Tent camping options around Gardiner, Oregon range across several state and national forests with variable terrain. Most dispersed sites in this coastal region sit between 200-800 feet elevation, receiving over 70 inches of annual rainfall. Road conditions deteriorate significantly during winter months, with many forest service roads becoming impassable without high-clearance 4WD vehicles from November through March.
What to do
Creek exploration: Several pull-offs along Elliott State Forest offer direct creek access. "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 we're unable to start a fire," notes one camper.
Wildlife watching: Morning and evening hours provide optimal wildlife viewing opportunities near campsites. One camper at Nesika County Park reports, "Great spot for tent or pull trailer right on the creek! Camp host is accommodating and helpful. Only downside was the public bathroom."
Photography: Coastal forest camping offers unique morning mist photo opportunities. "Nice misty views over the trees in the morning," reports a visitor about their experience in the area.
What campers like
Secluded spots: Many campers value the privacy found deeper in forest roads. A camper at Suislaw National Forest Dispersed Camping shared, "I drove back in a few miles and camped along the road, in some old growth forest. It was dark, and I mean truly dark in there when you shut off your lights off, and silent as a tomb."
Running water sounds: Sites near creeks provide natural ambient noise. According to one camper at Elliott State Forest, "The road follows a babbling creek which was amazing to sleep next to."
Elevated views: Higher elevation sites offer visual rewards. "Followed Marlow Creek road about 7 or 8 miles straight back until we reached the top of a hill. Cleared out from what looks to be trees that burned from a fire. Makes for amazing views," notes a tent camper about their experience.
What you should know
Road navigation challenges: Many access roads have deteriorated conditions. At Stoney Acres Farmstead, a different camping option, visitors noted the area has "the owners are the nicest people. And cant beat 420 friendly."
Weather preparedness: Rain gear is essential year-round. "We had very few mosquitos or bugs, and loved being encompassed by the mossy trees," mentions one visitor to the region.
Limited cell service: Download offline maps before departure. "Needed a last minute to car camp that was close to the coast, found these dispersed sites online and figured it try it out. There was surprisingly multiple spots that I had cell service (AT&T) so I was able to navigate myself around through a satellite map," reports a camper.
Tips for camping with families
Emergency planning: Establish meetup protocols for children. "We found an awesome spot along Marlow Creek Road, about 4 miles into the forest (coming in from Allegeny). There are plenty of pull outs all along the way, with room for 2-3 cars, as well as full tents and chairs set up."
Water safety: Creek water levels fluctuate seasonally. "This is a logging forest, so we had huge logging trucks roll by in the morning - because of this, it may not be the best spot for kids or off leashed dogs," warns a visitor about certain areas.
Campsite selection: Choose sites away from steep dropoffs for younger children. "You have to drive some winding forest service roads to get to a spot then find one on or near the road but there's a couple good camp spots," advises an experienced camper.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Most forest roads restrict larger RVs. One camper at Dry Lake Horse Camp cautions, "The turn into this road from Highway is a sharp one and immediately uphill. Probably not for anyone towing large trailers but if your skilled you can try it out."
Turnaround planning: Scout ahead before committing to narrow roads. "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," warns a visitor who faced difficulties.
Levelness concerns: Many sites require significant leveling. "Just little pull offs that I found. Drove pretty deep into the forest and found a dead end spur," notes one RVer about the tent camping options near Gardiner.
