Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Otter Rock? Find the best information on tent camping near Otter Rock, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Marys Peak campground is on the highest peak in the Oregon Coast Range. Here you’ll find a quaint campground nestled among Douglas fir, noble fir and western red cedar trees. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. A vault toilet is provided but there is no drinking water. Just down the road from the Marys Peak Day Use Area, this peak has awe-inspiring views from the land to the sea.
$10 / night
$60 - $80 / night
Big Elk Campground is popular for fishing and hiking. It is operated by a local community under special use permit.
This site, sometimes referred to as Horton Lake, Hult Marsh, Hult Reservoir, or Mill Pond, was developed in the early 1900s for logging operations. The reservoir and surrounding wetland is about 40 acres and supports a rich diversity of wildlife, fish, and plant species. This recreation site is popular for activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, horseback riding, and scenic driving.
$60 - $70 / night
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. "Dispersed camping" is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a developed campground. Dispersed camping usually means no toilet facilities or treated water, no fire grates, and no picnic tables or other amenities are provided.
There are extra responsibilities and skills needed for dispersed camping. By applying Leave No Trace practices, you will ensure a safe, clean and positive experience for your family and the environment.
The sites listed below are some popular, well used dispersed camping areas. For other more out of the way places, please check the Motor Vehicle Use Map for permissible locations.
The Forest also has dispersed OHV Sand Camping sites. Sand camping is allowed in areas at Sand Lake Recreation Area and at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Each area has different regulations as to where you can camp.
A visitor to the Siuslaw National Forest traveling from Tillamook to Newport will find farmland, rolling hills, sand dunes at Sand Lake Recreation Area, and by choosing the Three Cape Scenic Loop, gorgeous headlands with fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean. Moving inland, the Forest is lush, wet and green. Visitors can hike, camp, picnic or ride their off-highway vehicle. Highway 101, the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, transports travelers from Tillamook to Newport with connecting routes of Highways 22 and 18 to Portland and Salem.
Scout
We tent camped and LOVED having bushes separate each tent site. Really enjoyed having privacy! Nice little walk down to the bay.
Legend
We camped here again in July. Drive 6 miles up a paved road then 1/2 mile on a dirt road. Spent 5 days in spots RV1 and RV2. They were doing some log pickup close to our spot so during the day it was sort of noisy but after 3PM things got really quiet and peaceful. Trees were very plentiful and keep us cool during the 90* days. We went up the hill to tent site#13 where there was water, but you had to pump your own. The water was very clean and tasty. They had 2 buildings that had pit toilets and 1 port-potty by the day use area by us. We walked a trail beside the day use area that went for about 1.5 miles by on of the creeks. There were many other roads that went to other trails that were longer. All was very quiet except for the cars, trucks and Jeeps that sped down the road by our camp going to the trail to the right from 7PM until 1AM. I have no idea why they were here at all because they we not camping here and drove very fast for a gravel road. Be advised even though there are 15 camp sites only(2) RV-1 and RV-2 are actually designated for motorhomes and travel trailers under 32 feet in length. Most all other sites are up a steep road but can accommodate very small RV's but mostly tent camping area. Little to no cell service right at the base of the campground. Just a 1/2 mile back to the asphalt road there is 1 bar at the very least. This campground is 6 miles up a small paved road from Grand Ronde then a half mile on a gravel road in a heavily wooded area to the first RV camp site#1 and#2.
Guide
We stayed here and really enjoyed the proximity to the beach and the views but checked out early due to tent camping and high winds. The spots are larger than other beach side campgrounds we’ve visited. I would come again but probably RV instead of tent camp.
Traveler
Huge facility with a lot of options from basic tent camping to fancy rv.
Guide
This was my first visit to Cape Lookout, or camping on the Oregon coast, for that matter. The RV sites are separated from the tent sites, which is nice. Most of the tent sites are fairly open, some of them have more privacy, but all of them are very green and incredibly close to the beach while still being somewhat protected from the wind coming off of the ocean.
Bathrooms were relatively clean, though you always have someone emptying all of their camp trash in the bathroom trash can (pizza boxes? Really?) so it's hard to keep up. Staff were knowledgeable and helpful.
A truly beautiful place.
Legend
The second Friday of September this was the only campground along the Oregon coast that had an open spot. The only space available was the handicap site, which is only open to non-handicapped campers after 7pm. As a tent camper this was not an ideal spot. The majority of the sites are designed for RVs and have hook ups. There were plenty of tent campers using these sites, especially the smaller ones further back. There are also hiker-biker sites located sort of in the middle of an RV loop. There are also tent sites that are removed from the tent parking area. When I drove through the tent site parking I couldn't see any of the tent sites.
The campground has flushing toilets and hot showers. If you are camping showers are free and unlimited. The showers are also made available to non-campers for $2. The campground is connected to hiking trails in the area of varying difficulty including a 1/2 mile trail to the beach. The state park is on both sides of the road but the campground is on side away from the beach. The Oregon coast in this area is incredible and the geography changes drastically as you drive between Newport and Florence. Both towns are worth a visit.
TravelerConsider choosing a campsite in the wooded areas. The sites near the ocean are in the hot sun. Full hookups Of course are nice, even if you are in a tent. Restrooms have running water and we’re kept very clean by the park staff. We camped in a tent in August, but it was still quite cold at night. A lack of privacy bothered us, but we were gone most of the day. Lots of folks riding bikes, flying kites, walking on the beautiful trails on Cape Lookout. We definitely will go back again.
LegendWe happened to be on the Oregon Coast on a Friday night during nice spring weather. The website said there were still a few sites left so we drove there to secure one. It is best to reserve a site but we never do so you can still get a site the day of if you don’t have a reserved site and there are unclaimed sites.
Our site was 65, a tent site, in the full sun near the bathrooms. There are bushes that obscure your next door neighbors but you can see the ones across the road. We could hear the roar of the ocean but it lulled us to sleep. There are trails to the sandy beach.
We paid $21 for a tent site during the off season.
GuideKind of expensive considering the facilities are only adequate. Hookups are good. View only from perimeter sites. Tent sites are more private.
Scout
Stayed 3 nights and the host allowed us to park 2 cars on a tent site. Facilities are clean and showers are hot and free
Guide
Spent a lot of time up there tent camping on the weekends. Randy was the camp post. The grounds were always kept clean and improved every week. Great summer spot for steelhead fishing before the state screwed up that also.
GuideI pulled in before the ranger station closed, and was able to get a tent site for $24. Amenities are super clean, unlimited use showers and perfect spacing in between sites.
Travelerrough it or not up to you. Yurts and full hookup sites as well as beautiful secluded tent sites. first come first serve showers potable water and real toilets.
ScoutNice, simple spot. Bathrooms clean, tent site comfortable, open to neighbors on one side. Located on east side of 101, walk under a bridge to access beach. State park, so amenities and fees standard. Would recommend
GuideA loop - you can hear highway 101. Lots of RV spots. Best tent sites are on the outer (north) sides of the loops. Especially C,D and E loops. Ranger station and junior ranger program. Great family campground.
TravelerThe tent sites are pretty private for such a large park which was a very pleasant surprise. The beach was extra fun with the river running into the ocean. We are going to make this a yearly stop for sure.
TravelerThis campground is full of folks! It’s not remote if that is what you are looking for, but the location can’t be beat. They also have yurts and RV spots as well as tent camping. Great bike/walk path and paths to the ocean. Close to the aquarium and lighthouses. Lots to see and great town.
GuideWent tent camping here in summer just for the hike out on cape Lookout. Made in with two kids and dog in about two hours and did some whale watching for about 20-30 mins. The views are spectacular from the Cape. We would definitely hike/camp here again as it was great location for some peace and adventure.
GuideI camped here during Memorial day weekend. It was crowded, lots of families with RVs. Bathrooms/showers are very clean and nice. Very dog friendly. Nice trails, beach access. Newport is only few minutes drive away and such a cute small coastal town. If you are tent camping and prefer more privacy and to be away from RV area I suggest "I" loop.
Guidemost of the tent spots have a good amount of privacy, with many of them very close to the ocean — fell asleep to the sound of the waves crashing. pretty clean showers. extremely short walk to the beautiful beach. would absolutely stay here again but probably in a tent site closer to the beach
Scout
After accidentally reserving the wrong campground, we were pointed in the direction of Horse Creek. Access to it is up an unmarked dirt road, about 10 minutes from 101. It's truly out in the middle of the woods, with campsites meant for campers with horses but it worked perfectly for our tent camping. Pay on site, no campground host. Vault toilets.
Guide
I camped here 2 nights at the end of my bicycle trip down the Oregon coast (wanted to continue but had to get back to work) I had reserved the site >1 month in advance through the app (Recreation.gov) and hoped it would be a good tent site. It was pretty good but we had to get creative to find room for our 2 small tents. The campground seems more geared to mostly campers and RVs, but there are a lot of sites with good space for tents too. I highly recommend this campground and wish it was closer to my home because I want to go back again!!
Legend
Great campground with lots of trees for privacy and the lake is lovely with lots of fingers that lead off the main lake so you can find solitude on the lake when fishing or just bobbing around.
There are ten Yurts for rent so if you're not up for tent camping the yurts are nice. Note there is only one pet friendly yurt and it books up quick.
GuideI enjoyed it. It’s clean, quiet (people noise) and it has an ocean view. Try to stay as close to the ocean side of the campgrounds as possible because the 101 is loud. I like tent camping I don’t care if it’s cold or rainy. It’s just my thing. I love the fact that I can pick my spot and pitch my tent. Some spots are pretty hidden some more open. Doesn’t matter overall very enjoyable I will be back.
Traveler
A great small site to visit when you can’t get in at Cape Lookout. Campground is small which is nice since there isn’t much separation between tent sites. The location is great for paddling around Sand Lake though you’ll have to go a bit to access the ocean. Tillamook county knows what they’ve got and they will charge for each vehicle and each tent on the ground.
RangerWe love Beveryly Beach. It's a beautiful campground. Easy to get to. Great access to the beach. There's a trail that goes around the outside of the entire campground that was pretty fun to take our kids on.
We have only stayed in a tent site, but the yurt loop looks great too and I hope to visit again to try them someday.
RangerThis is a beautiful park. We've stayed here several times over the years. My favorite is when I am able to snag a cabin reservation, but tent camping is also very pleasant here. We're headed back later this summer and I can't wait.
The cabins are located near the day use area, but are back in the trees and feel very private. There used to be only 3, but I believe there are 7 now. They are all spaced apart from each other to not feel like you are right next to anyone. Each cabin has a separate living room space, bedroom, and bathroom with shower, sink, and toilet. The living room space also has a sink, a microwave, and a small fridge. The cabins each have a gas grill on the porch as well.
It's about 50-60 yards through to trees to the beach, so the views from the front rooms and porches is amazing! It's like the best compromise between camping and a motel. The price is right and the location can't be beat.
We have also enjoyed tent camping many times as well. The campsites are well maintained and it's easy to get to the beach from camp.
Definitely recommend this campground.
Nestled along the stunning Oregon coast, Otter Rock offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to nature lovers seeking adventure and tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Otter Rock, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Otter Rock, OR is Forest Road 51 near Beaver Creek with a 3.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Otter Rock, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Otter Rock, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
