32 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent camping near Coos Bay, Oregon ranges from primitive dispersed sites along forest roads to riverside campgrounds with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Both locations are within 30 minutes of Coos Bay, giving tent campers a choice between secluded backcountry sites and more developed settings with basic amenities. Nesika County Park provides tent sites with more amenities, including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets.
Tent sites in Elliott State Forest are primarily located along Marlow Creek Road, with pull-offs and clearings suitable for tent camping. Access requires driving 4-8 miles on gravel forest roads that may have potholes and rough sections. Most dispersed sites lack amenities, with no drinking water, toilets, or trash service available. Campers should pack out all waste and bring sufficient water. According to reviews, some sites feature established fire rings, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply. One visitor noted, "There are several forks in the road that you can follow to more campsites, but I opted to camp right off the main road."
The tent camping experience varies significantly between locations. Elliott State Forest provides more secluded camping with sites backing up to creeks and offering mountain views from higher elevations. These areas typically see minimal traffic, especially midweek, though logging trucks may pass by in the mornings. Nesika County Park offers a more structured camping environment with access to the river, making it suitable for families or those wanting basic amenities. The campground host at Nesika sells firewood by the barrel and maintains clean facilities. A recent review mentioned, "The camping is clean and the surroundings are gorgeous. The river is beautiful." Tent campers should be prepared for variable weather conditions, as coastal Oregon can experience significant rainfall even during summer months.
"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."
"Nice and close to Bandon. No trouble accessing in our midsize suv. 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."
"It's beautiful, right next to a river that is actually accessible to old farts like myself.. No hookups.. now sewer.. This is a primitive and first come first serve.."
"The camping is clean and the surroundings are gorgeous. The camp host is super friendly and nice. Best rate on firewood. By the barrel. The river is beautiful."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"There is a propane, fire ring, a clothesline, a fire pit, a picnic table, comfy chairs, Perfectly placed, solar lights, and much more!"
"We're happy to welcome your host Heather to our platform. With several sites to choose from, we're sure you'll find one that suites you. Book your stay today and come back to leave them some love."
from $55 - $180 / night
Check Availability"We camp close to the sand so we can take our dirtbikes out early. Bathrooms are close, town is nearby with delicious deli food and the hosts are very nice."
from $55 - $80 / night
RangerIn the morning we saw a bald eagle fly in front of a rainbow over the ocean.
Not technically a campground, but you can sleep here on the beach if you tuck away into the dunes. There are no bathrooms and no showers. My partner and I rode bikes out to the South Jetty near Florence and set a tent in the hills. Can be difficult to haul loaded bikes over the steep dune to access the beach.
Leave no trace!
LegendUmpqua Lighthouse Campground is on top of a hill, which would make sense since there is a lighthouse there. If you are hiking and biking you may not want to make the effort choosing to stay at the bottom of the hill at the crappy RV/Tent camp in the wind or just keep going in either direction to a campground on more level ground, but that would be a mistake. Make it up to the top, and you'll be rewarded with an out of the way, minimally populated camp tucked into the trees just past the lighthouse, and with trails, wildlife and brand new bathrooms and showers.
The Hiker/Biker Camp is just past the entry to the camp, down the trail towards Lake Marie. It has three different areas leveled off with shared storage boxes, fire pits and picnic tables. Each little clear is open to itself but nicely private to the other clearings so if you're traveling with a small group you can take over a whole area if you choose. Unlike most of the other Oregon State Park campgrounds there were not REI branded charging stations or bike tools, but the camp hosts let us plug into their outlets as needed.
They were just finishing the building of brand new bathroom/shower facilities while I was there, but even the portable set up they had was one of the nicest ones I've seen in a campground. Deer were wandering about, and there was plenty of bird watching.
The main campground area was divided into a loop and straight line stretch. Sites varied from open with privacy trees to entirely shaded. Despite it being a weekend during the summer the camp wasn't full, and it was easy for travelers to pull in and grab a spot.
Walk down the hill to the Lake Marie Trail for a quiet trip around the small lake. A few benches were found along the lake making great opportunities for relaxed reflection or a glass of wine. Shooting off from the LMT were trails out to the Umpqua Bay and the ocean side beaches.
Amenities include:
Oregon State Park Hiker/Biker sites cost $7-8
*Pro-Tip: There is a really windy, less cool campground at the bottom of the hill near the entry to Umpqua Lighthouse State Park. Go up the hill. It will be worth it. Even if you've been hiking or riding all day. It is better.
LegendI liked how this campsite was set up, the sites along the inner hill have parking spaces down below, with a short walk into the pads and fire rings. This makes for a little more privacy and you don't hear people getting into their cars all the time. It wasn't overly populated either, so in the morning and at night, when the hwy traffic died down, it was very peaceful and you could hear just the slightest ocean sound in the distance. My main complaint was the 'nature trail' that was just off the campground, it was nice until it took you out on the dunes. The signage said there was beach access, but I never got close enough to get out on it. At one point the trail was washed out. Also the trail itself was not well marked, as I realized miles into a hunting trail that had obviously not been used a lot. I made it back to camp okay, after having to turn back. A 6 mile loop turned into a 9 mile adventure up and down the dunes. Very beautiful scenery and lots of wildlife to watch along the way though, overall a decent experience. No onsite sales of wood and no showers, but fairly clean flush toilet bathrooms.
PROS:
CONS:
GuideAwesome 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.
LegendWhat more could you ask for-a view of the surrounding forest and sunset over an ocean view. It was a lovely spot. Easy to get to. Flat and no one around.
The only complaint again was trash left at the site. Please-Leave no trace or we will lose these great sites!
RangerThe weekend we spent at Sunset Bay was busy with limited availability. In our group was my mother-in-law who requires ADA facilities, and a potty training toddler. All of the designated ADA sites were full. Standard sites require an extensive, uneven, walk to the restroom, a problem for those needing ADA facilities, potty trainers, and middle of the night restroom users. The only play area is across the street (there is a path that crosses under the road) it provides only horseshoe toss pits, beach volleyball nets, and a basketball hoop. We stayed in A loop which is along the road and adjacent to the ranger station/entrance. There were limited barriers resulting in loud road noise, car lights at all hours, and a lot of wind. Tent sites, yurts, motor home sites, and dedicated hiker/biker sites are available, though tent sites are not level. Included in the cost of the camping fee is entrance to the botanical gardens with your vehicle permit, guided hikes to the tide pools, and educational events, such as animal lectures, in the amphitheater.
RangerLArgentina open spaces for people who have toy haulers. Tons of noise all day and night. Come here if you have sand toys or horses!
Rest rooms but no showers. Basic fire rings and that's it.
Right next to the dunes!
LegendWe just had to escape the crazy busy Oregon Coast so we drove inland to this county park along the North Fork of the Coquille River. There are modern flush toilets and vault toilets. Our campsite was between two waterfalls including Laverne Falls. We had a view of the smaller one from our creek side site. We paid $15.23 for site 59. Picnic table, fire ring and potable water. We were there on a Monday night with just a few campers present but the locals enjoy it on the weekends for swimming and picnicking. Beautiful setting.
TravelerBluebill is a wonderful little spot to camp, hike, explore, fish, and enjoy the quiet. You can hear the dune buggies off in the distance which makes it feel close to home without being disturbing.
Wild Mare camp is next to Bluebill Campground so you may hear an occasional horse whinnying, also makes it feel close to home without being disturbing.
Bluebill Lake is a wonderful hike with a great trail to the water if you want to do some fishing.
The Pacific Ocean is less than a mile away, with a gorgeous view from the top of the trail.
My only confusion was the information board said to check in with the camp host, there isn't one there. Obviously, a volunteer position, but the park rangers should be more involved in the campground. Stayed four days, never saw a ranger.
No internet at all, spotty cell service at best. No electricity. No hook ups. No showers. Be prepared to be self contained.
It was clean, quiet, and comfortable. Other campers followed the rules.
Check out is 1pm, check in is 2pm.
Wonderful spot to camp.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Coos Bay, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Coos Bay, OR is Elliott State Forest Dispersed with a 3.8-star rating from 11 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 32 tent camping locations near Coos Bay, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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