The forests and coastal areas surrounding Bandon, Oregon offer several tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both established and dispersed sites. Elliott State Forest provides extensive dispersed tent camping opportunities along forest service roads, while the Elk River "Stony Beach" area offers primitive tent sites with river access. Sunshine Bar Campground, managed by the US Forest Service, provides a more established option with basic amenities for tent campers.
Most tent sites in the region are accessible via gravel forest roads, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles. Elliott State Forest dispersed sites are located along Marlow Creek Road and feature pull-outs with room for several tents. One camper noted that "the road follows a babbling creek which was amazing to sleep next to." Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans sometimes in effect. Campers should verify current regulations before arrival. Most sites lack amenities like potable water, requiring visitors to pack in supplies. Vault toilets are present at established campgrounds like Sunshine Bar but absent at dispersed locations.
Tent campers throughout the area enjoy river access and forest settings. Areas farther from town offer deeper seclusion, especially midweek when fewer visitors are present. According to one visitor at Elk River "Stony Beach," the dispersed site features "crystal clear and cool" water for swimming during summer months. The campsite is "nice and secluded behind trees to shield you from other campers." Most tent sites provide good shade coverage from surrounding forest canopy. Wildlife sightings are common in these natural settings. During peak summer weekends, established campgrounds fill quickly, making dispersed camping in Elliott State Forest or along Elk River a good alternative for those seeking more solitude and willing to forgo amenities.
from $55 - $80 / night
"Nice and close to Bandon. No trouble accessing in our midsize suv. It was muddy at the site, and unfortunately, those before us left a lot of trash. Did my best to clean up when was left behind."
"I solo travel so I need to have a sense of safety when I camp somewhere. This is the definition of “dispersed car camping”. Sites were pretty far off from each other, but within yelling ear shot."
"The dirt path from the main road down to the beach is very short but a bit steep and with some big dips when I was there so very low-clearance vehicles might have an issue getting in and out."
"It’s nice a secluded behind trees to shield you from the other campers. We went on a Friday night and there were three other groups but plenty of space for a another couple of people."
"The drive there is a narrow, winding road along the Elk River, lush green ferns and trees, and over a dozen small waterfalls."
"It’s a ways up the river but close to the road. It seemed very secluded even tho it was close to a road. Plenty of spots with picnic tables and a beautiful view of the river."
"The Boundary Campground located in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in Oregon is a great place to go for a quite getaway. It is located on Bear Creek Road. "
"A small drive out of Wallowa and a gorgeous spot with well maintained facilities. Right next to the rolling wonderful Bear Creek Trail."
"It's beautiful, right next to a river that is actually accessible to old farts like myself.. No hookups.. now sewer.. This is a primitive and first come first serve.."
"The camping is clean and the surroundings are gorgeous. The camp host is super friendly and nice. Best rate on firewood. By the barrel. The river is beautiful."
ScoutI just accidentally found this campsite after visiting the lighthouse. It was a delightful little area very secluded and the staff was very nice. Had a great shower and a wonderful night sleep. I would stay here again.❤️
Guidedespite the rating i had absolutely no cell service with Verizon. i do not recommend this campground for tent campers, yurt neighbors were very noisy and i ended up sleeping in my car. do not recommend for solo travelers, complete SOS no service in entire campground. i wish i would have stayed at the campground up the road a little closer to town as i had service there. no wifi like it says on the front gate. bathrooms were clean, shower was nice.
RangerSolid place to spend the night - almost stayed 2! I solo travel so I need to have a sense of safety when I camp somewhere. This is the definition of “dispersed car camping”. Sites were pretty far off from each other, but within yelling ear shot. No service up here - which is fine by me. Weather was perfect in late August - some mosquitos but nothing crazy. Pack in pack out absolutely no amenities.
TravelerLovely, clean, private sites. Quiet. Friendly caretakers who were always busy! Far enough away from big metro centers that, even as the weekend approached, it wasn’t very busy (this was October, though). Thanks for a lovely 3 nights.
ScoutAwesome site. Very quiet and respectful RV owners around you. Separated by trees between each RV site
TravelerGreat spot with beautiful greenery and trees. Camp sites are fairly close together which means you can hear what your neighbor is doing/talking about. The other guests were considerate and mostly quiet. They had warm showers (no extra charge), but they were the type you probably want to keep your shoes on for. Not dirty, but something about them made me question being barefoot (and I rarely wear shoes anywhere). Plenty of sites open mid week in October, bring warm gear as we were in the shade all day.
RangerThe road up was a little bump but a few spots to choose from. Nice and secluded, with berries all around you. Cell coverage enough to text.
RangerPaved streets and sites. Mostly level. Good restrooms with flush toilets, sinks and hot showers (included in price). Close to lighthouse... Can park close by and walk to it... even on Tuesday when giftshop is closed. Campground under tree canopy... sites very private and very dark and quiet at night. Would stay again...
TravelerWe stayed in site B31 which was right next to a trail that led to the beach that's a little more than a mile. Staff was friendly and it was the cleanest bathrooms I've seen in a state park
The Bandon, Oregon area offers diverse camping opportunities within dense coastal forests at elevations ranging from sea level to about 800 feet. Most campgrounds are accessible via forest roads with varying conditions, typically requiring 15-45 minutes of driving from town. During summer, the region maintains moderate temperatures between 60-75°F with minimal rainfall, while winter camping sees frequent precipitation and temperatures between 40-55°F.
Swimming in local rivers: At Elk River "Stony Beach" Dispersed Camping, the water provides perfect swimming conditions. "The river is crystal clear and was cool, comfortable to stay in for minutes. Took several divine swims," notes one camper who enjoyed the clear waters.
Hiking nearby trails: Forest trails offer exercise opportunities within short driving distance. "There is a great hike that is nearby called Bear Creek Trail. This trail does run along the river, which makes it great for fishing," mentions a visitor to Boundary Campground.
Horseback riding: Some local trails accommodate equestrian use. "They also have trails that you can ride your horses. We actually saw a few people doing this when we were on our morning hike," reports a Boundary Campground guest.
River access: Many sites provide direct water access for cooling off. "The campsite is nice and secluded behind trees to shield you from other campers," notes one Elk River visitor who appreciated the privacy while still having river access.
Quiet atmosphere: Sunshine Bar Campground offers a peaceful environment away from crowds. "I spent two days out here July of 2020... The campsite was clean and even had some salamanders and hooting owls at night," shares one camper who enjoyed the nocturnal wildlife.
Natural features: Flowing water creates ambient sounds at night. "You can find dispersed camping spots up and down the river. The area is a large stony beach... For tents, the beach would likely be uncomfortable given its rockiness, but that's OK because there are a few places just off the beach that have dirt and tree-cover and are perfect for tent camping," advises an Elk River camper.
Fire restrictions: Rules vary based on season and fire danger levels. "For camp fires, make sure to check the local regulations. When I was there they had a burn ban and the forestry guys came through somewhat regularly to check. They will ticket you if you break the rules. $250 fine I believe," warns a visitor to Elk River.
Cell service limitations: Most forest sites lack connectivity. "No phone service but the Forest was beautiful! We walked through the creek for a little bit," reports a camper at Elliott State Forest Dispersed.
Road conditions: Access roads can challenge some vehicles. "The drive there is a narrow, winding road along the Elk River, lush green ferns and trees, and over a dozen small waterfalls," describes a Sunshine Bar visitor, highlighting both the challenging drive and scenic rewards.
Sanitation planning: Most dispersed sites lack toilets. "People clearly struggle with how to manage the absence of toilet. I dug a little hole in the thimbleberries across the road and used their wide and soft leaves to clean myself up. No biggie," suggests an Elk River camper with a practical solution.
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