The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Tillamook State Forest. Tillamook State Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near Tillamook State Forest, reviewed by campers like you.
$27 - $74 / night
"We definitely didn't try to interact with them, but they were comfortable to roam right around our site which was a really magical experience
- Nehalem Bay is such a beautiful area and the State Park"
"Mostly an RV park tucked into the Nehalem Bay peninsula, this does offer a couple dog friendly yurts and some very friendly camp hosts."
$38 - $56 / night
"Close to the tide pools in Barview, right on the beach, on the entrance to Tillamook Bay. Large clean bathrooms with several hot showers."
"Our campsite is spacious and relatively private with lots of trees and shrubbery around the perimeter. We're just a short walk from the beach access and it's a great section of beach."
"We stayed away from our coastal communities during the first year of the pandemic, but now we wanted to get back and support our home away from home."
"Really well maintained and just 10 minutes away from the beach in Cannon Beach, it is a lovely walk from the campground to town and to the beach."
$27 - $117 / night
"I would pick a site that isn’t next to the bathroom trail or you’ll have someone walking through your site every 5 minutes. Each site is Steps away from beach access."
"Steps to the beach? ✅ In the forest? ✅ Access to amazing hiking? ✅ Private? ✅ We love Cape Lookout for all the diverse scenery it has to offer."
"So I told him I’d also write reviews of some other good campgrounds in the area, so look for-Beaver Eddy (recently closed for logging, though didn’t look like a permanent close + one roadside site was"
"Nestled near a river, with easy access to the falls trail. Ensure you wear clothing suitable for wet hiking. The entire hike is a pretty easy and birding opportunities are many."
"Most spots are adjacent to the creek which is very nice. Though there was a lot of atv traffic."
"There were shell casings and some small trash pieces around (the occasional water bottle lid, a few pieces of broken glass, etc), as other reviews noted, but no huge huge litter problem."
$15 - $20 / night
"The toilets are clean and conveniently located. Overnight was 20 bucks and well worth it. There are several trails accessible with varying degrees of difficulty."
"Five miles off highway 26 and not too far from Portland. Campground split into two parts on both sides of the road. No reservations. First-come, first served. Spots for RVs and tents."
$50 - $250 / night
"You can’t beat the location! Walk to the beach, shops and restaurants in a few minutes. The sites are close but it’s the Oregon coast. Wifi is solid and I’m able to work."
"After a mildly congested drive out to Cannon Beach, we pulled off the 101 into town. Sure enough, we were late. I called and it was no issue."
"Gorgeous spots all over that are accessible in most 4WD/off-road capable vehicles."
"Very quiet & can hear some noise in the distance from time to time, but was pleasantly surprised by the peace & quiet I got up here."
$15 - $120 / night
"Compared to many places this is still a five star campground, but I like others in Oregon better. This one can get quite crowded and tends to be a little more loud and rainy."
"Also there are many hiking paths, the beach and near by towns to explore like Astoria, OR."
ScoutNice spot. Enough room for a few vehicles. Traffic during the day. Open spot for starlink. Good cell service also.
ScoutThis is a great spot if you're in need of an easy escape from the campgrounds world. Didn't plan ahead like we did they probably are available! Privately owned land with two flat spots (named: Light & Sublime) carved out of their mountain haven - long distance views of the ocean through the woods + ocean sunset experience! No rite rings just a simple carved out location to spend the night. $45 cash (preferred) the Slugs came out to greet us in the morning - slugs are a good omen for us so they bring us a lot of joy.
TravelerThe exact coordinates for this spot are in a no camping zone so I wouldn’t recommend making the drive all the way up to it. We camped off of the paved road on the way up the mountain off one of the dirt roads. Not a bad spot though but saw plenty of people. There was a bear in the morning which was cool.
GuideAlmost perfect campground… the bathrooms were gnarly. For 54 bucks a night I was expecting better on that side of things… other than that this site rules
LegendOne very tall Sand Dune away from the ocean, and a very nice calm they to kayak in or lunch boats from. Very clean facilities and constant surveillance so very safe here. Very nicely maintained and dump station near the front although I don't know if they charge. They sell ice and firewood come and water from the spigots at each camping location is potable.
ScoutThe 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. Had some trees that had been chopped down and a fire pit area. Definitely could fit a couple cars up in that area. We arrived around 7pm and stayed the night. It’s about 25 minutes from Cannon Beach. The view of the mountains was nice!
LegendCame here so I can kayak and calm waters. The slabs are mostly level and each spot is large with a nice picnic table and fire pit but neighbors are fairly close and not much privacy. Showers are quarter timed showers and I've seen much better and cleaner. They do have waste of disposal for a fee but they offer drinking water and full Electric and water but no sewage hookup you pay at the dump station. However it's very close to town which is very convenient and has great access to the water as compared to many other places where you have to drive à ways.
GuideThis is long but I wish someone wrote it so I knew what I was atleast spending our money on. I’ll first write about the website and how it lies and then my experience, with pictures. For context, we have a 43-foot fifth wheel that stands at a standard height of 13’6”, totaling approximately 60 feet in length with our truck. Discrepancies in Site Descriptions: Forested Sites: 1. The website advertised three large grassy areas. In reality, one was occupied by the campsite manager. Though there are two sites remaining, the one closest to the store backs up into low-hanging branches that could easily damage our solar panels and things on top and was not in an area or wide enough for us to back in our 43’ fifth wheel. 2. Amazing for Slides: The two available sites might work for slides, but the most narrow spot would have posed a significant risk. Which is the one we were supposed to have. If you don’t have slide toppers, your slides would be filled with leaves and branches. 3. Size Claims: The website states sites are 100'x50'. The owner specifically state that they are 70'x20' and none of the sites are100’x50’. 4. Surface Quality: The site closest to the store was somewhat gravel, but weeds were growing over it. Further back, it became more uneven, with slopes and hills leading into grass rather than a proper gravel pad. 5. Connectivity: The advertised satellite, TV, and Wi-Fi were virtually non-existent. Wi-Fi in the other areas was terrible, leading to frustrating experiences trying to connect. 6. Fire Pit: We booked a spot with a fire pit, which we were told would be moved to our site from the forested area. However, we never received it. Thankfully, we brought our own. Prime Sites: 1. Surrounding Environment: Claims of being quietly surrounded by grassy dunes and playful pines are misleading. While there are sand dunes, the pines are very far from the sites; you are primarily in a campground without immediate tree access. 2. Proximity to Beach: this was accurate it was a nice walk 3. Size: Again, the owner mentioned that all sites are 70'x20,' contradicting the 100'x20' claim online. Our fifth wheel did not fit adequately, forcing us to deal with dirt and litter behind us. 4. Patio Description: The site described a sand entry on their site and a beauty-barked entry when you go to book. It is in fact sand which is why I purposely booked the forested site 5. Wi-Fi Quality: Rather than excellent Wi-Fi, we experienced frequent disconnections, and often it only worked late at night when the campground was quiet. Overall Experience: Upon arrival, I was met with the owner stating that we didn’t need to get out of the truck, which seemed convenient at first. However, once led to the incorrect site, I expressed our booking for a forest site, only to be told they preferred to place us elsewhere because of our size(which we did specify during booking) The roads were a bit narrow for turning around a big rig despite them saying big rig friendly, and backing into a suitable site required a three-point turn, making it an complicated process. When I approached the office regarding a refund for the site difference, the owner reeked of pot(I usually don’t care but I would rather do business with someone sober than argue with someone stoned). the owner was immediately confrontational and dismissive. Despite my attempts to explain the situation, he insisted that all sites were the same and refused to acknowledge the misleading size and price differences. His behavior was unprofessional and unacceptable. When I asked him about price and size difference he kept saying it was all the same and the only difference was the forested site got a fireplace for free and it would follow me however we never did get it. How wife at one time during the argument came out and said she would give us a refund for the difference and he told her to shut the hell up. He then told us to either take what we were given(at the lesser price) or take a full refund and leave. I later discovered that the owner has a history of confrontations, as noted in various reviews, which further dampened our experience. In conclusion, the forest and prime sites are not worth the price of$125 per night. I also never received the promised fireplace, which was an additional disappointment. Having booked in March for an August stay and specifically choosing the forested site, I expected a much better experience. Overall the difference in price between what I booked and what I got was$135 for the 4 nights.
GuideI would only choose this park again if I couldn't get into one of the State Parks . We did have a FHU, but the site, as well as all of the roads, are all gravel. We also had to level our trailer. In our row there were no trees and nothing to separate your site from your neighbors, except a little space. Do not arrive before 1400 unless you want to use the day use area at the jetty before you set up your site. The official check-in time is 1530. A check-in time for us earlier than 1400 would have resulted in an additional charge of $43. Our site did have a picnic table and fire ring.
Camping near Tillamook State Forest, Oregon, offers a fantastic mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and enjoy the great outdoors.
Camping near Tillamook State Forest, Oregon, has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for family fun, a peaceful retreat, or an adventure in nature, this area has it all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need reservations for camping in Tillamook State Forest?
Most campgrounds in Tillamook State Forest operate on a first-come, first-served basis without reservations. Gales Creek Campground and Cedar Creek Corridor Primitive Camping don't accept reservations, so arriving early, especially on summer weekends, is recommended. The forest also offers dispersed camping options that don't require reservations. However, campgrounds can fill quickly during peak season (May-September), particularly on weekends. While most sites are first-come, first-served, some nearby state parks do require reservations. Always check current regulations before your trip, as policies may change seasonally.
Where are the designated campgrounds in Tillamook State Forest?
Tillamook State Forest features several designated campgrounds scattered throughout its expansive terrain. Elk Creek Campground is situated at the confluence of Elk Creek and Wilson River, offering scenic sites on a gentle incline. Nehalem Falls Campground provides a picturesque setting that's highly rated for its natural beauty. Other options include Jones Creek Campground, located off Highway 6, and Kilchis River Campground. Most campgrounds offer basic amenities like pit toilets and fire rings, with some providing drinking water during the main camping season. The forest also has designated dispersed camping areas for those seeking a more primitive experience.
How close is Tillamook State Forest to Cannon Beach?
Tillamook State Forest is approximately 30-45 minutes from Cannon Beach, depending on your starting point within the forest. The drive from the eastern edge of the forest to Cannon Beach is roughly 35 miles via Highway 26 and Highway 101. If you're planning to visit both areas, Cape Lookout State Park Campground offers a convenient coastal camping option about 30 minutes south of Cannon Beach with beach access and hiking trails. Alternatively, Nehalem Bay State Park Campground is located just 15 minutes south of Cannon Beach, making it an excellent base for exploring both the beach and portions of Tillamook State Forest in the same trip.
Are there scenic viewpoints or photo opportunities in Tillamook State Forest?
Tillamook State Forest offers abundant photo opportunities throughout its diverse landscape. Hebo Lake Campground provides stunning reflective water views framed by towering trees, especially when morning mist hovers over the lake. The forest features numerous viewpoints along hiking trails and forest roads with panoramic vistas of the Coast Range. The convergence of Elk Creek and Wilson River near Fort Stevens State Park Campground creates picturesque water scenes. Seasonal attractions include vibrant fall colors, spring wildflowers, and misty mornings where coastal fog filters through ancient trees. Popular photo spots include waterfalls, river gorges, and elevated viewpoints that showcase the vast forest canopy stretching toward the Pacific Ocean.
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