Best Tent Camping near Brookings, OR

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest near Brookings, Oregon contains multiple primitive tent camping options along rivers and within forested areas. Ludlum Campground offers tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings at $10 per night, while Miller Bar provides free dispersed camping directly on the Chetco River. Several established tent campgrounds require driving on narrow, winding forest roads that may not accommodate larger vehicles.

Tent sites typically feature fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities remain minimal throughout the region. Many campgrounds have vault toilets but lack drinking water, requiring campers to either filter water from nearby streams or bring their own supply. The gravel roads accessing remote tent camping areas like Winchuck Campground can be rough, with potholes and steep sections that challenge low-clearance vehicles. Several reviewers note limited or no cell phone reception at these forest campsites, making them ideal for disconnecting but requiring advance planning for safety.

Walk-in tent sites provide the most secluded camping experiences near Brookings. Tent campers at Ludlum Campground benefit from hiking trails adjacent to the campground and relative privacy compared to larger, more developed campgrounds along the coast. Sites near rivers like the Chetco and Elk offer swimming opportunities and clear water during summer months, though seasonal mosquitoes can be problematic in some locations. Several tent-only areas provide riverside camping with minimal development beyond fire rings. According to one visitor, "Miller Bar is one of a handful access sites on the Chetco River in the Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest. We camped just feet from the river. Kayak and swim everyday."

Best Tent Sites Near Brookings, Oregon (55)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 55 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Tent Camping Reviews near Brookings, OR

785 Reviews of 55 Brookings Campgrounds


  • Greg B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2023

    Store Gulch Campground

    Small, beautiful river access…

    Easy road to get to this stretch of river, and lots of campgrounds along. As described, 4 drive-ins & 2 walk-ins. Stays in closer walk-in #5. Later learned some girls had used a drive-in spot just for parking 😡. One vault toilet in fair condition, trash. No potable water. Beautiful stretch of river with swimming hole & great rocks to jump from. Beautiful sand beach. Definitely NOT big-rig friendly. Posted ‘no alcohol’, but don’t know why.

  • Lauren L.
    Oct. 18, 2017

    Jedidiah Smith Campground — Redwood National Park

    Giant redwoods in the autumn

    I visited here for one night in October and it was very quiet. Only 10 other campsites being used. The campground is quite large, however a few loops were closed for post season construction. Beautiful sites and awesome to set up my tent right next to giant Redwoods!

    The campground runs along the Smith river, which is beautiful in its own right!

    All sites standard with bear box, fire ring and picnic table. Very clean bathrooms and showers. Quarter operated showers. $8/bundle of wood. $35/night. Cash or check only!!

    Dont miss the Boy Scout Trail just a few minutes down the road and the Stout Memorial Grove across the river.

  • Diana T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 25, 2024

    Sunshine Bar Campground

    Beautiful and FREE!!!

    Awesome little campground in the thick of the forest that backs up to the Elk River. The drive there is a narrow, winding road along the Elk River, lush green ferns and trees, and over a dozen small waterfalls. The small campground is free to campers and managed by the United States Forest Service. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. There are vault toilets. The campsites are accessible by vehicle, making it perfect for truck camping or tent camping. There is no cell phone reception or nearby services.

  • Toni  K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 24, 2021

    Mill Creek Campground — Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

    Small spots in the state park

    Nice site offers showers, clean bathrooms, bear boxes, fire rings and benches. As well as trash cans and recycling. Some spots looked big and some/most were pretty small. The spots are pretty close together but, that’s okay. I feel it was kinda expensive for the size of the spots and how close they were together but, you are in a state park. The trees were very beautiful and you’re right in the middle of the red woods. The camp host was very sweet and offered a wood for purchase ($10).

    I don’t recommend getting spot 27. Very weird set up the bench was in the center of the spot and the fire was really close to the vegetation it kinda scared me. It looked to be all the odd 20s were set up kinda funky.

  • Kelli B.
    Jul. 27, 2018

    Harris Beach State Park Campground

    Southern Oregon Coast Favorite

    This is one of the prettiest State Park campgrounds along Oregons Southern Coast! Just off Hwy 101 and less than a mile north of Brookings, OR.

    This campground has many Full hookup sites with plenty of tent sites too. All RV sites are paved with gravel around the picnic table and fire ring. Each loop has its own restrooms and showers which were well kept and very clean. A large playground is located in A loop and is a short walk really from any loop. There is an amphitheater with bench seating that ranger talks are hosted pretty much nightly. We attended one and had a great time watching a moving and learning about the local whales that frequent the coastline there. They offer Junior Ranger activities in a yurt directly across from the amphitheater. Unlike most of the Oregon State Parks we have visited it is only open for an hour 10-11 everyday, but still worth checking out with the kiddos. They do have firewood available to purchase in the campground as well for $5/bundle.

    Camping here you are very close to the OR- CA border which makes trips to the Redwood National Park and Crescent City extremely easy. Trails through the Redwoods in Jedediah State Park and Ocean were great for the kiddos when we were not spending time on the beach at the campground.

    We really enjoyed our stay here and will definitely be making a return trip!

  • Ashley A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Patrick Creek Dispersed Camping

    Peaceful

    Very peaceful and secluded. Would definitely stay again! Only thing is the people before us did not practice leave no trace and there were some paper towels in a bush and dog toys left behind.

  • Anton Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 6, 2020

    Lobster Creek Campground

    Easy, convenient, peaceful

    Wile road tripping to oregon from Los Angeles, we stopped here for the night. Relatively affordable, very clean, and not busy (at least while we were there). You can walk down to the river to fish, where there were also RVs camping on the beach. Tent camping is limited to very few sites but it looked like there was plenty of rv space. We set up for the night at the tent sites where we had a nice dinner with a beautiful night sky above us. The river is a good fishing spot, according to some local fisherman we met in the morning following our stay. There were bathrooms but they were locked. We had good service though. The site we chose wasn't particularly hidden or private, so anyone driving in or out of the road to the river, whether that's someone launching a boat or a ranger checking fishing licenses, they will have a full view of your entire site, something to consider if you require privacy.

  • Johnny G.
    Aug. 17, 2020

    Bolan Lake Campground

    Good place to camp by the lake.

    Tent camped at Bolan Lake on Saturday, not a lot of people here which was nice. Sites have fire pit and tables, clean space to pitch tents or use rooftop tent. No WiFi or cell reception. This weekend was hot, close to 110 and being at lake was perfect. If you want peace and quiet, water access and blooming flowers with trees, this is a good spot.

    It’s a pretty long dirt road to get to the campground, make sure you have good tires that can handed rocks/dirt terrain.

  • Mary C.
    Jun. 12, 2018

    Jedidiah Smith Campground — Redwood National Park

    Favorite Family Reunion Spot!

    This is a great spot for larger families. We stayed in the group site as well as an individual site (different time).

    The group site was great! We were far enough away from other campers that our large family did not disturb, but still close enough to the front station for any help needed from rangers.

    There are tons of acitivites in the campground; trails, floating down the river, night time story hour and bon fire, as well as outside of the campground: Redwood Edventures for kids, Trees of Mystery, or a short drive out to the coast.

    There are plenty of restrooms and showers. Firewood is available to purchase. There are animal proof trash cans and food storage container.

    Great for tent campers, RV/ trailers and cabins are available for rent.


Guide to Brookings

Brookings, Oregon, offers a variety of tent camping options surrounded by stunning natural beauty, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape into nature.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy fishing and swimming at the scenic Miller Bar Camping and Day Use Area, where you can set up camp right by the Chetco River.
  • Explore the tranquil surroundings of Ludlum Campground, which features nearby hiking trails and a peaceful river just steps away from your tent.
  • Experience the thrill of bear hunting while camping at the Elko Camp Recreation Site, a remote spot ideal for adventurous campers.

Tips for tent camping near Brookings

  • Be prepared for mosquitoes at Ludlum Campground, especially during the summer months; bringing insect repellent is a must.
  • At the secluded Quail Prairie Lookout, pack your gear carefully as you'll need to haul it up to the lookout tower for breathtaking views.
  • Always bring your own toilet paper when visiting campgrounds like Ludlum, where facilities are basic but well-maintained.

Unique features of local campgrounds

  • Miller Bar Camping and Day Use Area offers free dispersed camping right by the river, making it a favorite for those who love kayaking and swimming.
  • The Elko Camp Recreation Site allows campfires, perfect for cozy evenings under the stars, though be mindful of muddy conditions during rainy seasons.
  • Whaleshead Beach Resort RV Park provides amenities like electric hookups and showers, catering to those who prefer a bit more comfort while still enjoying the great outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at tent campgrounds in Brookings, Oregon?

Tent campgrounds around Brookings typically offer basic but functional amenities. Ludlum Campground provides fire rings and well-maintained sites for $10 per night. It's a small, remote campground about 3 miles from Highway 101 on a gravel road. Miller Bar Camping and Day Use Area offers pit toilets and garbage pickup despite being a free dispersed camping area. Many campgrounds in the region feature picnic tables, fire rings, and access to rivers for swimming and fishing. Facilities are generally rustic, with most sites offering vault or pit toilets rather than flush toilets or showers. Few campgrounds have hookups or amenities for RVs, making them ideal for tent campers seeking a more natural experience.

Where are the best tent camping spots in Brookings, Oregon?

The Brookings area offers several excellent tent camping options. Sunshine Bar Campground is an awesome free spot nestled in thick forest along the Elk River, featuring picnic tables and beautiful river views. It's ideal for tent campers seeking seclusion in a lush setting. Lobster Creek Campground sits along the Rogue River with great water access and a boat ramp. While small, it's perfect for tent campers with limited space but offers beautiful riverside sites. For tent campers seeking more remote experiences, Ludlum Campground and Miller Bar offer more rustic options, with Miller Bar allowing camping just feet from the water with swimming opportunities and scenic views.

When is the best season for tent camping in Brookings, Oregon?

Summer and early fall (June through September) offer the best conditions for tent camping around Brookings. Bolan Lake Campground is particularly appealing during hot summer days, with lake access providing perfect relief when temperatures climb. The sites include fire pits and tables with clean spaces for pitching tents. Fall can be beautiful but brings increased rain chances. Flint Ridge Backcountry Site provides good camping options in drier months, though security concerns have been noted. Avoid winter camping at places like Elko Camp Recreation Site, which can become muddy during rainy months. The mild coastal climate makes late spring through early fall ideal, with summer offering the most reliable dry weather and comfortable temperatures for tent camping adventures.