Dispersed camping near Rickreall, Oregon offers several remote options within the Siuslaw and Tillamook forests. Most sites sit at elevations between 2,000-4,000 feet, creating significant temperature drops after sunset compared to valley locations. Forest Service roads leading to camping areas are typically maintained spring through fall, with seasonal closures common during winter months due to snow accumulation at higher elevations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: South Lake provides stocked trout fishing that can be surprisingly active. "Bring your fishing pole... Or not... The trout pretty much jump into your lap depending on the season," notes Darrin E. about South Lake Dispersed Area.
Hiking trails: Access multiple hiking networks from dispersed sites. "We also met other campers that had hiked a trail from Hebo lake to South Lake which was about a 7 mile hike for them," shares Tracy H. The Pioneer-Indian Trail in Siuslaw National Forest offers "a 30 min walk from viewpoint..highly recommend watching sunset/star gaze/sunrise," according to Megan N.
Kayaking: Several small ponds near camping areas allow for paddling. "The lake is small but very beautiful. We did bring our kayaks but didn't launch them. There is a launching area but it's pretty mucky and there are a lot of downed trees in the water," explains a South Lake camper.
What campers like
Cell service variability: Some dispersed sites surprisingly maintain connectivity. Sam L. reports about South Lake: "ALSO we had full data and cell service!" Meanwhile, Hult Pond provides complete disconnection: "We lost cell service about an hour before we even got there, and didn't have any the whole time there," notes Grace A.
Winter accessibility: Many sites remain accessible outside peak seasons. "I went during my spring break and I was lucky that it was too cold for most people to camp there. It was beautiful and quiet (other than the 9pm daily goose choir)," shares Nicki G. about Hult Pond.
Isolation: Mid-week camping typically ensures solitude. "When i visited mid week in July it was empty," reports Kevin R. from South Lake, while Trask River Campsites offers "Really cool area...Not crowded and really peaceful. Clear skies so got to see a beautiful array of stars," according to Dylan B.
What you should know
Road conditions: Most access roads require careful navigation. "Road to get there was about 12 miles of dirt/gravel but when I left, only had dirt roads for 3 miles," explains Abby M. about South Lake. Similarly, Forest Road 51 presents challenges: "Narrow and unpaved road. Vert narrow, My trailer could barely fit through and there was only a three-way intersection inside to make a U-turn," warns Leo Y.
Limited amenities: Vault toilets exist at select locations only. "Vault toilets were pretty clean. Didn't explore anything around as it was raining the entire time I was there," reports a South Lake camper. Most sites require self-contained waste management.
Weekend activity: Weekends bring increased traffic and noise. "Not a bad place to stay, but you're likely to run into others also looking for some nature," Kyle B. shares about Tillamook State Forest dispersed camping, noting "Heard some OHV noise at night, and target shooting in the distance at sunrise."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing spots: Several camping areas offer natural wildlife encounters. "The pond was great for kayaking and there is plenty to explore if you aren't worried about a little elevation in your hike," says Nicki G. about Hult Pond recreation area.
Advance arrival: Popular sites fill quickly during summer months. "Shhhh. This dispersed campground can be a trek to get to for limited spots," advises Darrin E. about South Lake, recommending families arrive early to secure suitable sites.
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans affect cooking plans. "This is a pack in, pack out area, so be prepared to take your trash with you!" notes Connie H. from Hult Pond Recreation Area, adding "No fires allowed" during her visit.
Tips from RVers
Turnaround limitations: Many forest roads lack adequate turning space. James W. cautions about South Lake: "Could pull in a 16' trailer but until the camp site there is no other turn around spot so beware."
Site selection: Some dispersed areas offer better RV accommodation than others. "We have a 38 foot rv. We got stuck in a ditch. Rv almost tipped over trying to u turn... if you go down the main lower path you will find a area big enough to u turn! Dont do it until then!" warns Dillon & Soren A. about Hult Pond.
Road surface conditions: Weather significantly impacts accessibility. "We made it in our Subaru towing the Cricket but it was slightly nerve-racking and I would not try that in the snow or rain," explains Sarah S. about dispersed camping near Pioneer-Indian Trail.
