Tillamook State Forest surrounds Manzanita with dispersed camping options at elevations ranging from 200 to 1,500 feet. The forest terrain alternates between steep, fern-covered slopes and flat river valleys where most camping occurs. Summer temperatures typically reach 70-85°F during the day, dropping to 45-55°F at night, with foggy coastal conditions often extending inland.
What to do
Swimming in Wilson River: At Elk Creek Campground, the confluence of Elk Creek and Wilson River creates prime swimming spots. One camper noted, "The river was an excellent location to play in and in some spots we were able to swim." The creek's gentle flow makes it suitable for families while the deeper Wilson River sections accommodate stronger swimmers.
Mountain hiking: Trails near Tillamook Forest connect to substantial elevation gains with forest views. "My Merry Wanderers crew actually busted out the Elk Mountain-Elk Creek loop straight out of the campground, covering ~9 miles with ~3,890 feet cumulative elevation gain in ~4 1/2 hours," reports one hiker who visited Elk Creek Campground.
Crabbing and fishing: Netarts Bay RV Park & Marina provides direct water access. "There are boats to rent for crabbing and clamming and shellfish licenses for sale," writes one visitor. The marina offers rentals starting at $35 for half-day use with crab pots available for additional fees.
Historical experiences: Twins Ranch LLC offers unique covered wagon camping. "If you have a kid who loves history, the Oregon Trail, Little House on the Prairie, and dressing in character, this is your spot!" Wagon rentals sleep four people on futon mattresses for $45 per night.
What campers like
Private natural settings: Cook Creek receives high marks for isolation. "The sites are very spacious, private, and no frills," notes one camper. Another adds, "We showed up late on a Saturday worried that the place would be all filled up, but had no trouble finding an open site."
River access points: Multiple established camping areas feature direct water access. A visitor to Cook Creek explains, "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."
Freedom from crowds: Dispersed sites in Tillamook State Forest offer greater solitude. One camper reports, "I setup camp at one of the spots here 3 nights in a row & had no visitors the entire time! Very quiet & can hear some noise in the distance from time to time."
Reasonable costs: Most dispersed camping around Manzanita remains affordable. Elk Creek Campground costs $15 per night with no reservations needed. For established sites like Jones Creek, expect $10-20 nightly fees with most requiring cash payment.
What you should know
Trash management: Several reviews mention issues with previous campers leaving waste. At Cook Creek, a visitor observed, "Unfortunately, we were so disappointed to see how people have trashed this incredible place. The amount of human waste was absolutely horrifying."
Limited facilities: The best tent camping near Manzanita, Oregon means self-sufficiency. "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," notes an Elk Creek Campground visitor.
Road conditions: Forest service roads require careful navigation. For Tillamook Forest dispersed camping, one camper advises, "Watch your GPS and use some dead reckoning with the topographic map. There is a little side road that gets a bit narrow and then opens into a beautiful spot."
Seasonal occupancy patterns: Summer weekends fill quickly at established sites. Early arrival is essential for the best spots, particularly those with water access. Most dispersed sites enforce 14-day stay limits.
Tips for camping with families
Water play accessibility: Look for gradual creek entry points for younger children. At Jones Creek, "The river is where it's at, folks are swimming, tubing and fishing dawn to dusk. Folks jumping off the bridge and having picnics."
Safety preparations: River currents vary seasonally. Bring water shoes for rocky stream beds and life vests for children. Cell service is limited or nonexistent in most camping areas, requiring offline preparation.
Educational opportunities: The Tillamook Forest Center provides learning activities nearby. "A 7-minute drive from the awesome Tillamook Forest Center, which has really cool exhibits on the area," notes a visitor to Elk Creek Campground.
Walk-in site considerations: Several campgrounds require carrying gear from parking areas. For tent campers with children, Keenig Creek Campground offers walk-in sites that create safety from vehicle traffic but require equipment hauling.
Tips from RVers
Size constraints: Most forest roads accommodate smaller RVs only. A camper at Netarts Bay RV Park notes, "Spots 1-27 are the tightest I have ever seen, so try to avoid them. 52-58 are right on the Bay, and pretty sizable."
Hookup availability: Full-service options are limited to established RV parks. Netarts Bay RV Park provides electric, water, and sewer connections with sites starting at $45 nightly.
Dispersed alternatives: Some forest roads accommodate smaller RVs for dispersed camping. "These sites are beautiful and really meant for tent camping—but you can park an rv in most of the spots," reports a visitor to Tillamook State Forest.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some camping areas. For quieter RV options, seek sites deeper into forest roads rather than those adjacent to Highway 6 where traffic noise continues through night hours.
