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Best Dispersed Camping near Astoria, OR

43 Reviews

Dispersed camping options near Astoria, Oregon include several free primitive sites within an hour's drive. Tillamook State Forest offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities along forest service roads, with sites accessible via Jones Creek campground turnoff. Road to Snag Lake provides secluded forest camping in Washington, while Beaver Falls Trailhead offers convenient overnight parking with waterfall access. Scenic Overlook near Foley Creek features panoramic views for those willing to navigate steep terrain.

These primitive sites lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. According to reviews, Tillamook State Forest sites require navigation through a "massive network of forest service roads" with varying road conditions. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for many locations, particularly after rain or during winter months. Several campers noted active logging operations in some areas, with logging trucks operating as early as 3 AM on certain roads.

Fire regulations vary seasonally, with complete bans common during dry summer months. When permitted, fires must be contained in established fire rings where available. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region. Tillamook Forest typically has poor to no service, while Road to Snag Lake sites near communication towers often provide reliable connectivity. Washington sites require a Discovery Pass ($12 daily or annual option), displayed on your dashboard. Campers frequently report encountering wildlife, including coyotes and porcupines. The area experiences typical Pacific Northwest weather patterns with frequent precipitation, making many sites muddy during winter and spring months.

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Detours Nearby

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Astoria, Oregon (9)

    1. Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed

    15 Reviews
    Naselle, WA
    16 miles
    Website

    "There's basically zero traffic on the dirt road near the campsite. A lot of the trees around seem to be new growth. Great view of the stars at night!"

    "There are several spots off the road around these radio tower stations and it is quite secluded. We didn't see any other person the whole time we were there."

    2. Cole Mt Ridge

    4 Reviews
    Tolovana Park, OR
    23 miles

    "The coordinates did not take us to the exact spot, but the pin on the map was the closest, it’s actually to the left on the dirt road. You’ll see a tiny dirt road going up hill and that’s the spot."

    "This spot has an almost 180 degree view around to the west! Could fit about 2-4 people comfortably. No amenities but such a good time!"

    3. Dispersed Camping Near Cannon Beach

    3 Reviews
    Tolovana Park, OR
    23 miles

    "Some paths are less driven on so maybe avoid with a big RV or van, can also get a little hilly and tight.

    I got in around 8:45pm and there were a good amount of spots left."

    4. soapstone lake trail dispersed camping

    1 Review
    Arch Cape, OR
    24 miles

    "Secluded yet close to Cannon Beach. Road was very accessible. Creek and trailhead nearby. Spot at the dead end is best."

    5. Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight

    8 Reviews
    Clatskanie, OR
    33 miles

    "Definitely best for car camping as the spots down by the river were pretty wet and muddy this time of year. The waterfall is amazing and only a 15 minute hike down!"

    "The river is a walk down a very steep hill behind the pullout. No place to pitch a tent, best for car camping."

    6. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    15 Reviews
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 357-2191

    "Accessible through the Jones Creek campground turn off, continue up the forest roads past the OHV staging area and you’re in paradise!"

    "My mistake, these coordinates took us to the top of the mountain. It is currently an active logging area, so the truckers are out at 3am. The road up was a very narrow road."

    7. Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek

    3 Reviews
    Wheeler, OR
    36 miles

    "Definitely quite the long and slow drive up a narrow backcountry road - steep in sections but overall quite manageable."

    "It’s just past a river around a bend when heading east on the south side. You’ll see signs off the pavement for Cook Creek campground. Keep on driving up staying on the main road."

    8. East Summit Rd dispersed

    Be the first to review!
    Tolovana Park, OR
    23 miles

    9. Tillamook Forest Dispersed - Shots and Pecks

    2 Reviews
    Timber, OR
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 842-2545
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Astoria, OR

42 Photos of 9 Astoria Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Astoria, OR

43 Reviews of 9 Astoria Campgrounds

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2022

    Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    Perfect for Overland and off-road vehicle camping

    Accessible through the Jones Creek campground turn off, continue up the forest roads past the OHV staging area and you’re in paradise! Gorgeous spots all over that are accessible in most 4WD/off-road capable vehicles. There is a massive network of forest service roads many with spots to set up your own quiet camp away from all the dirt bikes and RVs. No facilities obviously but that’s what makes this place special. It’s incredibly quiet and peaceful and a gorgeous piece of the PNW coastal area.

  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2025

    Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    GPS takes you to the top!

    My mistake, these coordinates took us to the top of the mountain. 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.

    Nonetheless a cool spot. Dry camping. Please clean up after yourselves.

  • Jeremy B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 10, 2022

    Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed

    Great secluded spot in the woods

    Great spot because it's so secluded in the forest. There's basically zero traffic on the dirt road near the campsite. A lot of the trees around seem to be new growth. Great view of the stars at night!

    There are at least 4 other campsite off this road at different points if you keep driving. Some of them are more or less level and more or less muddy. This one was the best, but there are lots of options. All of them are commonly used because there are ashes from fires. There's a moderate amount of trash at most of them.

    Requires a Discovery Pass. I bought a day pass for $12 online since I don't need the annual pass. They tell you to write the date and order number in large print on a piece of paper and put it on your dash. No one came to check my pass though (in January, so it's the off season)

    You have to take a dirt road to reach the campsite, but it is pretty well maintained. The only difficulty I encountered were two points where a few inches of road were a bit washed out. They were small enough that I could manage them alright in a 2WD van that had normal clearance. So most cars could probably manage them.

    There's a small trail behind this spot that that leads to the creek, which is nice. Other than that, you can hike along the dirt roads, but there aren't any actual hiking trails that I found. I saw a porcupine for the first time while wandering one of the side roads! I didn't drive up to Snag Lake.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2023

    Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight

    Amazing Hike!!

    This place was beautiful!! Definitely best for car camping as the spots down by the river were pretty wet and muddy this time of year. The waterfall is amazing and only a 15 minute hike down! The only reason this place got lower than a 5 star is because of all the trash near the parking lot. Too beautiful of a place to be used as a dump!! Definitely used as a party spot but aside from this it’s worth the visit!

  • EThe Dyrt ADMIN User
    May. 29, 2025

    Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek

    360 views!

    This was a really fantastic campsite! Definitely quite the long and slow drive up a narrow backcountry road - steep in sections but overall quite manageable. There are a few options up here but one really phenomenal site with wide ranging views. Be weary that it is a long drive to get here and no way to tell if there's sites available until you do the entire drive up. No water up here.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2023

    Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight

    Decent place for the night

    A big pavement pull off on the ride of the road. The river is a walk down a very steep hill behind the pullout. No place to pitch a tent, best for car camping. Had some issues with people stopping and playing loud music, seems to be a hangout spot.

  • Ryan S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 27, 2025

    Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed

    Great view of the valley

    There are several spots off the road around these radio tower stations and it is quite secluded. We didn't see any other person the whole time we were there. The spot we chose was the best as it is away from the towers and buildings, plus has a great view overlooking the valley and bay, and you can see the ocean between the peaks in the distance. The road getting here is a bit rough with lots of washboard, steep grades and rocks. But it's fun. No amenities, obviously, but there is a concrete pad from an old structure you can park on. Other sites have solid pack gravel covered by grass.

  • Amy & Stu B.
    Oct. 10, 2022

    Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful spot—tons of off road noises and activity

    Loved this spot. Gorgeous, lots of unique sites. Only downside is incredibly loud atv and dirt bike activity.

    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.

    OHV vehicles are incredibly loud and ran throughout the weekend— but I have a feeling it’s very quiet on the week days.

    Gorgeous—lovely area, no real amenities or ATT/ Verizon service.

  • Jeremy B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 8, 2022

    Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight

    Great pullout in the woods

    This is my first wildcamping/boondocking location, but I loved it. It feels like you're right in the middle of the forest! It's a wide dirt pullout with room for 7-10 cars. And although it's right alongside the road, it's not a super busy road like some highway spots, so it felt pretty secluded and quiet. Very few cars at night.

    No signs of any kind indicating "no parking." 1 bar of Verizon LTE.

    The dirt was solid -- I wasn't worried at all about getting stuck in the mud (and I'm here in the middle of winter with tons of recent rain). Plenty of room to turn around with ease.

    And you're right at a hiking trail that takes you to beautiful falls!! What more could you ask for? -- Don't make the mistake I did. 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.

    Only downside is it's not perfectly flat. It wasn't too bad though. I just parked with my head pointing uphill when I go to bed, of course.

    There is also another option down the road to the east about 500 feet. It's a paved pullout, but it is smaller so it doesn't have as much space to turnaround.

Guide to Astoria

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Astoria, Oregon, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities, these locations offer a perfect escape into the wilderness.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Astoria

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Astoria, Oregon

Frequently Asked Questions

Is free camping available near Astoria, Oregon?

Yes, free camping is available near Astoria through dispersed camping options on public lands. Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight offers free camping with a wide dirt pullout that can accommodate 7-10 cars. Though alongside a road, traffic is minimal, providing a reasonably secluded forest experience with access to a nearby waterfall via a short hike. Cole Mt Ridge is another free option, featuring established sites with fire pits up a gravel road. The site offers mountain views and can fit multiple vehicles. While these sites are free, remember they operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. Pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles when utilizing these free camping areas.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Astoria, Oregon?

The Astoria area offers several dispersed camping options within a reasonable drive. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping provides numerous sites accessible via forest roads past the Jones Creek campground and OHV staging area. Most spots require 4WD or off-road capable vehicles. For a more secluded experience, Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed offers multiple campsites along a dirt road with minimal traffic, providing excellent forest immersion and stargazing opportunities. Other options include Beaver Falls Trailhead and Cole Mt Ridge, all within driving distance of Astoria. Be prepared for narrow forest roads and bring everything you need as amenities are minimal or non-existent at these dispersed sites.

What amenities can I expect at dispersed camping sites around Astoria?

Dispersed camping sites around Astoria typically offer very minimal amenities. Most sites like East Summit Rd dispersed provide basic cleared areas for tents or vehicles with established fire rings. Don't expect water sources, electricity, trash service, or bathrooms at most locations. Some areas in Tillamook Forest Dispersed - Shots and Pecks may have vault toilets near larger staging areas, but these are exceptions rather than the rule. Cell service is generally limited or non-existent. You'll need to bring all necessities: water, food, waste disposal bags, toilet paper, and camping equipment. Many sites feature natural amenities like scenic views, forest surroundings, or nearby water features, but plan to be entirely self-sufficient with no hookups or facilities.

What's the best time of year for dispersed camping in the Astoria area?

The best time for dispersed camping near Astoria is late spring through early fall (May-September) when weather conditions are most favorable. Summer offers the driest, warmest camping with temperatures typically ranging from 60-75°F, though popular sites like Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek may be busier during this peak season. Early fall provides beautiful foliage with fewer crowds. Spring camping at Dispersed Camping Near Cannon Beach can be lovely but expect more precipitation. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to wet conditions, potential snow at higher elevations, and muddy forest roads that may become impassable. Always check road conditions and weather forecasts before heading out, regardless of season.

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