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Best Dispersed Camping near Rockaway Beach, OR

61 Reviews

Dispersed camping around Rockaway Beach, Oregon centers primarily on the Tillamook State Forest and Siuslaw National Forest lands, where primitive sites can be found along forest service roads and ridge areas. Several established dispersed areas exist within driving distance, including Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping, Scenic Overlook near Foley Creek, Cole Mountain Ridge, and South Lake. Most sites offer no amenities and require self-sufficient camping practices. The forests feature networks of logging roads with clearings for tents, cars, and small trailers.

Access to many dispersed sites requires navigation of narrow, unpaved forest roads that can be challenging, especially after rain. The routes to Cole Mountain Ridge and Scenic Overlook involve steep, winding gravel roads with limited passing space. Four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicles are recommended for most areas, particularly when accessing the more remote sites. According to one visitor, "The road up was a very narrow road. So careful if there's other cars coming through, especially the logging semis." Campers should prepare for no facilities - no toilets, drinking water, or trash service are available at most locations.

The dispersed camping experience varies by location, with some sites offering mountain views and others positioned near small lakes or streams. South Lake provides fishing opportunities and features a vault toilet, making it slightly more developed than other dispersed areas. A recent review noted, "Great views, easy drive, AWD car would have been able to make it." Many areas in Tillamook State Forest are popular with off-road enthusiasts, so campers may experience ATV and dirt bike noise, particularly on weekends. Visitors seeking quiet should consider weekday visits or the more remote Siuslaw National Forest sites. Cell service is limited or non-existent in most areas, with visitors reporting Verizon coverage particularly poor in Tillamook Forest. Camping is generally free, with stays typically limited to 14 days within a 30-day period.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Rockaway Beach, Oregon (19)

    1. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    15 Reviews
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 357-2191

    "Accessible through the Jones Creek campground turn off, continue up the forest roads past the OHV staging area and you’re in paradise!"

    "My mistake, these coordinates took us to the top of the mountain. It is currently an active logging area, so the truckers are out at 3am. The road up was a very narrow road."

    2. Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek

    3 Reviews
    Wheeler, OR
    9 miles

    "Definitely quite the long and slow drive up a narrow backcountry road - steep in sections but overall quite manageable."

    "It’s just past a river around a bend when heading east on the south side. You’ll see signs off the pavement for Cook Creek campground. Keep on driving up staying on the main road."

    3. Cole Mt Ridge

    4 Reviews
    Tolovana Park, OR
    19 miles

    "The coordinates did not take us to the exact spot, but the pin on the map was the closest, it’s actually to the left on the dirt road. You’ll see a tiny dirt road going up hill and that’s the spot."

    "This spot has an almost 180 degree view around to the west! Could fit about 2-4 people comfortably. No amenities but such a good time!"

    4. Dispersed Camping Near Cannon Beach

    5 Reviews
    Tolovana Park, OR
    19 miles

    "Some paths are less driven on so maybe avoid with a big RV or van, can also get a little hilly and tight.

    I got in around 8:45pm and there were a good amount of spots left."

    5. soapstone lake trail dispersed camping

    2 Reviews
    Arch Cape, OR
    17 miles

    "Secluded yet close to Cannon Beach. Road was very accessible. Creek and trailhead nearby. Spot at the dead end is best."

    6. Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Beaver, OR
    21 miles
    Website

    "This is for dispersed camping in the Siuslaw NF off Forest Road 55, off 101. Turn into 55 from 101 between Thor’s Well and Devil’s Churn."

    "If it's dry then there is even more room. There was plenty of firewood but we had to get the fire going before burning the wet stuff."

    7. Trask River Campsites

    3 Reviews
    Tillamook, OR
    22 miles

    "River access and a fire pit. Dirt bike parking adjacent but pretty private."

    "There are 3 easy to find campsites, very easy to find and access. 2 or 3 miles before the gravel road was a commercial campground with a store and very friendly folks inside."

    8. South Lake

    16 Reviews
    Beaver, OR
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 750-7000

    "South Lake is fairly small, I consider it more of a pond to be honest, but a great place for disperse camping. The quickest drive in is a bit sketchy."

    "Do not drive here if you can't drive on the edge of a cliff on gravel roads. it's bumpy and definitely not for the faint of heart. other than that, it's a great site with nice pullouts and camping for"

    9. North Fork Trask

    2 Reviews
    Tillamook, OR
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 842-2545

    "I saw a total of 3 designated dispersed camping sites along this road. But there were a ton of pull offs along the river."

    10. Dispersed Camping Near Pioneer-Indian Trail in Siuslaw National Forest

    8 Reviews
    Beaver, OR
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 750-7000

    "There’s a pretty decent sized gravel turnout… It’s the only big gravel turn out like this on this part of the road … you’ll see what looks like a logging road with a steep decline."

    "We found this dispersed site by driving on Mt. Hebo Road about 20 minutes past Hebo Lake Campground."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Rockaway Beach, OR

54 Photos of 19 Rockaway Beach Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Rockaway Beach, OR

61 Reviews of 19 Rockaway Beach Campgrounds

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2022

    Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    Perfect for Overland and off-road vehicle camping

    Accessible through the Jones Creek campground turn off, continue up the forest roads past the OHV staging area and you’re in paradise! Gorgeous spots all over that are accessible in most 4WD/off-road capable vehicles. There is a massive network of forest service roads many with spots to set up your own quiet camp away from all the dirt bikes and RVs. No facilities obviously but that’s what makes this place special. It’s incredibly quiet and peaceful and a gorgeous piece of the PNW coastal area.

  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2025

    Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    GPS takes you to the top!

    My mistake, these coordinates took us to the top of the mountain. It is currently an active logging area, so the truckers are out at 3am. The road up was a very narrow road. So careful if there’s other cars coming through, especially the logging semis.

    Nonetheless a cool spot. Dry camping. Please clean up after yourselves.

  • Robert D.
    Jul. 14, 2022

    South Lake

    A rough and very narrow road to get here.

    We took a ride from Hebo up road 14 or 1400 to South Lake. The trip took over 1 hour down a partly paved road with lots of pot holes then the rest of the way down a very narrow pot hole dirt road to South Lake. Along the way we passed Hebo Lake Campground that had many tent camp sites. Once we arrived at South Lake we found the lake to be somewhat small and there were a few tent sites somewhat close together. We had been told this lake was always stocked with Trout. We suggest only using a 4x4 or a high clearance vehicle to make this trip.

  • Gerard R.
    Jul. 24, 2020

    South Lake

    Quiet Lake

    South Lake is fairly small, I consider it more of a pond to be honest, but a great place for disperse camping. The quickest drive in is a bit sketchy. I recommend taking a slight slower route to avoid scratches on your vehicle from branches. We checked out a few dispersed sites before we picked our spot. We managed to get a spot that was a 1 minute walk to the water, and about the same to the vaulted toilets. The vaulted toilet is on the NW side of the lake. It must’ve been checked often for toilet paper because we were there for 4 nights and it always had some in there.

    We caught trout every day we were there. Most are small but was fun nonetheless. There is an old boat without a motor tied up for anyone to use. Only had one ore that was half broke but it still managed to get us across the water 🤷🏻‍♂️. We found a decent amount of firewood, just have to make sure it’s try if course. It’s all hidden below the ferns/greenery. No picnic tables or metal fire rings but who needs them? Plenty of rocks for a fire pit were already set up. Plenty of shade. Only downside was precious campers leaving toilet paper near the trees when you are literally a minute or less walk to the vaulted toilet.

  • Ariel & John W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 14, 2020

    Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Remote, wild, beautiful

    This is for dispersed camping in the Siuslaw NF off Forest Road 55, off 101. Turn into 55 from 101 between Thor’s Well and Devil’s Churn. There is a FS paid campground (Cape Perpetua Campground) right off FS 55.

    If you follow 55 about 10 miles in, there are lots of established boondocking spots at around 4000 elevation. Additionally there are unmapped logging roads which can also be explored for camping.

    Scenery is spectacular, lots of wildlife, deer, elk, coyote, and amazing old growth forests. No amenities of any kind, no cell service.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2023

    Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Coordinates go to a no access area

    The directions/coordinates are for 10min outside pacific city. It is now a private entrance/driveway with no access to go through to the dispersed coordinates! And the locals said a lot of the forest is closed off due to logging in that area. Defiantly follow the rangers review about the devils churn/thors well spot. The directions from Dyrt was about an hour or so away from his instructions ! We weren’t able to find a spot and ended up leaving the area

    entirely.

  • michael K.
    Aug. 8, 2022

    South Lake

    Beautiful Site but..

    Do not drive here if you can't drive on the edge of a cliff on gravel roads. it's bumpy and definitely not for the faint of heart. other than that, it's a great site with nice pullouts and camping for car campers, vans, etc... I was fortunate and I have a black series off road trailer behind a 4runner, and we were fine. I would not recommend a trailer for this location. great for tents and the lake is ok, not too appealing to us, though.

  • EThe Dyrt ADMIN User
    May. 29, 2025

    Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek

    360 views!

    This was a really fantastic campsite! Definitely quite the long and slow drive up a narrow backcountry road - steep in sections but overall quite manageable. There are a few options up here but one really phenomenal site with wide ranging views. Be weary that it is a long drive to get here and no way to tell if there's sites available until you do the entire drive up. No water up here.

  • A
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Hebo Road

    Good Spots Up the Mountain

    The exact coordinates for this spot are in a no camping zone so I wouldn’t recommend making the drive all the way up to it.  We camped off of the paved road on the way up the mountain off one of the dirt roads. Not a bad spot though but saw plenty of people. There was a bear in the morning which was cool.

Guide to Rockaway Beach

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Rockaway Beach, Oregon, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Scenic Views while Free Camping near Rockaway Beach

Top Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • The Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping area is known for its incredible wildlife and old-growth forests, providing a fantastic backdrop for hiking and nature photography.
  • Explore the unique terrain of the Derrick Road Dispersed Camping Area, where you can enjoy the vast sand dunes and the thrill of nearby ATV trails.
  • The North Fork Trask area is perfect for those looking to hike and discover hidden gems in the forest, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping near Rockaway Beach, Oregon

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rockaway Beach, Oregon?

Rockaway Beach visitors can find excellent free dispersed camping in Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping, accessible through Jones Creek campground turnoff. Continue past the OHV staging area on forest roads to find numerous spots suitable for 4WD vehicles. Another option is Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek, which offers spectacular views but requires navigating narrow backcountry roads with steep sections. Both areas provide true wilderness experiences within reasonable driving distance from Rockaway Beach. For more dispersed options, the Siuslaw National Forest also offers multiple sites accessible via forest service roads.

What amenities are available at Rockaway Beach dispersed camping areas?

Dispersed camping near Rockaway Beach is primitive with minimal amenities. At South Lake, you'll find established fire rings and pullouts suitable for cars, vans, and off-road trailers, but it's essentially dry camping with no facilities. Similarly, Cole Mt Ridge offers basic fire pit areas and space for a couple of vehicles. Most dispersed sites in the region have no toilets, running water, trash services, or hookups. Campers should prepare to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Cell service is generally unreliable throughout these areas. Always bring plenty of water, a waste disposal plan, and everything needed for self-sufficient camping.

Are permits required for dispersed camping in Rockaway Beach?

Permits are generally not required for dispersed camping in the areas surrounding Rockaway Beach, but specific regulations vary by location. In Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping, no permits are needed, though it's wise to check with rangers about current conditions and access restrictions. Similarly, at Hebo Road and nearby areas, camping is typically permit-free, but pay attention to posted signs as some zones prohibit camping. Most dispersed sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with a typical 14-day stay limit. Always check current regulations with the managing agency (Forest Service or State Forest) before your trip, as rules can change seasonally due to fire danger or logging operations.

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