Best Dispersed Camping near Newport, OR

Dispersed camping options surround Newport, Oregon within Siuslaw National Forest, primarily accessed via Forest Roads 51 and 55. Several primitive sites exist as pull-offs along these gravel roads, with Forest Road 51 near Beaver Creek offering multiple small clearings suitable for tent camping. Additional dispersed sites can be found throughout the national forest land, including areas near South Lake and along Pioneer-Indian Trail, where campers may set up at designated pull-offs without amenities or facilities.

Access to these dispersed sites generally requires navigation of unpaved forest roads that may become challenging in wet conditions. Forest Road 51 features a narrow, winding gravel road that can be difficult for larger vehicles, with several reviews noting "narrow and unpaved road" conditions that are "not a good idea for RVs." High-clearance vehicles are recommended for some areas, particularly during winter months. Most sites lack basic amenities such as toilets, drinking water, or trash service. Campers should bring all supplies and practice Leave No Trace principles, as one visitor noted "there was trash from previous campers, but we cleaned it up before we left."

These forested areas provide secluded camping experiences with limited traffic on weekdays. One camper described their Forest Road 51 site as "isolated and quiet," while another mentioned it was "peaceful, very little traffic" with "only had maybe 4 cars pass from 6pm to 10pm." Sites tend to fill quickly on weekends and during summer months, as they offer alternatives when established campgrounds reach capacity. Specific locations like the Forest Road 55 Pulloff feature "stunning vista[s] off paved and then maintained gravel road." Wildlife sightings are common in some areas, with one visitor to the Beaver Creek area reporting they "saw about 5 beavers close to the road." Most dispersed sites are relatively close to Newport, providing quick access to coastal attractions while allowing campers to enjoy the solitude of Oregon's coastal forests.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Newport, Oregon (15)

    1. Forest Road 51 near Beaver Creek

    15 Reviews
    Seal Rock, OR
    8 miles

    "There is almost nowhere to stay in the Newport/Oregon Coast areas, so this spot was a life saver! After you hit the dirt road, there are a few good but smaller pull off spots and a few bigger ones."

    "The marked coordinates are a little overgrown, but there's a good tent spot a couple hundred feet beforehand. Pretty chilly evening, but it was definitely secluded and peaceful"

    2. Suislaw National Forest Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Yachats, OR
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 750-7000

    "I drove back in a few miles and camped along the road, in some old growth forest. It was dark, and I mean truly dark in there when you shut off your lights off, and silent as a tomb."

    "Excellent spot up 2 steep inclines. Some of the most beautiful views. Good fire ring. Do not attempt if wet."

    3. Hult Pond

    18 Reviews
    Blachly, OR
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 683-6600

    "There are only a few flat spots for RVs but quite a few decent spots for tent camping next to the pond. The west side of the pond has at least 2 spots that are a good distance away from the others."

    "Nice pond to camp near, several campsites to choose from and trails to explore"

    4. Forest Road 55 Pulloff

    1 Review
    Yachats, OR
    23 miles

    "It was awesome to car camp here. I only saw two others- one camper van going further in the forest where there were several other spots."

    5. South Lake

    16 Reviews
    Beaver, OR
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 750-7000

    "South Lake is fairly small, I consider it more of a pond to be honest, but a great place for disperse camping. The quickest drive in is a bit sketchy."

    "Do not drive here if you can't drive on the edge of a cliff on gravel roads. it's bumpy and definitely not for the faint of heart. other than that, it's a great site with nice pullouts and camping for"

    6. Dispersed Camping Near Pioneer-Indian Trail in Siuslaw National Forest

    6 Reviews
    Beaver, OR
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 750-7000

    "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."

    "We found this dispersed site by driving on Mt. Hebo Road about 20 minutes past Hebo Lake Campground."

    7. Road Turn Out Dispersed (logging landing)

    2 Reviews
    Grand Ronde, OR
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 750-7000

    "Great 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."

    8. Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Beaver, OR
    48 miles
    Website

    "This is for dispersed camping in the Siuslaw NF off Forest Road 55, off 101. Turn into 55 from 101 between Thor’s Well and Devil’s Churn."

    "If it's dry then there is even more room. There was plenty of firewood but we had to get the fire going before burning the wet stuff."

    9. Hebo Road

    2 Reviews
    Beaver, OR
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 815-1100

    "Lots of trash, long drive, and sort of busy. Multiple sites available as you go up. Pretty spot though."

    10. Derrick Road Dispersed Camping Area

    2 Reviews
    Beaver, OR
    48 miles
    Website

    "Other than that it’s a really great quite, cheap spot that has a huge sand dune right next to it."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Newport, OR

70 Reviews of 15 Newport Campgrounds


  • Robert D.
    Jul. 14, 2022

    South Lake

    A rough and very narrow road to get here.

    We took a ride from Hebo up road 14 or 1400 to South Lake. The trip took over 1 hour down a partly paved road with lots of pot holes then the rest of the way down a very narrow pot hole dirt road to South Lake. Along the way we passed Hebo Lake Campground that had many tent camp sites. Once we arrived at South Lake we found the lake to be somewhat small and there were a few tent sites somewhat close together. We had been told this lake was always stocked with Trout. We suggest only using a 4x4 or a high clearance vehicle to make this trip.

  • Gerard R.
    Jul. 24, 2020

    South Lake

    Quiet Lake

    South Lake is fairly small, I consider it more of a pond to be honest, but a great place for disperse camping. The quickest drive in is a bit sketchy. I recommend taking a slight slower route to avoid scratches on your vehicle from branches. We checked out a few dispersed sites before we picked our spot. We managed to get a spot that was a 1 minute walk to the water, and about the same to the vaulted toilets. The vaulted toilet is on the NW side of the lake. It must’ve been checked often for toilet paper because we were there for 4 nights and it always had some in there.

    We caught trout every day we were there. Most are small but was fun nonetheless. There is an old boat without a motor tied up for anyone to use. Only had one ore that was half broke but it still managed to get us across the water 🤷🏻‍♂️. We found a decent amount of firewood, just have to make sure it’s try if course. It’s all hidden below the ferns/greenery. No picnic tables or metal fire rings but who needs them? Plenty of rocks for a fire pit were already set up. Plenty of shade. Only downside was precious campers leaving toilet paper near the trees when you are literally a minute or less walk to the vaulted toilet.

  • j
    Apr. 29, 2021

    Hult Pond

    The wrong sort of nostalgia

    Our weekend at Hult Pond was unforgettable. I know because I have tried.

    Disbursed camp sights sprawl along this man made log pond and nightmarish horror movie set along a footpath seamingly designed to dump its evening travelers into the muck that is Hult Pond. Jagged old logs poke out of the stagnant water as a reminder that someone used to get paid to spend the day here.

     If this doesn’t sound like the most picturesque of settings I would direct you to the strange log loading equipment rusting just on the forbidden side of a gated barbed wire fence. Upon closer inspection you see what must be tetanus’s way of luring barefoot boys and girls into a summer of drooling lockjaw.

    The access road is a still functioning rock quarry road that hosts a never ending parade of old rattling dump trucks and loaders. Nothing says ,”getting away from the hustle and bustle”  quite like a convoy barrelling down a narrow road spilling basketball sized boulders before returning bouncing back up  empty and clearly attempting to meet a quota.

    The whole thing gave me an uneasy sense of nostalgia. Reminding me of the days we would gather by the dozens with red solo cups full of Hams. We would drink ourselves into a vomiting delirium in a parking lot off some old logging road. We would wake up with profanities drawn on our faces as punishment for succumbing to alcohol poisoning sooner than at least one of our classmates. 

    In fact I believe that’s exactly what the 58 kids in the campsite right next to ours we’re doing each night of our trip.

    The girls  learned all sorts of colorful language and I believed, based on the way my ten year old son  was drooling that the tetanus had succeeded. I was not relieved to discover on our final morning, him wreaking of cheap beer and cigarettes and moaning how horrible he felt while proffering his undying love to a high school girl named Tiffany. 

    Not recommended.

  • Ariel & John  W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 14, 2020

    Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Remote, wild, beautiful

    This is for dispersed camping in the Siuslaw NF off Forest Road 55, off 101. Turn into 55 from 101 between Thor’s Well and Devil’s Churn. There is a FS paid campground (Cape Perpetua Campground) right off FS 55.

    If you follow 55 about 10 miles in, there are lots of established boondocking spots at around 4000 elevation. Additionally there are unmapped logging roads which can also be explored for camping.

    Scenery is spectacular, lots of wildlife, deer, elk, coyote, and amazing old growth forests. No amenities of any kind, no cell service.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2023

    Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Coordinates go to a no access area

    The 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.

  • Natalie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2025

    Forest Road 51 near Beaver Creek

    Secluded!

    There is almost nowhere to stay in the Newport/Oregon Coast areas, so this spot was a life saver! 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.

  • Anna P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Forest Road 51 near Beaver Creek

    Peaceful, limited spots

    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. Turn left (where the GPS coordinates indicate) and there are three more sites, two are a few minutes down this other road. Turn right and there is one more spot. A few other very small pull offs. Very quiet, lovely views of the sky at sunset. The Beaver Creek park at the bottom of the forest road has a pit toilet and picnic tables for day use.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2023

    Hult Pond

    Secluded Pond Great for a Quick stay

    Great spot for a quick stay. There are only a few flat spots for RVs but quite a few decent spots for tent camping next to the pond. The west side of the pond has at least 2 spots that are a good distance away from the others. At the moment, no fires or barbecues allowed but propane stoves and lanterns are fine. Look for Bandits blue squeaky disk! We lost it and never found it.

  • michael K.
    Aug. 8, 2022

    South Lake

    Beautiful Site but..

    Do not drive here if you can't drive on the edge of a cliff on gravel roads. it's bumpy and definitely not for the faint of heart. other than that, it's a great site with nice pullouts and camping for car campers, vans, etc... I was fortunate and I have a black series off road trailer behind a 4runner, and we were fine. I would not recommend a trailer for this location. great for tents and the lake is ok, not too appealing to us, though.


Guide to Newport

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Newport, Oregon, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. These spots offer a unique opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors in a more secluded and personal setting.

Scenic Views While Free Camping Near Newport

Top Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • Explore the nearby hiking trails at Suislaw National Forest Dispersed Camping, which provides access to beautiful forest paths and the chance to see local wildlife.
  • The South Lake area is ideal for fishing and relaxing by the water, making it a great spot for those who enjoy aquatic activities.
  • For a unique experience, visit Hult Pond, where you can enjoy a secluded pond perfect for a quick stay and a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle.

Activities to Enjoy While Dispersed Camping

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping around Newport?

When dispersed camping near Newport, follow the standard 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period. At Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping, camping is only permitted in established sites. Fire restrictions vary seasonally - during dry periods, fires and even barbecues may be prohibited, though propane stoves are typically allowed. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip. Some areas like Hebo Road have designated no-camping zones, so verify specific coordinates before setting up. Pack out all trash and waste, maintain at least 200 feet distance from water sources, and practice Leave No Trace principles. Forest roads may close temporarily for logging operations, so check with the local ranger district for current conditions.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Newport, Oregon?

The Siuslaw National Forest offers several free dispersed camping options near Newport. Forest Road 51 near Beaver Creek provides multiple pull-off sites along a narrow forest road with both smaller and larger spots available. For coastal views, Forest Road 55 Pulloff offers stunning vistas along a maintained gravel road about 10 miles in from Highway 101 (turn between Thor's Well and Devil's Churn). Both locations are relatively quiet and secluded. Be prepared for potentially rough road conditions, especially during wet weather, and always check for current forest closures due to logging or fire restrictions before heading out.

What amenities or facilities are available at dispersed camping sites near Newport?

Dispersed camping sites near Newport are primitive with minimal to no amenities. South Lake offers lakeside camping with flat spots suitable for tents, cars, and some RVs or trailers, but no developed facilities. Hult Pond features multiple tent camping spots around the pond with some flatter areas that can accommodate smaller RVs. Neither location provides potable water, electricity, or trash service. You'll need to pack in all necessary supplies including water and pack out all waste. Cell service is generally limited or non-existent. Some sites offer natural features like water access for recreation, but you should bring everything you need for a self-sufficient camping experience and be prepared to practice Leave No Trace principles.