248 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"The main attraction of this park is proximity to the Banks-Vernonia Bike trail. Although not directly accessible from the campground, it’s a short ride or drive to the trailheads."
"As we had been here before, it was an easy drive in on US-26 to the campground (CG)."
from $32 - $57 / night
Check Availability"Just off highway 6 (between Portland and Tillamook) is a series of lovely campgrounds in the Tillamook State Forest."
"The fees were $10 to drive in and $5 to walk in. We parked outside the gate and walked to a campground."
"One of our favorite Oregon SPs. In the middle of a mountainous forest with lots of hiking, paved path & mtb biking, disc golf, horse trails and more."
"Dairy Creek is clean and well maintained, and has great access to the trails and disc golf around the park. If you're in an RV this is a good set up."
from $33 - $57 / night
Check Availability"The pond area is beautiful with all the statues found around it. Highly recommend and we plan to visit again :)"
from $45 / night
"When we came back from the shower my wife and I observed a dark shadow darting from the table around the back corner of the tent. Figured it was a raccoon or something."
"Lots to do with the Banks / Vernonia trail running through the camp that has over 15 miles of paved walking / biking trails."
from $33 - $95 / night
Check Availability"Hwy. 6 is a twisting, overmodest bounty of recreational options leading to the Oregon coast, which is entirely public."
"Off busy Highway 6 on the way to Tillamook and the Oregon coast, Elk Creek Campground is a sweet getaway from a lot of busier campgrounds and destinations in this region of Oregon (i.e., an hour from Portland"
"First of all, it is an easy enough drive from Portland, about an hour or so."
"Nice access to water. At night you can see headlights in the distance and hear cars all day but once traffic dies down it isn’t so bad."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"This is such and easy and fun getaway if you live near Portland, OR. 45 minutes and you are transported to nature. "
from $33 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Flat gravel for most part, steps away from the Columbia River, decent space between sites with good shade depending on your site. Only reason for 4 starts is because the water is dirty."
"Nice quiet campground along the Columbia river in Oregon. Minutes from Portland, with lots of fun farm stands and rural experience."
TravelerNoisy during the day until 10pm, if the wind is blowing south then expect the smell of exhaust. No police or Ranger presence while we were there. Fine for a couple of nights. Oh, the sites were large.
GuideWe only stayed here one night, but had a wonderful experience! The main campsite by the lake only has a few sites, and some are right next to each other, so there might not be too much privacy. However, the area feels very safe and it is nicely maintained. Tables and fire pits are present in some sites and there is a bathroom close to the entrance. No trash cans from what I saw. The "lake" is more of a pond. Do not swim in it, it looks pretty foggy. There is plenty of room for cars and tents, and while we did not bring a trailer I think one could have made it down the road fine. Some areas are narrow though, so be careful. Otherwise, the road is gravely, but not too rough. Campfires are allowed in the designated pits, but not otherwise, and grills were also not allowed when we went. Propane stoves are okay! There weren't too many mosquitoes, but these other insects were rampant! I'm not sure what they were, but they are super attracted to cooking food. Every time we would cook something on the stove they would swarm and dive into the food, being boiled alive. So just be aware of that! 😆 There are some trails to explore in the area, and cell service was pretty good!
GuideIt seems there are 2 main sites - the one in the comments below where you follow the logging road, and the one at the top or the logging roads. Someone was occupying the lower site (I walked down to check it out) so I set up camp up top. Far enough away from the road that it was peaceful but passed by enough cars that I noticed. I drove up the road to see if there were any more options and turned around at the area that said no camping for next 3 miles.
TravelerCampsites are a great size, the layout is perfect for privacy if you want it, very well maintained, store has stuff you’d actually need and not just snacks, playground is nice!
GuideI had to stop 2/3 of the way up the narrow, steep, exposed and twisty road. To check my nerves and let the engine cool. The Chevy Silverado is towing a 19-foot (single axle) airstream and needed a break. Fortunately a group of OHV riders came by and gave me courage: “If you’ve made it this far, you’re fine.” I did scout in the end and found a perfect spot to spend the week. I didn’t see numbers. This area is remote, no numbers needed. Just find the spot that appeals! You can’t go wrong.
I took Foss Road to Cook Creek Road and then turned up Anderson Ridge Road.
Side note: the Anderson Ridge area that is referred to as an alternate takes just as much gumption to get to, so may as well go all the way.
ScoutBeautiful and quiet. Bathrooms were amazingly clean and sites were spacious and pretty well spread apart! Discover Pass or Discover Day Pass is required to stay there. Would recommend!
GuideThis campground is pretty much right on the beach so depending on your site expect sand, but also you’ll hear the waves at night. Peaceful, not super private but very convenient for beach walks, etc. They are closing for renovations in the next day or two. I saw a sweet mama bear and two cubs on the way in.
TravelerSuper convenient walkable location, amenities are top notch. My only complaint is that the sites are just a little small.
ScoutWell spaced out sites, cleaned and grated before our visit, nice fire pit, clean bathrooms w/ hot showers and laundry facilities
Camping opportunities near Buxton, Oregon extend throughout the Tillamook State Forest, where elevations range from 750 to 3,000 feet. The area receives approximately 100 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush forest conditions with dense undergrowth of sword ferns and salal. Summer temperatures typically remain moderate, averaging 70-80°F during daytime, while winter camping requires preparation for wet conditions and occasional snow at higher elevations.
Hiking the Wilson River Trail: The trail system connected to Elk Creek Campground offers extensive hiking options. "A 6 mile trail (12 miles roundtrip) that leaves right from the campground and goes to Footbridge. We did most of it and it's nice and moderate," notes one camper who enjoyed the accessible trail network.
Swimming in natural pools: The Wilson River creates excellent swimming spots throughout the area. According to a visitor, "The river was an excellent location to play in and in some spots we were able to swim." Natural pools form where creeks join larger waterways, creating deeper swimming holes perfect for cooling off.
Mountain biking nearby trails: The forest offers both beginner and advanced mountain biking options. Dairy Creek East — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park provides "wonderful access to biking (paved or dirt)," making it ideal for families with varying skill levels.
Stargazing from higher elevations: Clear nights offer excellent viewing opportunities. The Hares Canyon Horse Camp area provides "an excellent location for Stargazing" as one visitor notes, explaining that "The top of the park shows a vast section of sky which is perfect for meteor shower watching."
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer good separation between campsites. At Brooke Creek Walk-In Campground, "When we visited, there were at most 2-3 other groups in the area so we were very spread out and had lots of privacy. The atmosphere is very green and lush."
Easy access to water features: Many campers appreciate the proximity to creeks and rivers. "The tent pads are a typical woodsy mix of pine straw, leaves, and loose gravel," reports one visitor about Brooke Creek, while another enjoys that "Each campsite is well screened by trees, has its own parking, a fire pit with a grill for cooking, and a special platform for a tent."
Convenient cart systems: Walk-in campgrounds provide equipment to help transport gear. "They have carts to help you get all your stuff to your spot in one trip which is very helpful," notes a camper about Brooke Creek's hike-in camp. These carts make the short quarter-mile hike manageable even with heavy equipment.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forest offers chances to observe local fauna. "We enjoyed seeing the baby bunnies, cows, goats, chickens, and turkeys! My partner, myself, and teen had so much fun visiting them all," reports a visitor at Healing ponds farm retreat and healing center.
Campground selection timing: Arriving early is crucial for first-come, first-served sites. "Get there early in a nice weekend or a holiday," advises a camper about Gales Creek Campground, adding that "there aren't too many sites, so hard to get something on a nice weekend or a holiday."
Seasonal weather considerations: Rain can significantly impact camping experiences, especially in spring and fall. "My husband and I have stayed here twice and both times it has rained. Which is fine but we find it very humorous (and actually really enjoy camping in the rain)," shares one Brooke Creek visitor.
Variable road conditions: Forest roads range from well-maintained to challenging. "The road to the campsite can be bumpy and narrow, so you need to prepare carefully before coming," notes a visitor to Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping areas.
Bugs and wildlife preparation: Insect populations vary by season and location. "If there's one thing you want to pack, it's bug spray. It's not overly buggy, but the mosquitoes are there, and you don't want them to dampen your experience," advises a Brooke Creek camper.
Dog-friendly options: Several campgrounds welcome pets with minimal restrictions. "Our dog LOVES the dog park too," mentions a visitor to Mountaindale Cabin Village, while another notes they "stayed in the Cabins here, dog friendly, cozy in the winter months, only a couple dog friendly cabins so have to book ahead of time."
Educational stops nearby: Incorporate learning opportunities into your trip. "A 7-minute drive from the awesome Tillamook Forest Center, which has really cool exhibits on the area," shares one camper about Elk Creek Campground, making it a good rainy day option.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "If you're camping with kids, there's a play area here," notes a visitor about Dairy Creek Campground, though they add that during certain periods "the kids play area was still closed due to COVID."
Water safety considerations: River and creek conditions vary seasonally. "The creek was an excellent location to play in and in some spots we were able to swim," reports an Elk Creek visitor, though water levels and current strength change throughout the year.
Site length and layout: Many sites accommodate larger RVs but with specific configurations. "Our spot was very spacious as the length was 45 feet deep on asphalt. It had a picnic table and a fire ring in a well-groomed gravel area about 30' x 30'. The back of our spot was against very high trees," describes a visitor to Dairy Creek East.
Satellite reception considerations: Tree coverage affects connectivity. One camper notes, "Our spot was on the north side of the road so when we put out our satellite unit it had lots of southern sky to find a signal from," which matters for RVers requiring consistent satellite access.
Water pressure variations: Utility quality differs between campgrounds. "The water pressure was not very good at around 35 psi," reports one RVer, suggesting bringing a water pressure regulator if equipment is sensitive.
Off-season availability: Some campgrounds maintain winter access. "We showed up in the dark & rain, no reservations in February. Lots of room at each site, very clean, nice bathrooms, quiet," notes a winter visitor, highlighting year-round options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Buxton, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Buxton, OR offers a wide range of camping options, with 248 campgrounds and RV parks near Buxton, OR and 21 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Buxton, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Buxton, OR is Dairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 41 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Buxton, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 free dispersed camping spots near Buxton, OR.
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