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Best Dispersed Camping near Manzanita, OR

79 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities exist throughout the Tillamook State Forest and Siuslaw National Forest near Manzanita, Oregon. Several free, primitive sites are accessible via forest service roads, including Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping, Scenic Overlook near Foley Creek, Cole Mountain Ridge, and dispersed areas near Cannon Beach. These public lands permit camping without designated facilities or reservations, with most sites located along forest roads, ridge overlooks, and near waterways like the Trask River and South Lake.

Access to many dispersed sites requires careful navigation on unpaved forest roads. Several locations, such as the Scenic Overlook near Foley Creek, involve "long and slow drives up narrow backcountry roads" with steep sections. The road to South Lake features gravel surfaces with numerous potholes, making high-clearance vehicles recommended for many areas. Most dispersed sites lack amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Campfires are permitted at some locations but prohibited at others, particularly during dry seasons. According to one visitor, "The road getting here is a bit rough with lots of washboard, steep grades and rocks. But it's fun."

These primitive camping areas provide varying experiences based on location and elevation. Sites on Cole Mountain Ridge offer expansive views, with one camper noting it has "an almost 180 degree view around to the west." The Tillamook State Forest sites provide seclusion but may experience noise from off-road vehicles, as one camper mentioned: "OHV vehicles are incredibly loud and ran throughout the weekend—but I have a feeling it's very quiet on the weekdays." South Lake offers a more established dispersed experience with vault toilets nearby. Wildlife sightings are common, with visitors reporting deer, elk, and even bears. Cell service varies significantly by location, with some areas providing limited coverage while others remain completely off-grid. Most sites feature existing fire rings and flat areas suitable for tents or small vehicles.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Manzanita, Oregon (21)

    1. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    15 Reviews
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 357-2191

    "Accessible through the Jones Creek campground turn off, continue up the forest roads past the OHV staging area and you’re in paradise!"

    "My mistake, these coordinates took us to the top of the mountain. It is currently an active logging area, so the truckers are out at 3am. The road up was a very narrow road."

    2. Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek

    3 Reviews
    Wheeler, OR
    9 miles

    "Definitely quite the long and slow drive up a narrow backcountry road - steep in sections but overall quite manageable."

    "It’s just past a river around a bend when heading east on the south side. You’ll see signs off the pavement for Cook Creek campground. Keep on driving up staying on the main road."

    3. Cole Mt Ridge

    4 Reviews
    Tolovana Park, OR
    13 miles

    "The coordinates did not take us to the exact spot, but the pin on the map was the closest, it’s actually to the left on the dirt road. You’ll see a tiny dirt road going up hill and that’s the spot."

    "This spot has an almost 180 degree view around to the west! Could fit about 2-4 people comfortably. No amenities but such a good time!"

    4. Dispersed Camping Near Cannon Beach

    3 Reviews
    Tolovana Park, OR
    14 miles

    "Some paths are less driven on so maybe avoid with a big RV or van, can also get a little hilly and tight.

    I got in around 8:45pm and there were a good amount of spots left."

    5. soapstone lake trail dispersed camping

    1 Review
    Arch Cape, OR
    12 miles

    "Secluded yet close to Cannon Beach. Road was very accessible. Creek and trailhead nearby. Spot at the dead end is best."

    6. East Summit Rd dispersed

    Be the first to review!
    Tolovana Park, OR
    13 miles

    7. Trask River Campsites

    3 Reviews
    Tillamook, OR
    26 miles

    "River access and a fire pit. Dirt bike parking adjacent but pretty private."

    "There are 3 easy to find campsites, very easy to find and access. 2 or 3 miles before the gravel road was a commercial campground with a store and very friendly folks inside."

    8. South Lake

    16 Reviews
    Beaver, OR
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 750-7000

    "South Lake is fairly small, I consider it more of a pond to be honest, but a great place for disperse camping. The quickest drive in is a bit sketchy."

    "Do not drive here if you can't drive on the edge of a cliff on gravel roads. it's bumpy and definitely not for the faint of heart. other than that, it's a great site with nice pullouts and camping for"

    9. Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Beaver, OR
    27 miles
    Website

    "This is for dispersed camping in the Siuslaw NF off Forest Road 55, off 101. Turn into 55 from 101 between Thor’s Well and Devil’s Churn."

    "If it's dry then there is even more room. There was plenty of firewood but we had to get the fire going before burning the wet stuff."

    10. North Fork Trask

    1 Review
    Tillamook, OR
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 842-2545

    "I saw a total of 3 designated dispersed camping sites along this road. But there were a ton of pull offs along the river."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Manzanita, OR

58 Photos of 21 Manzanita Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Manzanita, OR

79 Reviews of 21 Manzanita Campgrounds

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2022

    Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    Perfect for Overland and off-road vehicle camping

    Accessible through the Jones Creek campground turn off, continue up the forest roads past the OHV staging area and you’re in paradise! Gorgeous spots all over that are accessible in most 4WD/off-road capable vehicles. There is a massive network of forest service roads many with spots to set up your own quiet camp away from all the dirt bikes and RVs. No facilities obviously but that’s what makes this place special. It’s incredibly quiet and peaceful and a gorgeous piece of the PNW coastal area.

  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2025

    Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    GPS takes you to the top!

    My mistake, these coordinates took us to the top of the mountain. It is currently an active logging area, so the truckers are out at 3am. The road up was a very narrow road. So careful if there’s other cars coming through, especially the logging semis.

    Nonetheless a cool spot. Dry camping. Please clean up after yourselves.

  • Robert D.
    Jul. 14, 2022

    South Lake

    A rough and very narrow road to get here.

    We took a ride from Hebo up road 14 or 1400 to South Lake. The trip took over 1 hour down a partly paved road with lots of pot holes then the rest of the way down a very narrow pot hole dirt road to South Lake. Along the way we passed Hebo Lake Campground that had many tent camp sites. Once we arrived at South Lake we found the lake to be somewhat small and there were a few tent sites somewhat close together. We had been told this lake was always stocked with Trout. We suggest only using a 4x4 or a high clearance vehicle to make this trip.

  • Jeremy B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 10, 2022

    Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed

    Great secluded spot in the woods

    Great spot because it's so secluded in the forest. There's basically zero traffic on the dirt road near the campsite. A lot of the trees around seem to be new growth. Great view of the stars at night!

    There are at least 4 other campsite off this road at different points if you keep driving. Some of them are more or less level and more or less muddy. This one was the best, but there are lots of options. All of them are commonly used because there are ashes from fires. There's a moderate amount of trash at most of them.

    Requires a Discovery Pass. I bought a day pass for $12 online since I don't need the annual pass. They tell you to write the date and order number in large print on a piece of paper and put it on your dash. No one came to check my pass though (in January, so it's the off season)

    You have to take a dirt road to reach the campsite, but it is pretty well maintained. The only difficulty I encountered were two points where a few inches of road were a bit washed out. They were small enough that I could manage them alright in a 2WD van that had normal clearance. So most cars could probably manage them.

    There's a small trail behind this spot that that leads to the creek, which is nice. Other than that, you can hike along the dirt roads, but there aren't any actual hiking trails that I found. I saw a porcupine for the first time while wandering one of the side roads! I didn't drive up to Snag Lake.

  • Gerard R.
    Jul. 24, 2020

    South Lake

    Quiet Lake

    South Lake is fairly small, I consider it more of a pond to be honest, but a great place for disperse camping. The quickest drive in is a bit sketchy. I recommend taking a slight slower route to avoid scratches on your vehicle from branches. We checked out a few dispersed sites before we picked our spot. We managed to get a spot that was a 1 minute walk to the water, and about the same to the vaulted toilets. The vaulted toilet is on the NW side of the lake. It must’ve been checked often for toilet paper because we were there for 4 nights and it always had some in there.

    We caught trout every day we were there. Most are small but was fun nonetheless. There is an old boat without a motor tied up for anyone to use. Only had one ore that was half broke but it still managed to get us across the water 🤷🏻‍♂️. We found a decent amount of firewood, just have to make sure it’s try if course. It’s all hidden below the ferns/greenery. No picnic tables or metal fire rings but who needs them? Plenty of rocks for a fire pit were already set up. Plenty of shade. Only downside was precious campers leaving toilet paper near the trees when you are literally a minute or less walk to the vaulted toilet.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2023

    Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight

    Amazing Hike!!

    This place was beautiful!! Definitely best for car camping as the spots down by the river were pretty wet and muddy this time of year. The waterfall is amazing and only a 15 minute hike down! 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!! Definitely used as a party spot but aside from this it’s worth the visit!

  • Ariel & John W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 14, 2020

    Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Remote, wild, beautiful

    This is for dispersed camping in the Siuslaw NF off Forest Road 55, off 101. Turn into 55 from 101 between Thor’s Well and Devil’s Churn. There is a FS paid campground (Cape Perpetua Campground) right off FS 55.

    If you follow 55 about 10 miles in, there are lots of established boondocking spots at around 4000 elevation. Additionally there are unmapped logging roads which can also be explored for camping.

    Scenery is spectacular, lots of wildlife, deer, elk, coyote, and amazing old growth forests. No amenities of any kind, no cell service.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2023

    Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Coordinates go to a no access area

    The directions/coordinates are for 10min outside pacific city. It is now a private entrance/driveway with no access to go through to the dispersed coordinates! And the locals said a lot of the forest is closed off due to logging in that area. Defiantly follow the rangers review about the devils churn/thors well spot. The directions from Dyrt was about an hour or so away from his instructions ! We weren’t able to find a spot and ended up leaving the area

    entirely.

  • michael K.
    Aug. 8, 2022

    South Lake

    Beautiful Site but..

    Do not drive here if you can't drive on the edge of a cliff on gravel roads. it's bumpy and definitely not for the faint of heart. other than that, it's a great site with nice pullouts and camping for car campers, vans, etc... I was fortunate and I have a black series off road trailer behind a 4runner, and we were fine. I would not recommend a trailer for this location. great for tents and the lake is ok, not too appealing to us, though.

Guide to Manzanita

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Manzanita, Oregon, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the great outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, there's something for everyone.

Dispersed campers should check out Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

  • This area allows for a truly immersive experience, with no permits required and the freedom to camp in a natural setting. Check out Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping for a chance to enjoy the stunning views and peaceful surroundings.
  • Be prepared for a rugged adventure, as access involves navigating tight logging roads that can be steep and challenging. Many campers appreciate the thrill of finding their own secluded spot in the forest.
  • While amenities are limited, the opportunity to enjoy campfires and the freedom to bring pets makes this a popular choice for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Manzanita, Oregon

  • Always pack out what you pack in, as many sites, like North Fork Trask, lack trash disposal facilities. Keeping the area clean ensures that it remains beautiful for future visitors.
  • Be aware of the local wildlife and keep a safe distance. Campers at Trask River Campsites have reported sightings of deer and other animals, adding to the natural experience.
  • Prepare for limited cell service in many areas, including Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping, which encourages a true disconnect from technology and a chance to fully immerse yourself in nature.

Enjoy outdoor activities while free camping near Manzanita

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in the Manzanita area?

Dispersed camping in the Manzanita area follows standard forest service regulations. At Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping, you must camp in established sites, practice Leave No Trace principles, and pack out all trash. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, so check current conditions before your trip. Most areas limit stays to 14 days within a 30-day period. At Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight, camping is permitted in designated areas only. Be aware that some forest roads may close temporarily due to logging operations or hazardous conditions. Always use existing fire rings where available and fully extinguish all campfires before leaving.

Is there free camping available near Manzanita, Oregon?

Yes, free camping is available near Manzanita in several locations. Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed offers secluded free sites with minimal traffic and great stargazing opportunities. The area has at least four other campsites at different points along the road. Another free option is Cole Mt Ridge, which features cleared areas with fire pits and space for multiple vehicles. Look for a small dirt road going uphill to access the site. Both areas are completely free but lack amenities like toilets or potable water, so come prepared with everything you need and be ready to properly dispose of waste according to Leave No Trace principles.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Manzanita, Oregon?

You can find excellent dispersed camping options in the Tillamook State Forest, about 30-45 minutes from Manzanita. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping offers numerous spots accessible via forest roads past the OHV staging area. Most sites require 4WD or off-road capable vehicles. Another option is South Lake, which has several pullouts suitable for car camping and vans. The access road is challenging with potholes and narrow sections, so prepare accordingly. Both areas provide secluded camping experiences in beautiful forest settings, though road conditions can be difficult, especially after rain or during logging operations.

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