Best Tent Camping near Rockaway Beach, OR

Tillamook State Forest offers several tent camping options within 30 minutes of Rockaway Beach, Oregon. Elk Creek Campground stands out as a tent-only destination with walk-in sites situated along the creek and Wilson River confluence. Cook Creek provides free, designated dispersed camping with five established sites featuring fire rings and ample space between neighbors. Keenig Creek Campground offers walk-in tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings along the Wilson River, while Jones Creek Campground provides both drive-in and walk-in tent options with good privacy between sites.

Most tent campsites in the area require minimal preparation, with surfaces typically consisting of forest duff or compacted dirt. Fire rings are standard at established sites, though grates for cooking are not always provided. Vault toilets are available at most developed campgrounds, while dispersed areas require pack-in, pack-out practices for all waste. Cell service is virtually non-existent throughout the region, making these locations ideal for disconnecting. Water access varies significantly; Elk Creek offers hand-pump water, while at Cook Creek and dispersed sites, campers must bring their own supply. The 14-day stay limit applies to free dispersed camping areas.

Walk-in tent sites provide a more secluded experience than standard campgrounds. According to one camper at Keenig Creek, "From site K6 we could see no other campsites and could barely hear anyone else." Sites along creeks and rivers offer natural white noise that masks highway sounds at night. A visitor to Elk Creek noted, "The sites are walk-in, so you park in the general lot and huck your stuff in but never very far." Weekday visits typically offer more solitude, as weekend crowds can fill popular tent campgrounds by Friday afternoon. Primitive tent camping areas in Tillamook State Forest feature abundant shade from Douglas firs and access to hiking trails, swimming holes, and fishing spots, making them ideal backcountry tent camping bases for exploring the coastal forest.

Best Tent Sites Near Rockaway Beach, Oregon (28)

    1. Cook Creek

    11 Reviews
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    11 miles
    Website

    "We spent only one night here (approx. 45°41'49.5"N 125°44'18.1"W) in a lovely clearing featuring a metal fire ring. Sites are designated, but free for use up to 14 days."

    "Camped out for a night in designated camp site #3. Lots of room for Cars and a couple spots to pitch a tent. A bit rocky, but we used shovel to dig out a more comfortable spot."

    2. Netarts Bay RV Park & Marina

    10 Reviews
    Netarts, OR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 842-7774

    "Fun spot on the Oregon coast.  Very clean.  Loved the spaces, cement pads for your outdoor living.  Good Wi-Fi.  Friendly staff."

    "I enjoyed walking my dogs out to see the birds, crabbers, and seals. I was there in a low season month and it was extremely peaceful."

    3. Twins Ranch LLC

    5 Reviews
    Bay City, OR
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 418-1460

    $25 - $45 / night

    "The campsites are nice with a fire pit and picnic table, spaced out enough that you're not right on top of each other.. The price is also very reasonable.."

    "If you have a kid who loves history, the Oregon Trail, Little House on the Prairie, and dressing in character, this is your spot!  Even during Covid! "

    4. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

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

    "These sites are beautiful and really meant for tent camping—but you can park an rv in most of the spots.

    There is a vault toilet closer to site 14 but no hookups."

    "Gorgeous spots all over that are accessible in most 4WD/off-road capable vehicles."

    5. Jones Creek

    10 Reviews
    Tillamook, OR
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 842-2545

    $15 - $20 / night

    "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 and the only reservable site is the group spot."

    "There are many river acess points, the forestry center, walking trails and wildlife all within walking distance. The campsites are on a first come first serve basis and many of them are pretty big."

    6. Keenig Creek Campground

    14 Reviews
    Timber, OR
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 842-2545

    $15 / night

    "This is a great site if you like "rustic" (which we do) since the sites are walk in-only. Adorable sites with picnic tables, fire rings and just enough privacy."

    "First of all, it is an easy enough drive from Portland, about an hour or so."

    7. Tillamook Forest Dispersed on the Nehalem River

    6 Reviews
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    17 miles
    Website

    $5 / night

    "There is a narrow path towards the river, first we thought we might gonna get stuck, but it immediately opened up to a spacious big area where 2-3 cars/RVs could easily fit."

    "The drive through the forest is absolutely gorgeous. I didn’t camp at the River but I will be back. It’s a big area.I’m pretty sure Boondocking is allowed all around this area."

    8. Trask River County Park

    7 Reviews
    Tillamook, OR
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 842-4682

    "Trask River Campground is 20 minutes away from Tillamook."

    "Vault toilets and a little path down to the river on the side that has individual camps. Our Pop-Up fit in nicely! There is an area on the other side of the road for large group camping."

    9. Elk Creek Campground

    10 Reviews
    Timber, OR
    23 miles
    Website

    "Wonderful location next to the confluence of Elk Creek and the Wilson River. Vault toilets. Pump water. Walk-in/tents only, so no RVs, but still a nice location."

    "Elk Creek Campground is gorgeous, shady, Elk Creek itself winds around the campsites spooning it and provides ample swimming and fishing spots."

    10. Tillamook State Forest Jordan Creek OHV Campground & Staging Area

    3 Reviews
    Tillamook, OR
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 842-2545

    "While OHVs are limited to maintained gravel roads, this campground is much less populated than those you find along the Wilson River Highway."

    "Privacy Is pristine most of the year, summers are ok but traffic increases, be mindful of your surrounding becuase this place is frequently visited by dirt bikers and keep a log of directions, I got lost"

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Showing results 1-10 of 28 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Rockaway Beach, OR

1151 Reviews of 28 Rockaway Beach Campgrounds



Guide to Rockaway Beach

Discover the beauty of tent camping near Rockaway Beach, Oregon, where lush forests and serene rivers create the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures.

Tent campers should check out local attractions

  • Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Keenig Creek Campground, which offers access to beautiful watering holes and hiking trails.
  • Explore the Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping area, where you can find stunning views and a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle.
  • Visit Jones Creek, a peaceful spot with spacious campsites and proximity to hiking trails along the river.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities at Cook Creek, where clear waters and rocky beaches await.
  • For a family-friendly experience, Elk Creek Campground provides trails and a creek for exploration and play.
  • Take a short hike to the river from Trask River County Park, where you can enjoy swimming and relaxing by the water.

Amenities that enhance your camping experience

  • Netarts Bay RV Park & Marina features clean facilities, including showers and picnic tables, making it a comfortable choice for tent campers.
  • At Tillamook State Forest Jordan Creek OHV Campground, you’ll find well-maintained sites with access to off-road trails for adventurous spirits.
  • Whalen County Campground Park offers a quiet atmosphere with basic amenities, perfect for those looking to unwind in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Rockaway Beach, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Rockaway Beach, OR is Cook Creek with a 4-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Rockaway Beach, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Rockaway Beach, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.