Tent camping near Rickreall, Oregon places visitors near the foothills of the Coast Range, with elevations ranging from 200 to 1,000 feet above sea level. The region experiences mild winters and warm, dry summers, making May through September the optimal camping season. Most dispersed camping options require visitors to pack out all waste and bring sufficient water supplies, as many locations lack potable water sources.
What to do
Swimming spots: Beaver Creek State Park offers refreshing water access for cooling off during summer months. One camper noted, "The Beaver Creek park at the bottom of the forest road has a pit toilet and picnic tables for day use."
Hiking trails: Marys Peak Campground provides access to extensive trail networks with panoramic viewpoints. A visitor shared, "Mary's peak hiking is incredible. The peak is the highlight, unbeatable views. There's also great old growth forest trails."
Fishing opportunities: Willamette Mission State Park Horse Camp offers river access for anglers. According to one camper, "The area is pretty with lots of trails and paved paths. There are opportunities for fishing also."
Disc golf course: At Willamette Mission State Park, visitors can enjoy a full course alongside other recreation options. A reviewer mentioned, "There is everything from disc golf, mountain biking, fishing, shooting range, hiking, and large enough to host an event."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural screening at Jones Creek campground. One visitor noted, "Campsites are spaced well apart with lots of room in each site. Bathrooms are nothing special."
River sounds: The calming effect of flowing water enhances the camping experience at Trask River County Park. A camper shared, "Quiet campground and you get to listen to the river flowing all the time!! Great swimming holes!!"
Wildlife viewing: Early risers at Trask River County Park might spot local fauna. One reviewer reported, "If you're lucky enough you will wake up to elk grazing in the grassy areas."
Digital detox: The limited connectivity at many campgrounds allows for genuine unplugged time. A camper at Trask River County Park commented, "It's nice to disconnect from cell phones."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to Forest Road 51 near Beaver Creek requires caution. One camper warned, "Narrow and unpaved road. Very narrow, My trailer could barely fit through and there was only a three-way intersection inside to make a U-turn."
Water availability: Many sites lack reliable water sources. At Jones Creek, a camper advised, "Make sure to bring water shoes down to the river (It's super rocky). Phone Service is super bad so be prepared to go off grid!"
Seasonal flooding: Some areas experience regular winter inundation. At Willamette Mission State Park, a visitor noted, "This park floods every winter. I advise planning your trip for the spring or summer knowing that there is a lot of shaded trails to keep you cool."
Campsite availability: Most non-reservable sites fill quickly, especially during peak season. A visitor to Jones Creek shared, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature dedicated children's play areas. At Trask River County Park, a camper mentioned, "Nice swing set and grassy areas for kids or pets to run around."
Educational opportunities: Families can combine camping with learning experiences. A visitor to Willamette Mission State Park shared, "A lot of work has been done to keep this site up for public education and trails - we take elementary students to this site every spring to have a field science day."
Safety considerations: Parents should monitor children near roadways at certain campgrounds. At Trask River County Park, a camper cautioned, "There is a main road in between the campgrounds since sites go from A-C. People fly up and down that road at 50+ MPH so watch your kids and pets."
Kid-friendly water features: Shallow water areas provide safer play spaces. A visitor to Trask River County Park commented, "The water was cold yet summer had just started, This place was beautiful and nice as a weekend getaway."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many forest roads near Rickreall restrict larger vehicles. At Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping, a camper noted, "These sites are beautiful and really meant for tent camping—but you can park an rv in most of the spots."
Road challenges: Narrow access routes require careful navigation. A reviewer at Forest Road 51 shared, "It's a one lane road with some turnouts. Nice and quiet, but no real level spots."
Limited hookups: Most camping near Rickreall lacks standard RV amenities. A visitor to Three Bears Recreation Site commented, "The campground is clean with water sometimes available. There is spring water near milepost 7 when the pump in campground is not available."
