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Best Dispersed Camping near Pacific City, OR

77 Reviews

Siuslaw National Forest offers several dispersed camping options near Pacific City, Oregon, with the most highly-rated sites located along Mt. Hebo Road. The Pioneer-Indian Trail area provides secluded backcountry camping about 20 minutes past Hebo Lake Campground, accessible via a short drive down a logging road that requires careful navigation in wet conditions. South Lake dispersed area offers lakeside primitive sites with vault toilets and fishing opportunities, though the access roads are narrow, potholed, and challenging.

Most forest sites are free and allow fires when seasonal restrictions aren't in place. A camper wrote, "We didn't see anyone the entire trip! Beautiful quiet paradise!" However, visitors should be prepared for complete self-sufficiency as amenities are minimal. Several reviews mention trash issues at popular sites, and road conditions can deteriorate significantly after rain. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching many of the remote sites, particularly South Lake where the dirt road becomes quite rough. Cell service is limited but available at some higher elevation locations.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Pacific City, Oregon (20)

    1. South Lake

    16 Reviews
    Beaver, OR
    11 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"

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

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

    "We 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."

    "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."

    3. Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Beaver, OR
    8 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."

    4. Derrick Road Dispersed Camping Area

    2 Reviews
    Beaver, OR
    8 miles
    Website

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

    5. Road Turn Out Dispersed (logging landing)

    2 Reviews
    Grand Ronde, OR
    13 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."

    6. Hebo Road

    2 Reviews
    Beaver, OR
    11 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."

    7. Mt Hebo Horse Trail Dispersed CampSite

    1 Review
    Beaver, OR
    8 miles

    8. Trask River Campsites

    3 Reviews
    Tillamook, OR
    22 miles

    "River access and a fire pit. Dirt bike parking adjacent but pretty private."

    "There are 3 easy to find campsites, very easy to find and access. 2 or 3 miles before the gravel road was a commercial campground with a store and very friendly folks inside."

    9. Mt Hebo Lake Dispersed Campsite

    Be the first to review!
    Beaver, OR
    8 miles

    10. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    15 Reviews
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 357-2191

    "Accessible through the Jones Creek campground turn off, continue up the forest roads past the OHV staging area and you’re in paradise!"

    "My mistake, these coordinates took us to the top of the mountain. It is currently an active logging area, so the truckers are out at 3am. The road up was a very narrow road."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Pacific City, OR

61 Photos of 20 Pacific City Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Pacific City, OR

77 Reviews of 20 Pacific City Campgrounds

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2022

    Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    Perfect for Overland and off-road vehicle camping

    Accessible through the Jones Creek campground turn off, continue up the forest roads past the OHV staging area and you’re in paradise! Gorgeous spots all over that are accessible in most 4WD/off-road capable vehicles. There is a massive network of forest service roads many with spots to set up your own quiet camp away from all the dirt bikes and RVs. No facilities obviously but that’s what makes this place special. It’s incredibly quiet and peaceful and a gorgeous piece of the PNW coastal area.

  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2025

    Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    GPS takes you to the top!

    My mistake, these coordinates took us to the top of the mountain. It is currently an active logging area, so the truckers are out at 3am. The road up was a very narrow road. So careful if there’s other cars coming through, especially the logging semis.

    Nonetheless a cool spot. Dry camping. Please clean up after yourselves.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Gene J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2020

    Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Decent Established Dispersed Camping Spot

    This spot has more than enough room for multiple vehicles and tents. However, there was quite a bit of mud when we arrived because it had rained recently. 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. There are clay pigeons and shotgun shells around but they are pretty easy to ignore. The night sky is vivid and there are many little forest roads around to explore. The site is about a 20-minute drive from the beach by Pacific City. Perfect place to camp if you wanna hop in the car and go to the beach for a day as well.

  • 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.

  • 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 Pacific City

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Pacific City, Oregon, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of locations to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out South Lake

  • Located in the Tillamook State Forest, South Lake offers a unique experience with its scenic views and the chance to spot wildlife, including cougars.
  • This area allows campfires, making it ideal for cozy evenings under the stars, although be prepared for limited access due to road conditions.
  • With no permits required and a free camping experience, it’s a great option for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Pacific City, Oregon

  • Always check road conditions before heading to Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping, as some areas may be gated off due to logging projects.
  • Bring your own water and supplies, as many dispersed sites, like Derrick Road Dispersed Camping Area, lack amenities such as drinking water and toilets.
  • Be prepared for a rugged experience; some roads may be bumpy and not suitable for larger vehicles, so a smaller car or truck is recommended.

Scenic views for dispersed campers at Trask River Campsites

  • The Trask River Campsites provide access to a beautiful river and a fire pit, perfect for a peaceful getaway.
  • This area is known for its privacy, making it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy nature without the crowds.
  • Keep in mind that there are no trash facilities, so plan to pack out what you bring in to keep the area pristine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Pacific City, Oregon?

The Pacific City area offers several excellent dispersed camping options. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping is accessible through the Jones Creek campground turn off. Continue up the forest roads past the OHV staging area to find numerous spots suitable for 4WD/off-road capable vehicles. Another option is South Lake, which can be reached via Road 14/1400 from Hebo. While the drive involves a partly paved road with potholes followed by a narrow dirt road, the lake offers several dispersed sites for car campers and vans. Additional dispersed camping can be found in the surrounding Tillamook and Siuslaw National Forests, with various forest service roads providing access to established boondocking spots.

When is the best season for dispersed camping in the Pacific City area?

Late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the best conditions for dispersed camping near Pacific City, with summer providing the driest weather. However, this timing varies by location. Cole Mt Ridge and higher elevation sites are best accessed in summer when forest roads are fully dry and navigable. Sites like Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek can be muddy after recent rains, so visiting during drier periods is recommended. Be prepared for potential weather changes year-round. Shoulder seasons (late spring/early fall) often provide more solitude while maintaining reasonable weather conditions. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to wet conditions, potential road closures, and difficult access, particularly on narrow forest roads and in active logging areas.

What permits or regulations apply to dispersed camping around Pacific City?

Dispersed camping near Pacific City typically follows standard national forest regulations. In the Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping areas, no specific permits are required, but campers should follow Leave No Trace principles. Stay within established sites, particularly those off Forest Roads like FR 55. Be aware that Forest Road 51 near Beaver Creek and similar areas may have site-specific regulations. Most dispersed camping in national forests is limited to 14 consecutive days. Campfires may be restricted seasonally, especially during dry summer months. Pack out all trash, properly store food, and use existing fire rings when fires are permitted. Check with the local ranger district office before your trip for the most current regulations and possible closures due to logging operations.

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