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Best Dispersed Camping near Reedsport, OR

42 Reviews

Dispersed camping around Reedsport spans several public land areas, including Elliott State Forest, Siuslaw National Forest, and nearby BLM lands. The region features multiple free primitive sites with varying levels of accessibility and amenities. Elliott State Forest provides secluded spots with forest views along forest service roads, while Siuslaw National Forest offers remote backcountry sites deeper in the woods. Kentucky Falls Road and areas near Fawn Creek provide additional options for those seeking no-fee camping on public land.

Forest roads throughout these areas typically require careful navigation, with some routes presenting steep grades or rough surfaces. Many visitors recommend high-clearance vehicles, particularly for Elliott State Forest where muddy conditions can develop after rain. Most dispersed sites have no drinking water, restrooms, or trash service, though a few locations like Hult Pond (approximately 1 hour from Reedsport) do provide basic toilet facilities. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during dry summer months. One camper noted, "Just beware some of the side roads are a bit overgrown and can scratch up your car," while another mentioned seeing "very few others" while camping in these areas.

The remote setting creates opportunities for wildlife viewing and stargazing away from light pollution. Cell service is spotty or nonexistent in many areas, particularly within forest canopies. A visitor to Siuslaw National Forest described it as "dark, and I mean truly dark in there when you shut off your lights, and silent as a tomb." Fishing opportunities exist at Hult Pond, though shore access can be challenging. These primitive sites are particularly valuable during peak season when established campgrounds fill quickly. Most areas see limited use during weekdays, with one camper reporting, "I arrived at 9pm and there were two pull offs in this area. It was awesome to car camp here." For those seeking true backcountry camping experiences with minimal facilities and maximum solitude, the forests and BLM lands surrounding Reedsport provide numerous options.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Reedsport, Oregon (8)

    1. Elliott State Forest Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    North Bend, OR
    18 miles
    Website

    "Needed a last minute to car camp that was close to the coast, found these dispersed sites online and figured it try it out."

    "Nice and close to Bandon. No trouble accessing in our midsize suv. It was muddy at the site, and unfortunately, those before us left a lot of trash. Did my best to clean up when was left behind."

    2. Near Fawn Creek Campground (BLM)

    2 Reviews
    Scottsburg, OR
    15 miles

    "My visit near Fawn Creek Campground in Oregon was a refreshing experience, surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills."

    3. BLM Kentucky Falls Road

    5 Reviews
    Walton, OR
    26 miles

    "Nice pull off dispersed place to camp. Some sketchy people around but availability to get away from people up the road"

    "Good camp location, easy to find. Paved most of the way up."

    4. Hult Pond

    18 Reviews
    Blachly, OR
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 683-6600

    "There are only a few flat spots for RVs but quite a few decent spots for tent camping next to the pond. The west side of the pond has at least 2 spots that are a good distance away from the others."

    "Nice pond to camp near, several campsites to choose from and trails to explore"

    5. Corn Spur Road BLM

    1 Review
    Walton, OR
    29 miles

    6. Suislaw National Forest Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Yachats, OR
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 750-7000

    "I drove back in a few miles and camped along the road, in some old growth forest. It was dark, and I mean truly dark in there when you shut off your lights off, and silent as a tomb."

    "Excellent spot up 2 steep inclines. Some of the most beautiful views. Good fire ring. Do not attempt if wet."

    7. Forest Road 55 Pulloff

    1 Review
    Yachats, OR
    41 miles

    "It was awesome to car camp here. I only saw two others- one camper van going further in the forest where there were several other spots."

    8. Doolittle Butte

    2 Reviews
    Cottage Grove, OR
    49 miles

    "Very remote. Climb an easy dirt road back a few miles. A few deep potholes but nothing too technical."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Reedsport, OR

29 Photos of 8 Reedsport Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Reedsport, OR

42 Reviews of 8 Reedsport Campgrounds

  • j
    Apr. 29, 2021

    Hult Pond

    The wrong sort of nostalgia

    Our weekend at Hult Pond was unforgettable. I know because I have tried.

    Disbursed camp sights sprawl along this man made log pond and nightmarish horror movie set along a footpath seamingly designed to dump its evening travelers into the muck that is Hult Pond. Jagged old logs poke out of the stagnant water as a reminder that someone used to get paid to spend the day here.

     If this doesn’t sound like the most picturesque of settings I would direct you to the strange log loading equipment rusting just on the forbidden side of a gated barbed wire fence. Upon closer inspection you see what must be tetanus’s way of luring barefoot boys and girls into a summer of drooling lockjaw.

    The access road is a still functioning rock quarry road that hosts a never ending parade of old rattling dump trucks and loaders. Nothing says ,”getting away from the hustle and bustle”  quite like a convoy barrelling down a narrow road spilling basketball sized boulders before returning bouncing back up  empty and clearly attempting to meet a quota.

    The whole thing gave me an uneasy sense of nostalgia. Reminding me of the days we would gather by the dozens with red solo cups full of Hams. We would drink ourselves into a vomiting delirium in a parking lot off some old logging road. We would wake up with profanities drawn on our faces as punishment for succumbing to alcohol poisoning sooner than at least one of our classmates. 

    In fact I believe that’s exactly what the 58 kids in the campsite right next to ours we’re doing each night of our trip.

    The girls  learned all sorts of colorful language and I believed, based on the way my ten year old son  was drooling that the tetanus had succeeded. I was not relieved to discover on our final morning, him wreaking of cheap beer and cigarettes and moaning how horrible he felt while proffering his undying love to a high school girl named Tiffany. 

    Not recommended.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2023

    Elliott State Forest Dispersed

    Beautiful spots, make sure to download a map

    Needed a last minute to car camp that was close to the coast, found these dispersed sites online and figured it try it out. There was surprisingly multiple spots that I had cell service (AT&T) so I was able to navigate myself around through a satellite map. Lots of nice spots with good views, just takes a bit of driving around to find the perfect one. Didn’t see anyone up there and I was there from Tuesday to Wednesday. Hope to return at some point! Just beware some of the side roads are a bit overgrown and can scratch up your car.

  • J
    Oct. 15, 2020

    Elliott State Forest Dispersed

    Great and close to bandon

    We stayed for a night on our way down the coast. Nice and close to Bandon. No trouble accessing in our midsize suv. It was muddy at the site, and unfortunately, those before us left a lot of trash. Did my best to clean up when was left behind. There was a fire pit but we did not use it due to fire restrictions. Nice misty views over the trees in the morning.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 15, 2023

    Elliott State Forest Dispersed

    Elliott Primitive Campsites

    The Elliott State Forest has more than 550 miles of roads and trails, but only a primary network has been maintained over the past 10 years since the 90,000 acre area was shut down with environmental lawsuits. Many of these roads lead to excellent camping sites, including old lookouts, fishing holes, secluded springs, and an undeveloped campground favored by local mudrunners. Met organization has worked with the local Community College the past seven years regarding recreational research on the Elliott, with our most recent (and likely final) focus being on historic trails and primitive campsites. The pandemic caused much of this work to be documented on student-level videos, indexed on YouTube: http://www.orww.org/Elliott\_Forest/Recreation/index.html and https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1JyKCHg2GmHjLtQzXXDks4Rb-LE9HoJ-

  • Leah W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2018

    Elliott State Forest Dispersed

    Review of Matador Freerain 24 at Elliott State Forest

    Dispersed camping is allowed in all state forests within Oregon. https://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Recreation/pages/Camp.aspx

    We found an awesome spot along Marlow Creek Road, about 4 miles into the forest (coming in from Allegeny). There are plenty of pull outs all along the way, with room for 2-3 cars, as well as full tents and chairs set up. The road follows a babbling creek which was amazing to sleep next to. There are no amenities, follow any postings about campfire restrictions. (When we went- no fires were allowed). This is a logging forest, so we had huge logging trucks roll by in the morning - because of this, it may not be the best spot for kids or off leashed dogs. The trucks went by very quickly, stirring up a lot of dust- keep your car windows shut and use a pot while cooking breakfast! We had very few mosquitos or bugs, and loved being encompassed by the mossy trees!

    Ranger Review of the Matador Freerain 24 L Backpack

    https://matadorup.com/products/matador-freerain24-backpack?variant=47744934037

    As a Ranger, I occasionally get the chance to test out gear in the field. I was really excited about trying out this pack, as I do a lot of canyoneering, and dealing with waterproof bags inside of soggy backpacks is always a hassle. Or you have to figure out a way to secure a typical waterproof bag to you. The bag is made of a lightweight rainjacket-like material, and has a roll top to it’s main compartment. I took the bag on a 3 mile hike to some waterfalls, where I could test out it’s waterproofness. At home, I went to a nearby lake to try submerging it.

    Pros

    This bag was extremely light, small and pack-able! You have no reason NOT to bring it with you if you may be heading somewhere wet. It folds into a small drawstring about the size of a baseball.

    This bag has separate storage compartments whereas most drybags are a long tube where everything falls to the bottom. Within this bag, you have 2 water bottle holders (where I tossed things like keys), a easy access zip pocket on the front, as well as the small drawstring that the bag itself can be stored in (I put my packs of gummies in here for safe keeping).

    Cons

    The bag does not have a chest strap, so there was the potential for the backpack to slip off if you were doing strenuous activity, it also didn’t sit perfectly comfortable because of this. It does however, have adjustable shoulder straps (which I didn’t see as necessary).

    I was nervous about putting my 1 L Nalgene bottles into the water bottle pockets because of the material of the bag…with just 1, it made the bag extremely lopsided, or with 2, it seemed to put a lot of stress on the bag itself. I tossed my water inside the bag instead, which made it pretty lumpy since the packable bag doesn’t have structure.

    The front pocket is as advertised, water resistant, but definitely did not pass the waterproof test when I submerged the bag. It’s OK for waterfall mist or a light rain, but I wouldn’t keep my phone in there if we were getting dunked!

    Conclusion!

    If this bag had the chest strap, I’d be in 100% for using it for canyoneering adventures, however- since it doesn’t seem made for more rugged situations, I’m not sure why you would need such a waterproof bag. Most daypacks nowadays come with a raincover, or are made of a water resistant material to keep your goodies from getting soaked - unless you are planning a very casual dayhike where you are literally walking under waterfalls, I would most likely invest in a different daypack solution..

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2023

    Hult Pond

    Secluded Pond Great for a Quick stay

    Great spot for a quick stay. There are only a few flat spots for RVs but quite a few decent spots for tent camping next to the pond. The west side of the pond has at least 2 spots that are a good distance away from the others. At the moment, no fires or barbecues allowed but propane stoves and lanterns are fine. Look for Bandits blue squeaky disk! We lost it and never found it.

  • James S.
    Feb. 21, 2025

    Near Fawn Creek Campground (BLM)

    A Peaceful Escape Near Fawn Creek Campground

    My visit near Fawn Creek Campground in Oregon was a refreshing experience, surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills. The campground offers a quiet retreat with well-maintained facilities, making it a great spot for nature lovers. With temperatures ranging from 30°F in winter to 80°F in summer, it’s a beautiful destination year-round. Nearby attractions like Siuslaw National Forest and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area provide plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploration. For families with kids, keeping them entertained is easy whether it’s exploring the outdoors or enjoying Toca Boca games, a fun and creative way for kids to play and imagine. Overall, this area is a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it a great choice for a weekend getaway!

  • G
    May. 4, 2021

    Elliott State Forest Dispersed

    Nice secluded separate areas to camp with gorgeous views

    You have to drive some winding forest service roads to get to a spot then find one on or near the road but there's a couple good camp spots.

  • Aaron The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Hult Pond

    Nice pond

    Nice pond to camp near, several campsites to choose from and trails to explore

Guide to Reedsport

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Reedsport, Oregon, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. Enjoy the freedom of choosing your own spot while taking in the stunning landscapes of the region.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Reedsport

  • Explore the extensive network of trails in the Elliott State Forest Dispersed, which offers over 550 miles of roads and paths for hiking and biking enthusiasts.
  • Enjoy fishing in secluded spots and creeks, particularly around the Hult Pond, where you can find a peaceful area to cast your line.
  • Experience the thrill of mudrunning in the Elliott State Forest, a favorite among local adventurers, with access to various trails and old lookouts.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Reedsport, Oregon

  • Always download a map before heading out, as some areas, like the Suislaw National Forest Dispersed Camping, can have limited cell service and tricky navigation.
  • Be prepared for bugs, especially in spots like the Hult Pond, where the natural surroundings can attract a variety of insects during warmer months.
  • Look for pull-off areas along gravel roads, as many dispersed sites, such as those in the Elliott State Forest Dispersed, are located near these access points.

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • Visit the picturesque views along Kentucky Falls Road, where you can find a quiet spot to camp and enjoy the natural beauty of the area, as noted by visitors at BLM Kentucky Falls Road.
  • Take advantage of the serene environment at Near Fawn Creek Campground (BLM), which offers a secluded experience perfect for stargazing and unwinding.
  • Discover the charm of the Siuslaw National Forest, where you can find hidden gems and peaceful spots for camping, as highlighted by campers at Suislaw National Forest Dispersed Camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Reedsport, Oregon?

Elliott State Forest Dispersed offers abundant free camping options with over 550 miles of roads and trails. Many roads lead to excellent sites, including areas along Marlow Creek Road about 4 miles into the forest from Allegeny. For coastal views, Forest Road 55 Pulloff provides unbelievable vistas from maintained gravel roads with convenient pull-offs perfect for car camping. Both areas provide true dispersed camping experiences within driving distance of Reedsport, though Forest Road 55 is not recommended during inclement weather due to exposed sections high above the forest.

When is the best season for dispersed camping in the Reedsport area?

Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the most pleasant camping conditions around Reedsport. Near Fawn Creek Campground (BLM) provides a comfortable experience with temperatures ranging from comfortable 60-80°F in summer. The area experiences significant rainfall in winter months, making many forest roads impassable due to mud and flooding. Areas like Corn Spur Road BLM can become difficult to access in wet conditions. Summer weekends tend to be busier, especially at established dispersed sites, so arriving early to secure a spot is recommended. For the best balance of good weather and fewer crowds, consider mid-week trips in June or September.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping around Reedsport?

Dispersed camping is allowed in all Oregon state forests, including areas around Reedsport. At Hult Pond, campers should be aware of seasonal fire restrictions - sometimes no fires or barbecues are allowed, though propane stoves and lanterns are typically permitted. Pack-in, pack-out principles apply with no trash facilities available at most dispersed sites. The standard 14-day stay limit applies to most BLM and Forest Service lands in the region. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as they change seasonally and with weather conditions. Respect any posted area closures and practice Leave No Trace principles.

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