops came around about 930pm to inform me there is a high level of criminal activity around. To stay at my own risk. He was very friendly and left me his card. Lock up, don't leave anything outside and be aware." Always secure valuables and maintain awareness of surroundings.
Trash management: Unfortunately, litter remains an issue at many sites. Seth M. notes: "Picked up a small bag of someone else's trash. Don't leave trash in the woods — pick up after yourself." Mary S. similarly reports: "There was some trash around the site and the road, so I picked up as much as I could." Pack all trash out and consider bringing extra bags to remove existing litter.
Family-friendly options: Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping offers multiple sites with varying terrain. Amy & Stu B. advise: "These sites are beautiful and really meant for tent camping—but you can park an rv in most of the spots. There is a vault toilet closer to site 14 but no hookups." They also note: "OHV vehicles are incredibly loud and ran throughout the weekend— but I have a feeling it's very quiet on the week days."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Large vehicles face significant challenges on forest roads. Charlotte S. cautions about camping near Cannon Beach: "Not friendly to large vehicles or RVs, roads are very thin and no place to park." Similarly, most forest service roads narrow considerably at higher elevations.
Pull-out camping: For RVs, roadside pull-outs offer easier access than remote sites. Melissa S. recommends Beaver Falls Trailhead: "Nice spot. Enough room for a few vehicles. Traffic during the day. Open spot for starlink. Good cell service also." These areas typically accommodate 1-3 vehicles depending on size.
Site selection: Arriving early improves chances of securing suitable spots. Dawson T. advises about Cole Mt Ridge: "Road is gravel, pretty well maintained. There's a lot of pull off roads, not sure if you can go down all of them. I saw lots of sites available on a Thursday in August... Could possibly pull trailers or rvs on most of it." Weekdays typically offer better availability than weekends.
