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Best Tent Camping near Florence, OR

1,018 Reviews

Dispersed tent camping dominates the options near Florence, Oregon, with Siuslaw National Forest offering numerous primitive backcountry tent sites within a short drive from the coast. These areas provide a true forest experience away from developed facilities. Forest Road 51 near Beaver Creek features multiple secluded tent campsites situated along a gravel road approximately 15 minutes from Highway 101, while the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area provides additional tent camping opportunities in a unique coastal landscape.

Most tent sites near Florence require self-sufficiency as amenities are minimal or non-existent. The Siuslaw National Forest dispersed camping areas feature simple pull-offs along forest roads with no drinking water, toilets, or designated fire rings. A visitor commented, "It's a small road through the forest with a few pull off spots along the way, nothing particularly interesting here, just trees." Forest Road 51 camping spots generally accommodate only one or two vehicles at each site, with very limited level ground for pitching tents. Road conditions vary substantially, with several areas requiring high-clearance vehicles, especially during wet conditions.

The backcountry tent camping experience near Florence offers notable seclusion in heavily forested settings. Areas like Forest Road 51 provide multiple pull-off spots at varying distances from the main road, offering different levels of privacy. One camper shared, "Very quiet, lovely views of the sky at sunset." Sites deeper within the forest road network typically offer increased isolation but may require navigating narrower, more challenging roads. Most tent campers bring all necessary supplies including water, as sources are unreliable or non-existent. The primitive nature of these areas means campers should be prepared for basic camping conditions with no services or facilities. Forest sites generally stay cool and shaded due to the dense tree canopy, with areas closer to the coast experiencing more variable weather conditions.

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Best Tent Sites Near Florence, Oregon (21)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Florence, OR

21 Photos of 21 Florence Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Florence, OR

1018 Reviews of 21 Florence Campgrounds

  • Sara R.
    Sep. 5, 2018

    Marys Peak

    Very basic and secluded.

    This is one of the most primitive campgrounds I've seen. There were a few old picking tables, fire rings, and one vault toilet. We were the only ones there during the peak of camping season. There were lovely flowers and raspberries growing nearby. A few dead branches feel during the night, which was a little underling.

  • Michael The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2021

    South Jetty Sand Camping

    No Reservations

    In 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!

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2022

    South Beach State Park Campground

    Huge Park, Huge Mosquitos, Lots of Activities

    We showed up here in early June with no reservations and had no problem getting a spot.

    Oregon State Parks now charge a 25% surcharge for non-residents for RV / hookup sites.

    Tent/non-hookup sites are only $22 (whether resident or no), and electric/water sites are  $35 for Oregon residents and $44 for non.  There are no sewer hookups here but there's a free dump and water fill at the entrance. There are water spigots throughout the campground.

    The RV loops are more like your basic crammed in RV park sites, with all sites closely in a row.  The two tent loops, H and I, have a nicer feel, more spaced out, more trees, and quieter.  RVs are allowed to camp in tent sites, and no generators are allowed (yay!).  There is some tree cover but there are plenty of sites with enough open sky so you can use your solar panels easily.

    Showers are really nice, and free.  They are set up in individual units, which I prefer.

    The trails to the beach are nice, but were really swampy when we were here and the mosquitos were really aggressive (bit me through two layers of clothes!).

    There's a cool disc golf course but we didn't get to play, mainly because of the mosquitos. 

    Campground is close to the cute town of Newport.

    Overall we liked it here.

    ATT phone had good coverage.  Verizon was usable but weak, but the cell booster helped.

  • Ryan W.
    Aug. 20, 2019

    Umpqua Lighthouse State Park Campground

    At the top of the hill. Small and overlooked.

    Umpqua 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:

    • New Bathrooms & Showers
    • Fire pits & Picnic Tables
    • Trails
    • Storage Boxes
    • Firewood for sale.

    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.

  • Jill T.
    May. 20, 2019

    Tillicum Beach Campground

    Coastal beauty

    Ranger Review: Eclipse Sun Protection at Tillicum Beach Campground

    Campground Review:

    The Tillicum Beach Campground in Yachats, Oregon is a part of the Siuslaw National Forest. It has amazing spots overlooking the ocean and unbeatable beach access. Some of the spots closest to the ocean even have cool tree canopy covered picnic and tent areas with openings like windows (see photo). Rates are between $23-$30 per night. The campsites along the waterfront go quickly so, I recommend booking when spots are released (rolling 6mos).

    None of the waterfront sites have hookups and only a handful of the inland sites have hookups. There are restrooms and water but no showers. Each site has a fire ring and most have picnic tables. The vast beach makes it perfect for walking/running, building sand castles, fishing, and whale watching.

    Top reasons I love this campground:

    1. Awesome tree covered nooks overlooking the ocean.
    2. Easy access to the beach.
    3. Great for whale watching.
    4. Fishing.
    5. Nice size campground - not too large.

    …………….

    Product Review:

    As a Ranger for the Dyrt, I get to test products. At this campground, I tested the Eclipse Equinox Hoodie Cover Up. I love the idea of having a portable and compact piece of UPF 50+ clothing that I can put in my backpack or purse instead of a having to lather up with sunscreen. The sides open for ventilation and the front pocket becomes a self-storage pouch. It’s lightweight, quick drying, soft, and the special fabric doesn’t have chemicals!!  There’s even a hidden pocket designed for your phone or keys. It features a finger loop so even the top of your hands stay protected.

    The stowage carry pouch is great for traveling! It's small, lightweight, and portable. The carabiner makes it easily attach it to anything! Clip it to your backpack or put it in your purse.

    My 6-year-old daughter liked wearing the kids sun poncho and I enjoyed knowing that she was protected from the sun without having to slather her body in sunscreen!

    Pros:

    • Unbeatable sun protection (blocks 98% of UVA and UVB rays wet or dry).
    • Lightweight
    • No chemicals
    • Quick drying
    • Soft
    • Portable

    Cons:

    • I found both the adult and youth hoods a bit short. The kids sun poncho (for kids 4-7) was too short for my 6-year-old.
    • Could be a bit more stylish.

    Overall, I give the sun protective clothing 4 stars and think its a fabulous alternative to chemical filled sunscreen

  • Tj B.
    Jul. 24, 2017

    Tahkenitch Campground

    Beach access washout

    I 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:

    • walk-in sites
    • Not busy
    • Close to services

    CONS:

    • No beach access
    • Poorly marked trail
    • No wood sales
  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2023

    Hult Pond

    Secluded Pond Great for a Quick stay

    Great spot for a quick stay. There are only a few flat spots for RVs but quite a few decent spots for tent camping next to the pond. The west side of the pond has at least 2 spots that are a good distance away from the others. At the moment, no fires or barbecues allowed but propane stoves and lanterns are fine. Look for Bandits blue squeaky disk! We lost it and never found it.

  • Ryan W.
    Aug. 19, 2019

    Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park Campground

    The people make or break this place.

    I camped here twice this year. Once in June in the Hiker/Biker area, and again in July in a regular site. The experiences couldn't have been more different.

    Hiker/Biker is fairly segregated from the rest of camp. The access point is actually before the entry to the main campground itself. My first visit left me surprised at the beauty of the camp. It feels like it is in the wilderness despite being less than a few miles from Florence's cool Old Towne.

    The trees here are big, and the ground cover lush with ferns. The trails are canopied by Rhododendrons. Nature paths lead off to Cleawox and Woahink lakes. Sand dunes abut the west side of camp. They seem endless, and otherworldly. At Cleawox Lake day use area there are paddleboats, boards and water toys for rent by the day or hour. Sand boards are available from a temporary space set up in the day use parking area. 

    On my first visit the entry Ranger station was closed but the Welcome Yurt was open. Maps, advice, firewood, a lending library was available. 

    Honeyman Camp is huge. When I was there in early June it made for a lovely exploration, and seemingly great spaces between campers. In late July the vibe had completely changed. Each of the several hundred spaces was occupied by a seemingly large family with 5 kids to every adult, or 25 belligerently drunk RV campers who felt the need to blast Fleetwood Mac. 

    That second visit, in the main campground, made it very clear that your experience here will depend on the quality of people choosing to stay in the same park. All the amenities were the same, but despite it's size, a campsite with stereo speakers set to full boar are hard to ignore even when you're on the other side of camp. Now multiply that by several campsites per loop.

    One thing of note: Each campsite is issued a set of rules, including "Quiet Hours". Unlike some other sites in which hosts ignored those rules in an attempt to avoid confrontation the hosts here were on top of it. For as obnoxious as the camp was at 9:45pm, by 10:15 it was silent, and we were able to enjoy the remains of a campfire and view of the stars in the slight clearing between trees.

    Amenities include: 

    • Flush Toilets

    • Hot Showers (free and some without having to keep pushing a button!)

    • Picnic tables & Fire pits

    • Welcome yurt

    • Kids playground

    • Access to lakes and dunes (Bear sitings on the path to Woahink Lake in July)

    • Nature Trail

    *Pro-Tip: Stop in Old Towne Florence and buy some fresh fish or get a coffee at the local roaster.

  • Meghan O.
    May. 1, 2019

    Cape Perpetua

    Quintessential Oregon Coast Camping + Gregory Jade 63 Liter Backpack

    ========== Cape Perpetua ===========

    Cape Perpetua is quintessential Oregon coast camping. Essentially just across the street from The People's Coast, beaches, and popular attractions like Devil's Churn, you still get to enjoy the unique forests of sitka spruce and alder that make the Pacific Northwest so special.

    The campground at Cape Perpetua shows this off to its best advantage. This campground runs back from Highway 101 to the start of the Spruce Trail that winds further up the headlands. The campground itself is quite level and next to a charming stream, with spacious sites punctuated regularly by clean, well-kept bathrooms.

    I appreciated several qualities that set Cape Perpetua apart.

    1. The campground hosts were excellent. You could see they are very attentive to the bathrooms, trash, etc, but were never intrusive, just available. You do need exact cash to pay for your site, but if you're a few bucks short like we were after attempting to stay at another campground further south, they'll direct you to a convenient ATM at the general store in Yachats.

    2. I love the beach and beach camping, but I'm also a little paranoid about the big Cascadia earthquake we're overdue for. If you're also leery of sleeping in the tsunami zone when you aren't super familiar with evacuation directions for the area, you can rest easy knowing that this campground is outside the tsunami evacuation zone.

    3. We had no problem fitting three two-man car camping tents in our site, plus a minivan, with room for camp chairs around the fire pit and all our things over the picnic table. The tent sites have "floors" of soft grass and clover, and many are shaded, or recessed into little alcoves that are very private with low "walls" of ferns and moss. The other sites looked similarly roomy, and even if they're close together you don't feel on top of your neighbors.

    4. It's just a few minutes to Yachats proper, where you can enjoy the brewery, ice cream shop, cute boutiques, the general store, etc.

    ========== Gregory Jade 63 Liter Backpack ===========

    As a Dyrt Ranger, I get to review products from time to time. On my trip to Cape Perpetua, I brought my new Gregory Jade 63 Liter Backpack in Mayan Teal along for a test drive. Packing at home, I was already impressed with the attention to detail paid by the design team. Little touches, like the zipper pulls having slight corners that make it easy for your fingers to grip, the shape of the back padding and robust hip belt made with the female body in mind, and the color-coded alligator clips that make it clear how every strap is meant to pair all add up to a great user experience.

    The 63 liter pack is robust, with more than enough room for a two-man car camping tent, sleeping bag, ground pad, Primus camp stove kit, first aid kit, water bottle, and odds and ends. It was ideal for this car camping trip, but could easily serve on a backpacking trip, too. Despite the roomy interior, though, it never felt too big or disproportionate for my 5'6, 170 pound frame. On the contrary, it was far more comfortable and intuitive to pack than my old NorthFace pack.

    Like many backpacking packs, the Gregory Jade 63 Liter has a bottom compartment that's partitioned off from the main, cavernous interior. That's topped with a "brain" that is accessed by zipper and snaps down with alligator clips. There's a big mesh pocket on the front and two side mesh pockets. Gregory smartly doesn't reinvent the wheel on a basic backpack structure that works, but the beauty is in how well it executes this familiar style. The mesh pockets are breathable, yet slightly opaque, and the fabric is plenty tough and stretchy. The zipper pulls are really easy to manipulate, as I noted above, big enough for your fingers to find them in the dark or even get a finger slotted in there to pull, but not so large they're obnoxious or catch on things.

    The back panel is my very favorite. As a Southern girl used to very sweaty summer hikes, I appreciate the way the mesh and the curved back of the pack are separate, offering lots of airflow, without sacrificing support. The hip pads on the Gregory Jade 63 have a lot more structure than I've seen on other packs, and have the same breathable construction, so I know they'll reduce the kind of rubbing Cheryl Strayed wrote about in "Wild" on her hip bones and sacrum and that I've had to put up with in the past, too. You can tell this pack is meant for long treks because the hip belt is far more robust than on Gregory's day packs.

    Overall, I'm very happy with my new pack and am confident it will hold up as well as the smaller Gregory Juno 30 liter I use for my daily commuter and weekend bag. A year later it still looks brand new, so I look forward to still sporting this beautiful backpacking pack years down the road and many (comfortable!) adventures later.

Guide to Florence

Dispersed camping options near Florence, Oregon include a mix of remote forest service roads and scenic viewpoints. The climate remains mild year-round, with winter temperatures averaging 45-55°F and summer ranging 60-75°F. The coastal region receives significant rainfall (70+ inches annually) with most falling between November and March, creating challenging conditions for unprepared campers on unmaintained forest roads.

What to do

Hiking nearby trails: Access several trails from Elliott State Forest Dispersed camping areas where visitors can explore old-growth forests. "We walked through the creek for a little bit. Not too many good pull off options. It was super damp and rainy while we were there so were unable to start a fire," notes one camper.

Fishing opportunities: Many primitive camping sites offer access to local waterways. At Alsea River Getaway, campers can fish directly from their site. "On the alsea river bank can fish for salmon from location. Very private and relaxing way to get away from the city," explains a visitor.

Wildlife viewing: The coastal forest environment supports diverse wildlife. In Elliott State Forest, some campers encounter nocturnal visitors. One camper reported, "We had a visitor come sniff around but quickly left," while another mentioned seeing "about 5 beavers close to the road" near Beaver Creek.

What campers like

Morning views: The elevated positions of some dispersed sites provide scenic vistas. In Elliott State Forest, one camper described "nice misty views over the trees in the morning," while another mentioned camping at "the top of a hill. Cleared out from what looks to be trees that burned from a fire. Makes for amazing views."

Secluded spots: Stoney Acres Farmstead offers private camping areas with basic amenities. "This place is beautiful, the owners are the nicest people. And cant beat 420 friendly," says one visitor. The site provides drinking water, firewood, picnic tables and toilets.

Night sky viewing: Forest clearings allow for stargazing opportunities away from city lights. At Forest Road 51 near Beaver Creek, campers enjoy "lovely views of the sky at sunset" according to a recent visitor who stayed at the intersection of two forest roads.

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Many tent campsites near Florence, Oregon require careful navigation. In Suislaw National Forest Dispersed Camping, one camper warned, "Need AWD or 4x4. Excellent spot up 2 steep inclines. Some of the most beautiful views. Good fire ring. Do not attempt if wet."

Limited level sites: Finding flat ground for tents can be challenging. At Forest Road 51, a visitor noted, "One lane mountain road, pretty nicely graveled. Last campers left pit and firewood - will leave some more for the next."

Navigation challenges: Cell service is unreliable in most areas. A camper in Elliott State Forest advised, "Make sure to download a map" and mentioned "I was able to navigate myself around through a satellite map. Lots of nice spots with good views, just takes a bit of driving around to find the perfect one."

Tips for camping with families

Choose accessible locations: Some forest roads are more family-friendly than others. Dry Lake Horse Camp offers an alternative to deeper forest roads. "Great spot in between Florence and Yachats. Close to Heceta Lighthouse, right before Sea Lion Caves, and close to hikes and away from crowds," reports one visitor.

Plan for wet conditions: The coastal climate means frequent precipitation. In Elliott State Forest, a camper observed, "It was muddy at the site, and unfortunately, those before us left a lot of trash. Did my best to clean up what was left behind."

Consider day-use areas: When camping with children, having access to developed facilities helps. Near Forest Road 51, "The Beaver Creek park at the bottom of the forest road has a pit toilet and picnic tables for day use."

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions are significant: Many forest roads cannot accommodate larger vehicles. At Forest Road 51, one RVer warned, "Narrow and unpaved road. Very narrow, my trailer could barely fit through and there was only a three-way intersection inside to make a U-turn, otherwise my trailer wouldn't be able to get out!"

Scout first when possible: If driving a larger vehicle, consider checking the route before committing. A visitor to Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area noted, "We camp close to the sand so we can take our dirtbikes out early. Bathrooms are close, town is nearby with delicious deli food."

Prepare for steep grades: Some forest roads have challenging terrain. At Elliott State Forest, one RVer shared, "We stayed all day but decided not to stay a night. Our day stay was due to the road being too steep for my 1993 truck camper. It got too hot and blew the transmission."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Florence, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Florence, OR is Dry Lake Horse Camp with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

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TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Florence, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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