Tillamook State Forest offers several tent camping options near Bay City, Oregon, from developed tent campsites with picnic tables and fire rings to free dispersed sites roughly 20 miles inland. Jones Creek Campground provides tent-specific sites with picnic tables and fire rings, while Twins Ranch LLC offers a unique tent camping experience with walk-in access. Both campgrounds have toilet facilities and allow fires, though amenities vary. Tillamook State Forest also permits free dispersed tent camping throughout designated areas, approximately 20 miles inland from Bay City.
Tent sites at Jones Creek feature drive-in and walk-in options with varying levels of privacy between sites. Potable drinking water is available, and vault toilets are maintained regularly. Most tent sites include picnic tables and established fire rings, though firewood is not always provided. According to one visitor, "Sites are spaced well apart with lots of room in each site. Phone service is super bad so be prepared to go off grid!" The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations available except for group sites.
Tent campers at Twins Ranch appreciate the spacious field setting with approximately 20 designated sites. A camper wrote, "The campsites are nice with a fire pit and picnic table, spaced out enough that you're not right on top of each other." The primitive tent sites provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, and access to toilets and showers. For those seeking more remote tent camping experiences, the Tillamook State Forest dispersed camping areas provide free primitive tent sites with no facilities. These backcountry camping locations require campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. During summer months, especially weekends, arriving early is recommended as tent sites at established campgrounds fill quickly.
"Fun spot on the Oregon coast. Very clean. Loved the spaces, cement pads for your outdoor living. Good Wi-Fi. Friendly staff."
"I enjoyed walking my dogs out to see the birds, crabbers, and seals. I was there in a low season month and it was extremely peaceful."
"The campsites are nice with a fire pit and picnic table, spaced out enough that you're not right on top of each other.. The price is also very reasonable.."
"If you have a kid who loves history, the Oregon Trail, Little House on the Prairie, and dressing in character, this is your spot! Even during Covid! "
from $25 - $45 / night
"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."
"Gorgeous spots all over that are accessible in most 4WD/off-road capable vehicles."
"I showed up around 3pm on a Friday and was barely able to find a walk-in tent site. All the car-accessible sites were taken and the only reservable site is the group spot."
"There are many river acess points, the forestry center, walking trails and wildlife all within walking distance. The campsites are on a first come first serve basis and many of them are pretty big."
from $15 - $20 / night
"This is a great site if you like "rustic" (which we do) since the sites are walk in-only. Adorable sites with picnic tables, fire rings and just enough privacy."
"First of all, it is an easy enough drive from Portland, about an hour or so."
from $15 / night
"Trask River Campground is 20 minutes away from Tillamook."
"Vault toilets and a little path down to the river on the side that has individual camps. Our Pop-Up fit in nicely! There is an area on the other side of the road for large group camping."
"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."
"I saw a total of 3 designated dispersed camping sites along this road. But there were a ton of pull offs along the river."
from $30 - $35 / night
"Wonderful location next to the confluence of Elk Creek and the Wilson River. Vault toilets. Pump water. Walk-in/tents only, so no RVs, but still a nice location."
"Elk Creek Campground is gorgeous, shady, Elk Creek itself winds around the campsites spooning it and provides ample swimming and fishing spots."
"Campground is small which is nice since there isn’t much separation between tent sites. The location is great for paddling around Sand Lake though you’ll have to go a bit to access the ocean."
"Amazing place to stay and just comb the beach, camp and take in a few trails and wildlife. Camp host is very cordil and accomodating."
RangerThis place was one of the busier sites and the most difficult to find a private spot. Tons of people were just in pull offs - which I tend to try and avoid as a solo traveler. Found a spot by the creek that was pretty private, but getting in and out was a bit challenging. Definitely needed my 4WD. However, the road leading in was totally fine.
ScoutBeautiful sites and camping.
RangerThis was a hell of a drive for just spending the night, but it was certainly beautiful. I found a place by the creek. Backing out of it was a bit sketchy, but I liked the seclusion of the spot so I went for it. Ugh, I love Washington weather. It was elevated so not too hot or cold. Lots of just pull off spots along the way and I didn’t drive high enough for the views other’s were raving about.
TravelerWe came at night and left in am. Bathrooms clean. Shower hot. Both well lit
ScoutJessica was extremely responsive, warm, and very accommodating :). The Sublime site is spacious, beautiful, and private. We planned for 2 nights and extended to 3rd because we were having such a great time. Our 25’ class C RV was a little tough to get up the site due to tight steep turns. Exiting the site was much easier.
TravelerLot of older people living here, but very friendly, no safety issues! Full hook ups! The other reviews are talking about the grass area at Seafarer’s Park, 1/4 mile up directly at the river. The Marina RV Park is before that.
GuideSite was OK for a one night stay. When we arrived we immediately noticed trash in the site. As this campground is next to dunes there is a ton of noise. Our neighbors were revving their dirt bikes (not even riding them) past midnight. No hookups. Close to the water.
GuideWe stayed in the RV area. As stated in other reviews, the spaces are pretty much on top of each other, with little privacy. It would be nice if they cut a few spaces out and added some trees or bushes between the spaces. Bathrooms are hit and miss, like most campground bathrooms. Nice playground for kids, easy access to the beach.
RangerPaved roads a little narrow so more challenging to back-in 90-degree sites vs. 45-degree angled sites. Good restrooms with flush toilets and h/c water sinks. Hot showers included as part of camping fee. Two dump stations at entrance use honor system to pay $10 via cell-phone app. Nice beach walks over sand dunes to long flat beach. Expect wind on beach. Some sites a little close together but ok overall. Expect lots of families with kids in summer and on weekends. Overall a good stay.
Dispersed camping opportunities abound in the forested areas around Bay City, Oregon, with Tillamook State Forest being the primary destination approximately 20 miles inland. The region features a mix of coastal and forest ecosystems with elevations ranging from sea level to 1,500 feet. Winter camping often brings significant rainfall with averages of 80-100 inches annually, while summer temperatures typically range from 60-75°F.
Fishing access points: Trask River County Park provides excellent river access for anglers seeking steelhead and salmon. A visitor notes, "Trask River Campground is 20 minutes away from Tillamook. There are many river access points, the forestry center, walking trails and wildlife all within walking distance."
Explore forest trails: Elk Creek Campground offers immediate access to numerous hiking options. One camper shared, "Mountain biking—some really good stuff—is very close at hand, as well as hiking the Wilson River Trail or ascending Elk and Kings mountains." Another adds it's "perfect campground for a weekend of hiking. So many trails close to camp ground."
Water recreation: The Wilson River provides numerous swimming spots during summer months. At Jones Creek, "The river is where it's at, folks are swimming, tubing and fishing dawn to dusk. Folks jumping off the bridge and having picnics."
Historical experiences: For families interested in Oregon history, Twins Ranch LLC offers a unique opportunity. "If you have a kid who loves history, the Oregon Trail, Little House on the Prairie, and dressing in character, this is your spot! Even during Covid! While the bathroom and shower set up are much to be desired, the covered wagons make up for it in every way!"
Privacy between sites: Many tent campsites near Bay City, Oregon provide good separation between camping areas. At Keenig Creek Campground, "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."
River swimming: Accessible water features are highly valued at campgrounds in the region. One camper at Keenig Creek mentioned, "I'd say the absolute best part though is the river access. There's a beyond perfect swimming hole, that we all quickly discovered was plenty deep enough to jump off the rock formation next to it."
Affordable camping options: Dispersed camping in Tillamook State Forest provides free options with minimal facilities. A camper at Elk Creek appreciated the value: "Affordable national forest camp site. Not too many actual camp sites, but very quiet. Wonderful location next to the confluence of Elk Creek and the Wilson River."
Off-grid experiences: Many tent campers near Bay City value the disconnected nature of forest camping. A Jones Creek visitor noted, "Phone Service is super bad so be prepared to go off grid!" Another camper observed, "There is not a lot of service around the area going to Tillamook so go straight to Tillamook town center and start your GPS for accurate directions."
No reservation system: Most tent sites in the forest operate on a first-come basis. At Jones Creek, "Sites are drive in and walk in depending on your preference. Showed up late and had to leave early, didn't get a chance to explore much but it looked pretty nice."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bay City, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bay City, OR is Netarts Bay RV Park & Marina with a 4.6-star rating from 10 reviews.
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