Tillamook State Forest offers extensive primitive camping near Buxton, Oregon, with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,800 feet throughout the dispersed areas. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer daytime temperatures average 65-85°F with cooler evenings. Most roads remain open year-round but require chains or high-clearance vehicles during winter months.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: The Beaver Falls Trailhead area provides easy access to a beautiful waterfall after a short hike. "The hike to the falls is to the far left of the pullout. Do NOT go down the super steep trails to the right. Beautiful waterfall after a short hike," notes Mike S. The falls create a cooling swimming hole during warmer months.
Fishing opportunities: Many camping spots along Trask River offer excellent fishing access. "We caught trout every day we were there. Most are small but was fun nonetheless," reports Gerard R. about South Lake area. Fishing licenses are required and can be purchased online or at local stores in Tillamook.
Stargazing sessions: Higher elevation sites provide clearer night skies. At Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek, campers enjoy panoramic views day and night. "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," writes Emma T.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many primitive camping areas in Tillamook offer considerable separation between campsites. At North Fork Trask, "I saw a total of 3 designated dispersed camping sites along this road. But there were a ton of pull offs along the river," reports SpentBrassOffroad B. This arrangement allows for more solitude compared to developed campgrounds.
River sounds: Camping near water features provides natural white noise. "River rushing near the spots makes for a really nice sound to fall asleep to. Not crowded and really peaceful. Clear skies so got to see a beautiful array of stars. This spot was really a 10/10 for me," shares Dylan B. about Trask River Campsites.
Wildlife viewing: The forest setting offers chances to observe native animals. "The lake is small but very beautiful. We did bring our kayaks but didn't launch them. There is a launching area but it's pretty mucky and there are a lot of downed trees in the water," explains Tracy H. about South Lake. Early mornings provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many forest roads require appropriate vehicles. "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," reports Dawson T. about Cole Mountain.
Prepare for limited services: No amenities means bringing everything needed. "No good spots off the road for 25 ft travel trailer. Guns/target practice everywhere," warns James T. about Tillamook Forest Dispersed - Shots and Pecks.
Plan for zero connectivity: Cell service is absent in most areas. "No service all the way so be prepared for that," notes Dylan B. about Trask River. Download offline maps before traveling into the forest.
Arrival timing matters: Popular sites fill quickly on weekends. "I think everyone needs to remember we're there to camp in peace and take a nature not listen to somebody's rap music," suggests Tawnya B. about quiet hours consideration. Weekday arrivals offer better site selection.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with bathroom access: Some dispersed areas offer basic facilities. "The vaulted toilet is on the NW side of the lake. It must've been checked often for toilet paper because we were there for 4 nights and it always had some in there," shares Gerard R. about South Lake.
Look for water play opportunities: Rivers and lakes provide natural entertainment. "Great for an evening dip," Ryan D. mentions about the waterfall at Beaver Falls Trailhead.
Check for hazards: Some sites require extra supervision. "The trails are great and the waterfall is beautiful. The pulloff is muddy and hard but it's worth it," notes Sarah J. When camping with children, investigate the immediate surroundings upon arrival for steep drops or other hazards.
Tips from RVers
Measure clearance needs: Forest roads can challenge larger vehicles. At Cole Mt Ridge, "Roads are narrow. Not recommended for large longer vehicles," advises Christian C. about dispersed camping near Cannon Beach. Most primitive sites accommodate smaller trailers and campervans better than large RVs.
Create level parking: Few dispersed sites are naturally level. "It wasn't too bad though. I just parked with my head pointing uphill when I go to bed, of course," explains Jeremy B. Bring leveling blocks when camping with trailers or vans.
Plan waste management: With no dump stations in dispersed areas, tank capacity limits stays. "Relative to other options in Northwest Oregon this was an easy to find, plenty of space place to park the car," reports John P., who found car camping more practical than larger RVs for some locations.
