Best Dispersed Camping near Portland, OR

Looking for the best dispersed camping near Portland? Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Portland's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Portland, OR (37)

Showing results 1-10 of 37 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Portland

78 Reviews of 37 Portland Campgrounds


  • Kenny L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from NF2656 - Mt. Hood Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 23, 2024

    NF2656 - Mt. Hood Dispersed Camping

    Great Spot!

    Such an awesome find! The first campsite is small and perfect for a couple tents. The second site could easily fit 3 or 4 tents and has plenty of additional space for parking, kitchen set-up, etc… both sites also have really nice fire pits. Also don’t let the Trillium Lake camp hosts scare you. They told us the gravel road to access the sites was “rough as hell” and were completely wrong. Nothing more than a few potholes. Any vehicle could make the trek.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    Not ideal spot and challenging road

    Diamond Milld rd is a tight logging rd with a kinda steep danger zone cliff on this edge. If you get to spot (the coordinates on dyrt arent exact but close) you will see basically the only part of the rd with a pull aside areai prob for two vans or cars. Its a nice view but kinda creepy if alone IMO. The dispersed camping for this St Forest applies to tenters mainly being 1 mile away from a paid campground. But for just car and van camp youd have to chance it at day area or drive way in to the forest down a rd.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 5, 2024

    Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    Unreal Experience

    Tillamook Forest has so many amazing dispersed camping opportunities! We turned onto Ben Smith road and then took logging trails up the peaks. We found a perfect spot that looked like we were on the edge of a cliff but was actually still very safe for our toddler. No cell service, so we just unplugged for 3 nights and enjoyed the time together. We could see the northern lights the first night we were there, and it was absolutely incredible. We had a lot of privacy. One hunter walked by, I assume he was using the nearby trail. We heard some ATVs over the days, but it wasn't disruptive. Totally recommend it, and we'll definitely be back.

  • Jeffrey P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed
    Aug. 31, 2024

    Little Soda Springs Rd Dispersed

    Easy Get Away

    A couple spots right off the road for car camping or small campers. There was an “official” camp sight more near the Dry Creek Trail (has a bathroom). We opted to walk south along the river to try and find a space. Ended up crossing the river where there are a couple more hidden spots. We found out later that there is a trail right before you cross Trapper Creek that leads you to the spot we were at. There were a few people out and you can sometimes hear cars but overall it was an easy stay with some nice views. The river drowns out most the noise. Would definitely come back here

  • Kevin W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from McBride Lake NF-81 Dispersed
    Aug. 20, 2024

    McBride Lake NF-81 Dispersed

    Lots of shade, very private and trailer friendly.

    I have camped here twice now, once during a scouting trip in 2016 with my boys and again in September 2024 with just me and my dog :).  I could pull my 17' pop-up "A" frame trailer and back into one of the two spots with no problem.  Due to the narrow road, it may be a bit more snug with bigger rigs (25+ feet long and anything more than 8+ feet wide).  I would scout the road and area before committing; however, there is a turnaround that you could use to maneuver the trailer to drive out.  It's plenty big to accommodate a few trucks/cars and one, maybe two towable trailers.  If you're going tent camping, there are about four flat places for tents.  The area has no trails, so you would not have to worry about people wandering into the campsite. The Ape Caves is a small drive away. The town of Cougar, WA. is about 10 miles away if you need gas or food.  There is a lot of shade, and it is not solar-friendly.  The main road is about 100 feet away, relatively quiet, and very private.  There was a large rock fire pit in the middle. There is no cell phone reception; however, if you drive East for a few miles, you may be able to get 2 bars with Verizon.

    Per the state website, "On the southwest side of Mount St. Helens, Forest Road 81 provides an experience away from crowds. On this road, access Kalama Horse Camp, Red Rock Pass, and Forest Road 830, the road to Climber's Bivouac, and the start of the summer climbing route. From the west, the road begins on Forest Road 90, near Cougar, WA, and travels through private timberlands and state lands before entering Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The road connects with Forest Road 83 on its east side. While mostly paved, be prepared for several miles of gravel(between Forest Road 830 and 8123) and a road that is sometimes very rough."

  • John P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight
    Aug. 14, 2024

    Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight

    Easy Car Camp

    Relative to other options in Northwest Oregon this was an easy to find, plenty of space place to park the car. My partner and I angled our vehicle to block our tent from the road and slept like rocks.

    Not scenic (though the waterfall that is a short hike away is). My only safety concern is someone taking the corner too fast running into your car.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping

    Trail of Turds…

    The site was great honestly, nice flat pads for tents, plenty of room for a trailer if you’re brave enough to bring it down about 5 miles of rough rough gravel road. For being such a remote location it was very busy this weekend lots of cars, foot traffic, and fishermen. It’s beautiful u can’t blame anyone for wanting to come but i was surprised by the volume. Maybe try a weekday for less crowds.

    We had a private trail (about a country block in length), we quickly realized it was a “shitty” trail, a trail of Turds😭😭💩🧻

    Other then that water and surrounding scenery was breath taking..

  • Kennedy F.
    Camper-submitted photo from McNeil Point Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 15, 2024

    McNeil Point Dispersed Camping

    Can’t beat the views at McNeil point

    Ended up backpacking up here on a whim right before I headed back to Utah. I started at the Top Spur trailhead and hiked the clockwise route up to McNeil (a little longer but saved be the scramble through rocks). On my way I ended up going to Muddy Fork which added about 4 miles to my overall trek up. I ended up camping at the point rather than further down, which was a challenge to carry my pack up, but so worth it in my opinion. It’s dispersed camping so solitude is easily reachable considering not too many people stay the night. This was easily one of the top 5 most amazing sunsets I’ve ever seen. The mountain range is unbeatable and waking up to Mt. Hood as your veiw is incredible. It’s a challenge with the best reward.

  • Ashlyn C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from FR-604 Dispersed Site
    Jul. 1, 2024

    FR-604 Dispersed Site

    Private and spacious campsite!

    The campsite was nice, right off the road but there wasn’t an absurd amount of traffic to where it bothered me but you will hear the cars on the road while you sleep if you’re in a tent. If you follow the trail by foot in the back of the forest for maybe 10 minutes you will find a beautiful swimming hole and small waterfalls! I recommend blocking the entrance with your vehicles to block noise and people trying to drive in to the campsite.

  • Brooks H.
    Camper-submitted photo from NF-65 National Forest Dispersed Site
    Jun. 23, 2024

    NF-65 National Forest Dispersed Site

    Many Sites Available of Variety

    Plenty of spots available. At the bottom of road coming from Carson often crowded, but if you go further you are bound to find something. Beautiful trees and foliage with obvious sites on side of road.

  • Jeffrey P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 22, 2024

    Gifford Pinchot National Forest-Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping

    Pretty good!

    Road got a little bumpy getting out here but once we found a spot right near the riverbank, you felt like you were deep in it. Saw a few people on the way out. Really relaxing next to the sound of the river. Would definitely recommend sleeping mats if you’re in a tent as the grounds rather hard. The spot we went didn’t really have anywhere for hammocks but saw a couple on the way out. “Spaces” were far enough apart that you couldn’t even tell anyone else was out there. Wood was kinda sparse in the spot we were in too but you’re close enough to your car that you can just bring some. Would definitely recommend for a quick and convenient spot.

  • Vanessa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Panther Creek Creekside Camp
    Jun. 8, 2024

    Panther Creek Creekside Camp

    Best spot ever!

    I was headed down 14 looking for somewhere to camp between the Dalles and camas. I got stuck in road construction and decided to open up the dyrt app. I clicked on one that looked closish lol I decided to take the chance and go check it out. Man I'm glad I did This is one of the best dispersed camp sites I've ever stayed at!!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping
    Apr. 15, 2024

    Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    Nice Spot

    The Cedar Creek Rd area offers a nice variety of dispersed camping sites with some good views if you drive far enough, and fairly easy gravel roads for access. However, the signage could use improvement, making it a bit tricky to find your way around. Heard some OHV noise at night, and target shooting in the distance at sunrise. Be aware that Verizon cell service is nonexistent in the area. Not a bad place to stay, but you’re likely to run into others also looking for some nature.

  • Logan K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Tillamook Forest Dispersed - Shots and Pecks
    Mar. 10, 2024

    Tillamook Forest Dispersed - Shots and Pecks

    Snowed out

    Went up at the end of the snow season and I couldn't quite make it. My 4wd rav only has road tires and I eventually got to a point I wasn't able to make it. My brothers 2022 Outback did completely fine but regardless we had to turn back. I plan to revisit the site here in about two(ish) weeks. The area surrounding the site is trafficked regularly by the looks of it, lots of people coming out shooting, HOWEVER the area is patrolled very heavily by Sheriff Department. I was told by a guy more akin to the area that the spot is a pretty normal spot for locals and that some better areas are farther up.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Zigzag River Camp
    Feb. 14, 2024

    Zigzag River Camp

    Side of the road camping?

    These coordinates get you the Kiwanis camp, other than that I wouldn't say a great dispersant camping spot, area is nice though.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight
    Nov. 4, 2023

    Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight

    Amazing Hike!!

    This place was beautiful!! Definitely best for car camping as the spots down by the river were pretty wet and muddy this time of year. The waterfall is amazing and only a 15 minute hike down! The only reason this place got lower than a 5 star is because of all the trash near the parking lot. Too beautiful of a place to be used as a dump!! Definitely used as a party spot but aside from this it’s worth the visit!

  • Samantha D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping
    Nov. 2, 2023

    Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    Peak Camping

    This place is dreamy, lots of different routes to camp spots, we found an isolated area with a small opened peak overlooking the forest which was amazing. You can hear the highway in the distance (quietly) and occasional aircraft but it was overall peaceful. It is quite a steep incline so be cautious, I would not recommend with snow or sleet, but we definitely want to go back to explore the other routes! There is absolutely no cell service, if you have a hot spot I would recommend it, but once you enter the forest there is poor service.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 30, 2023

    Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    Solitude above the clouds

    Beautiful drive and even more beautiful spot. Middle o nowhere and not another camper around. There were some cars going up to a higher rod but I was happy with my spot and followed the google map directions. Perfect disconnect for a couple days.

  • Amber H.
    Camper-submitted photo from NF2656 - Mt. Hood Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 19, 2023

    NF2656 - Mt. Hood Dispersed Camping

    Dispersed campsite above Trillium Lake.

    I would just like to thank whomever originally uploaded this site! We used it this weekend and it was perfect for us!! We will definitely be using it again next summer! Best camping trip of the season!

  • Lindsey N.
    Camper-submitted photo from FR-604 Dispersed Site
    Aug. 17, 2023

    FR-604 Dispersed Site

    Convenient spot next to the road!

    We tried 3 campgrounds that were all full and then found this free site right next to the road. Luckily, we were able to buy "US National Forrest camping passes" from the gas station in Carson. It ended up working great for us to have a trailer, 2 cars, several dogs, kids, and an SUV tent.



Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Portland, OR?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Portland, OR is Gee Creek Rest Area I-5 with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Portland, OR?

    TheDyrt.com has all 37 dispersed camping locations near Portland, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.