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Best Dispersed Camping near Gearhart, OR

57 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities near Gearhart, Oregon are concentrated within Tillamook State Forest and surrounding areas, with several free primitive sites available within a 30-minute drive. Cole Mountain Ridge, located about 20 minutes from Cannon Beach, provides multiple pull-off camping areas along gravel forest roads. Additional options include Soapstone Lake Trail dispersed camping and a scenic overlook near Foley Creek. These sites fall primarily on Oregon state forest land where primitive camping is permitted without established facilities.

Access roads to most dispersed sites require careful navigation, particularly for larger vehicles. The gravel road to Cole Mountain Ridge is generally well-maintained but includes some hilly and narrow sections that may challenge RVs or trailers. Many sites feature established fire rings, though seasonal fire restrictions apply throughout summer months. No amenities are available at any locations - campers must pack in water and pack out all waste. Cell service varies by location, with better reception at higher elevations near communication towers. Most areas operate on a first-come basis with no reservation system.

These primitive camping areas offer mountain views and relative seclusion despite proximity to popular coastal destinations. The scenic overlook near Foley Creek provides dramatic 360-degree vistas, though requires "quite the long and slow drive up a narrow backcountry road" according to visitor reports. Cole Mountain sites accommodate small groups with room for 2-4 people and feature "mountain views" with minimal interaction between campers. Several visitors noted the presence of trash at various sites, suggesting the importance of leave-no-trace practices. A reviewer described the Cole Mountain area as "secluded and quiet, and 25 minutes from Cannon Beach," making it valuable for those seeking free alternatives to crowded coastal campgrounds.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Gearhart, Oregon (13)

    1. Cole Mt Ridge

    4 Reviews
    Tolovana Park, OR
    14 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!"

    2. Dispersed Camping Near Cannon Beach

    5 Reviews
    Tolovana Park, OR
    13 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."

    3. soapstone lake trail dispersed camping

    2 Reviews
    Arch Cape, OR
    15 miles

    "Secluded yet close to Cannon Beach. Road was very accessible. Creek and trailhead nearby. Spot at the dead end is best."

    4. Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed

    16 Reviews
    Naselle, WA
    28 miles
    Website

    "There's basically zero traffic on the dirt road near the campsite. A lot of the trees around seem to be new growth. Great view of the stars at night!"

    "There are several spots off the road around these radio tower stations and it is quite secluded. We didn't see any other person the whole time we were there."

    5. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    15 Reviews
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    34 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."

    6. Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek

    3 Reviews
    Wheeler, OR
    26 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."

    7. East Summit Rd dispersed

    Be the first to review!
    Tolovana Park, OR
    14 miles

    8. Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight

    8 Reviews
    Clatskanie, OR
    38 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. Tillamook Forest Dispersed - Shots and Pecks

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

    10. Trask River Campsites

    3 Reviews
    Tillamook, OR
    45 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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Gearhart, OR

49 Photos of 13 Gearhart Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Gearhart, OR

57 Reviews of 13 Gearhart 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.

  • Jeremy B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 10, 2022

    Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed

    Great secluded spot in the woods

    Great spot because it's so secluded in the forest. There's basically zero traffic on the dirt road near the campsite. A lot of the trees around seem to be new growth. Great view of the stars at night!

    There are at least 4 other campsite off this road at different points if you keep driving. Some of them are more or less level and more or less muddy. This one was the best, but there are lots of options. All of them are commonly used because there are ashes from fires. There's a moderate amount of trash at most of them.

    Requires a Discovery Pass. I bought a day pass for $12 online since I don't need the annual pass. They tell you to write the date and order number in large print on a piece of paper and put it on your dash. No one came to check my pass though (in January, so it's the off season)

    You have to take a dirt road to reach the campsite, but it is pretty well maintained. The only difficulty I encountered were two points where a few inches of road were a bit washed out. They were small enough that I could manage them alright in a 2WD van that had normal clearance. So most cars could probably manage them.

    There's a small trail behind this spot that that leads to the creek, which is nice. Other than that, you can hike along the dirt roads, but there aren't any actual hiking trails that I found. I saw a porcupine for the first time while wandering one of the side roads! I didn't drive up to Snag Lake.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2023

    Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight

    Decent place for the night

    A big pavement pull off on the ride of the road. The river is a walk down a very steep hill behind the pullout. No place to pitch a tent, best for car camping. Had some issues with people stopping and playing loud music, seems to be a hangout spot.

  • Ryan S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 27, 2025

    Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed

    Great view of the valley

    There are several spots off the road around these radio tower stations and it is quite secluded. We didn't see any other person the whole time we were there. The spot we chose was the best as it is away from the towers and buildings, plus has a great view overlooking the valley and bay, and you can see the ocean between the peaks in the distance. The road getting here is a bit rough with lots of washboard, steep grades and rocks. But it's fun. No amenities, obviously, but there is a concrete pad from an old structure you can park on. Other sites have solid pack gravel covered by grass.

Guide to Gearhart

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Gearhart, Oregon, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of locations offering stunning views and unique experiences, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Gearhart, Oregon

Scenic views for dispersed campers

Top activities while free camping near Gearhart

  • Fishing enthusiasts will love the opportunities at Trask River Campsites, where you can cast a line and enjoy the serene river setting.
  • Hiking is a must in the area, with trails leading to scenic overlooks and hidden gems like the nearby waterfalls accessible from Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight.
  • For those who enjoy wildlife watching, the Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping area is known for its diverse wildlife, providing a great chance to spot deer and other animals in their natural habitat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is camping allowed on Gearhart Beach?

Camping directly on Gearhart Beach is not allowed. Oregon's beaches are public land where overnight camping is generally prohibited, including Gearhart Beach. Instead, consider nearby dispersed camping options in the surrounding areas. Dispersed Camping Near Cannon Beach offers drive-in access not far from the coast. For beach proximity with legal camping, you'll need to use established campgrounds in the region rather than camping on the beach itself. Local regulations strictly enforce no overnight camping on Oregon beaches to protect the natural environment and ensure public access. Always check current regulations with local authorities before planning your trip.

Where is dispersed camping available in Gearhart?

While direct dispersed camping in Gearhart itself is limited, several nearby options exist. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping is accessible via Jones Creek campground turnoff, with numerous spots available if you continue past the OHV staging area. These sites are best reached with 4WD/off-road capable vehicles. Another option is Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping, accessible from Forest Road 55 off Highway 101. About 10 miles in, you'll find established boondocking spots. Note that some areas may be temporarily closed for logging activities, so checking with forest rangers before your trip is advisable.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites in Gearhart?

Dispersed camping sites near Gearhart typically offer minimal to no amenities, as they're designed for self-sufficient camping. At Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed, you'll find secluded forest sites with established fire rings but little else. These sites offer excellent star-gazing opportunities and privacy with minimal traffic. Similarly, Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight provides beautiful surroundings with access to waterfall hikes, but expect to bring everything you need. Most dispersed sites feature basic fire rings and flat tent spaces only. You'll need to pack in all water, food, and supplies, and pack out all trash. No toilets, running water, picnic tables, or other facilities are provided. Always practice Leave No Trace principles.

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