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Best Dispersed Camping near Port Orford, OR

42 Reviews

Dispersed camping options near Port Orford, Oregon include several primitive sites on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service. Notable locations include Elk River "Stony Beach," Forrest Road 280 near Humbug Mountain, and Flat Hilltop Site on China Mountain Road. These free camping areas typically offer no amenities, requiring visitors to be fully self-sufficient. According to reviews, Elk River "Stony Beach" features crystal clear water with swimming opportunities and shaded tent sites with established fire rings.

Road conditions vary significantly between sites. Forest Road 280 requires careful navigation on steep gravel switchbacks with significant drop-offs. One camper noted the road has "many switchbacks that were easy to do in our 24ft van" but cautioned against attempting it during rain when edges might wash out. Elk River sites are accessed via paved roads followed by steep, rutted dirt paths that may challenge low-clearance vehicles. Four-wheel drive is recommended for most locations, especially during wet weather.

No potable water, toilets, or trash facilities exist at most sites. Cell service is nonexistent throughout the region. Fire regulations are strictly enforced with seasonal bans common during summer months; forestry officials regularly patrol and issue citations ($250 fines reported). Campers should check current fire restrictions before visiting. The Port Orford area experiences typical coastal weather patterns with fog, wind, and occasional rain even during summer. Nearby Humbug Mountain offers hiking opportunities. Most sites accommodate tents and smaller RVs, though larger rigs may find limited suitable parking. The drive to Port Orford for supplies takes approximately 30 minutes from most sites.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Port Orford, Oregon (13)

    1. Flat Hilltop Dispersed Site on China Mountain Road

    9 Reviews
    Port Orford, OR
    3 miles

    "This one is a pretty large flat top hill with a 360° view, up a short steep gravel driveway. Plenty of room to park and turn around something larger and probably a trailer, but I came in a small SUV."

    "There are plenty of sites, most of which you need to drive up a steep hill. It is a great view, but not much shade. It got pretty cold and moist at night so keep that in mind."

    2. Forrest Road 280 near Humbug

    6 Reviews
    Port Orford, OR
    5 miles

    "The road is steep gravel with many switchbacks that were easy to do in our 24ft van coming from the Humbug State Park entrance."

    "Narrow road but I made it up in my 02 Sierra with a 13ft travel trailer. Amazing views and no one around for miles"

    3. Elk River "Stony Beach" Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Rough River Lake, OR
    9 miles
    Website

    "I stumbled on this site accidentally back in early August when en-route to some of the official campgrounds on the Elk River that were just a bit further down the road."

    "It’s nice a secluded behind trees to shield you from the other campers.

    We went on a Friday night and there were three other groups but plenty of space for a another couple of people."

    4. Rogue River Dispersed Campsites

    3 Reviews
    Agness, OR
    27 miles
    Website

    "There is no shade and no hookups. Very nice and peaceful area. We love the Galice area and will return year after year."

    5. Elko Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Gold Beach, OR
    29 miles
    Website

    "Creek nearby. Quiet secluded."

    6. Redwood Bar Dispersed Camping

    13 Reviews
    Brookings, OR
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 618-2200

    "No, there’s no spaces and no hookups and no cell service for miles. It’s just a gravel bar on the river where you pull your camper wherever feels good and unhitch and camp."

    "Me and my girlfriend tent camped here and although the ground was rocky we managed to pitch the tent just fine. The road leading to the site is long, flat, relatively slim, and windy."

    7. Game Lake Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Agness, OR
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 618-2200

    8. Oak Flat Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Agness, OR
    28 miles

    9. South Fork Chetco

    2 Reviews
    Brookings, OR
    43 miles

    "There's one pit toilet near a circle of 3-4 sites on the rivers. This is pretty wild camping, no amenities, but quiet camping."

    "It’s a little farther up than we anticipated going BUT so worth it...maybe a mile or so past the Redwood river access."

    10. Argo Bar

    2 Reviews
    Wolf Creek, OR
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 618-2200

    ". :(

    We couldn't really find a flat place to park, and so ended up parking just along the bathroom, which was rhe flattest spot here."

    "It wasn't until we left the spot and looked back on it from the higher road that we saw that the camp area extended a bit past the bathrooms into more camp friendly spots, with some shade and greenery."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Port Orford, OR

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Port Orford, OR

42 Reviews of 13 Port Orford Campgrounds

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2021

    Rocky Riffle

    Hot, Dusty and Nice (and Free!)

    This BLM area is a quick turn off the main road.  Take a right or left to start the loop and you’ll find various spots for dispersed camping. The road is mostly ok with some areas of high rocks but we made it in our 26ft Class C with only one ding on the steps. Larger vehicles might have problems along the lower half of the loop, but the upper half was doable.  There are some spots close to the river and others up above it more with nice views as well as shade.

    There are a few “long term residents" here.  One was right on the water with a big mirror and a homemade sign warning of “thieves among us." The sheriff and ranger came by the next day and left citation on his camp. Nothing scary nor anything that made us feel unsafe at all. 

    This is a dry camp with no amenities. Tent/car campers welcome but must have port-a-potties. You must pack out your waste and trash. We found several trash piles which we cleaned up. There are NO fires allowed at this time. Also be aware that there is a lot of poison oak around. 

    Also there were unleashed dogs, one in particular that wandered into our camp site every morning. A lot of rafters and kayakers, especially on weekends, but they stay mostly on the water but can become quite loud at times. River access in this area is available in a only few spots that you have to walk to. There is no real shoreline to hang out in unless someone is not camped right in those areas. 

    Zero cell reception from ATT, verizon and TMobile in this whole area.

  • Quinn Z.
    Sep. 29, 2020

    Elk River "Stony Beach" Dispersed Camping

    Wonderful and free dispersed camping right on the river.

    I stumbled on this site accidentally back in early August when en-route to some of the official campgrounds on the Elk River that were just a bit further down the road. Wasn't too impressed with those, so on the way back toward Port Orford I decided to pull off at this spot to see what might be found as you can find dispersed camping spots up and down the river. So glad I did.

    The area is a large stony beach, hence the name I made up when I created this listing. It's good for cars and smaller campers / RVs. I'm not sure big RVs would be good for this setting. The dirt path from the main road down to the beach is very short but a bit steep and with some big dips when I was there so very low-clearance vehicles might have an issue getting in and out. For tents, the beach would likely be uncomfortable given its rockiness, but that's OK because there are a few places just off the beach that have dirt and tree-cover and are perfect for tent camping. I found a great spot with good shade, a well-made stone firepit, and an easy place to hang my hammock. Loved it so much I decided to hunker down for four days and just settle in.

    The river is crystal clear and was refreshing in August. It gets deep on the left side of the beach area so you can properly swim if you want to (see my silly "let's test out my new GoPro" video to see what I mean). That area is popular with locals for day-use so you'll often see more people during the day then at night. Only had a few other campers staying the nights, and we had enough space between us. Privacy wasn't an issue. No toilets though, so you'll need to get creative with that.

    For camp fires, make sure to check the local regulations. When I was there they had a burn ban and the forestry guys came through somewhat regularly to check. They will ticket you if you break the rules. $250 fine I believe.

    The drive to Port Orford, the closest town, is about 30 minutes each way. Not too bad, but if you want to settle in and not move for a while, you'll want to stock up. No cell phone reception either, at least for me on Verizon, but I got to the point where I really appreciated that. This is a damn fine spot to really unplug. That said, there are some great hikes around Port Orford (check out Humbug Mountain if you want a proper workout) so there are more reasons than just supply runs to go out and return.

    All in all a phenomenal free dispersed camp site that I would 100% recommend and return to.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2022

    Argo Bar

    Good and Free

    I'll add another review since we did go back there this summer and stay there for a night. But I'd check on the effects of the Rum Fire if you're planning to go to this area. Not sure what the river area looks like now. :(

    We couldn't really find a flat place to park, and so ended up parking just along the bathroom, which was rhe flattest spot here. It was a nice and peaceful stay, quiet, watching boaters and rafting companies coming and going all day. Nobody else was there at night.

    The area is beautiful but there's not much to do unless you have a boat or a car. No nearby hikes within walking distance.

    Still zero cell service. 14 day stay limit. Garbage bins and recycling and bathrooms on site. Free!

  • C
    Sep. 5, 2021

    Redwood Bar Dispersed Camping

    It is what it is….

    We live in Brookings and go up the Chetco to this river bar or to Nook or Miller Bar all summer long. No, there’s no spaces and no hookups and no cell service for miles. It’s just a gravel bar on the river where you pull your camper wherever feels good and unhitch and camp. You might have some USDA Forest Service employee drop off a pay envelope at your site but , there’s no place to leave it and they may or may not come back to get it. It sometimes gets crowded during holidays and weekends and the good places, not next to rapids and close enough to good swimming holes, become rare. So you might have to settle for something less than ideal. And, the porta potties might get full. There’s no one enforcing quiet hours or leash laws and no form of law enforcement anywhere nearby. There is a Forest Service LEO assigned to the area but in 18 years, I’ve never seen him on the bar. Despite all this, incidents involving injuries or violence or crime are exceptionally rare. It’s a great kayaking and swimming place and there’s nearby rocks for jumping off. Remember! It’s a river not a lake so kids ought to have life jackets. Please note….as the summer progresses, the water level drops, the temperature rises and the algae grows. As such, we prefer June camping.

  • Joshua C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2025

    Forrest Road 280 near Humbug

    Easy steep dry gravel road with huge drop offs

    The road is steep gravel with many switchbacks that were easy to do in our 24ft van coming from the Humbug State Park entrance. About 12 minute slow drive to a very scenic turnout on the hilltop where the area looks to be immediately cleared of trees and large enough to turn around. Likely park 4-5 vehicles if you didn't mind squeezing together. A slight uneven slope but manageable if you don't have leveling blocks.

    You can see the ocean behind the adjacent hill tops. And all the other areas are forested that you look out to other than the drive in.

    Coming here was a bit nerve racking with the end of the trail having the trees cleared out for a few miles and just a steep drop-off to your left. Wouldn't come up if it rained as I would feel unsafe for some of the road edges look to be a potential risk for washing out.

  • G
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Flat Hilltop Dispersed Site on China Mountain Road

    Private Property--no camping or trespassing

    This spot and all property off to the sides of China Mountain Road are private property, and there is no trespassing, fires, or camping allowed. This is a county road and probably no one would hassle you for spending the night along the side of the road, but everything on either side is private land. Dispersed camping is allowed off of spur roads to the east of China Mountain Road. Look for the green areas on Google maps. Check out forest road NF-5400...

  • Ciara W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2024

    Elk River "Stony Beach" Dispersed Camping

    Not great for starlink

    Full time van lifers who work remote. Very dense in a valley spot, starlink would not work great for a work day. So many bugs when we arrived at night.

    Wouldn’t dare try going down the steep rough dirt road knowing internet wouldn’t be great.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Redwood Bar Dispersed Camping

    Redwood Camping

    I’m not sure why everyone is so pressed about the maps leading them elsewhere, the signs are there! There are actually 3 river access roads that will lead you to dispersed camping. The Nook, Miller and Redwood and they all have signs displayed. We were there for 3 nights and to be honest every night from Mon-Wed. was quite but busy. Everyone was respectful of the others space however it was just too busy of a site for how we like to camp. It is good for a sleep and the river was was nice but not really my flavor. We drove up farther to another site and enjoyed that much more.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Forrest Road 280 near Humbug

    Great views, and secluded

    Narrow road but I made it up in my 02 Sierra with a 13ft travel trailer. Amazing views and no one around for miles

Guide to Port Orford

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Port Orford, Oregon, where nature meets tranquility. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these spots offer a perfect escape for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Port Orford

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Elk River "Stony Beach"

  • This location is known for its beautiful stony beach, making it an ideal spot for those looking to set up camp near the water while enjoying the natural surroundings.
  • The area allows campfires, so you can gather around the fire pit at night, sharing stories and enjoying the starry sky.
  • With no permit required and free access, Elk River "Stony Beach" Dispersed Camping is perfect for spontaneous trips without the hassle of reservations.

Secluded Spots for Peaceful Retreats

  • For a quiet escape, consider Game Lake Dispersed Camping, where you can enjoy the serenity of nature without the distractions of modern life.
  • The area is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure, making it a great choice for families.
  • With no amenities available, this spot encourages campers to fully immerse themselves in the wilderness experience, perfect for those looking to disconnect and recharge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Port Orford?

Port Orford offers several dispersed camping options on public lands. Forrest Road 280 near Humbug provides scenic hilltop camping with panoramic views, accessible via a steep gravel road with switchbacks. The site has space for multiple vehicles and is suitable for smaller trailers. Another option is Skull Creek Campground, which features four free sites with picnic tables and fire pits, plus a pit toilet and bear-proof trash can. The area is accessible by standard SUVs despite some potholes. Be aware that many dispersed sites around Port Orford lack amenities like running water, cell service, and hookups, so come prepared with supplies.

Can I camp along Elk River Road near Port Orford?

Yes, camping is available along Elk River Road near Port Orford. Elk River "Stony Beach" Dispersed Camping is located along this route and offers primitive riverside camping. Further down Elk River Road, you'll find Rocky Riffle, a BLM area with dispersed camping options along a loop road. The access road is generally manageable, though some sections have high rocks that could challenge larger RVs. Medium-sized rigs up to 26 feet can navigate the area with care. Be prepared for no facilities, limited cell service, and dense tree coverage that may affect satellite internet connectivity. These spots are particularly popular during summer months.

Is boondocking available at Stony Beach in Port Orford?

Yes, boondocking is available at Elk River "Stony Beach" Dispersed Camping near Port Orford, offering a truly off-grid experience. This spot sits in a valley with riverside camping opportunities, but comes with several considerations. The access road is steep and rough, making it challenging for larger vehicles. Being in a densely wooded valley, satellite internet is unreliable for remote workers, and bug activity can be significant, especially in the evenings. For alternative boondocking options, consider Redwood Bar Dispersed Camping, where you can set up directly on a gravel river bar. These sites have no hookups, designated spaces, or cell service, providing a primitive camping experience.

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