Tillamook State Forest provides tent camping opportunities near Oceanside, Oregon at elevations ranging from 200 to 1,500 feet. The forest encompasses over 364,000 acres with campgrounds situated along river corridors and within dense Douglas fir stands. The camping season typically runs May through September with some sites accessible year-round, though winter conditions can bring significant rainfall averaging 80-100 inches annually.
What to do
River activities: Swimming holes at Elk Creek offer natural water recreation during summer months. One camper noted, "The river was an excellent location to play in and in some spots we were able to swim" at Elk Creek Campground.
Wildlife observation: Early morning viewing possible near open meadows. "You might even wake up to elk grazing in the grassy areas," a visitor reported at Trask River County Park.
Trail exploration: Wilson River Trail connects multiple campgrounds with forest terrain. A camper stated, "There is a trailhead for the Willson River trail within the campground which makes for a great early morning hike" at Jones Creek.
Mountain biking: Moderate to difficult trails access multiple forest routes. "Really liked this place. Right on the river great for hiking or even to drive to the coast," reported one visitor about tent camping near Oceanside.
Crabbing and fishing: Netarts Bay access from some campgrounds. A camper observed, "There are boats to rent for crabbing and clamming and shellfish licenses for sale" at Netarts Bay RV Park & Marina.
What campers like
Secluded sites: Multiple tent options with varying privacy levels. "The campsites are on a first come first serve basis and many of them are pretty big. The sites are pretty private, bathrooms within a short distance and the quiet hours are from 10pm-7am," noted a camper at Jones Creek.
Unique accommodations: Covered wagon rentals available at certain locations. "What a unique experience to have the opportunity to spend a night in a rustic covered wagon! Especially fun for families with kids," shared a visitor at Twins Ranch LLC.
Free dispersed camping: Multiple forest sites without facilities. "Beautiful, quiet nature retreat close to the coast! I setup camp at one of the spots here 3 nights in a row & had no visitors the entire time," reported a camper at Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping.
River views: Waterside tent sites at multiple locations. "We couldn't have asked for a better location" mentioned a visitor about a riverside spot at Elk Creek Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Weather affects access during winter months. "The lower loop near the river is currently under construction and much of it was closed," cautioned a visitor at Jones Creek.
First-come basis: No reservations at many forest campgrounds. "I 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," warned a camper about tent camping in Oceanside area forests.
Limited cell service: Disconnected camping is common. "Phone Service is super bad so be prepared to go off grid!" noted a camper at Jones Creek.
Vault toilets: Basic facilities at most forest locations. "Pit toilets, no trash, etc. No cell service either (AT&T). Still, it's a quiet, gorgeous area next to a creek," explained a visitor at Elk Creek Campground.
Supply planning: Water access limited at dispersed sites. "Bring 15$ cash and be prepared for a wonderful time," advised a camper at Elk Creek.
Tips for camping with families
Creek exploration: Kid-friendly water areas at select campgrounds. "We spent most of our time on the Elk Creek side since we have kiddos and the stream was the perfect size for playing and swimming without the stress of a larger river," shared a parent at Elk Creek Campground.
History learning: Oregon Trail experiences at specialty sites. "If you have a kid who loves history, the Oregon Trail, Little House on the Prairie, and dressing in character, this is your spot! My kids went on walks and collected berries, leaves, buds and lots of memories," noted a family at Twins Ranch LLC.
Playground access: Designated play areas at some campgrounds. "Nice swing set and grassy areas for kids or pets to run around," mentioned a visitor at Trask River County Park.
Water safety: Rocky river bottoms require proper footwear. "Make sure to bring water shoes down to the river - (It's super rocky)," cautioned a camper about tent camping locations near Oceanside.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Limited RV access at forest campgrounds. "The campsite is located in the heart of the Tillamook State Forest, surrounded by majestic Douglas firs that create an atmosphere of comfort and harmony. All tent sites are pedestrianized, which adds to the sense of privacy," noted a visitor at Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping.
Road conditions: Forest access varies by vehicle type. "Road is fine and easy. AWD is nice but isn't necessary if the road is fairly dry," advised a camper about North Fork Trask dispersed areas.
Limited hookups: Self-contained camping necessary at most locations. "No full hook up so bring your own water and power," mentioned a visitor at Elk Creek Campground.
Weather preparation: Coastal conditions affect camping experience. "We had a lovely time here. The site is really beautiful, and the sites seem to be really well-spread out so there's tons of room to feel like you're alone in nature," shared a tent camper about Cook Creek.
