1 campground with availability next weekend
The Gardiner area provides both dispersed and established tent camping options within nearby forests, ranging from primitive backcountry tent campsites to more developed riverside spots. Elliott State Forest offers primitive tent sites along Marlow Creek Road, with pull-offs situated approximately 4-8 miles into the forest. According to multiple reviews, these sites provide seclusion with minimal traffic. Siuslaw National Forest also provides dispersed camping opportunities, though access routes can be challenging for standard vehicles. Nesika County Park offers more developed tent camping near Coos Bay, with sites positioned along a river.
Forest service roads leading to tent sites in Elliott State Forest feature variable conditions, often with potholes and occasional steep sections. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing more remote camping areas. Most dispersed sites lack basic facilities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Fire restrictions apply seasonally, and campers should verify current regulations before planning trips. As one camper noted, "It was muddy at the site, and unfortunately, those before us left a lot of trash." Pack-in, pack-out principles apply at all dispersed camping locations within these forests.
Tent sites in Elliott State Forest typically feature cleared, somewhat level ground in forested settings. Many campsites back up to creeks or streams, providing natural white noise and water access. Campers seeking the most secluded tent spots should venture deeper into the forest road systems. "Very secluded but spacious sites. From the start of Marlow Creek Road to where I chose to camp was 8.5 miles. There are several forks in the road that you can follow to more campsites," reported one visitor. Cell service is spotty throughout these areas, so downloading offline maps is advisable. Morning fog and mist are common in these coastal forests, creating atmospheric tent camping experiences, particularly in spring and fall when humidity levels are high but summer crowds have diminished.
"I solo travel so I need to have a sense of safety when I camp somewhere. This is the definition of “dispersed car camping”. Sites were pretty far off from each other, but within yelling ear shot."
"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."
"We camp close to the sand so we can take our dirtbikes out early. Bathrooms are close, town is nearby with delicious deli food and the hosts are very nice."
"It's beautiful, right next to a river that is actually accessible to old farts like myself.. No hookups.. now sewer.. This is a primitive and first come first serve.."
"The camping is clean and the surroundings are gorgeous. The camp host is super friendly and nice. Best rate on firewood. By the barrel. The river is beautiful."
"When all other nearby campgrounds were full, we came here. Great spot in between Florence and yachats."
"Very few areas large enough to set up a camp. There are pull over areas along side the road which I did the first night. Then was lucky enough to get a good sized spot someone pulled out of."
"Good fire ring. Do not attempt if wet."
Available next weekend
from $45 - $105 / night
"Tyee campground is a nice get away close to home, there's fishing and bike riding. Very beautiful area."
ScoutTried to book and oceanfront camp spot for night of. Apparently our 2003 Scamp is too old and too small to stay at this rv resort. So if you would like to be treated terribly for wanting to spend the same amount as someone with a giant RV. Don’t waste your time.
ScoutThis is a great spot. All the staff have been very friendly and helpful. They keep the place immaculately clean. Lots of great views with free hot showers, playgrounds, and firewood delivery. Just about anything you need right on the beach with jetty access all around.
ScoutI just accidentally found this campsite after visiting the lighthouse. It was a delightful little area very secluded and the staff was very nice. Had a great shower and a wonderful night sleep. I would stay here again.❤️
Guidedespite the rating i had absolutely no cell service with Verizon. i do not recommend this campground for tent campers, yurt neighbors were very noisy and i ended up sleeping in my car. do not recommend for solo travelers, complete SOS no service in entire campground. i wish i would have stayed at the campground up the road a little closer to town as i had service there. no wifi like it says on the front gate. bathrooms were clean, shower was nice.
ScoutThis campground was fully booked from the time I was looking- starting in July, my stay was in October- so I took my chances on a same-day spot. I got very lucky and was able to get a tent spot on the water. It was very small- barely enough space for my 2-person tent next to the fence, and the fire pit and picnic table was right next to the car parking space, so zero privacy there, but I was just grateful to be able to wake up to a beach view. The bathrooms were clean enough, and the hosts were fine, though gone for most of the day when I arrived so I had no way to pay without cash. My biggest complaint is the number of trailers parked in prime tent spots. My neighbor had a trailer on a reservable tent site- one of the best sites on the grounds- and spent zero time on the campsite and all their time in the trailer. They also behaved in an inappropriately hostile way- I had my headlamp on as I was putting food and gear away in my car at around 8:45pm, and because they were sleeping in their trailer, which was parked in the a parallel parking spot where all the cars were parked, my headlamp and car light apparently was shining into their trailer window. Instead of being patient, they started flashing a very bright light at me from inside their trailer, and then banging on their trailer sides. Mind you- these people were easily in their late 60s, acting like antisocial children. Their behavior made the next morning very awkward, and could have been avoided if they hadn't been allowed to park a trailer in a site that was clearly meant for tents- that they didn't actually use once, because all of their eating and cooking and sleeping was done in their trailer. I just wish this campground had rules regarding tent sites from trailer/RV sites. Their site was huge, with multiple tent sites, a wide view of the beach, two fire pits with plenty of foliage around for privacy - and they didn't use anything but the parking spot, and were aggressive with me for spending my time outside in my site.
ScoutLove it. Great location
RangerSolid place to spend the night - almost stayed 2! I solo travel so I need to have a sense of safety when I camp somewhere. This is the definition of “dispersed car camping”. Sites were pretty far off from each other, but within yelling ear shot. No service up here - which is fine by me. Weather was perfect in late August - some mosquitos but nothing crazy. Pack in pack out absolutely no amenities.
ScoutThis is a very clean campground located right off the dunes. The campground has direct access to miles of sand to play in. It's quiet and run by such a wonderful family.
ScoutAwesome site. Very quiet and respectful RV owners around you. Separated by trees between each RV site
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Gardiner, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gardiner, OR is Elliott State Forest Dispersed with a 3.9-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Gardiner, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near Gardiner, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
