29 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campgrounds dot the coastal landscape around Pacific City, Oregon, with options ranging from free dispersed sites in Tillamook State Forest to tent campsites along nearby beaches. Tillamook County Whalen Island provides tent sites in a coastal setting with limited amenities and access to nearby Sand Lake for paddling. North Fork Trask offers more primitive tent camping in Tillamook State Forest with a true backcountry experience away from developed facilities.
Tent sites throughout the region typically feature dirt or packed gravel surfaces with varying levels of privacy between sites. Walk-in tent sites at Keenig Creek Campground provide a more secluded experience for those willing to carry their gear a short distance from parking areas. Most tent campgrounds include fire pits and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between established and dispersed sites. Tillamook State Forest dispersed camping areas offer free tent camping but require campers to pack in all supplies including water and pack out all waste. Seasonal restrictions may apply, with some areas like Keenig Creek only open from May to September.
The tent camping near Pacific City offers varied terrain and proximity to natural features. Campsites at Whalen Island provide access to beach combing and day hiking on a 1.5-mile trail through coastal vegetation. Tent-only sites tend to offer more seclusion than mixed-use campgrounds, particularly at locations like North Fork Trask where dispersed camping allows campers to find isolated spots. Weather conditions can change rapidly along the coast, requiring tent campers to prepare for wind and rain even during summer months. One camper noted, "Amazing place to stay and just comb the beach, camp and take in a few trails and wildlife," while others mentioned the "limited shade during summer" at some coastal tent campsites near Pacific City.
"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."
"Amazing place to stay and just comb the beach, camp and take in a few trails and wildlife. Camp host is very cordil and accomodating."
"Fun spot on the Oregon coast. Very clean. Loved the spaces, cement pads for your outdoor living. Good Wi-Fi. Friendly staff."
"I enjoyed walking my dogs out to see the birds, crabbers, and seals. I was there in a low season month and it was extremely peaceful."
"Newport next to rouge brewery"
"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 and the only reservable site is the group spot."
"There are many river acess points, the forestry center, walking trails and wildlife all within walking distance. The campsites are on a first come first serve basis and many of them are pretty big."
from $15 - $20 / night
Check Availability"The campsites are nice with a fire pit and picnic table, spaced out enough that you're not right on top of each other.. The price is also very reasonable.."
"If you have a kid who loves history, the Oregon Trail, Little House on the Prairie, and dressing in character, this is your spot! Even during Covid! "
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Trask River Campground is 20 minutes away from Tillamook."
"Vault toilets and a little path down to the river on the side that has individual camps. Our Pop-Up fit in nicely! There is an area on the other side of the road for large group camping."
"Each has a fire ring with plenty of space for 2 or more rigs. I arrived on a Saturday thinking there will never be a spot, but as luck would have it site 1 was clear."
"I saw a total of 3 designated dispersed camping sites along this road. But there were a ton of pull offs along the river."
from $30 - $35 / night
"These sites are beautiful and really meant for tent camping—but you can park an rv in most of the spots. There is a vault toilet closer to site 14 but no hookups."
"Gorgeous spots all over that are accessible in most 4WD/off-road capable vehicles."
RangerThis place was one of the busier sites and the most difficult to find a private spot. Tons of people were just in pull offs - which I tend to try and avoid as a solo traveler. Found a spot by the creek that was pretty private, but getting in and out was a bit challenging. Definitely needed my 4WD. However, the road leading in was totally fine.
RangerThis was a hell of a drive for just spending the night, but it was certainly beautiful. I found a place by the creek. Backing out of it was a bit sketchy, but I liked the seclusion of the spot so I went for it. Ugh, I love Washington weather. It was elevated so not too hot or cold. Lots of just pull off spots along the way and I didn’t drive high enough for the views other’s were raving about.
TravelerWe came at night and left in am. Bathrooms clean. Shower hot. Both well lit
ScoutJessica was extremely responsive, warm, and very accommodating :). The Sublime site is spacious, beautiful, and private. We planned for 2 nights and extended to 3rd because we were having such a great time. Our 25’ class C RV was a little tough to get up the site due to tight steep turns. Exiting the site was much easier.
GuideSite was OK for a one night stay. When we arrived we immediately noticed trash in the site. As this campground is next to dunes there is a ton of noise. Our neighbors were revving their dirt bikes (not even riding them) past midnight. No hookups. Close to the water.
RangerLarge level campground with well maintained landscaping. Asphalt paved roads and sites. Restrooms have flush toilets, hot/cold water sinks and individual showers. No tokens req'd. Nice asphalt paved walking path gets you close to beach for nice beach walks with views of iconic bridge from near jetty. Close to Oregon Aquarium which is good side trip. Sites lack privacy... and are a little close together but not bad... Quiet at night except for distant surf Would stay again.
GuideWe stayed in the RV area. As stated in other reviews, the spaces are pretty much on top of each other, with little privacy. It would be nice if they cut a few spaces out and added some trees or bushes between the spaces. Bathrooms are hit and miss, like most campground bathrooms. Nice playground for kids, easy access to the beach.
RangerPaved roads a little narrow so more challenging to back-in 90-degree sites vs. 45-degree angled sites. Good restrooms with flush toilets and h/c water sinks. Hot showers included as part of camping fee. Two dump stations at entrance use honor system to pay $10 via cell-phone app. Nice beach walks over sand dunes to long flat beach. Expect wind on beach. Some sites a little close together but ok overall. Expect lots of families with kids in summer and on weekends. Overall a good stay.
RangerThe road wasn't to bad getting there. There were a few spots in the campsite. River feet away, berry patches close. No cell coverage.
The Tillamook State Forest region surrounding Pacific City, Oregon spans approximately 364,000 acres of coastal woodland with elevations ranging from near sea level to 3,300 feet. Tent camping near Pacific City offers diverse options from primitive forest sites to coastal settings, with weather patterns frequently bringing nighttime fog even during summer months. Rain can occur year-round with heaviest precipitation from November through March.
River recreation access: The Wilson River near Keenig Creek Campground provides swimming holes during summer months. "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," reports one camper.
Paddle sports options: Sand Lake near Tillamook County Whalen Island offers calm water for kayaking and canoeing. A visitor notes, "The location is great for paddling around Sand Lake though you'll have to go a bit to access the ocean."
Crabbing and clamming: Netarts Bay provides shellfish harvesting opportunities with seasonal restrictions. "This site is a good little spot for fishing or finding crabs and clams. The tides are extreme in this area when out or in, and can flood the parking lot."
Natural water features: The rivers and bays around Pacific City create multiple water access points. At Trask River County Park, campers appreciate the "nice river and it's safe for the kids to run around. Its out of town, yet close enough to go to the store."
Wildlife viewing: Morning elk sightings occur at several forest campsites. One visitor mentioned, "If you're lucky enough you will wake up to elk grazing in the grassy areas."
Cell service disconnection: Many forest campsites offer true unplugged experiences. "It's nice to disconnect from cell phones," notes a camper at Trask River County Park, while another points out there's "no real amenities or ATT/Verizon service" at dispersed sites.
Fee structures vary: County parks often charge per vehicle and tent. According to one camper at Tillamook County Whalen Island, "Tillamook county knows what they've got and they will charge for each vehicle and each tent on the ground."
Restroom facilities: Vault toilets are standard at established sites while dispersed areas require packing out waste. "There is no showers or sinks but there is multiple 'vault' toilets around the campground. For clean water there is multiple pumps around the campsite, bring your own soap."
Road conditions: Forest service roads vary in quality with some requiring high clearance vehicles. "The road is in great condition and is passable with a 2WD without any issue. There is a sign saying there are logging trucks using the road."
Swimming safety: River access points have varying depths and currents. A camper at Jones Creek recommends, "The river is where it's at, folks are swimming, tubing and fishing dawn to dusk. Folks jumping off the bridge and having picnics."
Educational opportunities: The Tillamook Forest Center provides interactive exhibits. "We stayed at this campground after attending an event at the Smith Homestead which is on the adjacent property."
Unique accommodations: Try covered wagons at Twins Ranch LLC for a novel camping experience with kids. "If you have a kid who loves history, the Oregon Trail, Little House on the Prairie, and dressing in character, this is your spot! Even during Covid! While the bathroom and shower set up are much to be desired, the covered wagons make up for it in every way!"
Site spacing considerations: Many coastal RV sites have limited separation. "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."
Off-season advantages: Winter camping offers better site availability. "Great place!! Extremely clean! Friendly staff!! Just a little tight for my liking!! Would go back in the winter months!"
Wi-Fi limitations: Most coastal RV parks offer limited connectivity. "The only reason it is not a 5 star is the lack of good Wi-fi. There is 'wi-fi' available, but you can only use it for email?"
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pacific City, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pacific City, OR is Tillamook County Whalen Island with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Pacific City, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Pacific City, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
