Brooke Creek Walk-In Campground offers tent camping about a quarter mile from the parking area at L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park. Sites are tucked into the forest with communal fire rings rather than individual fire pits. The trail to the campground is mostly gravel with a gradual incline, making it accessible for most campers carrying gear. Carts are available at the trailhead to help transport camping equipment to sites.
What to do
Swim in Wilson River: Elk Creek Campground provides excellent river access where Elk Creek Campground meets the Wilson River. "We spent most of our time on the Elk Creek side since we have kiddos and the stream was the perfect size for playing and swimming without the stress of a larger river," notes a camper. The convergence creates varied water depths suitable for different swimming abilities.
Disc golf on site: L.L. Stub Stewart State Park offers disc golf courses directly from the campground. "Aside from the sites, the park has many hiking trails of varying length, access to the Banks-Vernonia State Trail, several disc golf courses, cabins, a horse camp, a day use picnic/event area and a hike-in camp area," reports a visitor to Dairy Creek West.
Mountain biking trails: The area offers numerous trails for mountain biking enthusiasts. "What makes this CG so special is the multitude of hiking, biking, and horse trails. They even have a disc golf course within the park," notes a reviewer. Many trails connect directly to campsites, allowing for easy access without driving.
What campers like
Secluded walk-in sites: The Brooke Creek area offers significant privacy compared to other camping options. "We were in site 10... There are 23 sites at this campground, though sites 10-23 are reservable, leaving sites 1-9 'first come, first served'," explains a camper at Brooke Creek Hike-in Camp. "This was so awesome.. we used the walk-in camp sites... but the walk in and out is nothing but a hill. But that was a small price for the beautiful seclusion."
Dog-friendly features: Beyond the standard pet-friendly policies, Stub Stewart has dedicated pet recreation areas. "Absolutely love the cabins at this place! We live 30 minutes away so it's the perfect quick get away. Our dog LOVES the dog park too," shares a visitor to Mountaindale Cabin Village. The dog park was added in recent years and provides a fenced area for off-leash play.
Seasonal versatility: Dog friendly campgrounds near Buxton remain accessible during less popular camping seasons. "Showed up in the dark & rain, no reservations in February. Lots of room at each site, very clean, nice bathrooms, quiet. Easy onsite reservation/payment," reports a winter camper at Dairy Creek. Many campgrounds in the area operate year-round, though some amenities may be limited in winter months.
What you should know
First-come, first-served options: Several campgrounds don't accept reservations, requiring early arrival during peak seasons. "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," notes a visitor to Keenig Creek Campground. "We were there on a coolish Saturday night and a ton of people rolled in about 4/5pm. I'm guessing in summer you'd have to get here much earlier to grab a spot."
Self-registration process: Most campgrounds require on-site registration. "The self-registration is at the campground, NOT at the trailhead, so you'll have to hike in, register, and then return your camping receipt to your car," explains a camper. "If you're paying with cash, bring your money on the first hike in. You can also pay with your credit card number."
Highway noise: Some campgrounds are affected by traffic sounds from nearby Highway 6. "The only negative is that it is close to highway 6 and you can hear the traffic. But at night when the traffic dies down you can hear the river," shares a camper. Sites farther from the road typically offer a quieter experience.
Tips for camping with families
Choose less crowded weekdays: Pet-friendly camping near Buxton can get busy during peak seasons. "When we visited, there were at most 2-3 other groups in the area so we were very spread out and had lots of privacy," notes a camper about weekday camping at Brooke Creek. Weekdays offer more site options and a quieter experience for families with children and pets.
Consider site location: Some campground loops offer more privacy than others. "The Dairy Creek West loop has more shaded and privacy for most of the sites if that's what you are seeking, while the East loop is more open and affords a more social experience for those who like the chance to interact with their neighbors a bit more," explains a camper.
Kid-friendly water access: Gales Creek Campground offers smaller water features ideal for children. "Just off highway 6 (between Portland and Tillamook) is a series of lovely campgrounds in the Tillamook State Forest. Gales Creek is the first one you'll find on your way coming from Portland... The sites are surrounded by trees, and, if you're lucky, you can grab one next to the cute river than runs through the camp."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park offers comprehensive services for RVs. "The water and sewer hookups were in the middle of the site, with electric being at the back of the pad. The water pressure was not very good at around 35 psi," notes one RVer. Most RV sites include full hookups with 50-amp service.
Satellite reception considerations: Tree cover affects satellite reception in different camping loops. "We had a clear shot to the north sky for Starlink, but it's doubtful we'd get a southern sky shot from this site due to the mature trees," reports an RVer. Sites numbered below 40 generally offer more shade and less satellite reception.
Pad surfaces and parking: RV pads have varied surfaces. "Our spot was very spacious as the length was 45 feet deep on asphalt. It had a picnic table and a fire ring in a well-groomed gravel area about 30' x 30'," shares a camper. Many sites feature a combination of asphalt for parking and gravel for the living area.
