Dispersed camping near Blachly, Oregon offers options in the Siuslaw National Forest at elevations ranging from 500 to 2,000 feet. The climate features mild summers with average temperatures between 65-80°F and wet winters receiving 60-70 inches of annual rainfall. Forest Service roads in the area typically open from May through October, with closures during winter months due to muddy conditions.
What to do
Creek exploration: Hult Pond features clear water suitable for kayaking and wildlife viewing. "Nice pond to camp near, several campsites to choose from and trails to explore," notes Aaron in their review of Hult Pond Recreation Area.
Beach hiking: Access coastal trails from campgrounds on the Oregon coast. A visitor to Beachside State Recreation Site shared: "Spot 62 had a secret access to the beach that looks to be one of two away from the general access. Water and electricity hookups with grey water dumps throughout park."
Forest walks: Old growth trail systems near camping areas provide moderate hiking options. A camper at Whittaker Creek noted, "Off of the main campground access road is the Whittaker ridge old growth trail to the Armantrout loop trail. This can be taken from either side as a point to point, or looped together for a 3 mile jaunt."
What campers like
Proximity to water bodies: Many campgrounds provide direct water access. A reviewer at Beverly Beach State Park stated, "Great under Highway beach access. Nice spaced sites."
Wildlife spotting: Forest and water environments support diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. One camper shared: "Saw black bear spotted on beach trail June 2025" at Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park.
Fossil hunting: Certain beaches feature accessible fossil collecting sites. A reviewer noted, "Nearly every rock and cliff face is littered with marine fossils of varying types and sizes and you can often find individual fossilized shells that can be collected" at Beverly Beach State Park.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many camping areas have limited or no cellular connectivity. "We lost cell service about an hour before we even got there, and didn't have any the whole time there," reports Grace A. about Hult Pond Recreation Area.
Site reservation requirements: Availability varies between first-come-first-served and reservation systems. A camper at Salmonberry County Park noted: "It is a first come first serve campground. Camp spots are along the creek."
Seasonal weather patterns: Coast campgrounds experience fog and rain even in summer months. "Since I visited in November and it rained, the drops from the trees were loud on my trailer roof," shared one camper at Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park.
Insect awareness: Mosquito activity varies by location and time of year. A reviewer at South Beach State Park warned: "The misquitos are really bad!"
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Lakes and creeks provide safe swimming areas for children. One parent noted about Whittaker Creek: "There is a small pool, but nice for young children to swim, for adults to float, or just sun on the rocky shore."
Educational activities: Several state parks offer structured learning for children. A visitor at Beverly Beach noted: "Nice educational programs for kids. Firewood conveniently available."
Playground access: Some campgrounds include designated play areas. As a reviewer at Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park mentioned: "The campground had a playground for kids, a small free library and ranger station with a couple of souvenirs of the area."
Tips from RVers
Site length considerations: Many forested sites have limited turning radius. "We have a 38 foot rv. We got stuck in a ditch. Rv almost tipped over trying to u turn... if you go down the main lower path you will find a area big enough to u turn! Dont do it until then!" warns a Hult Pond visitor.
Electrical connections: Amperage options vary between campgrounds. A camper at Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park noted: "I'm camping in an EV and was glad to find this spot with 50 amp hookup, which was more power than I needed to fully charge my car while I slept."
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds with hookups provide dump stations. "Full hook ups available along with restrooms/showers, fire wood for sale and there is a dump station on site," reported a visitor to Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park.
