Best Campgrounds near Gales Creek, OR

Tillamook State Forest surrounds Gales Creek, Oregon, offering multiple camping options within 45 minutes of Portland. Gales Creek Campground serves as the primary established camping area with designated tent and RV sites situated along the creek. Nearby alternatives include Browns Camp OHV area for motorized recreation enthusiasts and several dispersed camping zones throughout the forest. The region also includes L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park to the north with cabin accommodations and more developed facilities, while those seeking free camping options can utilize Tillamook State Forest dispersed areas.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from late spring through early fall. Gales Creek Campground runs from May through September with limited sites available on a first-come, first-served basis for $20 per night. Water pumps provide drinking water at several established campgrounds, though filtering is recommended. Vault toilets are standard at developed sites, while dispersed areas require self-contained waste management. Cell service remains limited throughout the forest, with spotty coverage in higher elevations. A visitor remarked, "This campground is absolutely beautiful. Tons of greenery and places to splash in the creek. Not many sites though and usually pretty full on summer days. Get there early!"

Proximity to the creek represents a major draw for campers visiting the area. Sites along Gales Creek provide opportunities for wading and cooling off during summer months. Several visitors noted the peacefulness of the forest setting despite the campground's popularity and relative closeness to Portland. The established campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends, particularly those with creek access. A camper described it as "a nice time to hike or play with the water pump," while others mentioned the lush vegetation providing privacy between sites. For those seeking more solitude, the dispersed camping areas deeper in Tillamook State Forest offer more primitive experiences with fewer amenities but greater separation from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Gales Creek, Oregon (231)

    1. Dairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park

    39 Reviews
    Buxton, OR
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 324-0606

    $24 - $39 / night

    "As we had been here before, it was an easy drive in on US-26 to the campground (CG)."

    "The sites are larger than at most of the Oregon state parks we have been to. The site was the levelest we have ever stayed in, usually there is a slight tilt one way or another."

    2. Gales Creek Campground

    12 Reviews
    Timber, OR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 357-2191

    "v=zsbtamvRM9I&feature=share)
    Video of our trip to Gales creek campground. Awesome little campground near PDX. Spaces are fairly small so no campers over 25ft I’m guessing."

    "Just off highway 6 (between Portland and Tillamook) is a series of lovely campgrounds in the Tillamook State Forest."

    3. Elk Creek Campground

    11 Reviews
    Timber, OR
    12 miles
    Website

    "Hwy. 6 is a twisting, overmodest bounty of recreational options leading to the Oregon coast, which is entirely public."

    "Off busy Highway 6 on the way to Tillamook and the Oregon coast, Elk Creek Campground is a sweet getaway from a lot of busier campgrounds and destinations in this region of Oregon (i.e., an hour from Portland"

    4. Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground

    76 Reviews
    Donald, OR
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 678-1251

    $22 - $152 / night

    "As I rode up to the site, I noticed right away that it was not tucked far away from the amenities such as restrooms, and showers. It was part of one of the campground loops."

    "Champoeg State Heritage Area is a beautiful and peaceful campground located near Newberg, Oregon."

    5. Healing ponds farm retreat and healing center

    8 Reviews
    Buxton, OR
    9 miles
    +1 (503) 709-0706

    $45 / night

    "The pond area is beautiful with all the statues found around it. Highly recommend and we plan to visit again :)"

    6. Keenig Creek Campground

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

    $15 / night

    "First of all, it is an easy enough drive from Portland, about an hour or so."

    "Nice access to water. At night you can see headlights in the distance and hear cars all day but once traffic dies down it isn’t so bad."

    7. Dairy Creek East — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park

    7 Reviews
    Buxton, OR
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 324-0606

    $33 - $39 / night

    "One of our favorite Oregon SPs. In the middle of a mountainous forest with lots of hiking, paved path & mtb biking, disc golf, horse trails and more."

    "Dairy Creek is clean and well maintained, and has great access to the trails and disc golf around the park. If you're in an RV this is a good set up."

    8. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    15 Reviews
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 357-2191

    "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."

    9. Hares Canyon Horse Camp — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park

    6 Reviews
    Buxton, OR
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 324-0606

    $39 / night

    "When we came back from the shower my wife and I observed a dark shadow darting from the table around the back corner of the tent. Figured it was a raccoon or something."

    "Lots to do with the Banks / Vernonia trail running through the camp that has over 15 miles of paved walking / biking trails."

    10. Jantzen Beach RV Park

    40 Reviews
    Vancouver, WA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 289-7626

    $40 / night

    "Arrived here late for a single night stay on the way to the Oregon Coast. This is a very convenient stopover for those needing a place to stay near Portland."

    "The park's location is very convenient, with easy access to downtown Portland and nearby attractions."

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Recent Reviews near Gales Creek, OR

1466 Reviews of 231 Gales Creek Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Dispersed Camping Near Pioneer-Indian Trail in Siuslaw National Forest

    Great Find

    We have been traveling/disburse camping through Montana, Washington, and now Oregon and this has been our 2nd favorite spot.

    The drive in wasn’t as bad as we were anticipating. The road was paved and a two lane; narrow lanes but my Ram 3500 and teardrop handled it fine. We did follow previous reviews and once spotted the logging road turned in despite previous review suggesting walking down first. It worked for us because the spot was empty but would second that recommendation; had the spot been taken turn around would not have happened. The logging road is gravel, narrow, and a little steep but not bad at all. The spot is worth what it takes to get to it.

    The space, seclusion, sky made it our second favorite site; the first had a creek and wild life. Not recommended for strictly RWD vehicles, if you are towing 45 feet in length, or wet/snowy conditions.

    This spot is saved for next time we are in the area.

  • John F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Dairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park

    Large level sites

    We stayed in Dairy Creek West Campground. The sites are larger than at most of the Oregon state parks we have been to. The site was the levelest we have ever stayed in, usually there is a slight tilt one way or another. This was dead on level. The area for the trailer is pea gravel with an asphalt parking are in the front of the site. I forgot to fill our propane tanks a did that at the Cheveron in nearby Banks which is 10 miles away. There is no wifi unless you use your own. Cell service seems to be ok. Trash is located at a central area opposite the Welcome Center.

  • Jenna C.
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Champoeg State Heritage Area Campground

    Peaceful Escape at Champoeg State Park

    Champoeg State Park is such a peaceful and well-kept spot, perfect for both weekend campers and road-trippers. The mix of open fields, riverside views, and walking trails makes it ideal for a relaxing outdoor getaway. What I really like is how easy it is to plan your stay, even using a simple camping trip calculator or planning tool helps figure out travel time, supplies, and costs before heading out. Definitely one of Oregon’s hidden gems for nature lovers.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Barview Jetty County Campground

    Decent

    Overall, the campground was nice. Free showers. There’s a nice playground for the kiddos. I stayed in the V loop and was the only camper there for the 3 nights I was there. The sites are close to each other… so if you want privacy, I would recommend going elsewhere. I could see it getting really packed and noisy during the weekends.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Port of Tillamook Bay RV Park

    City Park great for an overnight

    This is a great city run RV park that is next to a small municipal airport and a World War II era blimp museum. Some sites have shade, but mostly open field. I camped here 8/22/25. There were about 20 other campers but there was plenty of space for more. $20 a night.

  • Carol & Ed V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Nehalem Bay State Park Campground

    Great location

    Typical state cg. But sites are not on top of one another. Great showers and access to all the regions sites

  • Susan M.
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Phoenix RV Park

    Nope

    We stayed here for 11 months. We had a problem with our fridge overheating and the compressor being noisy when the afternoon sun hit the front side. We built an insulated box to solve the problem. Painted it. It wasn't an eyesore. We didn't have more than 5 personal items in our lot. Manager made us take it down. Said there would be a spot in September that she could move us to. Was unwilling to switch around someone who wasn't coming in for 2 months. When September hit, nothing happened. She never did move us. But she did move her RV to the prime spot, facing the way that we needed, up front when it came open. Lots of spots with so much junk under their RVs. We had a whitewater raft under ours and were told that we couldn't have it under there. Instead of paying a ridiculous price for a storage unit, we sold it. We already had one in the RV. Head management was coming through in a couple of weeks and she had to make the place look like she actually enforced the rules? Their sprinkler system quit working. The maintenance person put the sprinkler on the grass on the side of us. My window was wide open. Soaked my couch, left a water stain all across the blinds(RV was 9 months old) and the water stained a handmade quilt on the back of my couch. When I called the office the manager told me to stop yelling at her. I guess a loud voice was yelling? The guy said he didn't see that my window was open, yet I saw it was as I drove up. The manager also charged my debit card for our last couple of days/electricity without my permission. When I called to confront her about it, she hung up on me. I had to call my bank to get my card cancelled but the charge went through. Even though she sent me an email saying I was refunded. I am now trying to deal with the head office about her. Rent also going up to$830 a month. For a parking spot and water. No internet. Lots of sirens. Heard gunfire a lot. Not a great part of town. Lots of homeless people, garbage because it's near the can redemption center.

  • Kris O.
    Oct. 3, 2025

    cape lookout

    Paved level sites

    Good access for rigs up to 40’ it seems. Sites are all paved and pull-in or back in. Fires in fire pits only. Not expensive and a nice beach walking distance from all sites.

  • Emille R.
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Oxbow Regional Park

    Most Beautifil Place Oxbow Regional Park

    https://thecelebjackets.com/the-wrong-paris-movie-outfit-collection/

    Recently i visit this place such a great experience, Nestled along the wild and scenic Sandy River, Oxbow Regional Park is a natural sanctuary offering a classic Pacific Northwest escape. The park's 1,200 acres of ancient forest are crisscrossed with hiking trails and provide habitat for elk, deer, and osprey. Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, and rafting in the river, or reserve one of its rustic campsites for a truly immersive experience in nature, all just a short drive from the Portland metropolitan area.


Guide to Gales Creek

The Tillamook State Forest encompasses much of the region surrounding Gales Creek, with elevations ranging from 500 to 3,000 feet throughout the area. Summer temperatures typically reach highs of 75-85°F, while winter brings significant rainfall with 70-100 inches annually. Forest roads often close seasonally due to weather conditions, so checking current access status before departure is essential for reaching camping areas.

What to do

Mountain biking on dedicated trails: L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park offers extensive trail systems specifically designed for mountain biking enthusiasts. A visitor noted, "We've enjoyed previous stays at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park in our tent and in one of the cozy cabins in the past. Experiencing several of the many long trails on horseback was an unforgettable experience." The park features both paved paths and more challenging single-track routes.

Stargazing at higher elevations: Hares Canyon Horse Camp provides exceptional night sky viewing due to its elevation within the forest. As one camper reported, "The top of the park shows a vast section of sky which is perfect for meteor shower watching." The relative distance from Portland's light pollution makes this an excellent option for astronomy enthusiasts.

Swimming in forest waterways: During summer months, Keenig Creek Campground offers natural swimming areas along its creek access points. A camper described, "The river was super clear, with a rocky beach and some beautiful formations a bit to the west." The swimming spots range from shallow wading areas to deeper pools suitable for more experienced swimmers.

What campers like

Privacy between campsites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between sites at Elk Creek Campground, where vegetation creates natural boundaries. One review states, "The sites are walk in, so you park in the general lot and huck your stuff in but never very far; no wheelbarrows or anything on site so only bring what you're able to carry." The campground layout promotes a sense of seclusion despite its popularity.

Proximity to Portland: Many top camping options near Gales Creek can be reached within an hour from Portland. A camper at Dairy Creek East noted, "One of the Better State Parks. As we had been here before, it was an easy drive in on US-26 to the campground." This accessibility makes these locations practical for weekend trips without extensive travel time.

Year-round availability options: Several campgrounds in the area maintain extended or year-round operation schedules. A camper mentioned, "Love to stay here when all the other campgrounds close. Nice hiking trails. The rangers are very nice." This makes the Gales Creek region one of the best places to camp near Portland when seasonal closures affect other areas.

What you should know

Reservations vs. first-come sites: Understanding which campgrounds require reservations is crucial for planning. At Keenig Creek, "They don't take reservations, which can be a good or bad thing. If you are a planner, not being able to make reservations would probably be hard for someone like that." Many of the best places to camp near Gales Creek operate on a first-come basis, particularly in Tillamook State Forest.

Water source considerations: Water availability varies significantly between campgrounds. One camper at Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping noted, "Loved this spot. Gorgeous, lots of unique sites. Only downside is incredibly loud atv and dirt bike activity. These sites are beautiful and really meant for tent camping—but you can park an rv in most of the spots. There is a vault toilet closer to site 14 but no hookups." Always bring sufficient water or filtering equipment.

Highway noise proximity: Several campgrounds in the area experience road noise due to their location near Highway 6. A Keenig Creek visitor observed, "Don't choose a campsite close to the highway...you will hear every car/truck that goes by! My advice would be to get as close as you can to the river. You cant hear anything." Selecting sites further from major roads improves the wilderness experience.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Champoeg State Park provides dedicated play areas for children. According to a camper, "Champoeg has a little everything. GREAT biking trails that are kid friendly. There lots of historical sites around the campground to enjoy as well. Loop B is highly our favorite because it is smaller and more private and close to the river. We'll go back year after year. Our kids had a blast!"

Creek wading spots: For families with children, water access points offer natural recreation. At Elk Creek, one visitor reported, "The river was an excellent location to play in and in some spots we were able to swim. Because the location was primarily closed, it was quiet and private." Look for gentle sections with minimal current for safer water play.

Educational opportunities: The Tillamook Forest Center, located near several campgrounds, provides interpretive displays and activities for children. A camper noted, "A 7-minute drive from the awesome Tillamook Forest Center, which has really cool exhibits on the area." These educational resources can enhance a family camping trip while providing indoor activities during inclement weather.

Tips from RVers

Site dimensions: RVers should note specific pad lengths at campgrounds with RV accommodations. A visitor to L.L. Stub Stewart State Park observed, "Our spot was very spacious as the length was 45 feet deep on asphalt. It had a picnic table and a fire ring in a well-groomed gravel area about 30' x 30'. The back of our spot was against very high trees." Always verify site dimensions match your vehicle requirements.

Hook-up availability: Full-service sites are limited in the Gales Creek area. A camper noted, "Well maintained full hookup sites with 50amp, most 63' long. The park has recently renewed trail signage." Research utilities before arrival, as most forest locations offer minimal or no hookups.

Road access considerations: Forest service roads vary in condition and suitability for larger vehicles. Check current road conditions and consider rain impacts on unpaved access routes. Most dispersed camping areas in Tillamook State Forest have limited turning radius for larger RVs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Gales Creek, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, Gales Creek, OR offers a wide range of camping options, with 231 campgrounds and RV parks near Gales Creek, OR and 21 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Gales Creek, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gales Creek, OR is Dairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 39 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gales Creek, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 free dispersed camping spots near Gales Creek, OR.