Best Tent Camping near Manzanita, OR

Tent campers visiting the Oregon coast find several primitive options in the forests surrounding Manzanita. Tillamook State Forest offers dispersed camping with tent sites along the Nehalem River, while Elk Creek Campground provides walk-in tent sites at the confluence of Elk Creek and Wilson River. Both locations sit within 30 miles of coastal beaches, making them convenient basecamp options for exploring both forest and shore environments.

Most tent sites in the area require self-sufficiency, as amenities are minimal. Tillamook Forest dispersed camping areas feature basic fire rings but no potable water or restroom facilities. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. At Elk Creek, tent sites are walk-in only with vault toilets and hand-pump water available. The terrain typically consists of forest duff with some sites offering tamped-down areas for tent placement. Many locations operate on a first-come, first-served basis with 14-day stay limits enforced in national forest areas.

The tent camping experience near Manzanita offers genuine forest immersion with sites tucked among Douglas firs, alders, and ferns. According to one visitor, "The sites are very well secluded from one another. Each primitive site is tucked away and surrounded by trees and bushes. So you can't see the other campers." Proximity to creeks and rivers provides both ambient sound and recreation opportunities. Keenig Creek Campground features tent sites with enough privacy that campers report barely hearing neighbors. Highway noise can be an issue at some locations, particularly those closer to Highway 6, though creek sounds often mask traffic noise. Summer weekends see higher occupancy rates, while weekdays and shoulder seasons offer greater solitude for tent campers seeking a peaceful forest retreat.

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Best Tent Sites Near Manzanita, Oregon (30)

    1. Cook Creek

    11 Reviews
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    10 miles
    Website

    "We spent only one night here (approx. 45°41'49.5"N 125°44'18.1"W) in a lovely clearing featuring a metal fire ring. Sites are designated, but free for use up to 14 days."

    "Camped out for a night in designated camp site #3. Lots of room for Cars and a couple spots to pitch a tent. A bit rocky, but we used shovel to dig out a more comfortable spot."

    2. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

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

    "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."

    3. Tillamook Forest Dispersed on the Nehalem River

    6 Reviews
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    14 miles
    Website

    $5 / 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."

    4. Netarts Bay RV Park & Marina

    10 Reviews
    Netarts, OR
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 842-7774

    "Fun spot on the Oregon coast.  Very clean.  Loved the spaces, cement pads for your outdoor living.  Good Wi-Fi.  Friendly staff."

    "I enjoyed walking my dogs out to see the birds, crabbers, and seals. I was there in a low season month and it was extremely peaceful."

    5. Twins Ranch LLC

    5 Reviews
    Bay City, OR
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 418-1460

    $25 - $45 / night

    "The campsites are nice with a fire pit and picnic table, spaced out enough that you're not right on top of each other.. The price is also very reasonable.."

    "If you have a kid who loves history, the Oregon Trail, Little House on the Prairie, and dressing in character, this is your spot!  Even during Covid! "

    6. Keenig Creek Campground

    14 Reviews
    Timber, OR
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 842-2545

    $15 / night

    "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."

    7. Jones Creek

    10 Reviews
    Tillamook, OR
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 842-2545

    $15 - $20 / night

    "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."

    8. Elk Creek Campground

    10 Reviews
    Timber, OR
    24 miles
    Website

    "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."

    9. Beaver Eddy

    3 Reviews
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 325-5451

    $15 / night

    "I also liked that it was $15 (vs the $20 of Henry Rierson nearby)."

    10. Morrison Eddy

    1 Review
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    14 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "You walk down about three city blocks to this penisular oasis, where you’re treated to tall trees, a nice variety of sites and plenty of beautific water scenes."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Manzanita, OR

1175 Reviews of 30 Manzanita Campgrounds


  • Nathan R.
    May. 28, 2018

    Dairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park

    Serenity in Fauna-Great for Groups too!

    I love this campground.

    Specifically, I love site number 10.

    There are 23 sites at this campground, though sites 10-23 are reservable, leaving sites 1-9 ‘first come, first served’. To get to the campground, you’re going to be working on the far left side of the Welcome Center parking lot. They have allotted several parking spots there, as well as a huge parking area for other cars and trailers. Once you park, grab your gear and hike on down that path straight ahead! If you have. A lot of gear they have three carts available to haul everything out in one go.

    The trail to the camp is about 1/4 mile, it’s dirt in some places and gravel in others. The trail is very easy, you go down a ways, and then hit a gradual short climb to the few station. If you haven’t paid online (reserved spot), you will need to fill in the information on one of the provided permits, write down your car infix, put the fee in, and drop it in the box. (Right now the sites are $11/night). Place the white top copy on your dashboard (yes, you have to hike back out there. I know, I know.) OR: You can skip all of that, set up camp in your chosen (non-reserved) spot, and go pay at the welcome center drop box. Saves you a trip.

    When you’re done with all of that and want to find your spot, there are two trails; one on each side of the fee board. The left goes through sites 23 and up. The right side starts with site 1. It's just one gigantic loop so whichever way you choose will lead you to the right spot.

    I was in site 10, and took the left: this ended up being the long yet scenic choice.

    There are communal fire rings in the back section (which is great for groups!). There are no trash cans: pack it in, pack it out. There are pit toilets available: aka, outhouses. The doors lock, there's hand sanitizer provided. Going into the pit toilets, and then coming out really makes you appreciate the fresh air of the great outdoors.

    The tent pads are a typical woodsy mix of pine straw, leaves, and loose gravel. Sleeping pads are a blessing, but so are nicely stacked lead piles in a pinch. Tent stakes require a little oomph, I just use the ball of my shoe to push it into the ground.

    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! Be on the safe side.

    There are no food storage lockers, you cannot leave food out on the tables. You are still in the wilderness, and you are in bear/cougar territory. Hang your bags, or go throw your food back in trunk of your car. Best case scenario is you wake up to some trash pandas ransacking your site if you leave food out.

    Overall, this has become one of my favorite spur-of-the-moment camping spots and I come back twice a week.

  • Pinkie K.
    Jul. 21, 2021

    Snag Lake Campground

    Small, cute and quiet.

    Being a new visitor to WA, we wanted to spend our first night in the middle of nowhere and this did it.

    A bit of a climb for our truck camper so 4x4 was handy. There were some lower tree branches but easy to (delicately) pull to the side to get by. The road is 1 lane, gravel but nicely maintained. Not many areas to pull over so go slow and prepare to back up if necessary.

    It's first come, first serve with no hookups or trash service but there is a bathroom. There's a couple spots for a bigger truck camper like ours and a handful of secluded tent sites you can walk to from the parking area. The tent sites we saw had a fire ring (fire ban in place right now) and a picnic table all nestled in the trees and ferns. There's 1 main place to fish from and several little nooks as well. There's a LOT of old, picturesque trees/ stumps in the lake, hence the name. A gentleman we met said the lake is stocked and our son caught some rainbow trout (approx 8 inches) so we put them back to get bigger for the next person.

    There's also paths to enjoy a walk through the trees.

    As far as cell service, we had great Verizon signal and there's a cell tower over the top of the trees so that explains that. 🙂

    You need a Discovery Pass to camp here but it's either $10 a night at various campgrounds around WA (so I read) or $30 for the annual pass.

    Enjoy and please pack it in, pack it out. It was a really nice campsite so let's keep it that way. Thanks!

    Snag Lake Campground (360) 577-2025 https://maps.app.goo.gl/VmQbRypN42ciJemCA

  • Stephanie Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 3, 2019

    Dairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park

    Ranger Review: PRIMUS LITE+ Backpacking Stove at Brooke Creek Hike-in

    Campground Review: Brooke Creek Hike-in Camp

    Brooke Creek Hike-in Camp is one of 3 campgrounds within Stub Stewart State Park, and the only one that really feels like you’re actually camping out in the woods – because you are.

    The tent only hike in camp isn’t a long haul from the parking area at the welcome center – it’s about ¼ mile and the trail into the campground is mostly gravel. There are carts available for hike in campers to use at the campground trailhead if needed. Note that if you’re using a cart, that the walk in is uphill.

    The campground area is wooded and each site has a picnic table. There are pit toilets and a water point. There are not fire pits in the sites—the fire pit areas are shared in central places in the campground. Some of the sites have a lot more privacy than others. I was camping in an unusually warm mid-week in May so the campground was mostly empty.

    I chose Site 1 because it had a good place for my hammock. If the campground had been full, I’d have picked a site a lot further in since the first few sites are right along the single trail that all campers/hikers would be using.  Some of the sites can be reserved in advance, and some are always open for walk ups.

    The self-registration is at the campground, NOT at the trailhead, so you’ll have to hike in, register, and then return your camping receipt to your car. If you’re paying with cash, bring your money on the first hike in. You can also pay with your credit card number.

    There are lots of trails directly accessible from the campground including the Banks-Vernonia Bike Trail as well as other hiking, biking and equestrian trails. I had a nice run on the Bumping Knots Loop.

    Product Review: The PRIMUS LITE+ Backpacking Stove

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt I sometimes get to test and evaluate quality products from amazing sponsors. On this camping trip, I tested out the Primus LITE+ backpacking stove. https://primus.us/products/eta-lite-7?variant=38436885010

    I’ve been in the market for a backpacking stove for awhile, looking for a lightweight and simple to setup option, so I was excited to get to test out the Primus LITE+. I opted for the .5L pot because I often camp solo (there is also a PRIMUS LITE XL version with a 1L pot available), Also, you can purchase the XL pot separately as an accessory which will give me more options when camping with a partner.

    Here are my opinions on the PRIMUS LITE+ after using it for one camping trip to make dinner and breakfast:

    PROS:

    Boils Fast: The PRIMUS LITE+ stove is incredible at the most basic things it needs to be good for: boiling water fast! In under 2 minutes start to finish you can assemble the stove and bring your water to a boil. Plus, fast boiling means you aren’t using a lot of fuel.

    Size/Weight: The whole stove system packs into itself and is about the size of a large mug including the fuel canister. I can fit the entire thing into the side pocket of my backpack. With the canister it weighs about a pound.

    Pot Versatility: The pot that comes with the PRIMUS LITE+ locks to the stove giving it a good wind shield, and allowing you to hang the pot to boil if you don’t have even terrain. The XL pot which is sold separately also attached to the same setup.  If you aren’t backpacking and want to use another pan or pot, there are small pegs which screw into the stove top to allow you to use any cooking set up. The pegs are stored in the handle of the stove so you don’t lose them.

    Accessories: I haven’t gotten it yet, but the LITE+ has a coffee press attachment so you can brew a cup straight in the pot. Always a bonus when a simple attachment means one less thing to carry for your perfect camping setup.

    CONS:

    Fuel Canister:  The smaller canisters needed if you want to pack your fuel into the kit  aren’t as readily available at places like Target or Walmart where I can more easily pick up my camping fuel when I’m on the road to camp. If I want to pack it all in to the pot, I’ll need to shop in advance at REI or a specialty outdoor store that carries the smaller canisters.

    Insulation: The insulated sleeve on the pot makes it easy to hold and to drink from, but after just a couple of uses it was already getting pretty dirty with coffee and soup debris. It isn’t as easy to keep clean, and since the handle is actually part of the insulation sleeve, you can’t effectively use the pot without it.

    It’s Small: Being small is one of the benefits of the stove, but the .5L mug/pot is smaller than I anticipated. While it’s perfect for a solo trip, you’ll want the 1L pot if you’re cooking for more than one.

    Overall, Primus LITE+ is a great stove that’s efficient. I’d opt for the bigger size if I were to buy it again, since it would be more versatile with only a little added weight and easier to fit the more readily available fuel cartridge.

  • Stephanie Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2019

    Dairy Creek East — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park

    A Pretty Boring Campsite at a Great Park

    The Dairy Creek Campground at Stub Stewart is a two loop campground. The sites are spacious, but there isn't much character.  The East loop is pretty much an open field. The west loop has a few more trees but still not much privacy or space between sites. 

    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. If you're camping with kids, there's a play area here.

    There are a few "walk in" sites where you don't park your car next to your tent, but rather in the parking lot next to the grassy area where the open tent sites are. If you're looking for a better tent camping experience that actually feels like it's in the woods, you're better off going to the hike in campground in the park.

    The loops are big and there is parking near the bathroom. This is great if you don't want to walk a long way, but it's bad if you've got the campsite near the bathroom with all the cars coming and going.

  • Aria R.
    Jul. 7, 2017

    Cape Lookout State Park Campground

    Cape Comfy

    In brief: quieter campground, good for families, small groups, dog owners and hikers.

    If you love being lulled to sleep by the sound of waves, this is your spot. The Pacific ocean sang us to sleep each night. 

    But enough poetics, this is one of the comfiest beach access campgrounds within an hour-ish of Portland. Large tent sites leave plenty of room for you to bring a buddy or to pop out extra lawn chairs. 

    When we were there the only showers available were over in the RV area but they were clean, private and warm - car camping jackpot! We saw the park staff cleaning the restroom at regular intervals and there was always toilet paper. Fire rings have grill bars on top for hotdogs and that perfect baked potato.

    There are always lots of dogs here and while the rangers try to get everyone to keep their pups on leash in camp, be prepared for a surprise sniff or two. Plenty of firewood for sale - and the ecological importance of not bringing your own is pretty big unless you live nearby.

    In the summer months expect kids to be riding their bikes and scooting through the park loop Dawn to dusk but at least they are outside! 

    We've been here in the winter months and it is much quieter, if a cloudy day is your thing then that's a good time for you to go as well.

    We always scout out the whole grounds for future trips and take notes on our favorite spots, I'll include some of those below:

    D circle

    55 and 54 spacious private

    42 full shade lots of trees full shade smaller Camp pad

    32 Shady Tree filled has a climbing log. Room for multiple tents privacy longer driveway

    27 much wider cement pad room for at least three tents 26 right next door both pretty open and connected

    67 has hammock trees and room from multiple tents.

    Backside of D loop will be great for summer heat

  • Mary C.
    Jun. 25, 2018

    Cape Disappointment State Park Campground

    This place has it all

    Cape Disappointment is a great spot for campers of all kinds. There are RV hook ups, tent sites, hiker/ biker spots, cabins, and yurts. Very easy access to the water as well.

    The yurts are your basic state park round dome with sleeping arrangements for up to 5 people. It has a table, chairs, and indoor heat.

    Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. There is a park store that has basic essentials and the ability to buy wood.

    During the spring, the wind can be pretty intense so beware if you are tent camping.

  • Stephanie Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 1, 2021

    Cape Lookout State Park Campground

    Yurt for late spring, Tent for the Summer

    I camped twice at Cape Lookout this season - in June in a yurt, and in July at the campsite right behind the dune.  

    In June, it was freezing, rainy and windy, and the yurt was fantastic. The most amazing feature of the yurt was the heater. It really kept the place warm, and the yurt was spacious. We were 3 adults, and could easily have slept another one or two. Each yurt has a small patio as well as a fire ring- and inside was electricity and a power outlet. Best of all, you were still just steps away from the sunset on the beach.

    For camping, there are so many different kinds of sites at Cape Lookout - Sites closer to the entrance are very woodsy, the sites closest to the beach frontage (behind the dune) are very very open, and sites along the furthest perimeter are a little more spacious and some have trees (important to note if you want to hand a line or a hammock!)

    We camped at the site right behind the dune where the beach access is. It was a little noisy since everyone passed our site on the way to the beach, but very lovely to be just steps away. Each of the tent sites has a fire ring and picnic table. In both June and July when I visited there was no fire ban.

    Hiking is great in the area. You're also close to Pacific City, Jacobson's Salt, the tunnel at the Oceanside Beach, and Tillamook if you're staying here longer and want to take day trips outside of the State Park.

    Recommend booking early for summer campsites. The yurt I booked in June was available for booking same day.

  • Aria R.
    Jul. 17, 2017

    Tillamook Coast RV Park

    Good In a Pinch

    Great spot to go if everything else is full which it was, first time we've ever headed to the coast with no reservations in an act of "spontaneity" or "adventure". I advise against doing that in the summer, lol.

    Key Points:

    • Bring Cash. Cash only.
    • First come first serve.
    • We got conflicting rate info from another source, it is $25 a night.
    • Firewood is $5 a bundle but it is much more than you normally get for $5 at other campgrounds; it's a plastic tub that you just stuff with wood.
    • Ice available $2/bag.
    • Hot showers are 50 cents for three minutes. Shower area is kept clean and fresh smelling, restrooms are gender specific and each have two toilets and a shower stall.
    • There was no check out time as long as we didn't stay another full night.
    • Traffic noise is moderate, you are near the hospital so you may hear sirens which then trigger the coyotes to get in a yelling match with each other.
    • Dog friendly, lots of dogs, on-leash only but lots of 'em.
    • Mixture of sites with shade and full sun, not level but you're not sleeping on slope either.
    • Close to town so getting extra marshmallows is easy.

    For an RV oriented place, the campgrounds are pretty okay. There aren't site numbers or designators, it's just pretty much anywhere on the grass that has a picnic table. There were at least a dozen sites that we could see and we got the impression that you could really pitch a tent anywhere as long as you didn't try to move the fire rings or disturb the RV folks, we were literally instructed "just stay on the grass".

    There is definitely a mixture of long-time residents and short term weekend warriors in the RVs themselves which I always find interesting. In one site we had a family in a rental RV rolling in from Cali and in another site, there was a shirtless old man playing with bubbles and blasting Spanish opera music. If you use the expression "variety is the spice of life" then you might enjoy it here. If camping alongside folks who live in their older RVs 24/7/365 makes you uncomfortable, then this won't be the place for you. There is a Harley riding resident who seems to make a lot of motorcycle trips in the day but not late into the night and not early AM, everything was peaceful and quiet by 10pm.

    Additionally, if you are a camper that doesn't want nature too much in their face, this may not be the place for you either, there are a butt-ton of coyotes in the area and we had some stubborn garter snakes in the site that didn't seem fazed by us at all.

    This fella did a great drone video of the grounds, you can get an idea of all the options for water play options with the river:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTkGoLyQv_g

    Lots of fishing access though we didn't get a chance to try it, we could see 'em swimming which is always promising.

    We will probably come back here if we have plans to kayak as it is easy, gentle access to the river and we know we'll have a basecamp and a hot shower (albeit a paid one) to paddle back to. Other than that, we'll probably only come here if Cannon is full.

  • Savannah S.
    May. 9, 2019

    Trask River County Park

    Private and Peaceful

    Trask River Campground is 20 minutes away from Tillamook. There is not a lot of service around the area going to Tillamook so go straight to Tillamook town center and start your GPS for accurate directions (or until you get good service). You will have no service whatsoever up at the campground but that’s what camping is for, to enjoy your time outdoors! You might as well get all of your needs in town before you head up, Safeway in Tillamook has bundles of wood for $5.99, for two nights we used 4 bundles (they come with fire starter kits).

    There is no showers or sinks but there is multiple “vault” toilets around the campground. For clean water there is multiple pumps around the campsite, bring your own soap.

    Nice swing set and grassy areas for kids or pets to run around. If you’re lucky enough you will wake up to elk grazing in the grassy areas.

    There is a main road in between the campgrounds since sites go from A-C. People fly up and down that road at 50+ MPH so watch your kids and pets.

    Multiple trails and cool things to see around the campground! Enjoy!


Guide to Manzanita

Nestled along the stunning Oregon coast, Manzanita offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. From serene forest settings to riverside retreats, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers should check out Keenig Creek Campground

  • Enjoy the beautiful watering hole area at Keenig Creek Campground, where you can relax and swim amidst nature.
  • This campground allows pets and has picnic tables, making it a great spot for families.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings, as some campers have reported thefts from tents, so choose your site wisely.

Tips for tent camping near Manzanita

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot at Jones Creek, especially on weekends when it can get crowded.
  • Bring water shoes for the rocky river access, as noted by visitors who enjoyed the refreshing waters.
  • For a quieter experience, consider hiking into the more secluded sites available at Keenig Creek Campground.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $20

  • Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping offers free camping options, perfect for those looking to save money while enjoying the great outdoors.
  • At Elk Creek Campground, you can find affordable sites along the river, ideal for a peaceful getaway.
  • For a unique experience, Twins Ranch LLC offers tent camping alongside covered wagons, with prices starting around $45 for a memorable stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Manzanita, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Manzanita, OR is Cook Creek with a 4-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Manzanita, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 30 tent camping locations near Manzanita, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.