The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Tillamook State Forest. Tillamook State Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near Tillamook State Forest, reviewed by campers like you.
$25 - $69 / night
"We definitely didn't try to interact with them, but they were comfortable to roam right around our site which was a really magical experience
- Nehalem Bay is such a beautiful area and the State Park"
"Mostly an RV park tucked into the Nehalem Bay peninsula, this does offer a couple dog friendly yurts and some very friendly camp hosts."
$38 - $56 / night
"Close to the tide pools in Barview, right on the beach, on the entrance to Tillamook Bay. Large clean bathrooms with several hot showers."
"Our campsite is spacious and relatively private with lots of trees and shrubbery around the perimeter. We're just a short walk from the beach access and it's a great section of beach."
"We stayed away from our coastal communities during the first year of the pandemic, but now we wanted to get back and support our home away from home."
"Really well maintained and just 10 minutes away from the beach in Cannon Beach, it is a lovely walk from the campground to town and to the beach."
$25 - $113 / night
"I would pick a site that isn’t next to the bathroom trail or you’ll have someone walking through your site every 5 minutes. Each site is Steps away from beach access."
"This campground is nestled in shrubs next to the ocean. "
"So I told him I’d also write reviews of some other good campgrounds in the area, so look for-Beaver Eddy (recently closed for logging, though didn’t look like a permanent close + one roadside site was"
"Nestled near a river, with easy access to the falls trail. Ensure you wear clothing suitable for wet hiking. The entire hike is a pretty easy and birding opportunities are many."
"Most spots are adjacent to the creek which is very nice. Though there was a lot of atv traffic."
"There were shell casings and some small trash pieces around (the occasional water bottle lid, a few pieces of broken glass, etc), as other reviews noted, but no huge huge litter problem."
$50 - $250 / night
"You can’t beat the location! Walk to the beach, shops and restaurants in a few minutes. The sites are close but it’s the Oregon coast. Wifi is solid and I’m able to work."
"After a mildly congested drive out to Cannon Beach, we pulled off the 101 into town. Sure enough, we were late. I called and it was no issue."
$15 - $20 / night
"The toilets are clean and conveniently located. Overnight was 20 bucks and well worth it. There are several trails accessible with varying degrees of difficulty."
"Five miles off highway 26 and not too far from Portland. Campground split into two parts on both sides of the road. No reservations. First-come, first served. Spots for RVs and tents."
"Gorgeous spots all over that are accessible in most 4WD/off-road capable vehicles."
"Very quiet & can hear some noise in the distance from time to time, but was pleasantly surprised by the peace & quiet I got up here."
$11 - $115 / night
"Compared to many places this is still a five star campground, but I like others in Oregon better. This one can get quite crowded and tends to be a little more loud and rainy."
"Also there are many hiking paths, the beach and near by towns to explore like Astoria, OR."
GuideWe have been traveling/disburse camping through Montana, Washington, and now Oregon and this has been our 2nd favorite spot.
The drive in wasn’t as bad as we were anticipating. The road was paved and a two lane; narrow lanes but my Ram 3500 and teardrop handled it fine. We did follow previous reviews and once spotted the logging road turned in despite previous review suggesting walking down first. It worked for us because the spot was empty but would second that recommendation; had the spot been taken turn around would not have happened. The logging road is gravel, narrow, and a little steep but not bad at all. The spot is worth what it takes to get to it.
The space, seclusion, sky made it our second favorite site; the first had a creek and wild life. Not recommended for strictly RWD vehicles, if you are towing 45 feet in length, or wet/snowy conditions.
This spot is saved for next time we are in the area.
TravelerWe stayed in Dairy Creek West Campground. The sites are larger than at most of the Oregon state parks we have been to. The site was the levelest we have ever stayed in, usually there is a slight tilt one way or another. This was dead on level. The area for the trailer is pea gravel with an asphalt parking are in the front of the site. I forgot to fill our propane tanks a did that at the Cheveron in nearby Banks which is 10 miles away. There is no wifi unless you use your own. Cell service seems to be ok. Trash is located at a central area opposite the Welcome Center.
GuideGreat camp spot for the night; would have gotten 5 stars had I been able to experience the view. The road in was a little bumpy and in some parts an incline but nothing my Ram 3500 and teardrop couldn’t handle. We followed recommendation from a previous review and followed the road until it ended for the best spot. It was a concrete pad so set up for the teardrop was easy. We were the only campers that we are aware of; very quiet night. No trash on site. Sadly due to the cloud coverage and rain we did not stick around for breakfast but imagine on a clear day a slow morning taking in the sights would be nice.
Front and 4WD ideal; site fit my 42 foot truck/camper very well.
GuideHad the best time! Did much fishing in the surrounding areas,caught bunch of fish off the jetty,went crabbing n fishing in seaside on the bay too. Next year think I'll fish the lake in the park itself. Showers n bathrooms very clean n really good end of a day ritual after getting fish cleaned lol. Beautiful elk n deer visit campgrounds. And most pretty spotted squirrels I've ever seen.
TravelerOverall, the campground was nice. Free showers. There’s a nice playground for the kiddos. I stayed in the V loop and was the only camper there for the 3 nights I was there. The sites are close to each other… so if you want privacy, I would recommend going elsewhere. I could see it getting really packed and noisy during the weekends.
GuideThis is a great city run RV park that is next to a small municipal airport and a World War II era blimp museum. Some sites have shade, but mostly open field. I camped here 8/22/25. There were about 20 other campers but there was plenty of space for more. $20 a night.
GuideTypical state cg. But sites are not on top of one another. Great showers and access to all the regions sites
TravelerGood access for rigs up to 40’ it seems. Sites are all paved and pull-in or back in. Fires in fire pits only. Not expensive and a nice beach walking distance from all sites.
ScoutWe only stayed a couple of days, but the views, Columbia River waterfront, and open spaces were wonderful. The spaces were a little close, but not enough to make me drop my rating. It's close to home, so we will definitely be back.
Camping near Tillamook State Forest, Oregon, offers a fantastic mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and enjoy the great outdoors.
Camping near Tillamook State Forest, Oregon, has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for family fun, a peaceful retreat, or an adventure in nature, this area has it all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need reservations for camping in Tillamook State Forest?
Most campgrounds in Tillamook State Forest operate on a first-come, first-served basis without reservations. Gales Creek Campground and Cedar Creek Corridor Primitive Camping don't accept reservations, so arriving early, especially on summer weekends, is recommended. The forest also offers dispersed camping options that don't require reservations. However, campgrounds can fill quickly during peak season (May-September), particularly on weekends. While most sites are first-come, first-served, some nearby state parks do require reservations. Always check current regulations before your trip, as policies may change seasonally.
Where are the designated campgrounds in Tillamook State Forest?
Tillamook State Forest features several designated campgrounds scattered throughout its expansive terrain. Elk Creek Campground is situated at the confluence of Elk Creek and Wilson River, offering scenic sites on a gentle incline. Nehalem Falls Campground provides a picturesque setting that's highly rated for its natural beauty. Other options include Jones Creek Campground, located off Highway 6, and Kilchis River Campground. Most campgrounds offer basic amenities like pit toilets and fire rings, with some providing drinking water during the main camping season. The forest also has designated dispersed camping areas for those seeking a more primitive experience.
How close is Tillamook State Forest to Cannon Beach?
Tillamook State Forest is approximately 30-45 minutes from Cannon Beach, depending on your starting point within the forest. The drive from the eastern edge of the forest to Cannon Beach is roughly 35 miles via Highway 26 and Highway 101. If you're planning to visit both areas, Cape Lookout State Park Campground offers a convenient coastal camping option about 30 minutes south of Cannon Beach with beach access and hiking trails. Alternatively, Nehalem Bay State Park Campground is located just 15 minutes south of Cannon Beach, making it an excellent base for exploring both the beach and portions of Tillamook State Forest in the same trip.
Are there scenic viewpoints or photo opportunities in Tillamook State Forest?
Tillamook State Forest offers abundant photo opportunities throughout its diverse landscape. Hebo Lake Campground provides stunning reflective water views framed by towering trees, especially when morning mist hovers over the lake. The forest features numerous viewpoints along hiking trails and forest roads with panoramic vistas of the Coast Range. The convergence of Elk Creek and Wilson River near Fort Stevens State Park Campground creates picturesque water scenes. Seasonal attractions include vibrant fall colors, spring wildflowers, and misty mornings where coastal fog filters through ancient trees. Popular photo spots include waterfalls, river gorges, and elevated viewpoints that showcase the vast forest canopy stretching toward the Pacific Ocean.
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