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Best Dispersed Camping near Clatskanie, OR

59 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas dot the forests northwest of Clatskanie, Oregon, with Beaver Falls Trailhead offering a large pull-out accommodating 7-10 vehicles. The site provides direct access to hiking trails and a waterfall, though the parking area isn't perfectly flat and is best suited for car camping rather than tents. During evening hours, the area experiences minimal traffic on the adjacent road, creating a relatively quiet backcountry experience despite being roadside.

Tillamook State Forest provides additional primitive camping options, with Cole Mountain Ridge approximately 25 minutes from Cannon Beach featuring scenic mountain views and spots for 2-4 vehicles. A recent visitor noted, "Road is gravel, pretty well maintained. There's a lot of pull off roads with lots of sites available." The forest roads near Cannon Beach have some access limitations, with reviews warning that narrow roads aren't suitable for large RVs or trailers. Most dispersed sites throughout the region follow the standard 14-day camping limit on public lands, lack facilities, and require visitors to pack out all waste.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Clatskanie, Oregon (20)

    1. Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight

    8 Reviews
    Clatskanie, OR
    4 miles

    "Definitely best for car camping as the spots down by the river were pretty wet and muddy this time of year. The waterfall is amazing and only a 15 minute hike down!"

    "The river is a walk down a very steep hill behind the pullout. No place to pitch a tent, best for car camping."

    2. Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed

    17 Reviews
    Naselle, WA
    36 miles
    Website

    "There's basically zero traffic on the dirt road near the campsite. A lot of the trees around seem to be new growth. Great view of the stars at night!"

    "We were the only campers that we are aware of; very quiet night. No trash on site."

    3. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    15 Reviews
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 357-2191

    "Accessible through the Jones Creek campground turn off, continue up the forest roads past the OHV staging area and you’re in paradise!"

    "My mistake, these coordinates took us to the top of the mountain. It is currently an active logging area, so the truckers are out at 3am. The road up was a very narrow road."

    4. Tillamook Forest Dispersed - Shots and Pecks

    3 Reviews
    Timber, OR
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 842-2545

    5. Cole Mt Ridge

    4 Reviews
    Tolovana Park, OR
    31 miles

    "The coordinates did not take us to the exact spot, but the pin on the map was the closest, it’s actually to the left on the dirt road. You’ll see a tiny dirt road going up hill and that’s the spot."

    "This spot has an almost 180 degree view around to the west! Could fit about 2-4 people comfortably. No amenities but such a good time!"

    6. Dispersed Camping Near Cannon Beach

    5 Reviews
    Tolovana Park, OR
    31 miles

    "Some paths are less driven on so maybe avoid with a big RV or van, can also get a little hilly and tight. I got in around 8:45pm and there were a good amount of spots left."

    7. soapstone lake trail dispersed camping

    2 Reviews
    Arch Cape, OR
    33 miles

    "Secluded yet close to Cannon Beach. Road was very accessible. Creek and trailhead nearby. Spot at the dead end is best."

    8. Gee Creek Rest Area I-5

    2 Reviews
    Ridgefield, WA
    33 miles

    9. Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek

    3 Reviews
    Wheeler, OR
    40 miles

    "Definitely quite the long and slow drive up a narrow backcountry road - steep in sections but overall quite manageable."

    "It’s just past a river around a bend when heading east on the south side. You’ll see signs off the pavement for Cook Creek campground. Keep on driving up staying on the main road."

    10. Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Cougar, WA
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 891-5000

    "Found in typical condition. Please pick up after yourself. Many sites out here. Camped on a week day. One other camper out here. No traffic on road. Like others said road getting in sucks."

    "Road got a little bumpy getting out here but once we found a spot right near the riverbank, you felt like you were deep in it. Saw a few people on the way out."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Clatskanie, OR

56 Photos of 20 Clatskanie Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Clatskanie, OR

59 Reviews of 20 Clatskanie Campgrounds

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2022

    Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    Perfect for Overland and off-road vehicle camping

    Accessible through the Jones Creek campground turn off, continue up the forest roads past the OHV staging area and you’re in paradise! Gorgeous spots all over that are accessible in most 4WD/off-road capable vehicles. There is a massive network of forest service roads many with spots to set up your own quiet camp away from all the dirt bikes and RVs. No facilities obviously but that’s what makes this place special. It’s incredibly quiet and peaceful and a gorgeous piece of the PNW coastal area.

  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2025

    Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    GPS takes you to the top!

    My mistake, these coordinates took us to the top of the mountain. It is currently an active logging area, so the truckers are out at 3am. The road up was a very narrow road. So careful if there’s other cars coming through, especially the logging semis.

    Nonetheless a cool spot. Dry camping. Please clean up after yourselves.

  • Kevin W.
    Aug. 20, 2024

    McBride Lake NF-81 Dispersed

    Lots of shade, very private and trailer friendly.

    I have camped here twice now, once during a scouting trip in 2016 with my boys and again in September 2024 with just me and my dog :).  I could pull my 17' pop-up "A" frame trailer and back into one of the two spots with no problem.  Due to the narrow road, it may be a bit more snug with bigger rigs (25+ feet long and anything more than 8+ feet wide).  I would scout the road and area before committing; however, there is a turnaround that you could use to maneuver the trailer to drive out.  It's plenty big to accommodate a few trucks/cars and one, maybe two towable trailers.  If you're going tent camping, there are about four flat places for tents.  The area has no trails, so you would not have to worry about people wandering into the campsite. The Ape Caves is a small drive away. The town of Cougar, WA. is about 10 miles away if you need gas or food.  There is a lot of shade, and it is not solar-friendly.  The main road is about 100 feet away, relatively quiet, and very private.  There was a large rock fire pit in the middle. There is no cell phone reception; however, if you drive East for a few miles, you may be able to get 2 bars with Verizon.

    Per the state website, "On the southwest side of Mount St. Helens, Forest Road 81 provides an experience away from crowds. On this road, access Kalama Horse Camp, Red Rock Pass, and Forest Road 830, the road to Climber's Bivouac, and the start of the summer climbing route. From the west, the road begins on Forest Road 90, near Cougar, WA, and travels through private timberlands and state lands before entering Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The road connects with Forest Road 83 on its east side. While mostly paved, be prepared for several miles of gravel(between Forest Road 830 and 8123) and a road that is sometimes very rough."

  • Vanessa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping

    You may get lost

    The coordinates here were incorrect coming from Hood River Oregon. It sent me down a rough dead end forest service road. I ended up lost on the mountain for 3 hours and finally made it out somewhere near camas. Make sure you have lots of fuel

  • Jeremy B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 10, 2022

    Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed

    Great secluded spot in the woods

    Great spot because it's so secluded in the forest. There's basically zero traffic on the dirt road near the campsite. A lot of the trees around seem to be new growth. Great view of the stars at night!

    There are at least 4 other campsite off this road at different points if you keep driving. Some of them are more or less level and more or less muddy. This one was the best, but there are lots of options. All of them are commonly used because there are ashes from fires. There's a moderate amount of trash at most of them.

    Requires a Discovery Pass. I bought a day pass for $12 online since I don't need the annual pass. They tell you to write the date and order number in large print on a piece of paper and put it on your dash. No one came to check my pass though (in January, so it's the off season)

    You have to take a dirt road to reach the campsite, but it is pretty well maintained. The only difficulty I encountered were two points where a few inches of road were a bit washed out. They were small enough that I could manage them alright in a 2WD van that had normal clearance. So most cars could probably manage them.

    There's a small trail behind this spot that that leads to the creek, which is nice. Other than that, you can hike along the dirt roads, but there aren't any actual hiking trails that I found. I saw a porcupine for the first time while wandering one of the side roads! I didn't drive up to Snag Lake.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2023

    Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight

    Amazing Hike!!

    This place was beautiful!! Definitely best for car camping as the spots down by the river were pretty wet and muddy this time of year. The waterfall is amazing and only a 15 minute hike down! The only reason this place got lower than a 5 star is because of all the trash near the parking lot. Too beautiful of a place to be used as a dump!! Definitely used as a party spot but aside from this it’s worth the visit!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed

    4WD Ideal

    Great camp spot for the night; would have gotten 5 stars had I been able to experience the view. The road in was a little bumpy and in some parts an incline but nothing my Ram 3500 and teardrop couldn’t handle. We followed recommendation from a previous review and followed the road until it ended for the best spot. It was a concrete pad so set up for the teardrop was easy. We were the only campers that we are aware of; very quiet night. No trash on site. Sadly due to the cloud coverage and rain we did not stick around for breakfast but imagine on a clear day a slow morning taking in the sights would be nice.

    Front and 4WD ideal; site fit my 42 foot truck/camper very well.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2023

    Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight

    Decent place for the night

    A big pavement pull off on the ride of the road. The river is a walk down a very steep hill behind the pullout. No place to pitch a tent, best for car camping. Had some issues with people stopping and playing loud music, seems to be a hangout spot.

  • EThe Dyrt ADMIN User
    May. 29, 2025

    Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek

    360 views!

    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. Be weary that it is a long drive to get here and no way to tell if there's sites available until you do the entire drive up. No water up here.

Guide to Clatskanie

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Clatskanie, Oregon, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Scenic Waterfalls for Dispersed Campers

  • The Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight is a fantastic spot for those who enjoy a short hike to stunning waterfalls, making it a rewarding destination after a day of exploring.
  • Campers can enjoy the peaceful surroundings while parking their vehicles in a spacious area, allowing for a comfortable setup for tents or car camping.
  • Although the area lacks amenities like drinking water and toilets, the natural beauty and proximity to the waterfall make it a worthwhile visit.

Hiking Adventures While Free Camping Near Clatskanie

  • The Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed offers excellent hiking opportunities with breathtaking views, perfect for those who love to explore nature on foot.
  • Campers have reported enjoying the quiet atmosphere, making it an ideal location for a peaceful retreat after a day of hiking.
  • While the road can be bumpy, the journey is worth it for the stunning scenery and the chance to connect with nature.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Clatskanie, Oregon

  • When visiting the Tillamook Forest Dispersed - Shots and Pecks, be prepared for a remote experience, as the area is known for its tranquility but may have some litter left by previous visitors.
  • It's advisable to check road conditions before heading to dispersed sites, as some areas may be challenging to access, especially during winter months.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to help maintain the natural beauty of these dispersed camping spots, ensuring they remain pristine for future visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Clatskanie, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Clatskanie, OR is Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight with a 4.3-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Clatskanie, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 20 dispersed camping locations near Clatskanie, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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