Best Campgrounds near Buxton, OR
The Buxton area features several established campgrounds within L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park, offering cabin, tent, and RV camping options. The park includes multiple camping areas like Dairy Creek East, Dairy Creek West, Brooke Creek Walk-In Campground, and Mountaindale Cabin Village. Just beyond Buxton, visitors can find more rustic experiences at Gales Creek Campground in Tillamook State Forest, which accommodates tent camping, RVs, and glamping. Free dispersed camping is also available throughout Tillamook State Forest for those seeking a more primitive experience without designated facilities.
Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though seasonal limitations apply to some areas. Gales Creek Campground typically operates from late May through September. The forest areas receive substantial rainfall, particularly during winter months, making some dispersed sites inaccessible without high-clearance vehicles. Reservation systems apply to state park campgrounds, while dispersed camping in Tillamook State Forest operates on a first-come basis. Fire restrictions are common during summer months. Road conditions vary significantly between the well-maintained state park facilities and more remote forest service areas. As noted in one visitor review, "Elk Creek Campground is a sweet getaway from a lot of busier campgrounds and destinations in this region of Oregon."
The proximity to both forest and water features creates diverse camping experiences throughout the area. Campers at Elk Creek appreciate access to the Wilson River, which "offers numerous floating, swimming and diving opportunities." The region provides excellent access to hiking trails, with several campgrounds serving as gateways to the extensive trail networks of Tillamook State Forest. Many visitors note the wildlife viewing opportunities, with elk sightings common in less developed areas. The mix of established campgrounds and dispersed options allows campers to choose between amenity-rich experiences with electric hookups and water connections or more secluded forest camping. RV sites with full hookups are concentrated in the state park, while tent-focused options spread throughout both developed campgrounds and dispersed areas in the surrounding forest.
