The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Forest Grove, OR

69 Reviews

The forested landscapes surrounding Forest Grove, Oregon feature extensive dispersed camping opportunities, particularly in the nearby Tillamook State Forest. Located approximately 25 miles west of Forest Grove, this public land offers numerous free primitive sites along forest service roads and near waterways. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping provides tent and small RV sites with minimal amenities but maximum immersion in Pacific Northwest coastal forests. South Lake, situated deeper in the forest, offers a more established dispersed camping experience with vault toilets and fishing opportunities. The Trask River area provides riverside camping with several designated pull-offs that accommodate both tent and vehicle-based camping.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many sites requiring navigation on narrow, potholed forest roads. As one camper noted, "Diamond Mill Road is a tight logging road with a steep cliff on this edge," highlighting the challenging access to some of the more remote sites. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for most areas, particularly after rain when roads can become muddy and slick. Active logging operations occasionally affect access, with trucks operating as early as 3 AM in some areas. Cell service is limited or nonexistent in most camping areas, though AT&T users report occasional coverage at South Lake. Most sites lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.

Scenic views and solitude rank as the primary attractions for campers in the region. Mountaintop sites in Tillamook State Forest offer panoramic vistas, with one visitor describing "amazing 360-degree views" from their campsite. Weekend visitors should be prepared for increased off-highway vehicle activity, particularly in designated OHV areas. "OHV vehicles are incredibly loud and ran throughout the weekend, but I have a feeling it's very quiet on weekdays," reported one camper. Fishing opportunities exist at South Lake, where trout are regularly stocked. Several sites provide access to hiking trails, including the Pioneer-Indian Trail in Siuslaw National Forest and trails near Beaver Falls. Wildlife sightings are common, with deer, elk, and various bird species frequently observed throughout the camping areas.

Map showing campgrounds near Forest Grove, OregonExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Forest Grove, Oregon (21)

    1. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    15 Reviews
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    23 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."

    2. Tillamook Forest Dispersed - Shots and Pecks

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

    3. Trask River Campsites

    3 Reviews
    Tillamook, OR
    25 miles

    "River access and a fire pit. Dirt bike parking adjacent but pretty private."

    "There are 3 easy to find campsites, very easy to find and access. 2 or 3 miles before the gravel road was a commercial campground with a store and very friendly folks inside."

    4. North Fork Trask

    2 Reviews
    Tillamook, OR
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 842-2545

    "I saw a total of 3 designated dispersed camping sites along this road. But there were a ton of pull offs along the river."

    5. South Lake

    16 Reviews
    Beaver, OR
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 750-7000

    "South Lake is fairly small, I consider it more of a pond to be honest, but a great place for disperse camping. The quickest drive in is a bit sketchy."

    "Do not drive here if you can't drive on the edge of a cliff on gravel roads. it's bumpy and definitely not for the faint of heart. other than that, it's a great site with nice pullouts and camping for"

    6. Dispersed Camping Near Pioneer-Indian Trail in Siuslaw National Forest

    8 Reviews
    Beaver, OR
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 750-7000

    "There’s a pretty decent sized gravel turnout… It’s the only big gravel turn out like this on this part of the road … you’ll see what looks like a logging road with a steep decline."

    "We found this dispersed site by driving on Mt. Hebo Road about 20 minutes past Hebo Lake Campground."

    7. Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek

    3 Reviews
    Wheeler, OR
    33 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."

    8. Gee Creek Rest Area I-5

    1 Review
    Ridgefield, WA
    28 miles

    9. Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight

    8 Reviews
    Clatskanie, OR
    40 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."

    10. Cole Mt Ridge

    4 Reviews
    Tolovana Park, OR
    39 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!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 21 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Forest Grove Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Forest Grove, OR

55 Photos of 21 Forest Grove Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Forest Grove, OR

69 Reviews of 21 Forest Grove 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.

  • Robert D.
    Jul. 14, 2022

    South Lake

    A rough and very narrow road to get here.

    We took a ride from Hebo up road 14 or 1400 to South Lake. The trip took over 1 hour down a partly paved road with lots of pot holes then the rest of the way down a very narrow pot hole dirt road to South Lake. Along the way we passed Hebo Lake Campground that had many tent camp sites. Once we arrived at South Lake we found the lake to be somewhat small and there were a few tent sites somewhat close together. We had been told this lake was always stocked with Trout. We suggest only using a 4x4 or a high clearance vehicle to make this trip.

  • Gerard R.
    Jul. 24, 2020

    South Lake

    Quiet Lake

    South Lake is fairly small, I consider it more of a pond to be honest, but a great place for disperse camping. The quickest drive in is a bit sketchy. I recommend taking a slight slower route to avoid scratches on your vehicle from branches. We checked out a few dispersed sites before we picked our spot. We managed to get a spot that was a 1 minute walk to the water, and about the same to the vaulted toilets. The vaulted toilet is on the NW side of the lake. It must’ve been checked often for toilet paper because we were there for 4 nights and it always had some in there.

    We caught trout every day we were there. Most are small but was fun nonetheless. There is an old boat without a motor tied up for anyone to use. Only had one ore that was half broke but it still managed to get us across the water 🤷🏻‍♂️. We found a decent amount of firewood, just have to make sure it’s try if course. It’s all hidden below the ferns/greenery. No picnic tables or metal fire rings but who needs them? Plenty of rocks for a fire pit were already set up. Plenty of shade. Only downside was precious campers leaving toilet paper near the trees when you are literally a minute or less walk to the vaulted toilet.

  • 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!

  • Ariel & John W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 14, 2020

    Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Remote, wild, beautiful

    This is for dispersed camping in the Siuslaw NF off Forest Road 55, off 101. Turn into 55 from 101 between Thor’s Well and Devil’s Churn. There is a FS paid campground (Cape Perpetua Campground) right off FS 55.

    If you follow 55 about 10 miles in, there are lots of established boondocking spots at around 4000 elevation. Additionally there are unmapped logging roads which can also be explored for camping.

    Scenery is spectacular, lots of wildlife, deer, elk, coyote, and amazing old growth forests. No amenities of any kind, no cell service.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2023

    Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Coordinates go to a no access area

    The directions/coordinates are for 10min outside pacific city. It is now a private entrance/driveway with no access to go through to the dispersed coordinates! And the locals said a lot of the forest is closed off due to logging in that area. Defiantly follow the rangers review about the devils churn/thors well spot. The directions from Dyrt was about an hour or so away from his instructions ! We weren’t able to find a spot and ended up leaving the area

    entirely.

  • michael K.
    Aug. 8, 2022

    South Lake

    Beautiful Site but..

    Do not drive here if you can't drive on the edge of a cliff on gravel roads. it's bumpy and definitely not for the faint of heart. other than that, it's a great site with nice pullouts and camping for car campers, vans, etc... I was fortunate and I have a black series off road trailer behind a 4runner, and we were fine. I would not recommend a trailer for this location. great for tents and the lake is ok, not too appealing to us, though.

  • 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 Forest Grove

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

Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp for Dispersed Campers

  • The Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek provides breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and reflection.
  • Located off a fire road, this site is easily accessible for both tents and RVs, allowing for a comfortable camping experience.
  • With no amenities like trash or toilets, campers can fully embrace the wilderness and practice Leave No Trace principles.

Adventure Activities While Free Camping Near Forest Grove

  • At the Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping, visitors can explore numerous logging trails that lead to stunning vistas and secluded spots perfect for family outings.
  • The area is known for its excellent opportunities to view the northern lights, providing a magical experience for those who venture out at night.
  • Campers can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and wildlife watching, while soaking in the natural beauty of the forest.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Forest Grove, Oregon

  • When visiting the North Fork Trask, be prepared for a lack of amenities, including drinking water and trash disposal, so plan accordingly.
  • It's advisable to check road conditions before heading to dispersed sites, as some areas may be challenging to access, especially during inclement weather.
  • Always be aware of your surroundings and respect local wildlife; sightings of animals like cougars have been reported near sites like the South Lake, reminding campers to stay vigilant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a map available for dispersed camping sites in Tillamook State Forest?

Maps for Tillamook State Forest dispersed camping are available through several sources. The Oregon Department of Forestry provides official forest maps that mark designated dispersed camping areas. These can be purchased at forest headquarters, local ranger stations, or downloaded from their website. The Dyrt app also offers map features to help locate dispersed sites like South Lake and Cole Mt Ridge. Forest Service roads are numbered on these maps, which is essential since many dispersed sites are located along these roads. It's recommended to download maps before your trip as cell service is limited in much of the forest.

Where are the dispersed camping areas in Tillamook State Forest near Forest Grove?

Tillamook State Forest offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities near Forest Grove. One popular area is accessible through the Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping entrance near Jones Creek campground. Continue past the OHV staging area on forest roads to find multiple spots suitable for camping. These areas are best accessed with 4WD or off-road capable vehicles. Another option is Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight, which offers spots by the river and is only a short hike from a beautiful waterfall, making it ideal for car camping.

How do I get from Forest Grove to Tillamook State Forest for dispersed camping?

From Forest Grove, the most direct route to Tillamook State Forest for dispersed camping is via Highway 6 (Wilson River Highway) heading west. This scenic drive takes approximately 30-45 minutes to reach the forest boundary. For areas like Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek, you'll need to navigate narrow backcountry roads that can be steep in sections but are generally manageable. If heading toward the North Fork Trask area, take Highway 6 and follow signs for the Trask River Road. Many forest roads branch off from these main routes, leading to various dispersed camping spots. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for accessing the more remote areas.

Keep Exploring