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Best Dispersed Camping near Gales Creek, OR

70 Reviews

Tillamook State Forest provides multiple free dispersed camping areas within driving distance of Gales Creek, Oregon. Most sites are accessed via gravel forest roads that may require careful navigation. A visitor noted, "The road up was a very narrow road. So careful if there's other cars coming through, especially the logging semis." These primitive sites typically include established fire rings but no other amenities—no toilets, water, or trash service.

Several distinct dispersed camping zones exist in the region, including North Fork Trask along the Trask River and numerous sites throughout the forest's higher elevations. Many campers seek the mountaintop locations for their views. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "We found a small mountaintop spot with amazing 360 degree views." Road conditions vary, with some areas accessible to standard vehicles during dry weather, while others require 4WD or higher clearance. Cell service is nonexistent throughout most of the forest. Target shooting and OHV use are common in the area, creating occasional noise, particularly on weekends.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Gales Creek, Oregon (21)

    1. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    15 Reviews
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    17 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
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 842-2545

    3. North Fork Trask

    2 Reviews
    Tillamook, OR
    20 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."

    4. Trask River Campsites

    3 Reviews
    Tillamook, OR
    23 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."

    5. Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek

    3 Reviews
    Wheeler, OR
    27 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."

    6. South Lake

    16 Reviews
    Beaver, OR
    36 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"

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

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

    "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."

    "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."

    8. Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight

    8 Reviews
    Clatskanie, OR
    36 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."

    9. Cole Mt Ridge

    4 Reviews
    Tolovana Park, OR
    32 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!"

    10. Dispersed Camping Near Cannon Beach

    5 Reviews
    Tolovana Park, OR
    33 miles

    "Some paths are less driven on so maybe avoid with a big RV or van, can also get a little hilly and tight. I got in around 8:45pm and there were a good amount of spots left."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Gales Creek, OR

57 Photos of 21 Gales Creek Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Gales Creek, OR

70 Reviews of 21 Gales Creek 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 Gales Creek

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Gales Creek, Oregon, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the great outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Scenic Views While Free Camping Near Gales Creek

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Gales Creek, Oregon

Top Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • The Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight is a must-visit for hikers, offering a short trek to a stunning waterfall that enhances your camping experience.
  • For those who enjoy off-road adventures, the Cedar Creek Rd area near Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping provides access to various trails and scenic routes.
  • Don't miss the chance to explore the unique landscapes around South Lake, where you can find a mix of camping options and beautiful lake views.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Gales Creek dispersed camping areas?

Gales Creek dispersed camping areas offer minimal amenities, typical of primitive camping. These are dry camping sites with no hookups or running water. Some established sites contain fire pits, but you should bring all necessary supplies including water, food, and waste disposal bags. Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight and Cole Mt Ridge, similar dispersed sites in the region, feature basic fire rings and cleared areas for tents or vehicles. Be prepared to pack out all trash as there are no garbage services available. Cell service may be limited, and there are no restroom facilities, so bring appropriate supplies for a self-contained camping experience.

Are there dispersed camping options near Gales Creek similar to those near Astoria?

Yes, there are several dispersed camping options near Gales Creek that offer similar wilderness experiences to those near Astoria. South Lake provides dispersed camping opportunities with small, pond-like settings and multiple sites to choose from, though access requires navigating narrow dirt roads. For coastal forest camping similar to Astoria's options, Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping offers numerous established boondocking spots off Forest Road 55. Both regions feature free camping on forest service roads with varying levels of accessibility, though many require high-clearance vehicles. Unlike Astoria's coastal proximity, Gales Creek offers more mountainous terrain with river access rather than ocean views.

Where is Gales Creek campground located in Tillamook State Forest?

Gales Creek campground is located within Tillamook State Forest, accessible through the Jones Creek campground turn off. To reach the dispersed camping areas, continue up the forest roads past the OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) staging area. The area features a massive network of forest service roads with various spots to set up camp. Some areas require 4WD/off-road capable vehicles for best access. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping offers numerous spots throughout this region, with some areas located near the top of the mountain where active logging operations may be present.

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