Elliott State Forest provides dispersed camping options on roughly 550 miles of roads and trails across 90,000 acres near Coos Bay, Oregon. Most campers access these tent campsites through Marlow Creek Road, which requires driving 7-8 miles on gravel forest service roads with numerous potholes. Primitive camping spots can be found at higher elevations with views of coastal mountains, often with established fire rings in clearings created by past logging operations.
What to do
Explore creek access: At Elliott State Forest Dispersed, campers can find spots backing up to water. "We walked through the creek for a little bit. Not to many good pull off options. It was super damp and rainy while we were there so we're unable to start a fire," reports Lauren B.
Find mountain viewpoints: Higher elevation campsites offer expansive vistas, particularly at clearings created by past forest management. "Beautiful view overlooking the mountains. Low traffic but rains a lot and we had a visitor come sniff around but quickly left," notes Brook S. about their experience at Elliott State Forest.
Try river recreation: Nesika County Park provides direct access to water activities. "It's beautiful, right next to a river that is actually accessible to old farts like myself," explains Dan C. The river access makes this established campground popular for swimming and fishing during summer months.
Scenic photography: Early mornings create misty conditions ideal for landscape photography. "Nice misty views over the trees in the morning," writes Janine L., who found excellent photographic opportunities despite muddy conditions at their forest campsite.
What campers like
Camp host assistance: At Nesika County Park, staff provide additional services. "Camp host was great.. his name is Dan.. he would visit to see if you needed anything..we needed more wood..he brought some right to our campsite," shares camper Dan C.
Secluded options: Finding private spots requires exploring beyond main roads. "You have to drive some winding forest service roads to get to a spot then find one on or near the road but there's a couple good camp spots," explains Glenn about Elliott State Forest Dispersed.
Cell service pockets: Surprisingly, some higher elevation sites maintain connectivity. "There was surprisingly multiple spots that I had cell service (AT&T) so I was able to navigate myself around through a satellite map," reports Catey N., who camped midweek and encountered no other visitors.
Sand camping: The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area offers unique tent camping on sand. "This campsite is awesome. Been coming here since 2003 and it never disappoints. We camp close to the sand so we can take our dirtbikes out early," explains Kayla C.
What you should know
Vehicle limitations: Some forest roads have significant grades that challenge older vehicles. "Our day stay was due to the road being too steep for my 1993 truck camper. It got too hot and blew the transmission, made a nice long trail in the steep road," warns Daisee Mae S.
Weather impacts: The Oregon coastal forest receives significant rainfall year-round. "It was muddy at the site, and unfortunately, those before us left a lot of trash. Did my best to clean up when was left behind," reports Janine L. after camping at Elliott State Forest Dispersed.
Download offline maps: Cell coverage remains spotty throughout most camping areas. "Needed a last minute to car camp that was close to the coast, found these dispersed sites online and figured it try it out," notes Catey N., who recommends having satellite maps available.
Logging traffic: Early morning commercial activity occurs on main forest roads. "This is a logging forest, so we had huge logging trucks roll by in the morning - because of this, it may not be the best spot for kids or off leashed dogs," explains one reviewer who camped along Marlow Creek Road.
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds: Dew Valley Ranch Nature Retreat offers a more controlled environment with amenities. "You were greeted upon your arrival and told all about all of the amenities. Do you have a chance to interact with the horse, pig, and two goats," explains A I.
Bathroom considerations: Toilet facilities vary significantly between dispersed and established sites. "Great spot for tent or pull trailer right on the creek! Camp host is accommodating and helpful. Only downside was the public bathroom," notes Kirsten L. about her experience at Nesika County Park.
Wildlife encounters: Animals frequently visit campsites, particularly at dawn and dusk. "Low traffic but rains a lot and we had a visitor come sniff around but quickly left," shares Brook S. about unexpected wildlife at their forest campsite.
Site selection timing: Arrive early to secure the best spots, especially at non-reservable locations. "Very secluded but spacious sites. From the start of Marlow Creek Road to where I chose to camp was 8.5 miles," explains Caroline E., who recommends exploring side roads for better options.
Tips from RVers
Road condition awareness: Some forest access roads have deteriorated significantly in recent years. "Beware some of the side roads are a bit overgrown and can scratch up your car," warns Catey N., who found campsite hunting required careful navigation to avoid vehicle damage.
Primitive parking spaces: Most forest pullouts accommodate only smaller recreational vehicles. "The Elliott State Forest has more than 550 miles of roads and trails, but only a primary network has been maintained over the past 10 years," explains Bob Z., noting that road maintenance has declined substantially.
Early arrival recommended: For sites accommodating RVs at Nesika County Park, showing up early ensures better placement. "Arrived late but everyone was very friendly and Acomadating. Highly recommend," shares Jason S., who found the campground staff helpful despite late check-in.
Length limitations: Most tent campsites near Coos Bay limit vehicle size due to narrow roads and turning radiuses. "We found an awesome spot along Marlow Creek Road, about 4 miles into the forest (coming in from Allegeny). There are plenty of pull outs all along the way, with room for 2-3 cars," notes one reviewer describing typical site dimensions.
