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At an elevation of 2400 feet, this area offers dispersed camping along the northern edge of the lake. The lake is stocked periodically with rainbow trout. There is access for launching non-motorized boats. A vault toilet is provided but no potable water. It is also the eastern trailhead of the Pioneer – Indian Trail.
Dispersed camping is allowed in Oregon State Forests year round. There are no fee or permit requirements. Campers are required to adhere to ODF regulations regarding placement of campsites, campfires, sanitation, and stay limits. Campfires and charcoal barbeques are not allowed in dispersed campsites during the Regulated Use portion of fire season. There are no maps for dispersed campsites.
A Quite private, a good first-night spot. Dispersed Camping Near Pioneer-Indian Trail in Siuslaw National Forest
Native Americans and early settlers used this trail to travel from the Willamette Valley to the Pacific Coast. The trail runs over the top of Mt. Hebo, providing wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean. Sections of the trail are located in the Mt. Hebo Special Interest Area. Experience open mountain meadows and heavily forested areas on this 8 mile trail that begins at the Hebo Lake Day Use site (at Hebo Lake Campground) and ends at South Lake Dispersed Area. The meadows in the Mt. Hebo Area are home to the Oregon silverspot butterfly, a sensitive species.
You can access the trail at Hebo Lake Day Use, South Lake Dispersed Area, or at the Mt. Hebo Horse Trailhead off of Forest Road 14, 0.6 miles east of Hebo Lake Campground.
Camping is prohibited within 200 feet of the trail and within the open meadows in the Mt. Hebo Special Interest Area.
Tillamook State Forest is managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry. Dispersed camping is allowed for up to 14 days at a time.
Dispersed camping and day use area with access to the northern end of Sand Lake Recreation Area OHV area. Sites offer vault toilets and fire rings.__ No water available.
Guide
Great little spot. 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.
Picked up a small bag of someone else’s trash. Don’t leave trash in the woods — pick up after yourself
Road is fine and easy. AWD is nice but isn’t necessary if the road is fairly dry.
GuideOne spot with its own driveway. A nice flat and private spot. A legit pack in pack out spot. Too bad there is trash everywhere and a big puddle on one side. If you have a rake and shovel then may be a good one day or 14 day spot after a few hours of TLC. Nice trails for walking.
GuideCoordinates 45.230277,-123.777780. Across street from Horse Trailhead about half way up Mt Hebo. A good flat spot with nice trails around. Too much trash and glass left at the site though.
GuideDiamond Milld rd is a tight logging rd with a kinda steep danger zone cliff on this edge. If you get to spot (the coordinates on dyrt arent exact but close) you will see basically the only part of the rd with a pull aside areai prob for two vans or cars. Its a nice view but kinda creepy if alone IMO. The dispersed camping for this St Forest applies to tenters mainly being 1 mile away from a paid campground. But for just car and van camp youd have to chance it at day area or drive way in to the forest down a rd.
Guide
This is a fee area. Have to look really hard this far north in Siuslaw to find a Frst Rd. Just go to Mt Hebo or back to Tili St Forest. Other that most of this north shore OR coast is tough. If anyone has coordinates for their spot Im sure its a valuable share but maybe a keepee.
TravelerTillamook Forest has so many amazing dispersed camping opportunities! We turned onto Ben Smith road and then took logging trails up the peaks. We found a perfect spot that looked like we were on the edge of a cliff but was actually still very safe for our toddler. No cell service, so we just unplugged for 3 nights and enjoyed the time together. We could see the northern lights the first night we were there, and it was absolutely incredible. We had a lot of privacy. One hunter walked by, I assume he was using the nearby trail. We heard some ATVs over the days, but it wasn't disruptive. Totally recommend it, and we'll definitely be back.
Scout
We camped where the road was blocked and it was great. Saw a cougar as we were leaving, though! Luckily we were all in the car, so cool to see, but be aware!
ScoutThe road was blocked off so there was no way to access this site.
ScoutThis is an old campground no longer maintained. First of all, there is nothing but several feet of sand in a big lot. There is only a small section that is not sand. Don’t go past that. You will get stuck. Luckily we did not. There are huge sand dunes so tons of ATVs. The sand is disgustingly dirty from trash and feces. The ATV’ers are relentless. It’s quiet on a Monday night…
Scout
We didn’t actually stay here because it was already taken. But I wanted to create this view just to add additional context on how to find it.
There’s a pretty decent sized gravel turnout… It’s the only big gravel turn out like this on this part of the road … you’ll see what looks like a logging road with a steep decline. It looks a little intimidating, but you go down that road and it curves around in a sea shape for about a half a mile and ends in the big open area where you can camp.
If you’re telling something, I’d recommend walking the road to check to see if anybody is down there before you go down because it’s the only place you’d be able to turn around with your trailer.
Wish we were able to actually stay in this spot. Really big open flat area for either your travel trailer or a small group with tents. Amazing view very secluded feeling. Maybe next time!
ScoutLovely! Would recommend
Traveler
Lots of trash, long drive, and sort of busy. Multiple sites available as you go up. Pretty spot though.
Traveler
River access and a fire pit. Dirt bike parking adjacent but pretty private.
TravelerThe Cedar Creek Rd area offers a nice variety of dispersed camping sites with some good views if you drive far enough, and fairly easy gravel roads for access. However, the signage could use improvement, making it a bit tricky to find your way around. Heard some OHV noise at night, and target shooting in the distance at sunrise. Be aware that Verizon cell service is nonexistent in the area. Not a bad place to stay, but you’re likely to run into others also looking for some nature.
ScoutGreat views, easy drive, AWD car would have been able to make it. The road to South lake was gated off so we used this turn out, there are many along the road. A slight drive on the forest access road leads to the top of the hill. Plenty of dead standing wood for fires.
Traveler
Went up at the end of the snow season and I couldn't quite make it. My 4wd rav only has road tires and I eventually got to a point I wasn't able to make it. My brothers 2022 Outback did completely fine but regardless we had to turn back. I plan to revisit the site here in about two(ish) weeks. The area surrounding the site is trafficked regularly by the looks of it, lots of people coming out shooting, HOWEVER the area is patrolled very heavily by Sheriff Department. I was told by a guy more akin to the area that the spot is a pretty normal spot for locals and that some better areas are farther up.
TravelerThis place is dreamy, lots of different routes to camp spots, we found an isolated area with a small opened peak overlooking the forest which was amazing. You can hear the highway in the distance (quietly) and occasional aircraft but it was overall peaceful. It is quite a steep incline so be cautious, I would not recommend with snow or sleet, but we definitely want to go back to explore the other routes! There is absolutely no cell service, if you have a hot spot I would recommend it, but once you enter the forest there is poor service.
TravelerBeautiful drive and even more beautiful spot. Middle o nowhere and not another camper around. There were some cars going up to a higher rod but I was happy with my spot and followed the google map directions. Perfect disconnect for a couple days.
GuideOnly reason it’s not 5 stars is the bathrooms are absolutely foul. Other than that it’s a really great quite, cheap spot that has a huge sand dune right next to it.
ScoutPlenty of spots to choose from; we found a small mountaintop spot with amazing 360 degree views. Lots of road noise because this a popular place for 4-wheeling and dirt bikes, though everyone was respectful of our space and we had no issues. Absolutely no cell service but we had a strong internet connection with our starlink. Plenty of solar power as well. Gravel road up was long and steep so we did have to pull over for a short while to let our bus cool down. We drive a 2wd, dually, school bus conversion and had no issues accessing the roads; though the road becomes loose and rocky the further you go. Great place to spend the week, but not much to do unless you have a dirt bike or ATV.
ScoutThe 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.
ScoutUnreal. Sunrise was one of best I’ve ever seen, especially with the clouds below. Easy to find spots, but lots of vehicle noise bc the roads are used for dirt bikes
GuideFor being about an hour outside of Portland, this place is magical. If you're into disbursed camping, you have to give this place a visit
LegendLoved this spot. Gorgeous, lots of unique sites. Only downside is incredibly loud atv and dirt bike activity.
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.
OHV vehicles are incredibly loud and ran throughout the weekend— but I have a feeling it’s very quiet on the week days.
Gorgeous—lovely area, no real amenities or ATT/ Verizon service.
TravelerAccessible 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.
LegendThe day that I got there they just graded the road and cleared a large parking area for road work equipment. Was a holiday weekend so they didn’t mind me camping there. Very quiet. Will be a large area that can hold 10 or more campers. No cell service.
ScoutAside from the few kids that decided to start shooting guns in the camp site. It’s a nice little place to escape the hustle and bustle of life.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near McMinnville, Oregon, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near McMinnville, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near McMinnville, OR is South Lake with a 3.9-star rating from 16 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 18 dispersed camping locations near McMinnville, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
