Tent camping around Neotsu offers access to the Wilson River system with water temperatures averaging 50-60°F in summer months. The Tillamook State Forest's 364,000 acres contain multiple creeks and rivers flowing toward the coast, with elevations ranging from 500-1,500 feet throughout camping areas. Most tent sites in this region receive 70-100 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush vegetation and year-round water sources.
What to do
Swimming holes: Keenig Creek Campground has excellent water access points. According to a camper: "There's a beyond perfect swimming hole, that we all quickly discovered was plenty deep enough to jump off the rock formation next to it. It was busy on a hot saturday afternoon, but not crowded in the least."
Day hiking: Tillamook County Whalen Island offers short trails through coastal vegetation. "There is a good 1.5 mile day hike through the vegetation. This site is a good little spot for fishing or finding crabs and clams," notes a reviewer. The location combines forest hiking with beach exploration.
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours provide opportunities to spot elk, rabbits, and chipmunks at various campgrounds. One visitor to Trask River County Park observed: "If you're lucky enough you will wake up to elk grazing in the grassy areas."
What campers like
River proximity: Sites along the Wilson River provide natural cooling and relaxation. A visitor to Keenig Creek Campground commented: "The river was super clear, with a rocky beach and some beautiful formations a bit to the west."
Historical experiences: For families wanting educational camping, Twins Ranch LLC offers covered wagons as accommodations. "What a unique experience to have the opportunity to spend a night in a rustic covered wagon! Especially fun for families with kids," writes one camper.
Privacy between sites: Walk-in tent sites offer more seclusion than drive-up spots. A camper at Keenig Creek noted: "All of the sites are walk in and super private. From the site we were in (K6) we could see no other campsites and could barely hear anyone else."
What you should know
Highway noise: Many campgrounds in the area sit close to Highway 6, affecting the wilderness experience. A visitor to Jones Creek observed: "The site was pretty quiet. There are ATV trails nearby so lots of dirt bikers in the camp."
No-reservation policies: Most tent sites in Tillamook Forest operate on a first-come basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends. A camper at Jones Creek shared: "We 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."
Limited water access: Bring your own drinking water to many sites. A visitor to Keenig Creek warned: "No potable water- luckily my family and I brought enough water! We planned to do some hiking, so we definitely brought enough water to last us the weekend. Highly recommend buying jugs of water."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming safety: River conditions vary by season with water levels dropping in late summer. A visitor to Netarts Bay RV Park & Marina noted: "Fun spot on the Oregon coast. Very clean. Loved the spaces, cement pads for your outdoor living."
Educational opportunities: The Tillamook Forest Center provides interpretive exhibits 5-20 minutes from most campgrounds. A camper mentioned: "One of the closest campgrounds in Tillamook Forest to both Tillamook Bay and the Forestry Center (totally worth a stop)."
Cell service limitations: Prepare for limited connectivity at tent sites. A visitor to Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping shared: "Not a bad place to stay, but you're likely to run into others also looking for some nature. Be aware that Verizon cell service is nonexistent in the area."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping near Neotsu has few RV amenities. "Limited amenities" is common feedback for tent-focused sites in the region.
Try coastal alternatives: RVers near Neotsu often prefer sites closer to Tillamook Bay. A camper at Netarts Bay RV Park stated: "Great RV park! 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."
Forest road challenges: Dispersed camping roads may be challenging for larger vehicles. A visitor to Forest Road 51 near Beaver Creek warned: "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!"
