Dispersed camping options near Saint Paul, Oregon include several primitive sites in the Tillamook and Siuslaw National Forests ranging from 800 to 4,000 feet elevation. The terrain consists primarily of dense coastal forest with camping sites scattered along forest service roads and river corridors. Winter access can be limited by snow at higher elevations while summer brings drier conditions with temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than the Willamette Valley.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: South Lake Dispersed Area offers stocked trout fishing in a small mountain lake. "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," notes one camper at South Lake.
Hiking trails: Access scenic forest trails directly from many camping areas. Near Dispersed Camping Near Pioneer-Indian Trail, "Going up the hike about 30 minutes will bring you to the top of Mt. Hebo with beautiful open views all the way to the coast. The hike goes all the way to South Lake."
Wildlife viewing: Observe native species in their natural habitat around dawn and dusk. "There was a bear in the morning which was cool," reports a camper at Hebo Road. Another camper at Siuslaw National Forest mentions "lots of wildlife, deer, elk, coyote, and amazing old growth forests."
What campers like
Solitude and privacy: Many sites offer isolation from other campers. At Trask River Campsites, campers appreciate the peaceful setting: "River rushing near the spots makes for a really nice sound to fall asleep to. Not crowded and really peaceful."
Mountain views: Higher elevation sites provide panoramic vistas. A visitor to Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp describes "360 views!" and notes it's "a really fantastic campsite! Definitely quite the long and slow drive up a narrow backcountry road - steep in sections but overall quite manageable."
Star gazing: Clear nights offer excellent astronomical viewing away from city lights. "The night sky is vivid and there are many little forest roads around to explore," says a camper at Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping. Another notes at Trask River Campsites: "Clear skies so got to see a beautiful array of stars."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to most rustic camping near Saint Paul requires navigating unpaved roads. "The road to get there was about 12 miles of dirt/gravel but when I left, only had dirt roads for 3 miles," reported one South Lake visitor. Another camper at Road Turn Out notes: "Great views, easy drive, AWD car would have been able to make it."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically by location. A camper at Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping reports: "No real amenities or ATT/Verizon service." Similarly, at Trask River Campsites: "No service all the way so be prepared for that."
Campsite availability: No reservations means planning for alternatives. "This free campground is just far enough out from the coast and the city that you'll likely be alone, even on a Saturday night," notes a South Lake camper, while another advises: "Shhhh. This dispersed campground can be a trek to get to for limited spots."
Tips for camping with families
Kayaking options: South Lake offers kid-friendly paddling opportunities. "The small lake has decent fishing and great for kayaking," notes one reviewer, while another mentions, "We did bring our kayaks but didn't launch them. There is a launching area but it's pretty mucky."
Noise considerations: Some areas experience recreational vehicle traffic. At Alder Flat, "You are immediately ensconced in quiet and shade, an impossibly green and detailed large pond right off the bat, with a huge walkable log going right to the middle." However, Tillamook State Forest sites can have "incredibly loud atv and dirt bike activity" that "ran throughout the weekend."
Swimming access: River sites provide natural water play areas. "Great view of the water just across a dry creek bed and over the hill. Good number of people enjoying the river and a few kids swimming but it was freezing," reports an Alder Flat visitor.
Tips from RVers
Turnaround space: Check site dimensions before attempting access with larger vehicles. At North Fork Trask, "I saw a total of 3 designated dispersed camping sites along this road. But there were a ton of pull offs along the river," notes one RVer who adds the road "is in great condition and is passable with a 2WD without any issue."
Clearance requirements: Many primitive sites require vehicles with appropriate ground clearance. "Get ready to dodge loads of potholes and deer as you travel up the gravel roads to get here," advises a South Lake camper. Another at Scenic Overlook mentions "quite the long and slow drive up a narrow backcountry road - steep in sections but overall quite manageable."
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at most rustic sites. "We camped off of the paved road on the way up the mountain off one of the dirt roads," reports a camper at Hebo Road, while another notes at Pioneer-Indian Trail, "To leave this site you have to drive up a pretty steep, pebbly road. We made it in our Subaru towing the Cricket but it was slightly nerve-racking."
