Primitive camping near Hammond, Oregon offers secluded forest experiences within an hour's drive of the coast. Most dispersed sites sit at elevations between 1,500-2,500 feet in the Coast Range, creating unique weather patterns where morning fog frequently burns off to reveal valley views. Winter access becomes difficult after November, with many forest roads impassable until late spring due to snow accumulation at higher elevations.
What to do
Waterfall exploring: A short 15-minute hike from Beaver Falls Trailhead leads to impressive cascades ideal for summer swimming. As one camper notes, "Great for an evening dip. However, cops came around about 930pm to inform me there is a high level of criminal activity around. To stay at my own risk."
Mountain viewpoints: Drive to elevated dispersed sites for panoramic vistas. At Cole Mt Ridge, you'll find "almost 180 degree view around to the west" with space for "about 2-4 people comfortably" according to visitors. Most viewpoint sites require 25-45 minutes of driving on forest roads from main highways.
Wildlife watching: Early mornings offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities. One camper at Road to Snag Lake reported, "Tons of rabbits and wildflowers. We stayed on a Friday night in August and were the only ones here." Many sites provide good viewing platforms for sunrise animal activity.
What campers like
Solitude: Many sites see minimal traffic mid-week. At Dispersed Camping Near Cannon Beach, a camper reported: "I got in around 8:45pm and there were a good amount of spots left. I saw about 5 cars but had no sight of anyone from my site. Only 1 car drove by me during my 12 hour stay."
Night skies: Minimal light pollution at higher elevation sites creates exceptional stargazing conditions. A camper at Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek described "360 views" noting it was "a really fantastic campsite" despite "quite the long and slow drive up a narrow backcountry road."
Cell service: Unlike many remote areas, some dispersed sites maintain usable connectivity. At Road to Snag Lake, a camper mentioned, "Nice view, bumpy drive! I've got T-Mobile and had full bars." This makes extended stays more viable for remote workers needing occasional connection.
What you should know
Road conditions: Most primitive camping access requires navigating unpaved forest roads. One visitor to Tillamook Forest Dispersed - Shots and Pecks reported, "Went up at the end of the snow season and I couldn't quite make it. My 4wd rav only has road tires and I eventually got to a point I wasn't able to make it."
Permit requirements: Some Washington sites require a Discovery Pass ($12 daily). A Road to Snag Lake camper noted, "This site is listed as free, but there is a sign at the entrance for needing a discovery pass to use the site. Visit their website for payment options. You have to print the pass or write the transaction number on a paper and on your windshield."
Seasonal limitations: Winter and early spring often render high-elevation sites inaccessible. Most primitive sites above 1,500 feet elevation become snowed in between November and April, with access roads becoming impassable without specialized vehicles and equipment.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose spots with natural boundaries for safety. A visitor to Beaver Falls Trailhead advised, "My partner and I angled our vehicle to block our tent from the road and slept like rocks. My only safety concern is someone taking the corner too fast running into your car."
Trash awareness: Many sites suffer from previous visitors' litter. One camper reported about Beaver Falls: "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!"
Weather preparation: Coastal fog frequently rolls into mountain camping areas. Pack extra layers as temperature swings of 30+ degrees can occur between day and night, even in summer months. Waterproof gear remains essential year-round in this region.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most primitive sites cannot accommodate larger vehicles. A Dispersed Camping Near Cannon Beach visitor warned, "Not friendly to large vehicles or RVs, roads are very thin and no place to park."
Road hazards: Sharp corners and occasional logging traffic create challenges. The drive to Cole Mt Ridge features "a gravel road, pretty well maintained" though "Could possibly pull trailers or rvs on most of it" according to one camper who noted seeing "lots of sites available on a Thursday in August."
Leveling challenges: Few sites offer naturally level parking. At Road to Snag Lake, a camper mentioned, "Only downside is it's not perfectly flat. It wasn't too bad though. I just parked with my head pointing uphill when I go to bed, of course."
