1 campground with availability this weekend
Tent camping options near Mapleton, Oregon include established sites and dispersed locations within the Siuslaw National Forest. Suislaw National Forest Dispersed Camping offers primitive tent setups along forest roads with multiple pull-off areas for tent camping. Alsea Falls Recreation Site provides designated tent campsites with basic amenities in a wooded setting approximately 45 minutes from Mapleton.
Most primitive tent sites in the Siuslaw National Forest require campers to bring their own water and supplies, as drinking water is unavailable at dispersed locations. Forest Road 51 near Beaver Creek features several tent-friendly pull-offs accessible via gravel roads that may require careful navigation. A visitor commented, "There are 2 pull off spots here. The 2-mile drive up the gravel road to get here was easy enough." Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds like Alsea Falls, but dispersed sites typically lack sanitation facilities. Access to many backcountry camping areas may be challenging during wet weather, with some roads becoming slippery or impassable.
Tent campers seeking solitude will find the forest areas particularly appealing, though site availability can be limited. The dispersed camping areas in Siuslaw National Forest feature dense tree cover providing natural shade and privacy. One camper noted that some forest roads lead to "old growth forest with huge uncut trees" creating a truly immersive wilderness experience. Many primitive tent campgrounds serve as excellent base camps for hiking nearby trails, including those at Alsea Falls which connect to waterfall viewing areas. Early arrival is recommended at established tent sites, particularly during summer months when one reviewer mentioned that "it has become super crowded on any summer days" with sites filling by early afternoon even on weekdays.
"When all other nearby campgrounds were full, we came here. Great spot in between Florence and yachats."
"Very few areas large enough to set up a camp. There are pull over areas along side the road which I did the first night. Then was lucky enough to get a good sized spot someone pulled out of."
"Good fire ring. Do not attempt if wet."
Available this weekend
from $45 - $105 / night
"Last campers left pit and firewood- will leave some more for the next. We listened to another review and headed left when the road split up near the top and took that first site on the right."
"Tiny bit of trash around but as always leave it better than you found it!"
"On the alsea river bank can fish for salmon from location. Very private and relaxing way to get a way from the city. The wood stove keeps it very nice."
from $60 - $70 / night
"Restroom open during camping season. Store one mile away. Suggest you bring what you need and use store if needed. Nature trails. Canoe. Kayak. Fish."
"This is a decent little camp spot, the site does have a fire ring, however signs are posted for no fires or even propane stoves or grill usage."
ScoutTried to book and oceanfront camp spot for night of. Apparently our 2003 Scamp is too old and too small to stay at this rv resort. So if you would like to be treated terribly for wanting to spend the same amount as someone with a giant RV. Don’t waste your time.
ScoutThis is a great spot. All the staff have been very friendly and helpful. They keep the place immaculately clean. Lots of great views with free hot showers, playgrounds, and firewood delivery. Just about anything you need right on the beach with jetty access all around.
ScoutI just accidentally found this campsite after visiting the lighthouse. It was a delightful little area very secluded and the staff was very nice. Had a great shower and a wonderful night sleep. I would stay here again.❤️
ScoutThis campground was fully booked from the time I was looking- starting in July, my stay was in October- so I took my chances on a same-day spot. I got very lucky and was able to get a tent spot on the water. It was very small- barely enough space for my 2-person tent next to the fence, and the fire pit and picnic table was right next to the car parking space, so zero privacy there, but I was just grateful to be able to wake up to a beach view. The bathrooms were clean enough, and the hosts were fine, though gone for most of the day when I arrived so I had no way to pay without cash. My biggest complaint is the number of trailers parked in prime tent spots. My neighbor had a trailer on a reservable tent site- one of the best sites on the grounds- and spent zero time on the campsite and all their time in the trailer. They also behaved in an inappropriately hostile way- I had my headlamp on as I was putting food and gear away in my car at around 8:45pm, and because they were sleeping in their trailer, which was parked in the a parallel parking spot where all the cars were parked, my headlamp and car light apparently was shining into their trailer window. Instead of being patient, they started flashing a very bright light at me from inside their trailer, and then banging on their trailer sides. Mind you- these people were easily in their late 60s, acting like antisocial children. Their behavior made the next morning very awkward, and could have been avoided if they hadn't been allowed to park a trailer in a site that was clearly meant for tents- that they didn't actually use once, because all of their eating and cooking and sleeping was done in their trailer. I just wish this campground had rules regarding tent sites from trailer/RV sites. Their site was huge, with multiple tent sites, a wide view of the beach, two fire pits with plenty of foliage around for privacy - and they didn't use anything but the parking spot, and were aggressive with me for spending my time outside in my site.
ScoutLove it. Great location
RangerSolid place to spend the night - almost stayed 2! I solo travel so I need to have a sense of safety when I camp somewhere. This is the definition of “dispersed car camping”. Sites were pretty far off from each other, but within yelling ear shot. No service up here - which is fine by me. Weather was perfect in late August - some mosquitos but nothing crazy. Pack in pack out absolutely no amenities.
ScoutThis is a very clean campground located right off the dunes. The campground has direct access to miles of sand to play in. It's quiet and run by such a wonderful family.
ScoutAwesome site. Very quiet and respectful RV owners around you. Separated by trees between each RV site
ScoutStopped in for a night. Nothing fancy but did the trick. Cheap wood nearby, up the road with the big mushroom. Used the fire pit to cook dinner. Generators are definitely allowed as some dude ran his all night… bathroom was clean considering what it is.
Tent camping near Mapleton, Oregon offers primitive backcountry options particularly along forest service roads where elevation rises from 500 to 2,000 feet through the Siuslaw National Forest. Winter camping requires preparation for frequent rainfall exceeding 80 inches annually in this coastal region. Vehicle requirements vary significantly depending on location and season, with many forest roads becoming difficult to navigate after rainfall.
Waterfall hikes: Green Peak Falls is approximately 2 miles from Alsea Falls, offering a more secluded experience than the main falls. "The main falls is only about a 1/2 mile from the campground, but if you venture further; about 2 moderate miles, you find 'Green peak falls' which for my money is a way better experience," notes a camper.
River fishing: Set up camp at Alsea River Getaway for direct salmon fishing access. "On the alsea river bank can fish for salmon from location. Very private and relaxing way to get a way from the city. The wood stove keeps it very nice," reports one visitor.
Forest exploration: Look for wildlife along less-traveled roads in Siuslaw National Forest. At Hult Reservoir, visitors appreciate the non-motorized setting: "No motorized boats. Dispersed camping. Excellent hidden creek water. Nature trails. Canoe. Kayak. Fish."
Seclusion and quiet: Forest Road 51 provides camping spots with minimal traffic. "Secluded! After you hit the dirt road, there are a few good but smaller pull off spots and a few bigger ones. Very quiet. So far, no one has bothered me, and I've only seen 1 car go past," writes one camper at Forest Road 51.
Natural surroundings: Many sites feature dense old-growth forest settings. "Nice area up a narrow forest road. When you get to the top of the road it Ts with another forest road, where there was a pull off that would fit one or two cars/vans," notes a camper about Forest Road 51.
Alternative camping options: When established campgrounds fill up, nearby alternatives exist. "When all other nearby campgrounds were full, we came here. Great spot in between Florence and yachats. Close to heceta light house, right before sea lion caves, and close to hikes and away from crowds," explains a visitor to Dry Lake Horse Camp.
Road conditions: Many forest roads require careful navigation and appropriate vehicles. "The way Google took us go thus spot was terrible. Instead of keeping us on the gravel road, it had us drive through an overgrown dirt path. Thank got we didn't get stuck! If you are going, stay on the clearly marked gravel road!" warns a camper about Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping.
Campsite availability: Most primitive sites lack reservations and fill early. "I was lucky to snag a site at 1 pm on a July weekday, so I imagine it would be difficult later in the day or on a weekend," reports a visitor to Alsea Falls.
Limited facilities: Bring essentials as most dispersed sites lack amenities. "Probably won't do this if I had a trailer or an rv, but my toyota Corolla did just fine. The marked coordinates are a little overgrown, but there's a good tent spot a couple hundred feet beforehand," shares a Forest Road 51 camper.
Site selection: Choose established campgrounds for younger children. "This is a Primitive campground, No Hook Ups. Sites are few and are pretty small so if you have a larger rig you might want to pass on this one. There is a group site for get togethers," advises an Alsea Falls visitor.
Trail difficulty awareness: Assess hiking trails before taking children. "The hiking trails can be challenging in parts so beware if you have small kiddos," notes a camper at Alsea Falls.
Weather preparation: Trails can become slippery after rain. "This was a pretty easy hike to this little falls. The terrain was a little slippery, but then again we went in March. The falls were full from all the rain and the forrest was just gorgeous."
Access limitations: Many forest roads present challenges for larger vehicles. "Narrow and unpaved road. Very narrow, My trailer could barely fit through and there was only a three-way intersection inside to make a U-turn, otherwise my trailer wouldn't be able to get out!" warns an RV owner about Forest Road 51.
Trailer maneuvering: Tight turns require experience at some campgrounds. "The turn into this road from Highway is a sharp one and immediately uphill. Probably not for anyone towing large trAilers but if your skilled you can try it out," advises a visitor to Dry Lake Horse Camp.
Alternative parking: Consider tent camping from RV-accessible areas. "Really a trek, did it in a class c rv. It's a one lane road with some turnouts. Nice and quiet, but no real level spots," reports an RV camper about Forest Road 51.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mapleton, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mapleton, OR is Dry Lake Horse Camp with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
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