Tillamook State Forest provides several tent camping options within a short drive of Buxton, Oregon. Brooke Creek Walk-In Campground at L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park offers secluded tent sites accessible via a quarter-mile trail from the visitors center. Elk Creek Campground, located along Highway 6 in the Tillamook State Forest, features tent-only sites situated along a scenic creek with access to swimming holes and hiking trails. These campgrounds provide basic amenities while maintaining a natural setting for tent campers seeking a forest experience.
Most tent sites throughout the area are situated on natural forest surfaces with minimal site development. The walk-in tent sites at Brooke Creek require carrying gear approximately a quarter mile from the parking area, though carts are sometimes available to assist with transport. Elk Creek Campground offers walk-in sites with access to vault toilets and hand-pump water, but campers should bring cash for the $10-15 site fee. Sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation system, requiring early arrival during peak summer months. Dispersed camping options exist in Tillamook State Forest with variable access depending on forest road conditions.
Tent campers particularly appreciate the seclusion offered by walk-in tent campsites, which naturally filter out RV traffic and create a more immersive forest experience. At Brooke Creek, the sites share a communal fire pit area, encouraging interaction with fellow tent campers. Many sites along creeks provide natural white noise that masks occasional distant highway sounds. The Tillamook region offers numerous hiking trails directly accessible from campsites, making these locations ideal basecamps for day hiking or longer treks. According to one visitor, "This is my new absolutely favorite Oregon campground... we spent most of our time on the Elk Creek side since we have kiddos and the stream was the perfect size for playing and swimming without the stress of a larger river."
"The RV toilet, hammock, fire pit, and picnic table were well maintained."
"Our site was secluded and we had privacy. The pond area is beautiful with all the statues found around it. Highly recommend and we plan to visit again :)"
from $45 / night
"Wonderful location next to the confluence of Elk Creek and the Wilson River. Vault toilets. Pump water. Walk-in/tents only, so no RVs, but still a nice location."
"Elk Creek Campground is gorgeous, shady, Elk Creek itself winds around the campsites spooning it and provides ample swimming and fishing spots."
"This is a great site if you like "rustic" (which we do) since the sites are walk in-only. Adorable sites with picnic tables, fire rings and just enough privacy."
"First of all, it is an easy enough drive from Portland, about an hour or so."
from $15 / night
"We reserved a spot in the Brooke Creek walk-in tent site. It is a 1/4 mile walk to the sites starting from the visitors center."
"this was so awesome.. we used the walk-in camp sites that had been closed till the moment we asked after closing due to a tree falling in one of the bathrooms.. so me and my friend were the only ones out"
from $17 / night
"These sites are beautiful and really meant for tent camping—but you can park an rv in most of the spots. There is a vault toilet closer to site 14 but no hookups."
"Gorgeous spots all over that are accessible in most 4WD/off-road capable vehicles."
"This area is a really nice area to explore with some elevation gain. There are some existing campfire rings along the road. Boondocking is allowed."
"It is a ways from the highway noise or any other noice for that matter but it was definitely a little creepy down there but well worth the stay if your trying to escape everyday life."
"I showed up around 3pm on a Friday and was barely able to find a walk-in tent site. All the car-accessible sites were taken and the only reservable site is the group spot."
"There are many river acess points, the forestry center, walking trails and wildlife all within walking distance. The campsites are on a first come first serve basis and many of them are pretty big."
from $15 - $20 / night
"There is a narrow path towards the river, first we thought we might gonna get stuck, but it immediately opened up to a spacious big area where 2-3 cars/RVs could easily fit."
"The drive through the forest is absolutely gorgeous. I didn’t camp at the River but I will be back. It’s a big area.I’m pretty sure Boondocking is allowed all around this area."
from $5 / night
"Each has a fire ring with plenty of space for 2 or more rigs. I arrived on a Saturday thinking there will never be a spot, but as luck would have it site 1 was clear."
"I saw a total of 3 designated dispersed camping sites along this road. But there were a ton of pull offs along the river."
RangerThis place was one of the busier sites and the most difficult to find a private spot. Tons of people were just in pull offs - which I tend to try and avoid as a solo traveler. Found a spot by the creek that was pretty private, but getting in and out was a bit challenging. Definitely needed my 4WD. However, the road leading in was totally fine.
ScoutOwners were a great help in selecting an RV site. The higher the RV site number, the closer you are to the water
ScoutGreat staff. Clean campground restrooms. Great views of Silver Lake and Mount St Helens
ScoutI tent camped and had half the campground to myself. Water and toilets in good condition. Nice and quiet. I booked on their website beforehand, was about $26 after fees.
ScoutBeautiful sites and camping.
RangerThis was a hell of a drive for just spending the night, but it was certainly beautiful. I found a place by the creek. Backing out of it was a bit sketchy, but I liked the seclusion of the spot so I went for it. Ugh, I love Washington weather. It was elevated so not too hot or cold. Lots of just pull off spots along the way and I didn’t drive high enough for the views other’s were raving about.
TravelerWe came at night and left in am. Bathrooms clean. Shower hot. Both well lit
TravelerWe camped here for 4 days, rangers were nice we hauled in our wood since we didn’t want to buy a lot, and can’t gather wood there. Plenty of trees between campsites, The Bathroom and showers were really nice and clean!! lake was also nice but small. Enjoyed our stay!!
RangerThis site is great! Lots of rules listed but not enforced, would recommend having the discovery pass though as signs are prevalent. If you can avoid going the route alongside the correctional facility, you’ll have much less dirt roads and pot holes. There isn’t room in the non horse sites for a rig more than say 25 feet long. No cell service or Starlink, but if you drive to a clearing nearby you can find a satellite .
Dispersed camping sites dot the Tillamook State Forest near Buxton, Oregon, with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,500 feet throughout the area. The region receives approximately 120 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush forest conditions and numerous seasonal streams. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F, while winters can drop to the mid-30s with frequent precipitation.
Hiking the Wilson River Trail: Access this 20.6-mile trail system directly from Jones Creek Campground, which connects several recreation areas. "There is a trailhead for the Wilson River trail within the campground which makes for a great early morning hike," notes Stephanie Z., who found the campground "very convenient, and right off of Highway 6 about half way between Portland and the coast."
River swimming at Cook Creek: Cook Creek offers designated dispersed camping with direct river access. "We scored the most beautiful spot last week, designated spot #5. It is very private and there is a short walk (2-3min) down to your very own private part of the river. There was a very clear beautiful pool of water in the center and rapids/rocks on both sides for exploring," writes Cameren M., who visited in August.
Mountain biking: The forest roads and trails near Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping provide challenging terrain for mountain bikers. Allen S. reports: "Mountain biking—some really good stuff—is very close at hand, as well as hiking the Wilson River Trail or ascending Elk and Kings mountains (steep scrambles up and down in many places that I wouldn't recommend at all for small kids or those not looking to bust their lungs)."
Secluded tent sites: Keenig Creek Campground offers walk-in tent camping with natural privacy barriers. "All of the sites are walk in and super private. From the site we were in (K6) we could see no other campsites and could barely hear anyone else. Loved the cozy feel of our site," writes Sarah S., who appreciated that "you can't reserve sites which is perfect for those of us who never reserve sites and just show up hoping to find something."
Forestry Center access: The Tillamook Forest Center provides educational exhibits and is accessible from several nearby campgrounds. According to Brian C., Jones Creek Campground is "closer to the Tillamook Forestry Center," which makes it convenient for day trips. Another camper noted the center is "a 7-minute drive from the awesome Tillamook Forest Center, which has really cool exhibits on the area."
Budget-friendly options: Many dispersed camping sites in the area are free or cost as little as $10 per night. Jericho D. notes about Elk Creek Campground: "This campground has minimal facilities (pit toilets, no trash, etc). No cell service either (AT&T). Still, it's a quiet, gorgeous area next to a creek. Bring 15$ cash and be prepared for a wonderful time."
Road conditions vary: Forest roads leading to dispersed camping sites often require careful driving. One camper at Cook Creek reported: "The coordinates given here didn't take us quite far enough using Apple Maps, but just keep driving until you see Cook Creek signage, it isn't too far at all."
Limited cell coverage: Most camping areas in Tillamook State Forest have minimal or no cell service. Kyle B. noted: "Be aware that Verizon cell service is nonexistent in the area," while another camper mentioned having "no cell service either (AT&T)."
Early arrival recommended: First-come, first-served campgrounds fill quickly, especially on summer weekends. One visitor to Keenig Creek advised: "First come, first served, so get there early for good spots, especially on weekends," while another camper mentioned arriving "on a Friday early afternoon to find all the sites full."
Creek play areas: The shallow creek areas provide natural play spaces for children. Andrew N. describes Elk Creek Campground: "Short walk to the beach with your paddle board or kayaks. Bring bug repellant with the mosquitos being abundant during June."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. At Healing Ponds Farm Retreat, Meg R. enjoyed "seeing the baby bunnies, cows, goats, chickens, and turkeys! My partner, myself, and teen had so much fun visiting them all. Our site was secluded and we had privacy."
Accessible hikes: Several family-friendly trails suitable for various skill levels exist throughout the forest. Aria R. explains about Elk Creek: "If you are a glutton for punishment, set up camp and then hit up Elk Mountain the hard way, 2,000 ft of elevation gain in less than 2 miles."
Limited RV accommodations: Most tent camping near Buxton favors smaller vehicles or walk-in sites. As Julie P. points out about Keenig Creek: "We were planning to bring our smaller RV, but found out they didn't have electrical hookups. We just brought tents, instead."
Water and waste considerations: RVers should plan for self-containment as most sites lack hookups. Andrew N. notes: "No full hook up so bring your own water and power," highlighting the importance of arriving with full tanks.
Access restrictions: Many forest roads have size limitations or challenging terrain. According to one Tillamook Forest camper: "The road up was a very narrow road. So careful if there's other cars coming through, especially the logging semis."
Frequently Asked Questions
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